Ktm Bikes Above 5 Lakh in India (9)

autocar.india

•22h

In theory, with enough determination and some out-of-the-box thinking, you could take any two-wheeler on a long-distance tour. The Yamaha R15 is a sorted, proven supersport but as a tourer, it will leave you wanting in more than one area. On the other hand, the Hero Xtreme 250R packs in lovely handling with comfy ergos and absorptive suspension which will certainly help you cover longer distances in greater comfort. The Xtreme's larger engine is also punchier and will be less stressed at highway speeds than the R15's. However, as you pointed out, the Hero's reliability has been rather patchy and it seems to be a sporadic issue depending on the unit. If you can go to your nearest Hero dealer and get some assurances about the reliability of the Xtreme as well as a good roadside assistance package then perhaps you should consider it. However, if you aren't convinced look for similar options from KTM 200 Duke or 250 Duke or even the Yamaha MT-15 and XSR155 which will all be sporty, yet comfortable machines that are reliable and can be taken touring without a second thought.

autocar.india

•23h

From the adventure bikes you've shortlisted, the KTM 390 Adventure X (398cc) and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 are our top picks. The KTM has a sportier character while the RE is more well-rounded. The Aprilia Tuono 457 is a sublime motorcycle but service is on the pricier side and dealer network too is far smaller than established Indian and Japanese brands. Depending on the sort of rider you are, after taking a test ride of all three, you should make your decision.

autocar.india

•6d

The TVS Apache RTX 300 is surely the more capable, feature-rich and well-rounded motorcycle of the two bikes you have shortlisted. However, TVS' after-sales network is infamous for having a hit-or-miss experience and add to that, the RTX itself has been experiencing concerning issues almost a year after its launch. The KTM 250 Adventure might not be as enticing a proposition as the RTX on paper, but it remains the safer buy because it comes from a brand with a proven track record, and the bike itself has also not been reported as having widespread reliability concerns.

autocar.india

•2w

We'd recommend you go with the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X over the other bikes you've shortlisted for two reasons. First, it will offer you a big step up in comfort and performance from your Apache 200. Second, despite using a larger engine, this Triumph bike is a very friendly city bike and won't catch you out with abrupt, overeager power delivery or a heavy clutch. The 350cc KTM 390 Adventure has a very buzzy engine which will make its presence felt at all times and the KTM 250 Duke will feel like a small step up from your Apache 200.

autocar.india

•2w

Since you are going to keep your next purchase for a long time and are coming from a Shine, we'd advise you to consider with the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The Classic is a simple, fuss-free motorcycle which should be easy and inexpensive to maintain. This Royal Enfield bike will also offer you a step up in terms of comfort, features and road presence from your Shine although, expectedly, its fuel efficiency will be lower owing to its larger engine. If you want something sportier, then consider the KTM 250 Duke. The quarter-litre Duke has approachable yet exciting performance and will allow you to grow into it as time passes. This KTM bike has great handling, cool tech like a colour TFT display and bidirectional quickshifter and its zingy engine can also be rather fuel efficient with sensible riding. These are two starkly different machines and depending on your preferences, pick between them. A test ride of both should help you decide which one is right for you.