Hero, KTM, Royal Enfield: The Three Brothers Who Changed Adventure Riding Forever

This is a story about three motorcycles who are giants in their category. Some say they created the category, others say they reinvented it. Together, they rival each other — but individually, there’s no real match for them.

Written By - Triber Harmesh Prajapati

29th April 2025

We’re talking about the three mammoths of the Indian adventure touring scene:

1. The KTM Adventure

2. The Hero Xpulse

3. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

Before the Boom: How We Got Here

Post-2010, Indian motorcycle manufacturers shifted focus from just commuters to commuters who wanted thrill. That gave birth to bikes like the CBZ, Pulsars, and later the Apache RTRs and FZs. These weren’t tourers, but they offered more than just fuel efficiency.
Back then, if you wanted to tour on a motorcycle, people either laughed at you — or pointed you to a Royal Enfield. The only real option was a Bullet. And to RE’s credit, they built the entire idea of travelling on a motorcycle in India.
The Bullet wasn’t just a bike — it was a statement. Riding to Leh, crossing Rajasthan, or cruising through South India, RE gave birth to brotherhood, adventure, and identity. But motorcycles were evolving. Riders wanted more. And then, the scene exploded.

Chapter 1: The Youngest Brother — Hero Xpulse

The Xpulse 200 launched in 2019. It wasn’t powerful. It wasn’t loaded with features. But it gave Indian riders something they never had before — a budget off-roader. A go-anywhere, drop-it-and-laugh kind of bike.
Sure, there were attempts like Honda’s CB200X, which tried to rival it. But that bike was more commuter than ADV — plastic panels and street suspension pretending to be rugged. The Xpulse stayed true to its core.
Enter 2024, and Hero upgrades it with the Xpulse 210 — a DOHC, 4-valve engine making 24.6 PS and 20.4 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The gear ratios have been tweaked, the torque is now better spread, and the highway cruising capability is much improved.
At just ₹1.76–1.86 lakh ex-showroom, it remains the most affordable adventure bike in India. Lightweight (168 kg), super flickable, and ready to take a beating — it is still India’s most accessible off-roader.
This is the youngest brother. Raised in the dirt. Doesn't wear fancy clothes. But give it a trail, and it’ll dance while others struggle.

Chapter 2: The Hyperactive Twins — KTM Adventure 250 & 390

Then came the KTM Adventure 390. In typical KTM style, it was loud, fast, high-tech — and slightly mad.
The 373cc engine pushes out 43.5 PS, making it the most powerful ADV in its segment. With a quickshifter, ride-by-wire, traction control, cornering ABS, and a colourful TFT dash — this was a tech playground on two wheels. It handles like a KTM, accelerates like one, and feels planted even when the road disappears.
But not everyone wanted that kind of aggression. That’s where the KTM Adventure 250 comes in — 30 PS, similar chassis, and a calmer nature. New ride modes and a full TFT dash in the 2024 update make it an excellent upgrade from your first motorcycle.
The price? ₹2.60 lakh for the 250. ₹3.68 lakh for the 390. Expensive? Yes. But unmatched for riders who want performance, capability, and control.
The KTM twins are the energetic brothers. Always on the move. High on caffeine. They’ll outrun you, outcorner you, and outjump you — but don’t ask them to chill.
Even the BMW G310 GS, with its smooth 34 hp motor and premium fit-finish, couldn't hold the same presence. It was always seen as overpriced (~₹3.30 lakh), and servicing wasn’t cheap. The KTMs simply offered more for less.

A New Challenger: 2025 KTM 390 Adventure Rally

Just when the dust seemed to settle, KTM reignited the segment with a 2025 surprise. The new KTM 390 Adventure is no longer just an update — it's now a full-blown rally-inspired machine. It is sharper, taller, and bolder than ever before.

Here’s what’s new:

• A 399cc LC4c engine now producing 46 PS and 39 Nm, tuned for stronger midrange.

• 21-inch front and 17-inch rear tubeless spoked wheels that bring proper off-road stance and feedback.

• Fully adjustable WP Apex suspension with 200mm of travel and ground clearance bumped up to 233mm.

• Cruise control, off-road ABS, traction control, and 3 ride modes — all accessed via a crisp 5-inch TFT dash.

• Taller screen, longer seat, better bash protection — this is KTM listening to its hardcore fans.
  

Visually, it looks like a Dakar baby. Functionally, it’s probably the closest India has gotten to a factory-ready rally bike under ₹4 lakh, it redefines what riders can expect in this category.

Chapter 3: The Big Brother — Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

Let’s be honest — Royal Enfield built this category. The original Himalayan 410 changed how people saw adventure motorcycles. For all its flaws, it made adventure touring aspirational yet achievable.
Now, in 2024, the big brother returns as the Himalayan 450 — and it’s a beast reborn.
A brand-new 452cc liquid-cooled Sherpa engine. 40 PS, 40 Nm, 6-speed gearbox, ride modes, and a world-class chassis. It’s not just an upgrade — it’s an evolution.
The Himalayan now cruises at 120 km/h all day. The new TFT display with built-in navigation is a class act. Long-travel USD forks, great wind protection, and comfortable ergonomics make it the go-anywhere, do-everything bike. At ₹2.85–2.98 lakh, it offers top-tier value.
RE’s wide service network, easy parts availability, and proven touring record make it the most dependable choice. And let’s not forget — the G310 GS once tried to dethrone the Himalayan 410. Now, the 450 has left it in the dust.

This is the elder brother. Strong, calm, capable. Doesn’t brag — just rides.

So, Which One’s for You?

• Want to start small, learn big, and tackle trails? → Xpulse 210

• Crave performance, electronics, and agility? → KTM Adventure 250/390/2025 Rally

• Prefer mature, capable, and cross-country comfort? → Himalayan 450
  

All three offer something unique. None are wrong. It just depends on who you are as a rider.

Exit quote:
Some ride to escape, others ride to discover — but the true adventurer rides to become. Choose the one that becomes a part of you