Mumbai

•6w

Which is better between the KTM 390 and the Himalayan 450? Or is it better to wait for Norton?

•5w

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is one of the most sorted single-cylinder adventure bikes on sale, and aside from its portly kerb weight and large size, there are few drawbacks with this machine. It has excellent seating and ride comfort, a grunty engine, a plethora of official accessories, and RE's service network is one of the widest in the country. If you can make your peace with its size, the Himalayan is a hard machine to fault realistically, for most use cases.

Today, KTM India will sell you a 390 Adventure with both 349cc and 399cc engines, and the price difference between the most affordable and most expensive model is over Rs 1 lakh. The 350cc 390 Adventure is a capable long-distance machine, and you won't miss the drop in outright peak power too much, especially if this is your first 300cc+ machine. The 399cc models are, of course, packing in better performance, and the higher variants even come with more adjustable and longer travel suspension. Owing to its lighter weight, the KTM is more lively than the RE in the twisties and is also easier to manage at slower speeds inside the city. Do bear in mind that no matter which version of the 390 Adventure you choose, you'll have to make your peace with some amount of vibration because these aren't the most refined bikes in today's market.

Coming to the Norton Atlas adventure models, with their 585cc, twin-cylinder motors. These bikes are sure to be in a different segment when compared to the single-cylinder 350-400cc machines listed above. No realistic comparison between them would be a fair or straightforward one, and it's better to cross-shop the Atlas with the Honda NX500, Kawasaki Versys 650 and BMW F 450 GS - if at all. We're yet to ride and evaluate the Norton Atlas models, and even if they launch this year, it would be a wise move to wait at least 6 months - if not more - before investing in a brand-new platform from a new brand which has yet to establish a comprehensive presence in the Indian market.

Explore bikes mentioned

Royal Enfield

Himalayan

from ₹3.67 Lakh

KTM

390 Adventure

from ₹3.39 Lakh

Honda Bikes

NX500

from ₹8.93 Lakh

Kawasaki

Versys 650

from ₹10.36 Lakh

BMW Bikes

F 450 GS

from ₹5.64 Lakh

•4w

Compare suggested bikes

Royal Enfield Himalayan

₹3.67 lakhs

Ktm 390 Adventure

₹3.39 lakhs

Royal Enfield Himalayan

₹3.67 lakhs

Honda Bikes Nx500

₹8.93 lakhs

Royal Enfield Himalayan

₹3.67 lakhs

Kawasaki Versys 650

₹10.36 lakhs

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Royal Enfield Himalayan

₹3.67 lakhs

Ktm 390 Adventure

₹3.39 lakhs

Royal Enfield Himalayan

₹3.67 lakhs

Honda Bikes Nx500

₹8.93 lakhs

Royal Enfield Himalayan

₹3.67 lakhs

Kawasaki Versys 650

₹10.36 lakhs

Royal Enfield Himalayan

More questions on similar bikes

•4d

I currently ride a Yezdi Scrambler and now want to upgrade. I was considering the BMW F 450 GS, but it is quite expensive. Could you suggest some more affordable alternatives?

•2d

Since you are leaning towards adventure bikes, our first recommendation to you would be the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. It will feel like a proper step up in terms of performance, comfort, build quality and features. It is also far more comfortable for long days in the saddle when touring and is capable of carrying luggage as well as a pillion without fuss.Be aware that the Himalayan is heavy and tall, so U-turns and city commuting will take some getting used to. If you are a spirited rider and you want sharper performance, look at the 398cc KTM 390 Adventure X. It is quicker and lighter on its feet and great for fast highway work, but its suspension and seat comfort aren't quite at the level of the Himalayan. Take test rides of both before you make a decision.

Royal Enfield Himalayan

KTM 390 Adventure X

•3d

Currently using a 2021 model Dominar 400, driven for around 23000kms. Now, I want to purchase an ADV motorcycle. My daily commute to and fro from the office is about 40 km, much of it on the highway. I had shortlisted the Himalayan 450, but the upcoming Norton looks promising too. Can you suggest a worthy upgrade from Dominar?

