I'd wait for the 2024 KTM Adventure before I make a decision. It will have the upgraded 390 engine that is now on the new Duke with better performance, especially at the low end and a totally new frame that allows better ground clearance and lower seat height. If you can't wait, then I would have to agree that currently, the new Himalayan is a better buy of the two. I'm a current 390 Adventure owner and previously owned the 2016 BS3 Himalayan (gulp!).
A close friend of mine echoed your sentiments about eagerly anticipating the 2024 KTM 390 Adventure. Do you happen to have any insights on the expected launch timeline for the vehicle in 2024?
I'm not in the 'know' as such but KTM typically launches new models in January, so that wait isn't too long. Can't really tell with certainty, the new model has been in testing for a while and KTM is trying hard to get a toehold in Himalayan territory and would be foolish to let RE run away with all the laurels. That's my take. In any case, speaking from rather bitter personal experience, I'd wait a few months before trading Jazba in and let the dust settle around the Himalayan before taking the plunge.
I have a 4.2 years old Baker Express which I am looking to dispose off....got my Honda CB350 Hness for daily rides....and already made my mind to shift to HMLN 452 KZ BRN😊
You will definitely miss your baker express, H450 is nowhere close to 650 twins when it comes to acceleration. It's basically a yezdi adventure in a better package. Take call after thorough test ride .
You're correct. It's true that the Himalayan doesn't quite match the zippy performance of the Interceptor, and it wouldn't be fair to expect that. Yet, riding the Himalayan felt oddly being in a familiar zone - the sound, robustness, handling, torque-all coming together as a cohesive package.
It's great to hear that you've got a clear vision. For me, having just one bike is the plan. Though city rides are rare for me, with the occasional exception, my main focus is on touring.
I tested this bike in Greater Noida, as that's the perfect place to test ride for long trips due to minimal traffic and excellent roads. But I came back disappointed, it vibrates a lot. Can't move to this after owning the inty for 3 years, upgrade is the only way I feel.
I do agree with you. I think I would need to find that sweet speed with min vibrations. Due to budgetary issues, I couldn't upgrade to a bigger bike. Nevertheless, I am happy with Himy and hope to do long distance with a bit more ease. Thank you for writing in and sharing your experience. Cheers!
No doubt Himalayan is a great bike, ive pre-booked it as well. they both differ from riding styles, KTM definetly is a more advanced bike from my riding experience, its more refined, it offers more and demands more from the rider. Its also well priced given the Metzeller tourance the KTM comes with cost 27k just for themselves where as the CEATs cost 5-6k. Quickshifter and instant torque delivery are the only things youd miss but id go with either a himalayan or a more expensive adv like a tiger or a vstorm. KTM is weirdly priced, just spend some more and get a more expensive bike or get a himalayan, enjoy it for a while and hopefully Indian market sees a 600cc segment boom like the 400s soon.
After going through your comment, I'm tempted to call you 'profound-Praful' (no offense intended). Before test-riding the Himalayan, I entertained similar thoughts, even considering the Versys. Surprisingly, the KTM 390 Adventure, after a short 6-7 km ride, felt too light, lacking a grounded feel. My riding style involves covering long distances at a stretch while maintaining a relatively constant speed of 90 to 100 kmph, akin to my 40,000 km journey with Jazba. Although I've pushed my bike to a top speed of 173 kmph, I realized sustainability is key. The new Himalayan offered a comparable experience, aligning with my preference for enjoying the ride, savoring the scenery, and prioritizing safety.
Mere ko ek hi bike chahiye jisme me daily office ce ja sake Sunday ride kr sku , or 5-6 mahine ek do bar long ride bhi kar saku kua Himalayan best rahegi mere liye ?
