Name: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
Brand: Indian
SKU: 17-1657
Price: 2999000 INR
Availability: InStock

"
<div id='div-gpt-ad-1685987407542-0' style='min-width: 728px; min-height: 90px;'>
  <script>
    googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685987407542-0'); });
  </script>
</div>"

"
<div id='div-gpt-ad-1685988724717-0' style='min-width: 300px; min-height: 250px;'>
  <script>
    googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685988724717-0'); });
  </script>
</div>"

"
<div id='div-gpt-ad-1685987668152-0' style='min-width: 300px; min-height: 250px;'>
  <script>
    googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685987668152-0'); });
  </script>
</div>"

"
<div id='div-gpt-ad-1685988870867-0' style='min-width: 300px; min-height: 250px;'>
  <script>
    googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685988870867-0'); });
  </script>
</div>"

"
<div id='div-gpt-ad-1685987668152-0' style='min-width: 300px; min-height: 600px;'>
  <script>
    googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685987668152-0'); });
  </script>
</div>"

"
<div id='div-gpt-ad-1685987555582-0' style='min-width: 728px; min-height: 90px;'>
  <script>
    googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685987555582-0'); });
  </script>
</div>"

"
<div id='div-gpt-ad-1685988818626-0' style='min-width: 300px; min-height: 250px;'>
  <script>
    googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685988818626-0'); });
  </script>
</div>"

Indian Chieftain Dark Horse bike price starts at ₹2999000. Check specifications, features, mileage, colours, variants, images, FAQs, news, reviews, and videos.

<div id='div-gpt-ad-1685987668152-0' style='min-width: 300px; min-height: 250px;'>
  <script>
    googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685987668152-0'); });
  </script>
</div>

<div class="newsletter-bg">
		<div class="newsletter">
			<label> Subscribe to autoX Weekly Newsletter</label>		
		</div>
		<div class="main">
			<form id="frmWidgetNewsLetter" class="daily-newsletter-form">
				<input name="email" placeholder="your email address here" id="txtEmail" required="" type="email" autocomplete="off" >			
				<input name="submit" class="newsletterimg subscription-button" value="" type="submit">
				<span class="email_error"></span>
				<div class="subscriptions-response" ></div>
			</form>
		</div>		
	  </div>

<div id='div-gpt-ad-1685987583233-0' style='min-width: 300px; min-height: 250px;'>
  <script>
    googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685987583233-0'); });
  </script>
</div>

Start Type

Indian

Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

<p><strong>The Chieftain gets the Dark Horse treatment. We swing a leg to find out how different is this iteration from the standard model?</strong></p>

<p>Say you have 40 lakh rupees and want to buy another set of wheels for yourself. Some would go out and pick an entry-level luxury sedan while some others would consider a brawny go-anywhere SUV. But neither of these will help you stand out in a crowd, make your social circle sit up and take notice or give you the pride of owning something exclusive. So, what then is the solution? Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse.</p>

<p><img alt="2016 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Static" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-96679" src="/uploads/2017/04/Indian-chieftain-dark-horse-static-m.jpg" style="font-weight: 300; width: 642px; height: 336px;" /></p>

<p>First things first, the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is not an all-new model – more like a variant of the standard Chieftain. With that in mind, there isn’t much to set the Chieftain Dark Horse apart from its namesake. It follows the ‘you can have it in any colour as long as it’s black’ philosophy. The matte black shade that the Chieftain Dark Horse comes in, adds to the retro appeal. That being said, it tends to attract dust quite easily. Aside from the paint scheme, just like the Chief Dark Horse, this one too is a single-seat version of the Chieftain. But the pictures show a motorcycle with a pillion seat as well? Like most cruiser motorcycles, the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse too comes with a lot of customisable options, and the pillion seat is one of them. In fact, of the 300-part accessory brochure, nearly half of them fit the Chieftain Dark Horse. This one here has been fitted with accessories worth more than Rs 2 lakhs.</p>

<p>Other changes on the Chieftain Dark Horse include blacked out engine and a black handlebar. A cruiser without chrome bits is like pizza without cheese. The exhaust pipes, fuel cap, rivets on the seat and the hinges of the panniers, all are finished in chrome, which add a sense of contrast to the Dark Horse. If you are the kind that wants to go overboard with black, some of these parts can also be replaced by gloss black ones.</p>

