The KTM ADV 390 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan represent different aspects of the dual-sport motorcycle segment. While the former is all about performance and excitement, the latter, with its long-stroke engine, is more about soaking up the intricacies of travel. Regardless, both are capable dirt bikes with body designs that won’t make them look out of place in rural and off-road environments.
With the 2022 updates, KTM managed to fix some crucial issues with the 390 Adventure and also increased its appeal quotient. The Royal Enfield Himalayan, on the other hand, has received periodic updates over the years, but none so far for this year. So overall, both adventure bikes are in their final iterations. And if you’re in the market looking for a budget ADV, which one should you choose? We try to find out in the comparison below.
2022 KTM 390 Adventure vs 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan: Dimensions and Design
Both in terms of dimensions and design, the KTM 390 Adventure and the Royal Enfield Himalayan have remained exactly the same. However, the 2022 BC 390 gets two new color options – KTM Factory Racing Blue and Dark Galvano Black, and the Royal Enfield Himalayan gets two-tone and solid color options – Pine Green and Granite Black. The 2022 ADV 390 continues with the trellis frame, which is directly derived from their proven KTM 450 RALLY motorcycle. The Royal Enfield Himalayan is built around a half-duplex split-cradle frame.
| 2022 KTM ADV 390 | Royal Enfield Himalayan | |
| Dry weight | 162 kilograms | 199 kilograms |
| Total length | 2154 millimeters | 2190 millimeters |
| Width | 900 millimeters | 840 millimeters |
| Height | 1400 millimeters | 1370 millimeters |
| Wheelbase | 1430 millimeters | 1465 millimeters |
| Ground clearance | 200 millimeters | 220 millimeters |
| Fuel capacity | 14.5 liters | 15 liters |
From the table above, it can be noted that both motorcycles are almost similar in size. But the Himalayan gets a longer wheelbase, more ground clearance and a bigger fuel tank. The KTM ADV 390 may have a taller seat height, but its lightweight frame makes it easier to corner, compared to the Himalayas.
2022 KTM 390 Adventure vs 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan: Suspension and Braking
Both motorcycles also remain unchanged in this aspect. While the 2022 KTM ADV 390 uses a 43mm inverted WP APEX fork suspension for the front and a single-shock WP APEX shock for the rear. The Royal Himalayan uses conventional 41mm long telescopic forks with 200mm of travel up front, and a similar monoshock shock for the rear wheels, with 150mm of travel.
Regarding their respective braking functions, the motorcycle uses disc brakes for the front and rear wheels. But the KTM ADV 390 gets bigger 320mm rotors up front, compared to the Himalayan 300mm disc brakes. And the latter additionally gets slightly larger 240mm rear disc brakes, compared to the KTM ADV 390s 240mm rear disc brakes.
2022 KTM 390 Adventure vs 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan: Engine and transmission
The 2022 KTM ADV 390 continues to use the same 373.2 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC engine that produces 43 hp and 37 Nm of torque. Its transmission is ensured by a 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch and directional bi-Quickshifter for gear changes without clutch.
As for the Himalayan, it is powered by an air-cooled 411cc SOHC single-cylinder engine that produces 24.2hp of power and 32Nm of torque. Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed gearbox, without any assistance.
| 2022 KTM ADV 390 | Royal Enfield Himalayan | |
| Type of engine | Single cylinder engine, 4 stroke, 4v, DOHC | Single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC |
| Engine capacity | 373cc | 411 cc |
| maximum energy | 42.3 hp at 9000 rpm | 24.3 hp at 6,500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 37 Nm at 7000 rpm | 32 [email protected] rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed transmission with slipper clutch and two-way gear selector | 5-speed gearbox |
From the chart above, it’s pretty obvious that the KTM ADV 390 is the most powerful motorcycle in the segment. It is also technologically more advanced than the Royal Enfield Himalayan.
2022 KTM 390 Adventure vs 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan: Features
The 2022 KTM ADV 390 is loaded with features. For starters, it gets traction control with street and off-road mode, a TFT display, LED headlights and taillights, IMU-based cornering ABS, and a lever fast speeds too.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan, meanwhile, gets a tripper that displays turn-by-turn navigation and also connects to your phone via Bluetooth. There is also a digital compass on the instrument cluster for navigation purposes. Other than that, both bikes benefit from dual-channel ABS, but unlike the Himalayan, the ADV 390 can turn off ABS on the rear wheel, for even more fun gliding over loose gravel surfaces. .
2022 KTM 390 Adventure vs 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan: Price
The KTM ADV 390 starts from ₹3,34,895 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and the Royal Enfield Himalayan starts at ₹2,14,501 with the standard variant. The price difference can be significant, but for the extra money the KTM ADV 390 surely makes up for it with the added features that also improve the ride quotient. But if you want a simple ADV, Himalaya fits the bill perfectly.