KTM 390 Adventure R Vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: The adventure touring segment has a new contender ready to take on one of the most popular names in the category. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has made its mark as a capable and rugged adventure motorcycle, but KTM is gearing up to challenge its dominance with the upcoming 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R With significant upgrades in performance and technology, the new KTM is set to make an impact. But should you wait for its launch or opt for the tried-and-tested Himalayan 450?
Now that we have all the specifications of the new KTM 390 Adventure R with us. Here's a detailed comparison of both these potent ADVs. Before moving ahead, join our elite 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
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KTM 390 Adventure R Vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Engine
The KTM 390 Adventure R is powered by the latest-generation 399cc engine, derived from the 390 Duke. Despite having a smaller displacement than the Himalayans 452cc Sherpa engine, it produces a higher power output at 45.3 bhp compared to the Royal Enfield's 40 bhp. However, the Himalayan offers slightly more torque at 40 Nm versus KTM's 39 Nm, which could prove useful in off-road scenarios.
Both motorcycles feature liquid cooling, a 6-speed gearbox, a slipper clutch, and ride-by-wire throttle. Where the KTM truly shines is in its suite of electronic rider aids, including cruise control, traction control, cornering ABS and multiple ride modes. It makes it a more technologically advanced option compared to the relatively simple Himalayan 450. But in terms of reliability and longevity, the simple and traditional Himalayan 450 can be a better product.
KTM 390 Adventure R Vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Capabilities and Suspension
Adventure motorcycles are all about handling rough terrains and both KTM 390 Adventure R and RE Himalayan 450 come well-equipped for off-roading. The ground clearance and suspension travel on both are quite similar, but the KTM offers an edge with adjustable suspension. The 390 Adventure R comes with 30-click compression and rebound adjustability at the front and 20-click rebound and 10-step preload adjustability at the rear. The Himalayan, on the other hand, gets a USD fork and a traditional mono-shock setup but lacks adjustability.
Seat height can be a concern for shorter riders but this is the case with all the Adventure motorcycles and while the KTM stands at 830mm, the Himalayan offers adjustable seating for more flexibility. Additionally, KTM keeps the weight lower at 183 kg while the Himalayan weighs in at 196 kg, making it slightly heavier to manoeuvre on tough roads.
Features and Technology
Both bikes come with modern features, including LED lighting, digital instrument clusters and Bluetooth connectivity. The KTM takes it up a notch with a 5-inch TFT display, compared to the Himalayan's 4-inch round-shaped unit. Both clusters offer smartphone connectivity, navigation and music controls. In terms of visibility, the KTM features LED projector headlights, which may offer better illumination than the reflector-based setup on the Himalayan.
Braking setups on both motorcycles include a 320mm front disc and 240mm rear disc, with switchable dual-channel ABS. However, the KTM's radially mounted front callipers provide sharper braking performance. Additionally, both motorcycles roll on 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels. You also get the option of tubeless tyres with the Himalayan.
Pricing and Value for Money
One of the biggest deciding factors between these two bikes will be their pricing. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 starts at Rs 2.85 lakh (ex-showroom) for the tube-type tyre variant and Rs 2.96 lakh for the tubeless model. KTM is yet to announce the price of the 2025 390 Adventure R, but considering the additional features and performance enhancements, it is expected to be priced significantly higher than the Himalayan 450. It is expected to even cross the 5.0 lakh mark for the top-end variant.
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Verdict
If you are looking for a well-rounded, rugged and affordable adventure bike with a torquey engine and proven reliability, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a great choice. However, if you are willing to wait and spend an extra amount for a motorcycle packed with cutting-edge technology, electronic aids, and a lighter chassis, the KTM 390 Adventure R could be the better option for sure.
