For UK riders seeking the perfect blend of on-road performance and off-road capability, the choice often comes down to two standout models: the KTM 390 Adventure and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. While both offer unique strengths, for most riders the KTM 390 Adventure comes out as the best choice for most UK riders. But that’s a big claim, so let’s explore why.
Engine and Performance
KTM 390 Adventure:
- Engine: 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
- Power: 43 hp at 9,000 rpm
- Torque: 37 Nm at 7,000 rpm
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450:
- Engine: 452cc single-cylinder “Sherpa 450”, liquid-cooled
- Power: 40 hp at 8,000 rpm
- Torque: 40 Nm at 5,500 rpm
While the Himalayan boasts a larger displacement, the KTM’s engine shines in real-world riding scenarios:
- Higher peak power for confident motorway cruising, crucial for UK touring
- More refined power delivery across the rev range, ideal for varied British roads
- Better fuel efficiency, a key consideration given UK fuel prices
The KTM’s engine, derived from the sporty Duke 390, offers a more sophisticated and engaging riding experience. Its rev-happy nature translates to:
- Easier overtaking on A-roads and motorways
- More engaging rides on twisty B-roads
- Smoother power delivery in varied conditions, from urban commutes to countryside tours
Chassis and Handling
KTM 390 Adventure:
- Weight: 177 kg (wet)
- Suspension: WP APEX 43mm USD fork, WP APEX monoshock
- Wheelbase: 1430 mm
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450:
- Weight: 196 kg (wet)
- Suspension: 43mm Showa USD fork, Showa monoshock
- Wheelbase: 1445 mm
The KTM’s lighter weight and shorter wheelbase offer significant advantages for UK riders:
- Easier manoeuvrability in tight city streets and narrow country lanes
- More confidence-inspiring handling on winding coastal roads
- Reduced fatigue during long rides, crucial for multi-day tours
The WP APEX suspension, while fully capable off-road, is tuned to excel on tarmac – where UK riders spend most of their time. This translates to:
- Better compliance on poorly maintained B-roads
- More precise handling through fast sweepers
- Improved stability during high-speed motorway runs
Technology and Features
KTM 390 Adventure:
- Full-colour TFT display
- Cornering ABS and Traction Control
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Optional quickshifter
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450:
- TFT display with turn-by-turn navigation
- Switchable ABS
- Ride modes (Eco, Performance, Rain)
- Tripper navigation system
The KTM’s advanced electronics package offers significant benefits for UK riders:
- Cornering ABS enhances safety on wet, slippery British roads
- Traction control provides confidence in varied weather conditions
- Ride-by-wire throttle enables precise fueling and smoother power delivery
These features are particularly valuable given the UK’s often unpredictable weather and diverse road conditions.
Off-Road Capability
While both bikes offer off-road prowess, the KTM 390 Adventure is better suited to the type of “adventure riding” most UK enthusiasts actually do:
- Excels on gravel forest roads and green lanes
- Capable enough for light trail riding and farm tracks
- Better on-road manners for the majority of UK riding scenarios
The KTM’s more road-biassed design aligns with the reality that most UK “adventure rides” involve a mix of tarmac and light off-road sections, rather than extreme terrain.
Value and Cost of Ownership
KTM = From £5,564
Himalayan = From £5,750
Both bikes start at near-enough the same price, between £5,500 and £6,000, however given what we’ve discussed, the KTM offers better long-term value for UK riders:
- Higher-quality components mean less frequent replacements
- More advanced technology future-proofs your investment
- Stronger residual values in the UK market
KTM 390: The Clear Choice for UK Adventure Riders
For most UK riders, the KTM 390 Adventure emerges as the superior choice. It offers:
- Better on-road performance, where most UK riding occurs
- Advanced safety features for varied weather conditions
- Lighter weight for easier handling in urban and rural settings
- Sophisticated engine character that excels across diverse riding scenarios
While the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a capable machine, the KTM 390 Adventure is simply better suited to the needs and preferences of UK riders. It seamlessly blends motorway capability, B-road agility, and enough off-road prowess to tackle typical British adventures.
To experience the KTM advantage for yourself, we encourage you to visit DMC Motorcycles for a test ride or use the form below. Feel the precision engineering, advanced technology, and versatile performance that make the 390 Adventure the ultimate choice for UK riders seeking two-wheeled adventures.