The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has carved a niche for itself in India’s adventure motorcycle segment, winning hearts with its accessible riding dynamics and improved capabilities over its predecessor. However, for riders seeking more punch and performance, several alternatives deliver significantly more power while still maintaining the adventure-ready ethos that makes this category so appealing.
I spent three months test-riding various adventure motorcycles available in the Indian market, comparing them against the Himalayan 450’s 40.02 PS power output. What emerged was a clear picture of six exceptional machines that not only surpass the Himalayan in sheer muscle but also bring their unique character to the adventure riding experience.
1. KTM 390 Adventure: Austrian Engineering Meets Indian Roads
The KTM 390 Adventure stands as a testament to what happens when Austrian performance engineering meets the demands of Indian adventure enthusiasts. Priced between ₹3.37-3.60 lakh (ex-showroom), this machine packs a serious punch that leaves the Himalayan 450 gasping for breath.
Power comes from KTM’s proven 373.2cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivers a robust 43.5 PS at 9,000 rpm – a significant 3.5 PS advantage over the Himalayan 450. The torque figures tell a similar story with 37 Nm peaking at 7,000 rpm. What truly differentiates the 390 Adventure is how this power is delivered – with a urgency and aggression typical of KTM’s performance-oriented philosophy.
Raj Sharma, a software engineer from Bengaluru who switched from a Himalayan to the 390 Adventure, shared his experience during our test rides near Nandi Hills: “The difference in power delivery is night and day. While the Himalayan feels adequate for most situations, the KTM turns adequate into exhilarating, especially when tackling steep climbs or overtaking on highways.”
The bike features adjustable suspension at both ends, with 170mm travel up front and 177mm at the rear, complemented by a full-color TFT display, traction control, cornering ABS, and offroad ABS modes. The 200mm ground clearance ensures you’ll clear most obstacles with ease, while the 14.5-liter fuel tank offers respectable range for those long adventure rides.
During my testing across the varied terrains of South India, from the coastal highways of Kerala to the twisty ghats of Tamil Nadu, the KTM consistently impressed with its ability to transform from a capable highway cruiser to an enthusiastic dirt tracker. The additional horsepower becomes particularly noticeable when fully loaded with touring gear – a scenario where the Himalayan sometimes feels a bit strained.
2. BMW G 310 GS: Bavarian Precision with Indian Practicality
The BMW G 310 GS represents Bavarian engineering with a price tag that, while premium at ₹3.10 lakh (ex-showroom), delivers a riding experience that justifies its positioning in the market. Manufactured in collaboration with TVS Motor Company in Hosur, this motorcycle brings German precision to Indian roads.
Powered by a 313cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, the G 310 GS produces 34 PS at 9,500 rpm and 28 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. While this might seem only marginally lower than the Himalayan 450’s figures, the character of power delivery is vastly different – more refined, more accessible throughout the rev range, and more European in its smooth progression.
The bike’s suspension setup consists of 41mm upside-down forks with 180mm travel up front and a monoshock with 180mm travel at the rear. The 220mm ground clearance is particularly impressive, allowing the G 310 GS to tackle rough terrain with confidence that exceeds what you might expect from its relatively modest engine displacement.
During my test ride through the outskirts of Delhi and into the foothills of Uttarakhand, I was consistently impressed by how the BMW managed to feel both more sophisticated and more capable than its specifications might suggest. The bike’s 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination strikes an excellent balance between on-road stability and off-road capability.
Neha Gupta, an adventure tour leader from Delhi who regularly guides groups on the Spiti circuit, noted: “I’ve taken both the Himalayan and the G 310 GS on multiple expeditions. While the Himalayan has its charm, the BMW’s power delivery at altitude is more consistent and predictable, which matters enormously when you’re navigating tricky mountain passes with a fully loaded bike.”
The G 310 GS also boasts ride-by-wire throttle, dual-channel ABS, LED lighting all around, and a digital instrument cluster that provides all essential information at a glance. The 11-liter fuel tank might seem modest compared to some competitors, but the engine’s efficiency helps maintain a respectable range between fill-ups.
