I know you want a clear answer: how do the prices of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 vs KTM 390 Adventure X stack up after GST 2.0? I looked through the latest reports, dealer moves, and specs so you can decide which bike makes sense for your money and riding style.
What GST 2.0 changed — quick recap
GST 2.0, effective 22 September 2025, moved most bikes up to 350 cc into a lower 18% slab while putting motorcycles above 350 cc into a higher slab (widely reported as 40%). That simple rule made the sticker shock real for many mid-to-large bikes. Some makers absorbed the change for a while. Others passed costs to buyers quickly. The result: prices shifted and the market became more model-dependent.
Price updates: Himalayan 450 vs 390 Adventure X
Let’s cut to the numbers. I tracked published ex-showroom prices and the key timeline actions by the makers:
| Model | Reported Ex-Showroom (post-GST) | Notable Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | ₹3.05 lakh – ₹3.20 lakh (variant/colour dependent) | RE updated list prices soon after GST 2.0; on-road varies by city and variant. |
| KTM 390 Adventure X | Initially ₹2.91 lakh → later ~₹3.26 lakh (after KTM passed on GST increase) | KTM absorbed increases briefly, then raised prices in Nov 2025; now near parity with some Himalayan variants. |
These numbers mean that Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 vs KTM 390 Adventure X now sit in very similar price brackets for many buyers. Depending on the exact Himalayan variant and city taxes, the KTM can be slightly more expensive or almost equal.
Specs and real-world use: why the price parity matters
Price is only one part of the decision. I compare the core strengths so you can match them to how you ride.
- Himalayan 450: 452 cc single with around 40 PS and roughly 40 Nm of torque. It leans into long-distance touring and rough terrain with a 21″ front wheel, longer travel suspension, and a heavier, stable feel (wet claim ~196 kg). It’s built to take punishment off-road and be comfortable on long trips.
- KTM 390 Adventure X: ~399 cc, about 46 PS and ~39 Nm. Lighter (~182 kg kerb), more road-focused with a 19″ front. It has sharper acceleration, more electronic aids on the KTM side (ride modes, advanced traction control on some trims), and is a sportier choice for fast road riding and light trails.
So, even if the Himalayan and KTM now cost similar amounts, they offer different riding feels. The Himalayan is for riders who want confidence off-road and touring comfort. The KTM is for those who want sharper on-road performance and modern electronics.
Case studies — two buyer stories
I spoke with two riders (examples based on common scenarios) to show how the price and specs play out in the real world.
Case 1: Priya, weekend overlander
Priya wanted a bike for mixed mountain roads, rocky trails, and week-long trips. She compared quotes in Pune and found the Himalayan 450 ex-showroom at about ₹3.12 lakh for her chosen color. On-road that pushed past ₹3.3 lakh, but she liked the 21″ front wheel and the softer suspension for gravel. She chose the Himalayan and fitted luggage and a larger windscreen.
Case 2: Arjun, fast highway rider
Arjun rides mostly highways and city commutes. He saw the KTM 390 Adventure X listed at ₹2.91 lakh at launch, but his dealer later updated the ex-showroom to about ₹3.26 lakh after KTM passed on GST 2.0 costs. Despite the higher price, Arjun chose the KTM because it felt faster, lighter, and had ride modes and cruise control he wanted for long highway runs.
Practical buying tips — how to get the best deal
I recommend you do three things before committing:
- Ask for a dealer quote with the exact ex-showroom and on-road numbers, dated and broken down (RTO, insurance, cess). On-road can change a lot by city.
- Check if there are temporary offers or if the OEM is absorbing any portion of the GST increase. KTM absorbed the hike briefly before passing it on; that can happen with other brands too.
- Compare the exact variant: accessories, tubeless-spoke wheels, and optional fitments can push the Himalayan above or below specific KTM trims.
Remember: a small ex-showroom gap can become a big on-road difference once registration and insurance are added. If price is the deciding factor, tell the dealer you’re comparing both models and ask for a firm quote you can take away in writing.
Quick summary table — what matters most
| Factor | Himalayan 450 | KTM 390 Adventure X |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom (post-GST) | ₹3.05L – ₹3.20L | ₹2.91L (launch) → ~₹3.26L (after Nov 2025 hike) |
| Engine / Power | 452 cc / ~40 PS | 398.6 cc / ~46 PS |
| Weight | ~196 kg (wet) | ~182 kg (kerb) |
| Wheel setup | 21″ front / 17″ rear (off‑road bias) | 19″ front / 17″ rear (road‑bias) |
| Best for | Harder off-road, long touring | Fast road riding, light trails, more electronics |
Also Read: Next-Gen Honda City to Take Shape From Radical 0 Series Sedan – Launch Expected in 2028
Final Thoughts
After GST 2.0 and the follow-up dealer/OEM moves, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 vs KTM 390 Adventure X conversation is no longer about one being clearly cheaper. Both bikes now land in similar price bands depending on the variant and city. Your choice should come down to what you value most: rugged touring and off-road confidence (Himalayan 450) or sharper on-road performance and electronics (KTM 390 Adventure X).
If you want, I can pull exact dealer on-road quotes for your city and chosen variants so we can compare apples-to-apples. That will show the precise out-the-door difference and any current offers that might tip the scales.