I'd wait before jumping for the Himalayan, its new and untested,😮 considering the fact that its an all new engine (oil cooled and ride by wire) first for RE, i dont want to do quality testing for RE as a consumer. Ive parked the idea for the time being about getting the Himalayan, happy with my interceptor for city rides and the occasional long ride, for my ultra long tours i use my trusty Versys. I was bored of the interceptor since 3 years so was entertaining the thought of replacing it. I suggest you wait and consider the upcoming ktm 390 and xpulse 400. If you're restless and impatient say your prayers and get the Himalayan😅
Oh boy, owning a Versys is already a fantastic choice! I've been eyeing it for a while, but budget constraints have kept me from making the move. As I mentioned in a previous comment, it feels like I've outgrown the Interceptor, and now I'm on the lookout for a more specialized bike tailored to my touring needs. While Royal Enfield had some hiccups with new launches, it seems they've addressed those issues with recent models like the Meteor and Super Meteor. Given the time and resources invested in the new Himalayan 450, one would hope that past issues won't resurface. Fingers crossed; only time will reveal the true tale!
@@WanderingSom You're right, of late their new products haven't had quality issues, they burnt their fingers once. Must say the Himalayan is very tempting. I'll wait till they bring out the tubeless spoked wheel variant in Kamet white and go for it, by then some end owner reviews will be out and in my experience the later batches are always more polished. All the best in your search and hope to see new adventures on your upgraded machine🙏
Hey ! I have an Interceptor and a Versys as well , are you part of the Versys North or VIR group ? CIty rides, touring and recently i have been bitten by the off-roading and trail exploring bug, due to which i have been thinking of selling the Inty to get the new Himalayan. Off-roading on the Versys is scary, i've already bent the rim once and scratched the fairing on a low speed fall. The Himalayan seems more than capable of doing all 3, add to that reasonable maintenance and spares and its just a sweet proposition. Had it come with the tubeless spokes i would not have thought twice about getting it .
@@ShivanshuSJCHi Shivanshu, we seem to be sailing on the same boat. I'm a member of VIR and VBR. I did Ladakh and Spiti on my V, it's very capable no doubt but it's weight is a factor off the beaten path. I feel Himalayan will be an all-rounder. It can replace my interceptor for city commutes and at the same time I can take it on longer tours and do some off road adventures where repair costs if required will be negligible compared to the venerable V. I'm waiting for the tubeless model before taking the plunge
Kaza Brown & Hanle black - other than color, there are subtle differences. Even though the rims look only painted different, the actually composition of the metal in the Hanle Black rims are of different (possibly higher) quality.
To the best of my knowledge and whatever that has been verified by the showroom as well, there are no difference in any which amongst any of the models, except for the colour.
@@WanderingSom I've been informed that Hanle Black rims are aluminium, while the rest are probably steel. However, I couldn't find any official documentation about it.
@@WanderingSom I'd be very curious to hear what they have to say. If it's indeed aluminium, then the unsprung weight will certainly be less, adding to handling and braking performance.
So here it is. None of the Himalayan rims are of Aluminum. They are steel. The Hanle one is just colored. Only Interceptor rims are Aluminum. The details are as per confirmation by the RE Workshop n Showroom.
I am doing same as well,ek bike ki khoj 😅. Nd i also own an interceptor,going to sell this too.i am also confused between Himalayan 452,390adv,triumph 400x😅. Well tell me something as u have ridden both the bike,which feels more powerful?ktm or re
Hello Nabajyoti, it's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this quest. My heart inclines towards the Himalayan, and the reason is clear. Despite being a distinct bike from the Interceptor, there are striking similarities: 1] a weight that imparts a feeling of sturdiness and grounding, 2] a distinctive sound that commands presence, and 3] a power that makes you unstoppable across diverse terrains. In essence, you may transition to a completely different bike, yet find yourself in a 'familiar zone'. The KTM, on the other hand, belongs to a different breed altogether. It's a fantastic machine to ride. However, being accustomed to the Interceptor, I found the bike to be too light. Its advantage lies in its nimbleness and maneuverability. I wasn't particularly fond of the engine sound, but KTM boasts features that the Himalayan doesn't have yet. So, the dilemma lies in choosing between something radically different in character or opting for the safe and familiar route. Oh, boy!
@@WanderingSom The only noteworthy feature that the 390 Adventure has which the Himalayan does not is lean-sensitive ABS. Other than that the Himalayan is at par or better in terms of features. But don't be deceived by the 390's lightness. My Gen 2 390 Duke (BS4) is nearly 50 kg lighter than my Interceptor and has a shorter wheelbase and smaller wheels - all of which should make it less stable - but it feels as stable as my Interceptor! That is because of KTM's chassis and suspension engineering prowess. RE makes competent frames too but KTM is laser focused. Still, knowing what I do, I would still pick the new Himalayan over the current 390 Adventure.
