[Ripcord09]

KTM 390 Adventure

What you'll like:

• Superbly capable and comfortable. Very competent off-road and equally at home on tarmac
• Plenty of hardware to customise your riding experience. Adjustable front and rear suspension, quickshifter, etc.
• Full suite of electronics. Customisable ABS, traction control, ride modes and even throttle response!
• New Dakar rally bike-inspired design language is refreshing, stylish and suits the nature of the bike
• Connectivity features (calls, music, turn-by-turn navigation), Bluetooth pairing with Phone and even a wired/wireless Headset
• Great riding stance. Lower standard seat height (830 mm) and easy-to-reach foot pegs

What you won't:

• Overall finish is a step down from the outgoing bike. Plastic panels don't seem top quality
• Power delivery in the Street mode feels lethargic and very un-KTM-like
• Cost-cutting in certain areas (knuckle guards, rear grab handle, indicators...)
• ABS is very intrusive, makes emergency braking uncertain
• 21" front wheel, while helpful on trails, might overwhelm riders not used to the size, especially when riding in the city
• Most expensive among competitors

Review Link

KTM 390 Adventure X

Launch Discussion

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

What you'll like:

• All-new, thoroughly improved, contemporary motorcycle that competes a segment higher than before - but still very much a Himalayan!
• Well-rounded package that delivers on most wishlist items from prospective customers - adjustable seat height options and riding modes widen the customer base
• Good looking motorcycle with big-bike dimensions and feel. Substantial stance similar to 500-650 cc ADVs
• 39.5 BHP engine allows new-found expressway cruising abilities. Performance is deceptively fast in the midrange, and the 6-speed gearbox with the slip and assist clutch helps to stay there all day long. Best experienced between 3,000 to 7,000 rpm
• Instrument cluster is a class act! Circular TFT with connectivity and Google Maps navigation is segment-best even two segments above
• Well-tuned Showa suspension dismisses bad roads and potholes with ease. Ride quality is excellent at speeds
• Longer wheelbase offers excellent highway stability. Handling is neutral and the tyres feel adequate for the performance on offer
• 21” front wheel, 224 mm ground clearance, 200 mm suspension travel at both ends - make for a very capable machine off-road
• Good pricing. Undercuts most rivals on price and justifies the price jump over the earlier generation. A comprehensive accessory and merchandise catalogue launched too
• Has grabbed the nation's attention! Never had to answer so many queries while out on a motorcycle - superbikes included

What you won't:

• 452 cc engine's linear power delivery masks the performance on offer. The motor delivers neither the low-end torque pull of the old Himalayan nor the high rpm rush of some rivals
• Single-cylinder vibrations are present throughout the revv-range. Not a deal breaker and no resonance experienced at any rpm range, but certainly not dismissible either
• At 196 kg - the Himalayan is heavy compared to single-cylinder rivals. The motorcycle feels very well-balanced on the move, but top-heavy during parking manoeuvres and when taking the bike off the side and centre stand
• Poor lamps all around. Headlamp is woefully inadequate and the quirky new indicator stalk + tail lamp vibrate on bad roads, making it blurry for traffic behind
• Saddling ergonomics are slightly amiss for taller people. The handlebar feels a bit low and the tank fails to support the knees
• Fit and finish could be improved. Good overall build is marred by poor execution of touchpoint items like the joystick switch, indicator switch, etc. Also, the stock mirror is useless at highway speeds
• Missing features for rider control like traction control, IMU / cornering ABS, quick shifter, adjustable clutch and brake levers, backlit switchgear, etc.
• The much-awaited tubeless spoke wheels have been delayed for the Indian market due to supplier homologation issues
• Concerns about freshly brewed technology. The Sherpa engine is the first-ever liquid-cooled motor from Royal Enfield

Review Link

BMW G 310 GS

Ownership Review

Triumph Scrambler 400X

What you'll like:

• Quintessential Triumph design that looks distinctly like its bigger Scrambler siblings for the most part
• Build quality, fit and finish are among the best in the segment
• Thanks to its taller and more substantial stance, it does better visual justice to the 400cc ‘big bike’ feeling than the much more compact Speed 400
• Larger riders will also appreciate its relatively roomier ergonomics compared to the Speed
• Nice bespoke touches which lend aesthetic value as well as utility where needed - sturdier metal bash plate, headlight grille, twin barrel exhaust with the black cladding, round indicators, tank grips, step-up seat to highlight some
• 19” wheel, superior ground clearance, longer wheelbase and better suspension travel, all make for a much more stability-biased ride, in keeping with its Scrambler DNA
• 39.5 BHP engine is reasonably tractable with a strong pull. Smooth & refined power delivery at a kerb weight of ~185 kg results in fairly peppy performance aided further by a slick 6-speed gearbox
• Still a hoot to ride despite its taller stance and longer wheelbase
• Generous 16,000 km / 1-year service interval. Parts and service costs are also expected to be kept competitive