•3d

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is one of the most sorted sub-500cc, single-cylinder adventure tourers in India and will make for a good step up from your Dominar. While the performance on tap will largely be the same, the Himalayan's suspension and seating comfort, as well as overall quality levels, will definitely feel a tangible notch higher than the Dominar's. We'd recommend you go for the Himalayan right now over the upcoming Norton Atlas because the latter is likely to be in a different price bracket entirely. Also, its India launch timing and service reach remain shrouded in mystery, and for a daily rider, those legitimate concerns matter more than a feel-good brochure.

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Norton Motorcycles Atlas

•5d

I’m planning to buy a motorcycle. I’m 5 feet 11 inches tall and weigh 95 kg. My daily commute is around 40-45 km. Initially, I was considering the Honda H'ness CB350, but it’s quite expensive. Then I thought about the Honda Unicorn, but it feels too basic and lacks excitement. The Yamaha FZ series seems a bit over-styled to me. I also rode the TVS Apache RTR 180 2V, but considering my height, it felt too small. Now I’m confused between the Bajaj Pulsar 180 (OG) and the Bajaj Pulsar N160. The Pulsar 180 offers excellent value for money, while the N160 comes with many modern features. However, since I’ll also be riding with my family, I’m leaning towards the Pulsar 180 because of its long, single-piece seat, which is more comfortable for both the rider and the pillion. I’d really appreciate your suggestions and guidance on which one would be the better choice. @autocar.india

•1d

Between the two Pulsar models you have shortlisted, the N160 would be our pick. Not only does it have the more modern mechanical fundamentals, the better feature-set and will be more fuel efficient, but also it comes in multiple variants, which have a single-piece seat, which should address your concerns about travelling with a pillion. Since you mentioned you like the Honda CB350 but it wasn't fitting in your budget, take a look at the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. The Hunter is much more affordable than the CB350 but will give you similar comfort, performance and form factor. It is also a proven commodity, which means realistically, in the long-term, your ownership should be free of any unwelcome surprises. Take test rides of both the N160 and Hunter, and depending on your budget and preference, make your decision.

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Popular discussions right now

•1w

I want to buy an EV scooter with a budget of Rs. 60,000. My requirements are minimal, as I travel less than 10 km daily. However, I want a reliable EV scooter with good safety and long-term performance. Please suggest a suitable and reliable EV scooter within this budget.

•5d

Since your budget is extremely tight but you want a reliable electric scooter, your only option would be to buy models like the Vida VX2 Go or TVS iQube or Ather Rizta via the BaaS (Battery as a Subscription) model. Going for an electric scooter from reputed brands like Hero, TVS and Ather gives you the peace of mind of knowing that you have one of the largest sales and service networks in the country and should you encounter an issue, help will likely not be too far.Take test rides of these scooters, figure out which one fits into your budget (including the BaaS monthly payment) and then decide for yourself, which is the best option.

Can you please suggest which bike is better overall: the Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 or the TVS Apache RTX 300?

•6d

The TVS Apache RTX 300 is a faster, more modern, feature-rich and capable machine than the Suzuki V-Strom SX. If you value performance and features, then the RTX is definitely the bike more likely to be up your alley. However, if most of your riding is in the city and you value a hassle-free, no-nonsense experience then the V-Strom will be the one that will appeal to you. While they sit in similiar price segments, the RTX and V-Strom aren't directly comparable and we'd advise you to take a test ride of both before you make your decision.

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•1w

Is the Honda Hornet 2.0 better than the Bajaj Pulsar N160? I'm confused about which one to buy.

•5d

Both the Honda Hornet 2.0 and Bajaj Pulsar N160 have similar performance and fuel economy in the real world, so picking between the two will boil down to which bike's design, comfort, features and overall ownership experience you prefer. The N160 is also considerably more affordable than the Hornet, and, at the Hornet's price, you could even consider the larger Pulsar N250.However, Honda bikes are generally known for their hassle-free ownership experience with bulletproof long-term reliability and low maintenance costs. Bajaj's ownership costs, too, are quite frugal, but service can be a point of friction.Take test rides of both bikes and also speak to your nearest authorised dealer and service center for both brands before you make your decision.

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Posted on: 1 Jun 2026