Hello Shivanshu, I appreciate your thoughtful question. The Interceptor holds a special place as my first bike. I embarked on my motorcycle riding journey with this machine, covering over 40,000 kms across every imaginable terrain. I even completed the Iron Butt Challenge on this bike. More importantly, the Interceptor ignited my passion for traversing the land and discovering new places. However, with time, I realized that, while the Interceptor is an excellent machine, it may not be the most suitable for touring. I've made numerous modifications and adjustments to tailor it for touring, but there comes a point where I need to look beyond. In essence, the Interceptor is a superb machine, but as I scrutinize its 'primary purpose' in my biking journey, it prompts me to explore further. Hence, the quest for an Adventure Touring Bike. I'd love to keep my Jazba and add a new bike to the collection. Yet, practical considerations like budget and parking space come into play. Your question has prompted me to delve deeper and gain clarity in making a well-informed choice. Thanks for that! Cheers!
@@WanderingSom I understand that you have only taken a short test ride of the Himalayan, what are your initial impressions about the acceleration ? one of the best feelings on the Interceptor is the readily available power to overtake vehicles on the highway even above 100kmph, would the Himalayan offer a similar or even a comparable experience ?
@@ShivanshuSJC Comparing the Twins and Sherpa would be unfair as they are entirely different beasts. They have distinct characteristics and purposes. Regarding the power of the Sherpa, I like to think it has the muscle to pull through. While I haven't tested it yet, I do plan to do so very soon. Give me a few days, and I'll provide you with a definite answer. Cheers!
Hi Sourav, Appreciate your advise. I would need to make payment for the new bike, don't wanna take a loan of 3L. Moreover, keeping two bikes n maintaining them is a luxury bit difficult to afford.
Hi Goutham, Honestly, I'm not an expert in decoding minute differences between bikes. As mentioned in the video, riding the Himalayan felt like a familiar zone for me, considering I currently ride an Interceptor-my only biking experience to date. Both the KTM 390 Adventure and Himalayan were entirely new to me, with no prior experience. KTM undoubtedly exudes agility, lightness, potentially superior build quality, and a zippy nature. In contrast, the Himalayan projected stability, robustness, quick response, and embodied Royal Enfield's distinct level of quality and finish. Cheers!
Hello Aditya, You've expressed it quite aptly. During my time at Samsung, we grappled with the reality that, no matter how impressive our phones were, we could never quite match up to the allure of an iPhone. The test ride of the Himalayan indeed left me with positive vibes. However, I'm inclined not to base my decision solely on emotions. Cheers!
Motorcycles are always a matter of heart...what connects is the right one for you
Dil se comment kara aapne!
@@WanderingSom 😃
I'd wait for the 2024 KTM Adventure before I make a decision. It will have the upgraded 390 engine that is now on the new Duke with better performance, especially at the low end and a totally new frame that allows better ground clearance and lower seat height. If you can't wait, then I would have to agree that currently, the new Himalayan is a better buy of the two. I'm a current 390 Adventure owner and previously owned the 2016 BS3 Himalayan (gulp!).
A close friend of mine echoed your sentiments about eagerly anticipating the 2024 KTM 390 Adventure. Do you happen to have any insights on the expected launch timeline for the vehicle in 2024?
That is slated till 2025. The 2024 ktm adv with just cosmetic changes is already out
@@iamrobot396 2025 is quite far off.
I'm not in the 'know' as such but KTM typically launches new models in January, so that wait isn't too long.
Can't really tell with certainty, the new model has been in testing for a while and KTM is trying hard to get a toehold in Himalayan territory and would be foolish to let RE run away with all the laurels. That's my take.
In any case, speaking from rather bitter personal experience, I'd wait a few months before trading Jazba in and let the dust settle around the Himalayan before taking the plunge.
AIRFOIL It would be good for you to test ride the Himalayan before offering advise negative or positive.