What you won't:

• Missing features like connected tech, riding modes, adjustable clutch and brake levers, etc.
• Inexperienced riders (especially shorter ones) may find the 835 mm seat height a tad challenging
• Analogue + digital instrument cluster doesn't suit the bike's character
• Some ergonomic issues such as mirrors fouling with hand and footpegs flexing downwards while stand-up riding
• Vibrations at higher rpms
• Split rear seat is compact. Riders should carefully evaluate how comfortable the bike will be for two-up touring with luggage if that is a key use case
• Only single-sided saddle bag luggage is being offered by Triumph as of now. You will have to look at aftermarket solutions for double-sided saddle bags or wider luggage options
• Entire service experience remains uncharted territory with Triumph leaving a negative perception on this front in some parts of the country. Whether one can have a positive dealership experience under Bajaj’s watch is something that remains to be seen.

Review Link

Suzuki V-Strom 250

Ownership Review

KTM 250 Adventure

Launch Discussion

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[VW2010]

ADV X is a no-brainer, and contradicting, by spending another 90k for what the ADV standard offers is also a no-brainer.

I chose ADV X as it is priced right and offers the best value among the other listed bikes.

Unlike the first version, this bike is shorter, feels lighter, and cleans up most of the issues from the first edition. The first edition itself was fantastic once you added the adjustable suspension.

[It's Magic]

Voted for Triumph Scrambler 400X

I am not a big fan of the looks of adventure bikes, but I have driven the Triumph Scrambler 400X and liked it. It's got the typical Triumph looks even through it's an adventure bike. It has very good levels of fit and finish. During my drive, I found that power is always available. Although I have not driven it extensively, I think it will be comfortable for long rides.

[libranof1987]

I'd pick the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure. In fact, had the 390 Adventure been available in the iteration that it is today, I'd have picked it over the the BMW 310GS that I eventually bought.

If on a lower budget, I'd pick the Suzuki V-Strom 250.

[nasirkaka]

Voted for 400X. (because I have been riding one for 12k kms now)

Different bikes would appeal to different riders basis their requirements, be it riding type, style, aesthetics, ergonomics, etc and ofcourse the budget.

They are all good bikes from where they stand.

My personal thoughts after test riding some of them:

KTM 390 adventure:
Great bike as long as the revs are high. Great light weight feel, off the road as well. Not so great riding in city conditions with stop and go traffic. Harsh engine feel with much vibes at footpegs. Handlebar in stock position felt too low for off road riding. I had booked one, but have cancelled booking for the time being. Will wait for the euhoria to settle and re-look at it.

KTM 390 adventure X:
Not much different from the S except smaller front wheel and low on tech. Basic feel is similar to the S.

Royal Enfiled Himalayan 450:
I found the bike heavy and large for throwing it around on trails. Great suspension, but I was not sure if I liked the engine character in the small test ride in the city. Also, I am not too fond of how the bike looks. Especially the front end, where it feels very empty and as if something is missing. It still looks incomplete and work-in-progress to my eyes.

BMW 310GS:
Owned one and rode it for over 65k Kms. Great little bike, supremely confortable, highly under-rated and highly overpriced too. Mechanically built like a tank with very good fit and finish. Supple suspension as long as one is doing mild offroading, not meant to be thrown around technical terrain.
Main issue with that bike is it is under powered and does not feel like a 33BHP bike. Also gets buzzy and vibey at higher RPMs. And ofcourse expensive spares and service compared to its peers.

Triumph Scrambler 400X:
Been riding one and have covered 12k kms in 7 months. Great jack of all bike. It is a good mix of all other bikes. Good tractable torquey engine. Good suspension. Good looks. Good fit and finish. Good Exhaust note. Good ergonomics. Good spares and service cost. All mostly good only, ofcourse some bit of customization may be required to personalise, but that holds for any other bike. Deserves my Vote.

Suzuki Vstorm 250:
Another great bike. A friend owns one and we have done may rides togehter for thousands of kms. Its been subjected to a lot of torture and has taken it all very well. Suspension travel is a bit of an issue, especially when pushing off the road, but can be lived with. Does good speeds on expressways for that relatively small 250 engine.

KTM 350 Adventure:
Have not ridden one so far.

[prakash_ajp]

I will vote for one bike I have been waiting for very eagerly - The CFMoto 450MT. This has got raving reviews as an adventure motorbike. And since want to own a twin as my next bike (not considering the NX500 due to its 19-inch front and price), this will be my choice.

[Nilesh5417]

Ride the H450 and except for the great suspension comfort and seat space 2up that was a must this time around, 400x it would have been.

[maverick029]

I Currently own the KTM 390 ADV 2023 Model and almost all the option currently in the market feel either insufficient or impractical in one way or another for my use case(Commute and Tour with S/O). My views are as follows.

