KTM 390 Adventure vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Comparison Review

Picture this! You have about Rs. 4 lakh in your bank. You want to buy a motorcycle that can be ridden daily and when the travel bug bites you, it can take you to faraway places with the same ease. The idea is to have one bike that does it all. The two motorcycles that do this the best, are the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the new KTM 390 ADV. No introduction needed, really for either of these motorcycles. One is a tech-savvy Austrian machine with legit rally DNA, and the other is a rugged Indian explorer with a solid legacy of conquering the Himalayas. So here we are, not in the Himalayas sadly, but with two of the best ADVs under 500 cc.

KTM 390 Adventure vs RE Himalayan: Off-Road Performance 

Going off-road is what I love doing and with these two motorcycles here, I feel like a kid in a candy store. Now, both the 390 ADV and the Himalayan have very different characteristics and approaches to tackling the rough stuff. But before we begin, few quick facts. 830 mm seat height on the KTM, 825 mm on the Himalayan, which can go up to 845 mm. The KTM weighs in at 182 kg, the Himalayan is 196 kg. Ground clearance on the KTM is 237 mm and on the Himalayan, it is 230 mm. Both get 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel. Both get tubeless spoke wheels shod with dual-sport rubber. With that out of the way, it's time to kick up some dirt. 

Starting with the KTM first, it is 14 kg lighter, and has a narrower waist. So, it is easier to handle when you are going off road. Standing up and riding is a breeze, and when you give it the beans, the KTM has a sharper yet friendly response. The electronic rider aids do well to keep you from falling over and the brakes have a stronger bite too. But, the proverbial chink in its armour is the suspension. Yes, it is adjustable, but even with a firmer setup, the suspension bottoms out when you jump the motorcycle. And going over rocky terrain, the KTM doesn't feel as confident but it ploughs through. 

On the other hand, the Himalayan has this feel of solidity when you try the more hard-core stuff. The engine does feel anaemic right at the bottom end, but in the middle, the power delivery is nice and meaty. The Showa suspension is near magical, in the way it performs and easily offers more confidence and stability when you jump the bike or go over rocks and stuff. The bump absorption is much better on the Royal Enfield. The bike only gets switchable ABS by way of electronics, so your riding experience is a tad bit purer. 

So, which one's better? It is a tough question and my heart and my mind are in a crazy tug-of-war. I will go with my mind and say that the KTM is better. It is lighter, easier to handle, gets better electronics and more than enough power to get you out of a sticky situation. The Himalayan needs more muscle and skill. It can easily do 95 per cent of what the KTM does. The KTM edges this one out, by a really, really, fine margin.

KTM 390 Adventure vs RE Himalayan: Engine & Chassis Specifications 

The KTM 390 Adventure R is powered by a new 399 cc LC4c single-cylinder engine, delivering 45 hp at 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This engine offers a lively performance, especially at higher revs, making it suitable for spirited riding particularly on the highway. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, on the other hand, is equipped with a 452 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 39 hp at 8,000 rpm and 40 Nm at 5,500 rpm. Its strength lies in the ample mid-range torque, offering a relaxed and tractable performance, ideal for long-distance touring.

KTM 390 Adventure vs RE Himalayan: On-Road Performance 

Now both engines feel more than adequate when it comes to performance. In the high revs, the KTM feels like a maniacal Austrian assassin like its naked sibling. The Himalayan is more suited for ambling and lazing around at normal speeds. Conversely, it is easier to filter through traffic on the KTM and the sense of urgency is more pronounced too. 

The Himalayan, with its ample bulk might feel a little intimidating to riders who have graduated from lighter motorcycles. But it is the KTM which runs hotter, particularly in stop and go traffic. The Himalayan runs a tad bit cooler. Shifting gears is slicker on the KTM, thanks to its quick-shifter and a relatively lighter clutch. The Himalayan feels a little clunky and has a slightly heavier clutch. 

Both bikes get a strong mid-range and cruising at triple digits speeds is easier said than done. That said, it is the Himalayan which is comfier over long distances thanks to its roomier perch and comfy seat. Talking about refinement, the KTM, at least this particular model, has a lot of vibrations on the footpegs and this being a model on the company's press fleet has seen some abuse, which means there is rattling at slow speeds. The Himalayan feels more robust and has less vibrations. 

Both motorcycles feel neutral and are game for high-speed cornering but it is the KTM, which makes you smile wider. And if you were to drop the anchors, then both motorcycles are almost at par. The brakes on both offer good bite and progression.

KTM 390 Adventure vs RE Himalayan: Design & Ergonomics 

The KTM 390 Adventure showcases a rally-inspired design with sharp lines, a high-mounted front fender, and a minimalist rear section. Its tall stance, emphasise its off-road intentions. In contrast, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 retains its utilitarian charm but with modern enhancements. The design is more subdued, but it comes across as a bigger motorcycle than the 390 ADV. The focus is on touring so the seat if comfy, the riding stance is upright and there is provision for mounting luggage. While the KTM is lighter but thanks to its plastic parts, it is also buzzier of the two. You will feel the rattling more prominently on the KTM than the Himalayan, which hardly had any rattling despite racking up more kilometres on the odometer.

KTM 390 Adventure vs RE Himalayan: Features 

The KTM easily edges out the Himalayan in terms of features. To start with, the KTM gets cruise control, which is a boon on long rides. There's a 5-inch rectangular TFT console along with Bluetooth/app connectivity and access to all the modes. The controls are far more intuitive and KTM also allows you to switch off ABS and traction control entirely. The Himalayan, on the other hand has a circular TFT dial and offers Google Maps integration but that is not entirely feasible.

KTM 390 Adventure vs RE Himalayan: Pricing and Verdict 

The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure is tailored for riders seeking a high-performance, tech-laden machine capable of tackling demanding off-road trails and spirited rides. Throw in advanced electronics and agile handling, making it a really good ADV under 500 cc. But where it loses out is the price. At Rs. 3.68 lakh, it is almost Rs. 70,000 more expensive than the RE Himalayan. If your primary focus is touring then the KTM 390 ADV X will be a better option. Same engine, 19-inch front alloy, less electronics and no adjustable suspension means that the price drops to Rs. 2.90 lakh. 

Conversely, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 appeals to those who prioritise comfort and simplicity. It's an ideal companion for long-distance touring and should you want the feel of a big bike within budget, then it makes sense too. The biggest draw is the Himalayan's magical suspension which just trumps the adjustable unit on the KTM. The prices of the Himalayan are between Rs. 2.85 lakh to Rs. 2.98 lakh. 

If your adventures lean towards challenging terrains, you crave cutting-edge technology and you have a bigger budget, then the KTM is what you should get. However, if you are looking for straightforward, comfortable ride for your adventures, then Himalayan is what you want in your garage.

Photography: Rohit Vishwakarma