I have a 4.2 years old Baker Express which I am looking to dispose off....got my Honda CB350 Hness for daily rides....and already made my mind to shift to HMLN 452 KZ BRN😊
You will definitely miss your baker express, H450 is nowhere close to 650 twins when it comes to acceleration. It's basically a yezdi adventure in a better package. Take call after thorough test ride .
You're correct. It's true that the Himalayan doesn't quite match the zippy performance of the Interceptor, and it wouldn't be fair to expect that. Yet, riding the Himalayan felt oddly being in a familiar zone - the sound, robustness, handling, torque-all coming together as a cohesive package.
It's great to hear that you've got a clear vision. For me, having just one bike is the plan. Though city rides are rare for me, with the occasional exception, my main focus is on touring.
I tested this bike in Greater Noida, as that's the perfect place to test ride for long trips due to minimal traffic and excellent roads.
But I came back disappointed, it vibrates a lot. Can't move to this after owning the inty for 3 years, upgrade is the only way I feel.
I do agree with you. I think I would need to find that sweet speed with min vibrations.
Due to budgetary issues, I couldn't upgrade to a bigger bike.
Nevertheless, I am happy with Himy and hope to do long distance with a bit more ease.
Thank you for writing in and sharing your experience.
Cheers!
Such a beautifully bike, do you think it is beginner friendly? Thanx :)
Indeed, it is. This is not the most high-end or very powerful off-road / touring bike. This is very good for beginner.
No doubt Himalayan is a great bike, ive pre-booked it as well. they both differ from riding styles, KTM definetly is a more advanced bike from my riding experience, its more refined, it offers more and demands more from the rider. Its also well priced given the Metzeller tourance the KTM comes with cost 27k just for themselves where as the CEATs cost 5-6k. Quickshifter and instant torque delivery are the only things youd miss but id go with either a himalayan or a more expensive adv like a tiger or a vstorm. KTM is weirdly priced, just spend some more and get a more expensive bike or get a himalayan, enjoy it for a while and hopefully Indian market sees a 600cc segment boom like the 400s soon.
After going through your comment, I'm tempted to call you 'profound-Praful' (no offense intended). Before test-riding the Himalayan, I entertained similar thoughts, even considering the Versys. Surprisingly, the KTM 390 Adventure, after a short 6-7 km ride, felt too light, lacking a grounded feel. My riding style involves covering long distances at a stretch while maintaining a relatively constant speed of 90 to 100 kmph, akin to my 40,000 km journey with Jazba. Although I've pushed my bike to a top speed of 173 kmph, I realized sustainability is key. The new Himalayan offered a comparable experience, aligning with my preference for enjoying the ride, savoring the scenery, and prioritizing safety.
Mere ko ek hi bike chahiye jisme me daily office ce ja sake Sunday ride kr sku , or 5-6 mahine ek do bar long ride bhi kar saku kua Himalayan best rahegi mere liye ?
This bike should be able to do it all, and quite well. Get a decent top box installed, and you could put in your shopping bags too.
Go for it.
@@WanderingSom aap bhi bike ki khoj me ho konsi le rhe ho?
I'd wait before jumping for the Himalayan, its new and untested,😮 considering the fact that its an all new engine (oil cooled and ride by wire) first for RE, i dont want to do quality testing for RE as a consumer. Ive parked the idea for the time being about getting the Himalayan, happy with my interceptor for city rides and the occasional long ride, for my ultra long tours i use my trusty Versys. I was bored of the interceptor since 3 years so was entertaining the thought of replacing it. I suggest you wait and consider the upcoming ktm 390 and xpulse 400. If you're restless and impatient say your prayers and get the Himalayan😅
Oh boy, owning a Versys is already a fantastic choice! I've been eyeing it for a while, but budget constraints have kept me from making the move.
As I mentioned in a previous comment, it feels like I've outgrown the Interceptor, and now I'm on the lookout for a more specialized bike tailored to my touring needs.
While Royal Enfield had some hiccups with new launches, it seems they've addressed those issues with recent models like the Meteor and Super Meteor. Given the time and resources invested in the new Himalayan 450, one would hope that past issues won't resurface. Fingers crossed; only time will reveal the true tale!
