Bike overview
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 And KTM 390 adventure are two formidable contenders in the adventure tourer segment, each offering a unique approach to tackling challenges both on and off-road. The Himalayan 450 embodies Royal Enfield’s tradition of rugged simplicity, with an emphasis on ruggedness and off-road capability. Conversely, the KTM 390 Adventure brings KTM’s racing tradition into the world of adventure touring and promises breathtaking performance and cutting-edge technology.
Both bikes are designed for riders looking for a versatile machine capable of tackling a wide range of terrain and long-distance riding. While the Himalayan 450 focuses more on off-road capability, the 390 Adventure strikes a balance between on-road agility and off-road competence. Let’s delve deeper into their specific features to find out which bike stands out as the ultimate adventure companion.
Engine and performance comparison
At the heart of these adventure tourers are different engine configurations. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is powered by a 452cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that delivers a peak power of 40.02 bhp at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 40 Nm at 5,500 rpm. This engine is designed to deliver plenty of low-end torque, making it well suited to tackling challenging terrain.
The KTM 390 Adventure, on the other hand, is powered by a liquid-cooled 373 cc single-cylinder engine. Although exact power and torque figures are not provided, KTM engines are known for their high revs and impressive power-to-weight ratio, delivering exhilarating performance both on and off-road.
| attribute | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | KTM 390 adventure |
| shift | 452 cc | 373.27cc, 373cc |
| Top performance | 40.02 hp at 8000 rpm | N/A |
| Maximum torque | 40 Nm at 5500 rpm | N/A |
| Cooling system | Liquid cooled | N/A |
| Engine type | Liquid cooled, single cylinder, 4 valves, DOHC | N/A |
Both bikes offer respectable fuel efficiency, with the Himalayan 450 having a 17 liter tank and the 390 Adventure having a slightly smaller 14.5 liter tank. The exact fuel efficiency figures are not provided, but both motorcycles are expected to offer a balanced mix of performance and fuel economy.
Comparison of suspension and handling
Suspension tuning plays a crucial role in determining the ride characteristics and off-road capability of a bike. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 comes with an upside-down fork at the front and a linkage-type monoshock at the rear. This setup is designed to provide a good balance between comfort and off-road capability with a remarkable ground clearance of 230mm.
The KTM 390 Adventure features a fully adjustable WP APEX suspension system with an upside-down fork at the front and a WP APEX shock absorber at the rear. This advanced suspension setup allows the rider to tailor the damping and preload settings to precisely suit their riding style and terrain preferences.
| attribute | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | KTM 390 adventure |
| Front suspension | Upside-down fork | WP Apex 43mm Upside Down, fully adjustable WP APEX |
| Rear suspension | Linkage monoshock | WP Apex shock absorber, mono shock absorber for preload adjustability |
| Ground clearance | 230mm | N/A |
| Wheel type | Spoken | Alloy wheels with spokes |
Both motorcycles offer high driving dynamics. Thanks to the robust suspension and high ground clearance, the Himalayan 450 is ideal for off-road adventures. The 390 Adventure’s adjustable suspension and optional wire wheels provide a versatile setup that can be adjusted to suit different riding conditions.
Comparison of advanced electronics and driving aids
When it comes to advanced electronics and driver assistance, the KTM 390 Adventure is at the top. It is equipped with a cornering ABS system that increases braking safety and stability when cornering. Additionally, the 390 Adventure features a traction control system that allows the rider to control power delivery on slippery surfaces.
While the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is not as technologically advanced as the 390 Adventure, it still offers a dual-channel ABS system for improved braking safety. However, it lacks the KTM’s traction control function.
| attribute | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | KTM 390 adventure |
| Section | Dual channel | Cornering ABS |
| Traction control | N/A | Yes |
| Advertisement | N/A | 5″ color TFT display, TFT |
The KTM 390 Adventure also has a 5-inch TFT color display that offers the rider a wealth of information and intuitive navigation. The display specifications of the Himalayan 450 are not specified, but it is expected to provide important driving-related information.
