KTM 390 Adventure – the best all-round adventure bike

The KTM features a more cutting-edge drivetrain, while the Himalayan has a larger engine. The latter has a six-speed gearbox, a four-valve head, and liquid cooling. The Royal Enfield must make do with a two-valve, air/oil-cooled engine coupled to a five-speed gearbox, the same as that of the KTM 390.

Unsurprisingly, the KTM has greater power, and the Himalayan has substantially more torque.

The Himalayan adds straightforwardness to the mixture. And the design isn’t the only use.

The KTM has all-digital and information-rich instrumentation and backlit switchgear. Knuckle guards, an engine guard, an adjustable windshield, and a good deal of LED illumination are included.

The Himalayan should have been more fuel-efficient due to its torquey engine, longer spacing between gear ratios, and laid-back attitude. In the case of KTM, the bike is for adventure rides; hence, its fuel efficiency is not as good as the Himalayan.

Both motorcycles achieve fuel economy ratings in the low to mid thirty range. Of course, Royal Enfield has a significant edge in price, and it costs about Rs 2,60,000, whereas the KTM costs Rs 3,10,000.

The Bajaj Dominor 400 has several mechanical upgrades to improve its handling and ride quality over its predecessor and increased power and refinement. The powerband is much more evenly distributed, and the engine is now smooth (up to 7500 rpm, beyond which it becomes vibratory). It seems relaxed and unburdened when you aren’t pushing it hard, cruising at 100-120 kph all day long, precisely what it had designed to do.

The KTM 390 Adventure, on the other hand, had nothing particularly wrong with it. Still, since it hadn’t received a significant upgrade since its inception, it underwent a new makeover in its most recent incarnation. While mechanically, the engine shelves at 7000 rpm appear to be considerably more aggressive today, it has become cleaner and more tuned.

Both the bikes are less jerky at lower rpm because of the better fueling. Potholes are better absorbed by the modified suspension of KTM Adventure 390.

The base model of the Bajaj Dominar 400 gets priced at Rs. 2.23 Lakh, while the KTM 390 Adventure starts at around Rs. 3.10 Lakh, costing an additional Rs. 90,000.

The GS is far more tuned in its most recent iteration, even if it still doesn’t have as few vibrations as the 390 Adventure. Additionally, BMW has upgraded the model to address the stalling issue, and the new ride-by-wire system operates well.

However, the KTM’s powerful 390 cc engine overshadows the BMW’s 310 cc engine in performance.

The KTM’s competitive kerb weight, 179kg, only 2kg higher than the BMW’s at 177kg, underpins its edge in power.

When the bigger 14.5-litre fuel tank on the KTM is considered, the kerb weight number is even more astounding. On the other hand, the various variants of the BMW GS have different fuel capacities, ranging from 18 litres to 30 litres.

The 390 is also more fuel-efficient, which could give it a significant edge regarding range on the highway.

Both motorcycles are extremely quick to turn in despite having big wheelbases and 19-inch front wheels, but the KTM seems more lively.

It is hardly surprising as it also has a stiffer suspension system. The BMW has the advantage because of its softer setup when you come upon a damaged route.

In addition to having superior standing-position ergonomics than the KTMs, which need you to lean too far forward and down to reach the handlebar, it will glide over rough terrain. For the BMW, the handlebar is a bit stiff, but it is very smooth for long rides on rough terrain,

Both bikes benefit from a 20mm ground clearance advantage and low-speed tractability in such circumstances.

BMW has corrected its pricing, cutting the cost of the 2020 GS by about 20%. (Rs 59,000). The BMW is equally expensive as the KTM 390 Adventure at Rs 3,10,000.