Choosing the right motorcycle for winter touring in India is a big decision, especially when it comes to two of the most popular adventure bikes—the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the KTM 390 Adventure. Both bikes have their strengths and are favoured by Indian riders for different reasons. In this guide, we’ll compare the Himalayan and the 390 Adventure, focusing on winter touring performance, comfort, reliability, and value for Indian roads.
Royal Enfield Himalayan: The Classic Tourer
Overview
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is known for its rugged build, classic styling, and reliability. It’s a favourite among Indian riders for long-distance touring and off-road adventures.
Key Features
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Engine: 411cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled
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Power: 24.3bhp at 6,500rpm, 32Nm at 4,500rpm
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Price: ₹2,14,519 – ₹2,22,159 (approx.)
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Why It’s Great: The Himalayan offers a balance between on- and off-road riding, with wire-spoke wheels, dual-channel ABS, and Royal Enfield’s Tripper Navigation system.
Winter Touring Suitability
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Comfort: The upright riding position and comfortable seat make it ideal for long rides.
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Reliability: The Himalayan’s simple design and robust build ensure it can handle the rigours of Indian winters.
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Maintenance: The Himalayan’s widespread service network and availability of spare parts make it a practical choice for winter touring.
For more details, visit the Royal Enfield Himalayan page.
KTM 390 Adventure: The Performance Adventurer
Overview
The KTM 390 Adventure is known for its sporty performance, advanced technology, and aggressive styling. It’s a popular choice for riders who want a blend of on-road and off-road capabilities.
Key Features
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Engine: 373.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
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Power: 43.5bhp at 9,000rpm, 37Nm at 7,000rpm
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Price: ₹3,29,000 – ₹3,39,000 (approx.)
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Why It’s Great: The 390 Adventure offers a more powerful engine, advanced electronics, and a comfortable riding position for long tours.
Winter Touring Suitability
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Comfort: The 390 Adventure’s comfortable seat and upright riding position make it suitable for long rides.
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Performance: The liquid-cooled engine and advanced electronics ensure reliable performance in cold weather.
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Maintenance: The 390 Adventure’s service network is growing, but spare parts can be more expensive compared to the Himalayan.
For more details, visit the KTM 390 Adventure page.
Tabular Comparison: Royal Enfield Himalayan vs KTM 390 Adventure
|
Feature |
Royal Enfield Himalayan |
KTM 390 Adventure |
|
Engine |
411cc, air/oil-cooled |
373.2cc, liquid-cooled |
|
Power |
24.3bhp, 32Nm |
43.5bhp, 37Nm |
|
Price |
₹2,14,519 – ₹2,22,159 |
₹3,29,000 – ₹3,39,000 |
|
Comfort |
Upright, comfortable |
Upright, comfortable |
|
Reliability |
Robust, simple design |
Advanced, reliable |
|
Maintenance |
Widespread, affordable |
Growing, more expensive |
|
Winter Suitability |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Expert Tips for Touring
1. Prepare Your Bike
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Battery: Check the battery and consider using a battery tender or trickle charger.
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Tyres: Ensure your tyres have sufficient tread depth and are properly inflated.
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Engine Oil: Use the recommended oil for your bike.
2. Pack Essentials
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First Aid Kit: Carry a first aid kit, spare parts, and warm clothing.
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Snacks and Water: Pack snacks and water for long rides.
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Spares and Tools: Carry essential spares and tools for minor repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which bike is better for winter touring in India?
Both the Royal Enfield Himalayan and KTM 390 Adventure are excellent choices for winter touring. The Himalayan offers reliability and comfort, while the 390 Adventure provides performance and advanced technology.
2. What are the key differences between the Himalayan and 390 Adventure?
The Himalayan is more affordable and has a simpler design, while the 390 Adventure is more expensive and offers advanced electronics and a more powerful engine.
3. How do I prepare my bike for touring?
Check the battery, tyres, and engine oil. Pack essential spares, tools, and warm clothing.
4. Where can I buy touring gear?
You can buy touring gear from the ReiseMoto website.
Final Thoughts
Both the Royal Enfield Himalayan and KTM 390 Adventure are excellent choices for winter touring in India. The Himalayan offers reliability, comfort, and affordability, while the 390 Adventure provides performance, advanced technology, and a more powerful engine. For more expert tips and rider insights, visit the ReiseMoto riding gear blog. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy every winter ride.
For those looking for a Himalayan winter touring review or KTM 390 Adventure winter performance insights, both bikes excel in their own ways. Whether you’re chasing the hills or cruising highways, these adventure touring motorcycles India are among the best winter touring bike India options for 2026.
-Team Reisemoto