The ADV dilemma: KTM Adventure 390 vs Kawasaki Versys vs RE Himalayan

In short, I need to decide whether to go for the KTM Adventure 390 X, which is more budget-friendly and offers the assurance of a new bike with lower maintenance costs but may compromise on highway experience and comfort.

BHPian Shankar.R recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

After some months of contemplation, I find myself faced with a dilemma: choosing between the KTM Adventure 390 X, KTM Adventure 390 Standard, and a pre-owned Kawasaki Versys 650. Currently, I ride an Interceptor, and a recent trip with my partner on my brother's GS310 left a lasting impression on me, particularly in terms of comfort and handling. Although I found the power to be lacking, this experience rekindled my interest in adventure touring.

Let's break down my considerations and confusions:

KTM 390 Adventure X:

I've test-driven the 390 Adventure SW variant both solo and with a pillion. While pillion comfort wasn't as good as the GS310, it was better than the Interceptor. I noticed some vibrations at high revs. The punchy engine and off-road capabilities left me smiling. However, I'm concerned about its highway performance when riding with a pillion and luggage. Will I find it lacking in power for overtakes at highway speeds? I rarely exceeded 110 kmph on my Interceptor, but I appreciated its power for quick overtakes. I'm also a bit worried about the vibrations, but I wear gloves and boots, so I assume I can manage. I'm also skeptical about the MRF tires after test-driving with Metzlers.

KTM 390 Adventure Standard:

This variant is quite similar to the X, but without a few electronics and a quickshifter, which I've been told I won't miss. I'm considering this option mainly because of the MRF tires on the Adventure X, as well as the electronics. Coming from the Interceptor, I think I can forgo the TFT and electronics, but I'm inclined to switch to Metzler tires.

Pre-owned Versys 650:

The Versys 650 is in a league of its own, and I have limited experience with it. The reason I'm considering it alongside the 390 Adventure is due to the possibility of finding a five-year-old Versys with around 30,000 km on the odometer, complete with accessories, for a ballpark price of 5 lakhs.

In short, I need to decide whether to go for the KTM Adventure 390 X, which is more budget-friendly and offers the assurance of a new bike with lower maintenance costs but may compromise on highway experience and comfort. Alternatively, I could opt for the Versys 650 at a similar price point, but this would likely involve purchasing a second-owner bike with slightly higher mileage.

Here's what BHPian parrys had to say on the matter:

If you want to have a LOT of fun, on a motorcycle which feels light, and which will not pinch your wallet should you crash it or some parts just fail; the KTM 390 ADV is the best pick.

I am using it since the first lot rolled out, and still ride it with a wide smile and full throttle. Not even once has an oil seal leaked, even though I try to get some airtime over every large speed bump.

Any iteration of the KTM 390 ADV would be my recommendation.

But looking at the current launch timeline of other produces, I would insist you hold on for a month or two.

Take an extended test ride of the Triumph Scrambler 400 X & also the upcoming RE Himalayan with the liquid-cooled motor. All of these options have a different character, so you decide which suits your riding style best. The KTM 390 is not for everyone, the engine loves to be revved, and if you like a sedate riding style, this would be quite a task to live with.

Coming to your used Versys 650 point, I would skip it unless you get a really good deal for it. What you can do with the above single cylinder motorcycles, you wouldn't with the Versys. Also, the Kawasaki maintenance is known to be an expensive affair at authorised workshops. On a personal note, I find all versions of the Versys ugly looking.

If you do a Mumbai to Goa run on a KTM 390 ADV & Versys 650, I doubt you would leave the KTM behind on a Kawasaki. Of course the twin-cylinder refinement will be missed, but how much extra money would you pay just for that?

Here's what BHPian EXOblivione had to say on the matter:

As someone who has ridden 390 engine-based motorcycles and done long tours with one that I owned, and now rides a Versys 650, I would strongly advice going for the Versys if at all possible.