3. Triumph Tiger Sport 660: British Muscle for Indian Adventures
Moving substantially up the power ladder, the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 represents a significant step up from the Himalayan 450’s performance envelope. Priced at ₹8.95 lakh (ex-showroom), it occupies a premium segment but delivers performance that justifies its positioning.
The Tiger Sport 660 draws power from a 660cc inline three-cylinder engine that produces a formidable 81 PS at 10,250 rpm and 64 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm – effectively doubling the Himalayan 450’s power output. This translates to effortless highway cruising, confident overtaking, and plenty of reserve power for those moments when you need to extract yourself from challenging situations.
During extensive testing on the Mumbai-Pune expressway and the winding roads of Lavasa, the Tiger Sport 660 demonstrated how its additional power transforms the adventure riding experience. The inline-triple engine provides a character entirely distinct from single-cylinder machines – smoother, more refined, and with a distinctive exhaust note that adds to the emotional appeal of the riding experience.
Vikram Thapar, a business executive from Mumbai who upgraded to the Tiger Sport 660 from a Himalayan, explained: “I wanted something that could handle weekend adventures but also be comfortable for my daily 60km commute. The extra power of the Tiger makes highway sections enjoyable rather than just tolerable, and there’s a sense of effortless performance that you simply can’t get from smaller-displacement bikes.”
Suspension duties are handled by Showa 41mm upside-down separate function forks with 150mm travel up front and a Showa monoshock with remote hydraulic preload adjustment and 150mm travel at the rear. While these travel figures are less than some more offroad-focused machines, they provide an excellent balance for riders who spend more time on tarmac but still want capability on occasional unpaved excursions.
The tech package is impressive, featuring ride-by-wire with two riding modes (Road and Rain), traction control, and switchable ABS. The 17.2-liter fuel tank provides excellent range, while the adjustable windscreen helps manage airflow for varied riding conditions and rider heights.
4. Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT: Japanese Reliability Meets Adventure Versatility
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT has earned a global reputation for its blend of reliability, performance, and value – qualities that translate well to the Indian market despite its relatively premium ₹8.90 lakh (ex-showroom) price tag.
Powered by a 645cc V-twin engine that delivers 70 PS at 8,800 rpm and 62 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, the V-Strom offers nearly 75% more power than the Himalayan 450. However, raw numbers tell only part of the story – the V-twin configuration delivers a unique character with strong low-end and mid-range torque that proves particularly valuable in real-world adventure riding scenarios.
During my testing through the Western Ghats near Mahabaleshwar, the V-Strom demonstrated exceptional versatility across varied terrain. The engine’s tractable nature means it pulls cleanly from low rpm in technical sections while still offering exciting performance when the roads open up.
Pradeep Singh, a veterinarian from Pune who uses his V-Strom for both professional visits to remote farms and weekend getaways, shared: “After five years and over 50,000 kilometers on my V-Strom, I’m still impressed by how it manages to be so many different bikes in one package. The power advantage over bikes like the Himalayan becomes most apparent when you’re carrying a pillion and luggage on mountain roads – situations where you need that extra reserve.”
The bike features fully adjustable 43mm telescopic forks with 150mm travel up front and a link-type monoshock with rebound damping adjustment and 159mm travel at the rear. Ground clearance stands at a respectable 216mm, while the wire-spoke wheels (19-inch front, 17-inch rear) with tubeless tires strike a good balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.
The technological package includes Suzuki’s Low RPM Assist system, Easy Start System, and a three-mode traction control system that can be fully disabled for off-road riding. The large 20-liter fuel tank provides excellent range between fill-ups, making it ideal for exploring remote areas where fuel availability might be limited.
5. Kawasaki Versys 650: Green Machine with Touring Soul
The Kawasaki Versys 650 has earned a loyal following globally for its road-biased adventure touring capabilities, and at ₹7.36 lakh (ex-showroom), it represents a significant step up in performance from the Himalayan 450 while remaining somewhat accessible in the premium segment.
