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Is that age-old question lingering in your mind: which adventure bike to buy next? Are you looking for a bike that will keep you happy on smooth city roads and at the same time, never let you down on steep mountain slopes and barren trails? If so, two names will surely come up in your search: the KTM 390 Adventure and the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Mana Black. Royal Enfield recently introduced a new version of the Himalayan at Motoverse 2025, directly competing with the KTM. Today, let’s compare these two formidable bikes head-to-head so you can make the right decision.

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design

The moment you see these two bikes, you’ll see the differences. The KTM 390 Adventure’s design is true to its Dakar Rally lineage—aggressive, sharp, and extremely aggressive. Its vertically stacked LED headlight and rally tower-like instrument console give it a distinct identity on the road. However, its large number plate holder seems a bit too prominent.

On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Mana Black tells a completely different story. It’s reminiscent of adventure bikes of yesteryear, with a circular headlight and simple body panels. The revised tail panels and smaller license plate holder in the Mana Black edition give it a slimmer and more subtle look. Its exclusive black and gray camouflage color scheme makes it look strikingly elegant and rugged. Overall, the KTM is a futuristic sports adventurer, while the Himalayan is a reliable, rugged adventurer of the past.

Engine and Performance

Now let’s talk about the heart of the matter: the engine. The KTM 390 Adventure is powered by a 398.63cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 46 PS of power and 39 Nm of torque. Its all-black powertrain sits neatly within a blacked-out trellis frame. Additionally, it features an underbelly exhaust that looks stylish and is safe during off-roading.

On the other hand, the Himalayan 450’s 452cc Sherpa engine is also liquid-cooled. It produces 40 PS of power and 40 Nm of torque. It’s worth noting that the Himalayan has more torque than the KTM, making it especially useful for incline climbing and off-roading. Its stubby upswept exhaust looks impressive, but in the European market, this variant comes with a custom aero exhaust that slightly improves performance.

Suspension and Wheel Setup

How a bike behaves in barren terrain depends on its suspension and wheel setup. The KTM 390 Adventure features WP Apex inverted forks with compression and rebound adjustability. Its white and orange lower covers not only enhance the bike’s appearance but also keep dirt away.

The Himalayan 450 Mana Black also features a premium Showa inverted fork, though it’s not adjustable. It also features lower fork arm covers, but in black and with bold ‘HIMALAYAN’ branding. Both bikes feature 21-inch front and 17-inch rear tubeless spoke wheels, but the design is different. The KTM uses a center-laced system, while the Himalayan comes with cross-spoke wheels.

Features and Technology

The KTM 390 Adventure stands out in terms of features. It features a 5-inch rectangular TFT display with turn-by-turn navigation via smartphone connectivity. It also offers advanced features like ride-by-wire throttle, cornering traction control, a bi-directional quickshifter, three riding modes, and cruise control.

The Himalayan 450 Mana Black also features a circular TFT display and surpasses the KTM in one aspect: Google Maps mirroring. It does have two riding modes and ride-by-wire throttle, but it lacks features like traction control and cruise control, which is a significant omission. Its switchgear features old-school rotary switches, which offer a unique feel.

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Price

The most important question: price. After the price hike due to GST 2.0, the KTM 390 Adventure is now priced at ₹394,699 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Meanwhile, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Mana Black is priced at ₹337,036 (approximately ₹60,000 less than the KTM). The KTM is lighter and has more advanced features, but it’s more expensive. The Himalayan is heavier, but it offers excellent value for money and has everything an adventure rider needs.