Ergonomics and comfort comparison
Ergonomics and comfort are crucial factors for adventure tourers, as riders often spend extended hours in the saddle. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 offers a comfortable and upright riding position with a split seat design that provides ample cushioning for both the rider and pillion. The 825mm seat height makes it accessible to a wide range of riders.
The KTM 390 Adventure also puts rider comfort at the forefront, with a split seat design and an adjustable windshield. The exact seat height is not specified, but KTM motorcycles are known for their ergonomic design suitable for long-distance riding.
| attribute | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | KTM 390 adventure |
| Seat type | Splits | Splits |
| Saddle height | 825mm | N/A |
| wheelbase | 1510mm | N/A |
| Footrests | N/A | Toothed footpegs |
Both bikes offer comfortable ergonomics for long-distance adventures, with the Himalayan 450’s lower seat height making it more accessible to smaller riders. The 390 Adventure’s serrated footpegs provide better grip and control off-road.
Adventure readiness and equipment compatibility
Adventure readiness and equipment compatibility are essential aspects for any adventure tourer. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is equipped with a generous 17 liter fuel tank that provides enough range for long-distance riding. It also features a sturdy steel double-spar tubular frame that ensures durability and stability off-road.
Although the KTM 390 Adventure has a slightly smaller fuel tank capacity of 14.5 liters, it offers excellent adventure-ready functions. It is equipped with fully adjustable suspension that allows the rider to adapt the setup to different terrains. The bike is also optionally equipped with spoked wheels, which ensure longer durability and easier repairs in remote locations.
| attribute | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | KTM 390 adventure |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L | 14.5L |
| Frame | Tubular steel frame with two spars | N/A |
Both bikes are well equipped for adventure touring, with the Himalayan 450’s larger fuel tank and sturdy frame making it suitable for long-distance off-road adventures. The 390 Adventure’s adjustable suspension and wire wheel option provide adaptability to various terrains and riding styles.
Value and ownership comparison
When it comes to value and ownership, both the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure have their strengths. The Himalayan 450 is available in four variants, with prices ranging from Rs. 2,85,000 to Rs. 2,98,000. This competitive price makes it an attractive option for riders looking for a capable adventure tourer without spending a lot of money.
The KTM 390 Adventure, on the other hand, is priced higher and offers two variants – the standard model at Rs. 3,39,467 and the wire wheel variant at Rs. 3,60,880. While the 390 Adventure is more expensive than the Himalayan 450, it justifies its premium price with advanced features, adjustable suspension and KTM’s reputation for performance and reliability.
| attribute | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | KTM 390 adventure |
| Number of variants | 4 | 2 |
| Price range | 285000 – 298000 | 339467 – 360880 |
Both bikes offer strong value for money, with the Himalayan 450 aimed at budget-conscious adventure seekers and the 390 Adventure appealing to riders willing to invest in advanced features and KTM’s racing heritage.
Diploma
In summary, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure are two exceptional adventure tourer bikes, each with their own strengths and target audience. The Himalayan 450 shines with its off-road capability, with a robust suspension, high ground clearance and a high-torque engine. It offers a simpler, more affordable package that appeals to riders who prefer off-road adventures and long-distance touring.
On the other hand, the KTM 390 Adventure brings a perfect mix of on-road performance and off-road competence. With its advanced electronics, adjustable suspension and KTM’s racing DNA, it is aimed at riders who want cutting-edge technology and exciting performance. The 390 Adventure’s premium price is justified by its extensive feature package and KTM’s reputation for quality and reliability.
Ultimately, the choice between the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure depends on the rider’s specific needs, preferences and budget. Those looking for off-road capability and value for money could opt for the Himalayan 450, while riders looking for advanced features and a balance of on-road and off-road performance might opt for the 390 Adventure.
Regardless of choice, both bikes provide an exciting and capable platform for unforgettable adventures, be it conquering treacherous terrain or exploring new horizons on the open road.
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