<p><img alt="2016 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Rear Static" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-96676" src="/uploads/2017/04/Indian-chieftain-dark-horse-rear-static-m.jpg" style="font-weight: 300; width: 642px; height: 336px;" /></p>

<p>While these few aspects differentiate the Dark Horse from the standard trim, it shares the same intimidating proportions. The Chieftain Dark Horse is humungous – it is just 2 feet shorter than a Tata Nano and weighs exactly half as much. Intrigued? While most would find the dimensions and the weight of the motorcycle to be quite daunting, once on the go, it isn’t difficult to manage. In fact, it is only when pushing it into parking spots that the Chieftain Dark Horse tends to make its weight evident.</p>

<p><img alt="2016 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse instrumentation" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-96675" src="/uploads/2017/04/Indian-chieftain-dark-horse-instrumentation-m.jpg" style="font-weight: 300; width: 642px; height: 336px;" /></p>

<p>Just like any other high-end cruiser, the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse too comes heavily loaded with features. It gets keyless start, remote locking hard saddle bags, power windshield and tyre pressure monitoring as standard. To make the ride entertaining it also comes with a 100 Watt stereo with radio, USB and Bluetooth compatibility. Other features include ABS and cruise control.</p>

<p><img alt="2016 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Motion" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-96677" src="/uploads/2017/04/Indian-chieftain-dark-horse-ridden-m.jpg" style="font-weight: 300; width: 642px; height: 336px;" /></p>

<p>Like I mentioned before, the Chieftain Dark Horse is more like a variant of the Chieftain. This means at the heart, this one too gets a 1,811cc Thunderstroke 111 V-twin engine. It feels reasonably refined but there’s no escaping the pulsation that comes with a high-displacement V-twin powerplant. It isn’t the quickest to climb up the revs either, but the 72bhp motor doesn’t feel stressed to lug the 377kg weight of the motorcycle. The Chieftain Dark Horse has all the characteristics to help you clock long distances with ease. While it makes its peak 138.9Nm of torque at 2,600rpm, a good chunk of it comes in as low as 1,000rpm which helps while overtaking at higher speeds on the highway. Although the engine is tremendously tractable, it is the heat it dissipates that bothers the most. With the kind of weather conditions we have here, it does become a painful affair to ride it in the city. This can be attributed to the fact that it is an air-cooled unit and not a liquid-cooled one. However, when cruising on the highway at consistent speeds you don’t quite feel the heat on your legs.</p>

<p>The Dark Horse comes mated to a 6-speed transmission that isn’t as smooth as we would have liked – shifting between gears is quite a clunky affair. In fact, during our ride, we also found it to be stuck in neutral on several occasions while shifting from first to second. The clutch action is on the heavier side and can be painful especially while riding in traffic.</p>

<p><img alt="2016 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Seat" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-96678" src="/uploads/2017/04/Indian-chieftain-dark-horse-seat-m.jpg" style="font-weight: 300; width: 642px; height: 336px;" /></p>

<p>For a motorcycle that weighs more than 370kg, the <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-bikes/indian/chieftain-dark-horse/">Indian Chieftain Dark Horse</a> does spring a surprise with its handling prowess. Show the bike some twisties and it won’t feel nervous while changing direction. In fact, it is easy to maintain decent speeds and follow a smooth line in and out of corners. The weight, however, does become evident when riding at slower speeds. But that aside there is really not much to complain about. The ride quality is plush and the Chieftain takes bumps and undulations in its stride without sending harsh messages to your lower back. However, you will have to be cautions and take it slow and sideways over some of the larger potholes and bumps. With a minimum ground clearance of 142mm, the underbelly does tend to scrape.</p>

<p><img alt="2016 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Action" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-96673" src="/uploads/2017/04/Indian-chieftain-dark-horse-in-action-m.jpg" style="font-weight: 300; width: 642px; height: 336px;" /></p>

<p>Stopping power to the Chieftain Dark Horse is provided by two 300mm discs up front and a single 300mm one at the back. It also comes equipped with a dual-channel ABS. The motorcycle that we had on test seemed to lack enough bite and feel from the front brakes – the rear, however, felt adequate.</p>

<p>The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is not an easy motorcycle to live with – it heats up quickly, is humongous and heavy; but once you are out on the highway, it is comfortable and relaxed. Not to mention, <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-bikes/indian/">Indian</a> Motorcycles must be lauded for the refined motor and the features that the Chieftain has been fitted with. I am going to say this out loud – the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse isn’t for everyone, especially with the Rs 32.50 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) price tag it carries. It will require you to be a bit whacky to sign that cheque in favour of Indian Motorcycles instead of a luxury car maker. But I assure you, what you get in return will be immensely enchanting.</p>


Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Review: First Ride

The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is a blacked-out variant of the standard Chieftain. That said, the hefty cruiser from the American bike maker carries a hefty price tag to the north of Rs.30 lakhs. So is it worth it? Read on in our extensive review.