@@WanderingSom You're right, of late their new products haven't had quality issues, they burnt their fingers once. Must say the Himalayan is very tempting. I'll wait till they bring out the tubeless spoked wheel variant in Kamet white and go for it, by then some end owner reviews will be out and in my experience the later batches are always more polished. All the best in your search and hope to see new adventures on your upgraded machine🙏
@@samirsait Thank you so very much for the encouraging words. Cheers!
Hey ! I have an Interceptor and a Versys as well , are you part of the Versys North or VIR group ? CIty rides, touring and recently i have been bitten by the off-roading and trail exploring bug, due to which i have been thinking of selling the Inty to get the new Himalayan. Off-roading on the Versys is scary, i've already bent the rim once and scratched the fairing on a low speed fall. The Himalayan seems more than capable of doing all 3, add to that reasonable maintenance and spares and its just a sweet proposition. Had it come with the tubeless spokes i would not have thought twice about getting it .
@@ShivanshuSJCHi Shivanshu, we seem to be sailing on the same boat. I'm a member of VIR and VBR. I did Ladakh and Spiti on my V, it's very capable no doubt but it's weight is a factor off the beaten path. I feel Himalayan will be an all-rounder. It can replace my interceptor for city commutes and at the same time I can take it on longer tours and do some off road adventures where repair costs if required will be negligible compared to the venerable V. I'm waiting for the tubeless model before taking the plunge
Kaza Brown & Hanle black - other than color, there are subtle differences. Even though the rims look only painted different, the actually composition of the metal in the Hanle Black rims are of different (possibly higher) quality.
To the best of my knowledge and whatever that has been verified by the showroom as well, there are no difference in any which amongst any of the models, except for the colour.
@@WanderingSom I've been informed that Hanle Black rims are aluminium, while the rest are probably steel.
However, I couldn't find any official documentation about it.
@@udayshome1793 well, I have no clue about the aluminum part. Tomorrow I am visiting the service centre, and I could ask for more details n update.
@@WanderingSom I'd be very curious to hear what they have to say. If it's indeed aluminium, then the unsprung weight will certainly be less, adding to handling and braking performance.
So here it is. None of the Himalayan rims are of Aluminum. They are steel. The Hanle one is just colored.
Only Interceptor rims are Aluminum.
The details are as per confirmation by the RE Workshop n Showroom.
Le lo Dada... Himmy❤
Sure!
Thank you very much for the review
My pleasure!
You mention about the Power of the machine, as in Low end torque, could you kindly elaborate, is the low end torque good?
Yes Ravindra, I was referring to low end torque.
Looks good 😊😊
Thank you 😋
I am doing same as well,ek bike ki khoj 😅. Nd i also own an interceptor,going to sell this too.i am also confused between Himalayan 452,390adv,triumph 400x😅.
Well tell me something as u have ridden both the bike,which feels more powerful?ktm or re
Hello Nabajyoti, it's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this quest.
My heart inclines towards the Himalayan, and the reason is clear. Despite being a distinct bike from the Interceptor, there are striking similarities: 1] a weight that imparts a feeling of sturdiness and grounding, 2] a distinctive sound that commands presence, and 3] a power that makes you unstoppable across diverse terrains. In essence, you may transition to a completely different bike, yet find yourself in a 'familiar zone'.
The KTM, on the other hand, belongs to a different breed altogether. It's a fantastic machine to ride. However, being accustomed to the Interceptor, I found the bike to be too light. Its advantage lies in its nimbleness and maneuverability. I wasn't particularly fond of the engine sound, but KTM boasts features that the Himalayan doesn't have yet.
So, the dilemma lies in choosing between something radically different in character or opting for the safe and familiar route.
Oh, boy!
@@WanderingSom The only noteworthy feature that the 390 Adventure has which the Himalayan does not is lean-sensitive ABS. Other than that the Himalayan is at par or better in terms of features. But don't be deceived by the 390's lightness. My Gen 2 390 Duke (BS4) is nearly 50 kg lighter than my Interceptor and has a shorter wheelbase and smaller wheels - all of which should make it less stable - but it feels as stable as my Interceptor! That is because of KTM's chassis and suspension engineering prowess. RE makes competent frames too but KTM is laser focused. Still, knowing what I do, I would still pick the new Himalayan over the current 390 Adventure.
