The Moto Ref

KTM 390 Adventure R vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

Two adventure bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits.

KTM

390 Adventure R

58.6

/ 100

Winner

vs

Royal Enfield

Himalayan 450

54.2

/ 100

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0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

KTM 390 Adventure R0 km/h
390 Adventure R
Royal Enfield Himalayan 4500 km/h
Himalayan 450

Points by category

Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated

Engine and performance

out of 25
390 Adventure R
15.6
Himalayan 450
9.4

Handling and chassis

out of 20
390 Adventure R
14.3
Himalayan 450
6.3

Value

out of 20
390 Adventure R
6.8
Himalayan 450
13.3

Practicality

out of 15
390 Adventure R
6.6
Himalayan 450
12.2

Technology

out of 10
390 Adventure R
8.3
Himalayan 450
5.4

Reliability and ownership

out of 10
390 Adventure R
7.0
Himalayan 450
7.6

Specs side by side

Full specification comparison: KTM 390 Adventure R versus Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
SpecKTM390 Adventure RRoyal EnfieldHimalayan 450
Engine
EngineSingle cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHCSherpa single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement398.7 cc452 cc
Power45 hp at 8,500 rpm40 hp at 8,000 rpm
Torque39 Nm at 7,000 rpm40 Nm at 5,500 rpm
Power to weight0.26 hp/kg0.20 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight176 kg196 kg
Front suspensionWP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 230 mmShowa 43 mm inverted, 200 mm
Front adjustabilityCompression and reboundNon-adjustable
Rear suspensionWP APEX monoshock, 230 mmShowa monoshock, 180 mm
Rear adjustabilityPreload and reboundPreload only
Front brake320 mm, radial 4-piston320 mm, axial 2-piston
ABSCornering ABSSwitchable ABS
Dimensions
Seat height870 mm825 mm
Wheelbase1481 mm1510 mm
Fuel capacity14 L17 L
Claimed consumption3.7 L/100 km3.5 L/100 km
Fuel range378 km486 km
Ownership
Price€7,999€5,950
Service interval10,000 km10,000 km
Valve check20,000 km20,000 km
Warranty2 years3 years
Equipment
DashTFTTFT
Ride modesYesYes
Traction controlYesNo
QuickshifterOptionalNot available
Cruise controlNot availableNot available
ConnectivityYesYes
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Verdict

The KTM 390 Adventure R wins this comparison clearly, 58.6 points to 54.2.

The gap of 4.4 points is built mostly in handling and chassis, where the 390 Adventure R takes 8 points out of the Himalayan 450. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the 390 Adventure R is the quicker machine: 45 hp and 39 Nm moving 176 kg, against 40 hp and 40 Nm moving 196 kg for the Himalayan 450. That is 0.26 hp per kilo playing 0.20.

The Himalayan 450 costs €5,950, which leaves €2,049 in your pocket against the 390 Adventure R at €7,999. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the Himalayan 450 and 10,000 km on the 390 Adventure R.

Better for city and commuting

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

A 825 mm seat, 486 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.

Better for weekend twisties

KTM 390 Adventure R

45 hp pushing 176 kg with WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

486 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.

Frequently asked

Which is faster, the KTM 390 Adventure R or the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450?
The KTM 390 Adventure R. It carries 0.26 hp per kilo (45 hp, 176 kg wet) against 0.20 hp per kilo for the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (40 hp, 196 kg).
Is the KTM 390 Adventure R cheaper than the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450?
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is cheaper at €5,950 list, €2,049 less than the KTM 390 Adventure R at €7,999.
Which is better for shorter riders?
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Its 825 mm seat is 45 mm lower than the KTM 390 Adventure R, and at 196 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the 390 Adventure R or the Himalayan 450?
The KTM 390 Adventure R, which scores 8.3 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 counters with a TFT dash and phone connectivity.
Which goes further on a tank?
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: 486 km from its 17 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 378 km for the KTM 390 Adventure R.
Which bike wins overall?
The KTM 390 Adventure R, scoring 58.6 of 100 against 54.2 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

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