Imagine you have decided to embark on an adventurous motorcycle journey. One of these two motorcycles is bound to come to mind: the KTM 390 Adventure X or the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Both are immensely capable motorcycles with unique approaches. Let’s compare how these two motorcycles compare.
Design
The 390 Adventure X has a lean, tall stance reminiscent of a rally motorcycle. This rally-inspired design is evident in the front beak, large side body panels, and slim fuel tank. Its headlight design stands out in the segment with a twin LED setup, DRL housing, and a tall windscreen on top. The motorcycle also features knuckle guards, adding to its adventure-ready feel. You get a flat seat for easy manoeuvrability, rounded rear-view mirrors, and a minimalist rear end. One noticeable drawback is the underbelly exhaust, and why KTM opted for that design is unclear.
The Himalayan 450, on the other hand, appears to be a tall and heavy motorcycle. Unlike KTM’s modern aesthetic, the Himalayan 450 offers a premium neo-retro look that sets it apart in the category. It features a circular headlight with a windscreen, a twin-seat setup, and a slim, stylish exhaust.
Powertrain
The 390 Adventure X is powered by a 398.7cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox that produces 43.4 bhp and 39 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Himalayan 450 is powered by a 450cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox that produces 39.10 bhp and 40 Nm of torque.
Features
Both motorcycles come equipped with essential features. The 390 Adventure X offers a bi-directional quick-shifter, switchable ABS, off-road mode, a 5-inch colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, three riding modes (Street, Rain, and Off-road), and ride-by-wire.
The Himalayan 450, however, lacks several features compared to the 390 Adventure X. It comes with ride-by-wire, a 4-inch colour display with smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation powered by Google Maps, and four riding modes (Eco, Eco with ABS off, Performance, and Performance with ABS off).
Conclusion
The KTM 390 Adventure X costs Rs 2.91 lakh (ex-showroom), whereas the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 costs Rs 2.85 lakh (ex-showroom). The KTM 390 Adventure X makes a much stronger case, at least on paper. It gives you a range of features in a package that seems easy to handle in off-road situations. A test ride should give you more clarity as to which motorcycle is better for your height and skillset.
