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Mumbai
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Krishna

2d

I am considering upgrading from my 2015 KTM Duke 200 to the KTM 390 Enduro R. What attracts me most is its design, performance, and strong off-road capability, which feels like a significant step up from my current bike. However, I am not very experienced in off-road riding yet, although I am keen to learn and improve over time. In this context, I would appreciate your expert advice on the following: What are the key pros and cons of upgrading to the 390 Enduro R from a Duke 200? Is it a sensible choice for someone new to off-road riding, or could it feel too demanding initially? How manageable is the bike for everyday city use in terms of comfort, heat, and practicality? Would I be underutilising the bike if I only ride off-road occasionally on weekends? Additionally, how does it compare with alternatives like the Himalayan 450, KTM 390 Adventure X, and Triumph Scrambler 400 X for my usage? Lastly, what specific aspects should I focus on during a test ride before making a final decision?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4m

The KTM 390 Enduro R is one of the most fun machines you can buy in its category today, but it comes with some compromises. You need to be okay with its tall 890mm seat height, 177kg kerb weight and tubed tyres. Coming to your questions, firstly, the 390 Enduro R is actually quite nice on the road. Day-to-day riding will become quite enjoyable, not to mention rather fast because of its tough, long-travel suspension and commanding ergonomics. You'll only need to be mindful of punctures and the lower tank range. 

If this is to be your only bike, then the Enduro might not be the most practical or user-friendly option. Taking it off-road might prove to be too much for a beginner, especially so if you find its seat height intimidating. 

An adventure bike like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 or KTM 390 Adventure X will undoubtedly be more practical, capable and user-friendly on the road but will feel a little larger off it. 

Ultimately, it all boils down to two things. First, can you live with the seat height (both on and off the road) and second, are you willing to live with the compromises the Enduro comes with over its Adventure sibling?

If the answer to both of those questions is yes, then you should go ahead with your purchase. Only an exhaustive test ride will help you figure out whether the Enduro will be the right fit for you. 

KTM 390 Enduro R

KTM 390 Enduro R

More questions on similar bikes

YJ

Yogesh Jadhao

2d

I am planning to buy a bike, and I am considering the Hero Xtreme 250R. However, I am hesitant about the current 2025 model due to reports of major issues. Should I wait for an updated version of the Xtreme 250R? If so, when is the revised model expected to launch?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
48m

The Hero Xtreme 250R is a machine that came out just over a year ago, and so early into its lifecycle, Hero is unlikely to introduce major updates or changes. If you want something in a similiar displacement bracket, then your options are Bajaj Pulsar N250, Suzuki Gixxer 250 and KTM 250 Duke. Of these, the first two are more commuter-y in their performance and fuel economy figures. The KTM is a properly sporty and feature-rich product and will feel like a clear step up over other 250s. It, however, is a pricey product. A test ride of these 3 will help you decide which is the best for you.

Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 250R
Bajaj Pulsar N250
Suzuki Gixxer 250
KTM 250 Duke
NS

Nimesh Shah

8h

Hi, I am planning to buy a new 125cc bike for my daily commute. My daily usage will be around 15-20 km.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1h

In the 125cc segment, you have two clear flavours to choose from. On one hand, you have simple, straightforward machines like the Honda Shine, Hero Super Splendor and Glamour, as well as the Bajaj Pulsar 125. On the other hand, you have feature-rich, sporty-looking machines like TVS Raider, Honda CB125 Hornet and Hero Xtreme 125R. Our top picks would be the Honda Shine and TVS Raider in each category. While the overall performance and fuel economy will largely be the same, no matter which one you choose. Bikes in the latter category will have more features and also cost slightly more. What you choose will boil down to your preferences, so we would suggest a test ride of these bikes to see which one suits you best.

Honda Bikes Shine 125
Hero MotoCorp Super Splendor Xtec
Hero MotoCorp Glamour
Bajaj Pulsar 125
TVS Raider
Honda Bikes CB125 Hornet
Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 125R
RA

Rajesh

1d

I am looking to buy an electric two-wheeler. My daily commute is around 40 km, and budget is not a constraint. I am primarily looking for a scooter with good real-world range and a reliable service network. Could you please suggest the best EV two-wheeler options for my needs?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1h

In the electric two-wheeler market, our top recommendations today are the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather Rizta and Vida VX2 models. These come with the peace of mind of being backed by a larger manufacturer and are products that have proven their worth over the numerous years they've been on sale. Picking between them will boil down to which product you prefer and which company's touch point (both sales and service) is near your residence. Since your daily running isn't too high, pick a variant with a battery capacity around 3kWh which should be more than sufficient. We'd recommend a test ride of all products you shortlist before you make a decision.

TVS iQube
Bajaj Chetak
Ather Rizta
Vida VX2

Posted on: 6 Apr 2026