KTM 390 Adventure hits the Himalayas
See what the pint-sized adventure bike can do as it goes up against India's highest hill climb challenge…It may be the smallest adventure bike in KTM's arsenal, but don't for a second think the KTM 390 Adventure isn't capable of scaling great heights – as this YouTube clip from KTM India amply demonstrates...
Kunzum Kaiser
Late last year rider Ashish Raorane – himself a handy rally competitor who has finished 12th in the Baja World Championship and was the first Indian to finish the grueling Africa Eco Race – piloted a KTM 390 Adventure in a head-to-head challenge on India's highest hill climb, claiming the title of 'Kunzum Kaiser' in the process.
His rival, seasoned rally raid steerer Suresh Rana, was campaigning a rally-spec 4WD, which ultimately couldn't handle the dizzying altitude, the rugged conditions, and the hot pace. The vehicle broke down halfway through the time-trial event, recording a DNF.
Related reading:
Adventure bike buyer's guide, below 400cc
Adventure bike buyer's guide, 400cc to 900cc
Adventure bike buyer's guide, over 900cc
2020 KTM 390 Adventure Review
Himalaya high
The Kuzum Kaiser challenge saw the pair start out from Batal, in the Spiti Valley in the Himalayas in India's north-east, before climbing to Kunzum La, at the top of the Kunzum Pass.
The hill climb might only be 12.5km in length but it’s a terrifying trek, with sub-zero temperatures, rocky and dusty terrain, snow and ice, and fierce winds. Oh, and the altitude doesn't exactly make things any easier – the run begins at an altitude of 4000m and culminates at Kunzum La at 4551m. Even basic tasks like walking and talking become a challenge at heights like that!
Still, none of it deterred Raorane nor his KTM, who finished the run in 13 minutes and four seconds.
Compared to middleweight or big-bore adventure bikes, the LAMS-compliant KTM 390 Adventure can 'only' muster a modest output of 44hp at 9000rpm and 37Nm at 7000rpm. But its relatively light weight (158kg dry) and modern rider assistance systems – including Cornering ABS, Off-road ABS, and traction control – make it a handy tool off the bitumen, as Raorane will attest!
Images courtesy KTM India
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