KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- BMW F 450 GS is the only twin-cylinder bike in the comparison
- KTM 390 Adventure offers the most advanced electronics package
- Himalayan 450 is the most affordable of the lot
BMW F 450 GS, after a long run of speculations and spy shot sightings, is finally here at a starting price of Rs 4.70 lakhs ex-showroom, giving the ADV segment a bigger and new player. Carrying forward the legacy of its bigger GS siblings, known for their prowess both on and off the road, the enthusiast circle is keenly observing and pitting it against the other probable options. While the premium white and blue badge could sway away some buyers aspiring to be a part of the elite unit, is it that good when compared to its rivals? In this section, we take a look at the numbers of the F 450 GS compared with its arch rivals, the Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
Also Read- KTM 390 Duke, 390 Adventure Get New 350cc Variants: Prices Start at Rs 2.77 Lakh
BMW F 450 GS vs Rivals: Dimensions Comparison
| BMW F 450 GS | KTM 390 Adventure | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 1465 mm | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Seat Height | 845 mm | 830 mm | 825 mm (adjustable) |
| Ground Clearance | 220mm | 237 mm | 230 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 178 kg | 182 kg | 198 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 14 litres | 14.5 litres | 17 litres |
The Himalayan 450 is clearly the biggest and most rugged, with the longest wheelbase and highest fuel capacity, ideal for touring and rough terrain. while the BMW F 450 GS sits in between, offering a premium yet manageable ADV stance. Which one looks the best is something that is a subjective thing, and you can decide for yourself what appeals to you the most.
Engine Specifications
| BMW F 450 GS | KTM 390 Adventure S | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Parallel-twin | Single-cylinder | Single-cylinder |
| Displacement | 420 cc | 398.32 cc | 452 cc |
| Power | 47.5 PS | 46 PS | 40 PS |
| Torque | 43 Nm | 39 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed |
The BMW stands out with its twin-cylinder setup, offering smoother performance and better highway refinement. The KTM is the most performance-oriented in terms of revving nature, while the Himalayan focuses on torque delivery and low-end grunt for off-road riding. However, in terms of outright output, the BMW F 450 GS gets the most punch with max power and torque figures, not to mention it is also the only bike here with a parallel twin set-up, which will be ultimately smoother than the other two on this list.
Features Comparison
When you look at the features side by side, each bike clearly follows a different philosophy. The KTM 390 Adventure is the most electronics-heavy machine here, packing in rider aids like traction control, cornering ABS, multiple ride modes, and a standard quickshifter, making it the most tech-forward choice for enthusiasts. The BMW F 450 GS, on the other hand, focuses more on a premium feel and touring convenience, offering features like a larger TFT display, heated grips, refined electronics like ABS Pro and engine brake control, along with optional upgrades like Riding Modes Pro and quickshifter on higher variants. The Himalayan 450 takes a more straightforward approach by skipping complex electronics, while still delivering essentials like ride-by-wire, navigation-enabled TFT, and switchable ABS, prioritising usability and reliability over outright tech. While the features sometimes make the ride more convenient, they're not always the biggest turn-off, as these rivals offer a decent set of basic features, with the distinctions aimed at different segments of riders.
Also Read- BMW F 450 GS Variants Explained- Base, Executive, & GS Trophy
Price Comparison
| Price (Ex-showroom) | |
|---|---|
| BMW F 450 GS | Rs 4.70 - Rs 5.30 lakh |
| KTM 390 Adventure | Rs 3.97 lakh |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | Rs 3.06 - Rs 3.37 lakh |
The pricing of these three adventure bikes clearly reflects their positioning in the segment. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, priced between Rs 3.06 lakh and Rs 3.37 lakh (ex-showroom), is the most affordable option, making it ideal for buyers seeking strong off-road ability and touring practicality without stretching their budget. The KTM 390 Adventure, at Rs 3.97 lakh, sits in the middle, offering a more performance-oriented package with advanced electronics and sharper dynamics. At the top end, the BMW F 450 GS, priced from Rs 4.70 lakh to Rs 5.30 lakh, commands a significant premium, but justifies it with a twin-cylinder engine, superior refinement, and more premium features. In essence, the Himalayan focuses on value, the KTM balances performance and tech, while the BMW delivers a more upscale and refined adventure experience.
Verdict
Each of these motorcycles targets a different kind of rider. The BMW F 450 GS is clearly the most premium offering here, with a twin-cylinder engine and advanced touring features, making it ideal for those who want refinement and brand value. The KTM 390 Adventure is the most tech-loaded and performance-focused, perfect for riders who want sharp handling and cutting-edge electronics. Meanwhile, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 remains the most practical and value-driven choice, offering strong torque, rugged capability, and long-distance comfort at a much lower price point. If budget isn't a constraint and you want a refined ADV experience, the BMW stands out. For enthusiasts who want maximum features and performance, the KTM is hard to ignore. But if you're looking for a dependable, go-anywhere machine with strong real-world usability, the Himalayan still makes the strongest case.
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