Adventure motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular among riders looking for a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. The KTM 390 Adventure has been a top contender in the lightweight ADV segment, but how does it compare to its competitors?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll pit the KTM 390 Adventure against its top rivals—including the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, BMW G 310 GS, Honda CRF300L Rally, and Suzuki V-Strom 250SX—to determine which adventure bike reigns supreme in 2025.
KTM 390 Adventure vs Competitors: Quick Specs Comparison
| Bike | Engine | Power | Torque | Weight | Seat Height | Ground Clearance | Fuel Tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 390 Adventure | 373cc, single-cylinder | 44 HP | 37 Nm | 172 kg | 855 mm | 200 mm | 14.5L |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | 452cc, single-cylinder | 39.5 HP | 40 Nm | 196 kg | 825 mm | 230 mm | 17L |
| BMW G 310 GS | 313cc, single-cylinder | 34 HP | 28 Nm | 175 kg | 835 mm | 220 mm | 11.5L |
| Honda CRF300L Rally | 286cc, single-cylinder | 27 HP | 26.6 Nm | 153 kg | 885 mm | 275 mm | 12.8L |
| Suzuki V-Strom 250SX | 249cc, single-cylinder | 26.5 HP | 22.2 Nm | 167 kg | 835 mm | 205 mm | 12L |
Now, let’s break down how these bikes stack up in key performance areas.
1. Performance & Engine Power
KTM 390 Adventure 🏆 (Winner: Best Power & Acceleration)
- The 373cc liquid-cooled engine delivers 44 HP, making it the most powerful bike in this segment.
- Best for riders who want an aggressive powerband and fast acceleration.
- Top speed: ~160 km/h (99 mph), making it highway-capable.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
- The new 452cc engine produces 39.5 HP, slightly less than the KTM but offers better low-end torque (40 Nm) for off-road riding.
- Smooth and refined power delivery makes it ideal for touring.
BMW G 310 GS
- Produces 34 HP and 28 Nm, making it less powerful than KTM 390 Adventure but still decent for light touring.
- Lacks the punch of the KTM on highways.
Honda CRF300L Rally
- Prioritizes lightweight agility over raw power, offering 27 HP—the lowest in this lineup.
- Better suited for hardcore off-road riders rather than high-speed highway travel.
Suzuki V-Strom 250SX
- Least powerful engine (26.5 HP) but still delivers smooth performance for urban and light touring use.
🏁 Verdict: The KTM 390 Adventure dominates in power and acceleration, making it the best option for high-speed adventure riding.
2. Off-Road Capability
🏆 Best Off-Road Bike: Honda CRF300L Rally
- 275mm ground clearance and fully off-road focused suspension make it the best bike for trail riding and technical terrain.
- Lightest bike (153 kg), making it the easiest to maneuver off-road.
KTM 390 Adventure
- 200mm ground clearance and WP APEX adjustable suspension allow for light to moderate off-roading.
- 19-inch front wheel (vs. 21-inch on the CRF300L) makes it less suited for deep sand or extreme trails.
- Off-road ABS and traction control help beginners navigate tricky terrain.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
- 230mm ground clearance and 21-inch front wheel make it more off-road focused than the KTM.
- Heavier than KTM at 196 kg, which can make technical trails more challenging.
BMW G 310 GS & Suzuki V-Strom 250SX
- Both have limited off-road ability due to smaller 19-inch front wheels and less aggressive suspension.
- Better suited for light gravel roads and urban adventures.
🏁 Verdict: The Honda CRF300L Rally is the best for serious off-road riders, while the KTM 390 Adventure strikes a balance between off-road capability and highway performance.
3. Touring & Comfort
🏆 Best Touring Bike: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
- Most comfortable seat & relaxed riding posture.
- 17L fuel tank = longest touring range.
- Lowest seat height (825mm) makes it the most accessible to riders of all sizes.
KTM 390 Adventure
- Aggressive, upright position for long rides.
- TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity for calls and navigation.
- 14.5L fuel tank is good, but not as large as the Himalayan’s.
BMW G 310 GS & Suzuki V-Strom 250SX
- Smaller fuel tanks (11.5L & 12L) limit long-distance capability.
- Comfortable, but lack wind protection compared to KTM & Himalayan.
🏁 Verdict: The Himalayan 450 is the best for long-distance touring, but the KTM 390 Adventure is a close second with better highway performance.
4. Features & Technology
🏆 Best Features & Tech: KTM 390 Adventure
- Most advanced electronics: Cornering ABS, traction control, Quickshifter+ (optional).
- Best digital TFT display with Bluetooth.
Runner-up: BMW G 310 GS
- Offers basic ABS and ride-by-wire throttle but lacks traction control.
Least Tech: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 & Honda CRF300L Rally
- Minimal electronics—no traction control or ride modes.
🏁 Verdict: The KTM 390 Adventure wins in tech & rider aids, making it the best beginner-friendly ADV bike.
Final Verdict: Which Adventure Bike Should You Choose?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Power & Speed | KTM 390 Adventure |
| Best Off-Road Capability | Honda CRF300L Rally |
| Best Touring Comfort | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 |
| Best Features & Tech | KTM 390 Adventure |
| Best Budget Adventure Bike | Suzuki V-Strom 250SX |
🏆 Overall Winner: KTM 390 Adventure
The KTM 390 Adventure is the best all-rounder, offering powerful performance, modern features, and decent off-road capability—making it the top choice for most riders.
However, if you prefer:
- More off-road capability: Go for the Honda CRF300L Rally.
- More comfort & long-distance touring: Choose the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
- A budget-friendly option: The Suzuki V-Strom 250SX is great for city adventures.
🚀 Which adventure bike will you choose? Let the adventure begin! 🏍️🔥