@@twowheeledparadox After all KTM has been the Dakar Champs for the past so many years ...
@@WanderingSom Dakar champs, yes. But the 390 Adventure is an extension of the 390 Duke's platform.
@@twowheeledparadox ok
How would you rate it in comparison to the Interceptor? Would it make sense to sell the inty to buy this ?
Hello Shivanshu, I appreciate your thoughtful question.
The Interceptor holds a special place as my first bike. I embarked on my motorcycle riding journey with this machine, covering over 40,000 kms across every imaginable terrain. I even completed the Iron Butt Challenge on this bike.
More importantly, the Interceptor ignited my passion for traversing the land and discovering new places. However, with time, I realized that, while the Interceptor is an excellent machine, it may not be the most suitable for touring. I've made numerous modifications and adjustments to tailor it for touring, but there comes a point where I need to look beyond.
In essence, the Interceptor is a superb machine, but as I scrutinize its 'primary purpose' in my biking journey, it prompts me to explore further. Hence, the quest for an Adventure Touring Bike.
I'd love to keep my Jazba and add a new bike to the collection. Yet, practical considerations like budget and parking space come into play.
Your question has prompted me to delve deeper and gain clarity in making a well-informed choice. Thanks for that!
Cheers!
@@WanderingSom I understand that you have only taken a short test ride of the Himalayan, what are your initial impressions about the acceleration ? one of the best feelings on the Interceptor is the readily available power to overtake vehicles on the highway even above 100kmph, would the Himalayan offer a similar or even a comparable experience ?
@@ShivanshuSJC Comparing the Twins and Sherpa would be unfair as they are entirely different beasts. They have distinct characteristics and purposes.
Regarding the power of the Sherpa, I like to think it has the muscle to pull through. While I haven't tested it yet, I do plan to do so very soon. Give me a few days, and I'll provide you with a definite answer. Cheers!
is it okay for short riders like 5'7 height guy?
100%.
Thankfully you get three seat height options. Set it at the lowest (805) and it will fine. It was for me. I am 5'7".
I booked the exact same colour waiting to get in delivery even in first batch. I'm not going to spend more on KTM.
Congratulations Rahul. I am sure you would love the Himalayan experience. Thanks for writing in. Cheers!
book karwa legeye but Interceptor sell out mat kareee
Hi Sourav,
Appreciate your advise.
I would need to make payment for the new bike, don't wanna take a loan of 3L.
Moreover, keeping two bikes n maintaining them is a luxury bit difficult to afford.
@@WanderingSom yup 👍
Go for RE.. its better than KTM.. only thing u wont get is Traction control and Quick Shifter, thats it..
How important is MTC? And how much of an advantage would Quick Shifter add to the touring rides?
Please do advise.
Thanks
Not sure what the criteria in saying RE is better than KTM. Is it power , agility, weight, quality.. what exactly are you comparing ?
@@Gouthamhegde if specs were everything, Samsung flagships would sell more than Iphones.
Best is to go and ride the bikes and then make a judgement.
Hi Goutham,
Honestly, I'm not an expert in decoding minute differences between bikes. As mentioned in the video, riding the Himalayan felt like a familiar zone for me, considering I currently ride an Interceptor-my only biking experience to date. Both the KTM 390 Adventure and Himalayan were entirely new to me, with no prior experience.
KTM undoubtedly exudes agility, lightness, potentially superior build quality, and a zippy nature. In contrast, the Himalayan projected stability, robustness, quick response, and embodied Royal Enfield's distinct level of quality and finish.
Cheers!
Hello Aditya,
You've expressed it quite aptly. During my time at Samsung, we grappled with the reality that, no matter how impressive our phones were, we could never quite match up to the allure of an iPhone.
The test ride of the Himalayan indeed left me with positive vibes. However, I'm inclined not to base my decision solely on emotions.
Cheers!
What's your height?
I am 5'7".
Yea even i felt like its pulsar engine🤣🤣😂😂
Hi ... which bike felt like a Pulsar ... 390 Adv or Himalayan?
@@WanderingSom himalayan bro. I mean sound felt like pulsar
Ok.
Thulle 😂
🤫