1. KTM 390 ADV 2025 - Excellent package but over 390 Adv STD i could not find many improvements to justify an upgrade. The pillion seat is small enough to not be comfortable for my pillion and i will still need to shell out 1.5L to get the new one.

2. 390 Adv X - Will be a downgrade in any regard considering i am losing most of the safety package.

3. Himmy 450 - Excellent Comfort but thats about it, Its Heavy and feels cumbersome at low speeds, I do not off road enough so 21 inch spoke wheel is wasted on me. Plus there is no safety aids apart from ABS. That has its own charm but considering the way our populace drives/rides i would rather have that safety package.

4. GS310 - Expensive for what it offers, though the badge and overall quality levels might be great for many.

5. Scram 400X - Excellent quality and quite cheap, quite manoeuvrable and Decent package as a whole and had i not purchased the KTM i would probably have gone for this and lived with the space crunch.

6. Vstrom 250 - Suitable package for someone looking for small yet capable bike.

[ram1kv]

Have been toying with idea of upgrading to a medium capacity ADV for a while:
This voting list ignores the 'unicorn'. Hence went with other option and picking CF Moto450. A relatively lightweight, pocket friendly, feature rich smooth twin with good looks. Hope the service network improves so that more of us could enjoy it with peace.

[100Kmphormore]

Heart says Himalayan for having turned over a new leaf compared to its predecessor, and my test ride experience proved to be so, but the head says, to hell with REs shenanigans post sales, silently pick up the 390 ADV! I can’t fault that line of reasoning, being an ex owner of the earlier Himalayan and being a present KTM owner. The other bikes aren’t in the same engine or build class.

[Ketan]

Voted for 2025 KTM 390 Adv since it came closest to 'A Unicorn' motorcycle for my requirements.

2025 KTM 390 Adventure: Quite a versatile motorcycle. However, I have to discount the seat/pillion comfort which is something that can be solved, until then, it's a great rider only motorcycle. Such a good option for multiple roles it can play, handling city commuting with ease, riding long / highway distances with comfort, handling bad roads and managing most of the rugged trails that we encounter during our typical motorcycling trips in the country. Lighter weight and even lighter feel due to the design has made it possible. Maintaining one is lighter too when compared to similar motorcycles in the category. Real good set of safety and convenience electronics is a bonus. Some level of trust in KTM for reliability helps push it further.

2025 KTM 390 Adventure X: A very good option for someone who just wants to spend a lot of time on tarmac with all the goodness of the platform. Good to have that 19" front but it'd have been great to see it could inherit the cruise control from the 'S' edition. An attracting option for those looking at KTM 250cc platform and could stretch just a slight bit.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Excellent for ride comfort, highway riding abilities, even with two up. Very good liner power delivery, low and mid range is so good to ride at. Suspensions are one of the highlights that results in ride comfort and can be considered one of the best ones in the segment. I've heard some complaining about agility in the city traffic, I have had only a couple hundred kms riding experience on highway which was mostly good except the significant vibrations on handlebar at certain RPMs/Speeds. It feels top heavy so impacts the experience on high traffic city handling and some off-road/trail/dirt riding conditions. This being the design aspect, can't be solved easily.

BMW G 310 GS: One of the underdogs as mentioned earlier. It has just right abilities for the roads and type of terrain motorcyclists visit in this country. Very well built, good performance, great riding posture helps with long distance touring. Baby GS title bumped up the expectations so some feel it's lacking in power. Like other EU manufacturers, it does bring in expensive maintenance and accessories bills.

Triumph Scrambler 400x: This motorcycle speaks quality, fit and finish everywhere. I liked the retro design and quality of components give a premium feel. I've not ridden this nor read much so can't talk much about the performance. I've heard it's a well balanced motorcycle for city, highway and off the pavements. One of the very good options for Scrambler motorcycles we are offered in this category.

Suzuki V-Strom 250: It should be a good option for beginner adv riders or touring enthusiasts. I feel Suzuki and Honda are rated well over other brands when it comes to motorcycle engineering. Looking at it in the flash, I used to think, I could have got it in place of my XPulse 2004v Pro for a better highway performance and then immediate thought would arrive, 'it won't be that much of fun and ease to throw around in the dirt'. This would now have a good competition with the Xpulse 210 and updated KTM 250 Adv. in the race.

2025 KTM 250 Adventure: A right one for beginner adv riders as well as someone who's specific about requirements and don't want to spend money on getting that extra power, electronics, performance which he/she may not be using. It competes well with options like V-Strom on quality, performance and reliability factors. A friend has got an earlier edition and he's finding it just right for all his adventure riding and touring needs.

[Sensible_Speed]

I choose the Scram 440. Air-cooled long-stroke thumper for the win any day. Now with 6 gears, this bike is a lot more compelling.