KTM has started accepting bookings for the new-gen 390 Adventure which recently broke cover at EICMA 2024 followed by its debut at the India Bike Week (IBW) last week. At the IBW, KTM showcased the 390 Adventure S which is supposedly the mid-spec trim of the new 390 Adventure slotted between the road-biased Adventure X and the more hardcore Adventure R.
Exact prices and specification of the new 390 Adventure S are still under wraps which will be revealed in January 2025, most probably at the upcoming Bharat Mobility Expo. In the meanwhile, let us look at how the 390 Adventure S fares against the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, its most prominent rival.
KTM 390 Adventure S vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Hardware
The new 390 Adventure is based on a steel trellis frame that sits on a fully-adjustable suspension setup from WP Apex which comprises upside down front forks and a rear mono-shock. It rides on 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels wrapped in Apollo Trample tyres, and disc brakes at both ends with switchable rear ABS for better traction while off-roading.
| Specifications | KTM 390 Adventure | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 |
| Chassis | Steel Trellis Frame | Steel, Twin Spar Tubular Frame |
| Front Suspension | WP APEX USD open-cartridge forks, 43 mm diameter | Upside Down Fork, 43mm |
| Rear Suspension | WP APEX Monoshock | Linkage Type Monoshock |
| Wheels | 21/17-inch (front/rear) | 21/17-inch (front/rear) |
| Braking system | Dual-channel ABS with switchable rear ABS. | Dual-channel ABS with switchable rear ABS. |
On the other hand, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is based on a steel, twin-spar tubular frame that sits on upside down front forks, and a rear mono-shock sourced from Showa. Like its rival, the Himalayan also rides on 21-inch front and rear wire-spoked wheels which now come with the option of tubeless tyres. Disc brakes at both ends with switchable rear ABS is another common feature between the two bikes.
KTM 390 Adventure S vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Powertrain
The 390 Adventure is powered by a 399cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. The engine will be the same powerplant as the new-gen 390 Duke. In the Duke 390, this motor pumps out 44.25 bhp and 39 Nm of peak torque. However, there may be changes to the gear ratios to make the motorcycles better suited for their purpose.
| Specifications | KTM 390 Adventure | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 |
| Engine displacement/type | 399cc, single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine | 452cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder |
| Max Power | 44.25 bhp | 40 bhp |
| Max Torque | 39 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed | 6-Speed |
| Clutch | Slip & Assist | Slip & Assist |
The adventure tourer from Royal Enfield is powered by a 452cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine which produces 40 bhp and 40 Nm of peak torque. This motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox via a slip and assist clutch. Like the Himalayan 450, the new KTM 390 Adventure will also come with multiple ride modes that alter the powertrain output.