Today, the entry-level adventure segment is packed with motorcycles that punch way above their weight. The all-new KTM 390 Adventure R is pretty much considered the best in this respect. It packs a versatile engine, features adjustable suspension, along with loads of technology, making it a bargain at a starting price of $7,699. However, there is an arch-rival of this KTM from Royal Enfield that is neck-on-neck in terms of versatility, reliability, and all-around capabilities. It nails the VFM proposition, too, by offering a similar, if not superior, experience to the KTM 390 Adventure R for a price tag that is $1,700 cheaper.
To ensure accuracy, the information compiled in this article was sourced from authoritative sources, including Royal Enfield USA and KTM USA.
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The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Offers More Value Than The KTM 390 Adventure
Price: $5,999
The KTM 390 Adventure is the gold standard for a beginner-friendly one-garage motorcycle. However, thanks to the more affordable Himalayan 450, the KTM doesn’t have a maiden run. The Royal Enfield does have its targeted compromises to achieve the aggressive price tag. Still, they are done cleverly to not hinder its all-rounder appeal and not make it feel like a downgrade when compared to its pricier rivals.
Despite Royal Enfield silently increasing the base MSRP of the 2025 Himalayan 450 by $200, it still upholds an impressive Value-for-Money proposition against its arch-rivals. CFMoto is trying hard to catch up with Himmi’s value with its $6,499 Ibex 450 ADV. But it is the $7,699 KTM 390 Adventure R that poses an immediate threat to the Himalayan 450.
Packs RE’s Most Modern Engine
Power: 39.5 Horsepower
This is one of the most distinguishing features of the Himalayan 450. Its all-new liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine (also called the Sherpa 450) is a ground-up mill that is unlike any RE engine before. It’s the first-ever water-cooled engine from the marque, which lends it a high-revving nature. This short-stroke unit produces 39.5 horsepower and 29.5 pound-feet of torque at 8,000 RPM and 5,500 RPM, respectively. Its versatility is well showcased by the fact that this engine also powers Royal Enfield’s most hooliganistic streetfighter yet—the Guerrilla 450.
This makes the Sherpa 450, Royal Enfield’s highest-revving single-cylinder engine ever made. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a 6-speed manual gearbox coupled to a final chain drive system. The KTM 390 Adventure R does have an edge in power rating with 44 horsepower, but the Himalayan 450 is marginally superior in torque rating (the KTM produces 28.7 pound-feet).
Underpinnings Designed To Glide On Tarmac And Conquer The Trails
Chassis: Trellis
The Himalayan 450 nails the do-it-all character by being equally competent on smooth tarmac and challenging off-roading runs. This is courtesy of a lightweight yet robust steel trellis frame that is suspended using inverted forks up front and an adjustable rear monoshock. Showa has tuned the springs to uphold this versatile nature. The long-travel setup translates to 7.87 inches of travel at both ends.
Couple this with the tried-and-tested 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel size combination, and we have a RE that is ready to conquer more than just smooth tarmac. Braking duties are courtesy of a 320 mm disc up front, coupled to a double-piston caliper, and a 270 mm disc at the rear, coupled to a single-piston caliper.
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The KTM 390 Adventure R, although packing similarly specced underpinnings, has an advantage when it comes to off-roading. It, too, rides on a trellis frame, but gets WP Apex inverted forks up front that are adjustable. Moreover, the KTM is more “jacked” with 9.1 inches of suspension travel at both ends. This, when coupled with a larger 18-inch rear wheel, results in a taller stance and a higher ground clearance of 10.7 inches (compared to the Himalayan 450’s 9.05 inches).
Gets An Adjustable Seat That KTM Misses Out On
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 comes with a clever yet simple seat height adjustment mechanism, factory-installed. Anyone can adjust it in a jiffy, and that is a game-changer. The seat height can be tweaked from 32.48 inches to 33.26 inches, without the need for any additional tools. Meanwhile, the rider triangle on this RE is designed to cater to both sit-down and stand-up riding scenarios, thanks to a scooped-out seat and a tall, wide handlebar design. The standard windscreen helps mitigate windblast, but RE also offers a taller optional windscreen.
In comparison, the KTM 390 Adventure R has the advantage of being lighter, with a curb weight of 388 pounds, and slightly more compact, with a wheelbase of 58.3 inches. However, it lacks an adjustable seat height and features a smaller fuel tank. With a bigger 4.5-gallon tank and an average fuel economy rating of nearly 60 MPG, the Himalayan 450 can do almost 270 miles on a tank full. In fact, there are instances of the Himmi 450 being more frugal, too, reported by owners.
Commendable Technology Features For The Price
There is no doubt that the KTM 390 Adventure R is one of the most tech-savvy entry-level ADVs out there. Notable features include three ride modes with a by-wire throttle, switchable traction control with a cornering function, cornering ABS, and a crisp 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. However, the more affordable Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 also gets the basics right.
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It offers many first-ever electronic features on an RE. These include multiple ride modes, further enhanced with ride-by-wire technology, dual-channel ABS that’s switchable. It also boasts a unique 4-inch circular TFT display that offers full-screen turn-by-turn navigation via an option to mirror Google Maps. LED lighting is featured throughout, and a neatly hidden USB Type-C charging port is also included.