Drawing power from a 649cc parallel-twin engine that generates 66 PS at 8,500 rpm and 61 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm, the Versys 650 offers performance that comprehensively outclasses the Himalayan. The parallel-twin configuration delivers smooth power across the rev range, with particularly strong mid-range thrust that proves invaluable for loaded touring.
During extensive testing on the Delhi-Jaipur highway and through the twisty roads around Sariska, the Versys impressed with its stability, comfort, and ability to maintain high cruising speeds effortlessly. While more road-focused than some competitors, it handles light off-road duties with sufficient competence for most adventure riders.
Arjun Menon, a photographer from Jaipur who uses his Versys 650 for travel assignments across Rajasthan, noted: “I upgraded from the Himalayan specifically because I needed something that could handle long highway stretches with less fatigue. The Versys’ extra power means I’m running at 60-70% of its capability on highways rather than 90-100% on the Himalayan, which translates to a more relaxed riding experience.”
The suspension system consists of 41mm upside-down forks with adjustable rebound damping and preload with 150mm travel up front, complemented by a gas-charged offset monoshock with remote preload adjustment and 145mm travel at the rear. The 17-inch wheels at both ends confirm the road-biased nature of this machine, though they’re equipped with tires that can handle occasional gravel roads and trails.
The bike features dual 300mm front discs with two-piston calipers and a single 250mm rear disc, all managed by dual-channel ABS. The 21-liter fuel tank offers excellent range, while the adjustable windscreen helps manage wind protection for riders of different heights.
6. Honda CB500X: Japanese Engineering with Adventure Spirit
The Honda CB500X represents the Japanese manufacturer’s entry in the middleweight adventure segment, with a price tag of ₹5.79 lakh (ex-showroom) positioning it as a significant but not unattainable upgrade from the Himalayan 450.
Powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine that produces 47.5 PS at 8,600 rpm and 43.2 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, the CB500X offers approximately 18% more power than the Himalayan 450. While this might not seem as dramatic as some competitors on this list, the parallel-twin configuration delivers this power with exceptional refinement and accessibility that transforms the riding experience.
During my testing through the varied landscapes of Gujarat, from the salt flats of the Rann to the twisty roads of the Girnar hills, the CB500X demonstrated the Honda hallmarks of refinement, reliability, and thoughtful engineering. The power delivery is linear and predictable, inspiring confidence in various riding conditions.
Amrita Das, a travel writer from Ahmedabad who chose the CB500X after considering several alternatives including the Himalayan, explained: “For me, the Honda’s balance of performance and manageability was the deciding factor. It has noticeably more punch than the Himalayan, especially when fully loaded, but packages it in a way that never feels intimidating or overwhelming.”
Suspension duties are handled by 41mm telescopic forks with 150mm travel up front and a Pro-Link monoshock with 135mm travel at the rear. Ground clearance stands at 181mm, while the 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination provides a good compromise between on-road stability and off-road capability.
The technological package includes Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), dual-channel ABS, full LED lighting, and an LCD instrument cluster. The 17.7-liter fuel tank, combined with the engine’s excellent efficiency, ensures good range between fill-ups.
Power with Purpose
While the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 represents excellent value and adequate performance for many riders, these six alternatives demonstrate what’s possible when manufacturers prioritize power alongside adventure capabilities. From the accessible upgrade path of the KTM 390 Adventure to the premium performance of the Triumph Tiger Sport 660, each offers distinctive character alongside their power advantage.
The choice ultimately depends on your riding priorities, budget constraints, and personal preferences. For those who regularly tackle challenging terrain with a full load of touring gear, or who simply appreciate the confidence that comes with having performance in reserve, these six jhaakas alternatives prove that adventure riding doesn’t have to mean compromising on power.
As the adventure motorcycle segment continues to evolve in India, riders have never had better options for machines that combine capability, comfort, and performance. Whether your adventures take you to the highest mountain passes or simply through the urban jungle with occasional weekend escapes, these six machines demonstrate that leaving the Himalayan 450 behind in terms of power opens up new possibilities for adventure.