Vibrations are fatiguing like nothing else, not to mention long term exposure is bad for many facets of your body. They are present all through the rev range, at different intensity and frequency. While the sensitivity to vibration varies from person to person, it’s still something that effects the ride quality and enjoyment on a trip. And since you are coming from an Interceptor, which has a pretty smooth and buzz-free engine, you will probably dislike it more, something that might not become apparent on relatively shorter rides.

The vibrations feel tolerable for a little while, nothing major for an hour or so, but once the bike heats up, the ride time becomes longer, it starts adding up. Your hands will start going numb and tingling, and the fatigue will spread up into the arms and then shoulders and back as you ride for longer and longer. The end of a long ride will leave you exhausted and feeling like you are still buzzing :P. Gloves, boots, Grip Puppies etc. do nothing substantial.

This, more than anything else, is the reason that I switched to Versys. The same route, about 5-6 hours riding in the mountains, that would leave me exhausted before, now barely has me feeling tired. The bike is really smooth, with very minor buzz at certain small RPM windows. There is a minor overall harshness from 4 to 4.5K, then completely smooth, then a buzz in the seat at a little above 6K to 7K RPM (the handlebars and footpegs are vibe free). And the Versys does 100kmph at just under 5K and 120kmph at just under 6K RPM.

There are ancillary advantages too. The 390 engine is notoriously lacking in low-end torque, which isn’t much of a problem riding on the highways, but if you are intending to ride in the mountain/twisties, the that lack really comes across. Whereas the Versys can pull from a low speed in higher gears, and still go to quite high revs, meaning constant gear changes that are a hallmark of 390 riding isn’t needed.

And since I have gotten the Versys, I find myself riding more sedately in general. I guess there is so much torque available so quickly that I don’t need to keep pushing the bike just to keep the RPM up in the powerband. I now reserve spirited riding for the twisties.

Here's what BHPian subincb had to say on the matter:

If your intention is long rides take the Versys. Yesterday I rode 740 km from Attingal-Nagercoil-Bangalore in an ER6n which itself is not near as good as versys. Started at 4.45am reached home in Bangalore at 1pm with 3 petrol and 1 breakfast stops. You can ride steady north of 100 through out with absolutely no muscle sore in multicylinder bikes. Vibrations are not there even in a 2016 bikes. Newer ones are lot better. Even the seats in Kawasaki is better according to me. I am 43 year old 100kg absolutely non athletic guy and I have no back ache or tired after the ride. Took my girls out after the ride.

Maintenance in these bikes are very less comparitively and they are cheap if you are ready to do it on your own. Since used bikes are generally out of warranty you can do the general oil change and minor stuff yourself. Take it to service center for stuff you cannot do on your own.

But if you have a lot of city riding forget the versys and buy ktm.

Here's what BHPian Himanshu809 had to say on the matter:

I’d say that you have three good options which all come with their pros and cons.

1. KTM 390 ADV

It’s a solid package from what I’ve heard from many reviewers and my circle of biker friends. If you are interested in it I’d say wait for the updated version. It should get fully adjustable suspension and the new Duke 390 engine which solves lower end power issues as well. I’d suggest get the standard variant with all the electronics, it makes up for a more comfortable and safe ride at the end of the day.

2.RE Himalayan 450

Initial impressions say that it’s an advanced bike which takes care of all the shortcomings of the previous generation and adds a lot of touring friendly kit as well like a monoshock at the rear, a console with th best google maps integration I’ve seen on this side of money and tubeless spoked wheels.

3. Kawasaki Versys 650

If you get a pre-worshipped bike with no major ailments and if you’re ok with slightly higher costs of maintenance I think this will be the best bike for you as it will feel like an upgrade thanks to higher power figures and it is a capable tourer at the end of the day. A twin cylinder is a twin cylinder, I don’t need to tell you what that means since you own an Interceptor.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.