The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a well-liked option among adventure bikes under 500cc, having gained popularity due to its current redesign. Nonetheless, there is intense competition, and the dominant Austrian brand, KTM, is getting ready to completely redesign its 390 Adventure. With spy photos from Europe showing significant improvements, it’s clear that the next KTM 390 Adventure will be competitive with the Himalayan.
KTM’s Dominance in Numbers
The current Himalayan boasts a 452cc, single-cylinder engine with liquid cooling, delivering 39.5 horsepower and 29.5 pound-feet of torque—an impressive leap from its predecessor. Yet, the KTM 390 Adventure, with its imminent update, takes the lead. Spy shots hint at a new 399cc, single-cylinder powerhouse, borrowed from the 390 Duke, providing 44.2 horsepower and 28.8 pound-feet of torque. This power surge places the KTM ahead of the Himalayan in the numbers game.
Bridging the Gap
While the Himalayan flaunts a 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, and spoke wheels, the current 390 Adventure falls short with a 19-inch front wheel, alloy wheels, and road-biased suspension. However, the tables turn with the upcoming KTM model. Spy shots unveil a revamped chassis, featuring a 21/18-inch spoke wheel setup, akin to the Himalayan. Tubeless rubber, adjustable WP suspension, and an asymmetric swingarm further enhance the 390 Adventure’s off-road capabilities, challenging the Himalayan’s dominion.
KTM’s Technological Onslaught
The Royal Enfield Himalayan witnessed a technological leap with its fully digital TFT instrument cluster and smartphone connectivity. Yet, the KTM 390 Adventure, even in its current form, surpasses these features with a TFT display, traction control, ride-by-wire, and cornering ABS. Spy shots suggest additional advancements, including a mineral-glass TFT and a potential quick-shifter, reinforcing KTM’s commitment to technological supremacy.
Aesthetics and Design
Design preferences vary, and while the Himalayan exudes a simple neo-retro charm, the KTM 390 Adventure embraces an overhauled aesthetic. Spy shots showcase KTM’s latest design language, characterized by distinct DRLs and vertically stacked projectors—a departure from the Himalayan’s classic design. A subjective matter, the design battle adds another layer to the impending clash.
KTM 390 Adventure’s Arrival
As the impending clash between the KTM 390 Adventure and the Royal Enfield Himalayan looms, it’s crucial to note that the Austrian contender is not ready for immediate deployment. KTM has already announced the MY24 390 Adventure worldwide with minimal updates, signaling that the overhauled version is still in the works. Moreover, pricing considerations play a pivotal role, with the ’24 model already positioned as a premium choice in the U.S. market.
While the Royal Enfield Himalayan has solidified its place as a formidable adventurer, the KTM 390 Adventure’s impending overhaul promises a thrilling face-off. From enhanced power and revamped underpinnings to a technological onslaught, the Austrian giant seems determined to dethrone the Himalayan. As enthusiasts await the clash, one thing is certain—the sub-500cc adventure bike segment is about to witness an epic duel, and the battleground is set for an exhilarating showdown.