Kia Carens Clavis vs Maruti Suzuki XL6 Spec Comparison: What's Different?

F1 Restores Inaugural Race in Colour to Mark 75 Years

Skoda Kylaq vs Hyundai i20 N Line vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx Turbo: Best Budget Hot Hatch?

Top 5 Car Care Tips and Tricks to Beat the Summer Heat

This Lamborghini Urus Gets a Batmobile-Style Bulletproof Upgrade by Rezvani

Kia Carens Clavis Vs Hyundai Alcazar Spec Comparison: What's Different?

The Kylaq, i20 N Line, & Fronx Turbo have all the ingredients to classify as a ‘hot hatch’ for the masses, but which one can truly be called the best?

<p>
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time!</p>

<p>Well, since July 2013 to be exact – that’s the last time I drove a Ferrari V12 convertible. And it just so happens that the Ferrari 12Cilindri is the spiritual successor of this very machine – a 1971 365 GTS, the Daytona Spider, which directly inspired the styling of the front-end of this machine.
      
    <br></p>
  
<p>At the time, even in my wildest dreams I couldn’t have possibly imagined that over a decade later, on the 16th of April 2024, Ferrari would ensure that the lineage of the front-engined V12 GT would endure, thanks to the 12Cilindri.</p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/03/1741785060147-1jvd-Ferrari-12Cilindri-Spider-Front.webp" alt="Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider-Front.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p>

<p>And I certainly couldn’t have predicted that I would be at Maranello on that fateful day, when both the Berlinetta and Spider would be unveiled to an unsuspecting bunch of motoring journalists from across the globe. But that was just the unveil. This would finally be my chance to get behind the wheel – here in Cascais in Portugal, on the western most tip of the European continent.</p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/03/1741784879542-zhk3-Ferrari-12Cilindri-Spider-infotainment-screen.webp" alt="Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider-infotainment-screen.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>The 12Cilindri Spider was kitted out in its launch livery of Verde Toscana, which was offset perfectly by the black contrasting trim. And, to my eyes, it’s an absolutely stunning machine – a design that, for some reason, the pictures simply do no justice! It’s clean and elegant, while being muscular and curvaceous at the same time. There’s a timelessness to the design, and I personally think it’ll age very well indeed.</p>

    
  
    
  


<h2>So, what’s all the fuss about?</h2>

<p>Well, the name is a dead giveaway – the car is pronounced Dodici Cilindri, which literally translates to 12 cylinders in Italian. The engine was so important to this machine – so central to Ferrari in fact – that they decided to name this car after its engine configuration. You see, across the industry, engines are either being downsized and turbocharged or hybridised, or both, so the idea of a naturally aspirated V12 is not just truly alluring but also incredibly courageous from the Prancing Horse. </p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/03/1741784948629-7w76-Ferrari-12Cilindri-Spider-Rear-View.webp" alt="Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider-Rear-View.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>Now that’s not to say that Ferrari hasn’t also gone down the turbo and hybrid route already – in fact, with its performance flagship, the SF90, it’s attached a pair of turbos to a V8, not to mention added a battery pack and a set of motors to give it 1,000 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, in the achingly beautiful and spectacularly fast 296, it’s even gone down the V6 route (which is also turbocharged and hybridised) for the first time since the Dino in the 60s. And, of course, it’s also heading down the EV route, with its first all-electric supercar that will be revealed later this year.</p><p>But Ferrari also wants to retain the essence of its GT cars from the 50s and 60s, which is where the 12Cilindri comes in. And so, this successor to the 812 Superfast gave up its ultimate performance throne to the SF90 and instead embraced its GT roots to make the most of the V12 under the bonnet – which can be both incredibly refined but also insanely explosive, depending on what you do with your right foot.</p>

    
  
    
  


<h2>So, what’s under the hood?</h2>

<p>Now, we’ve been over the specs before, but it bears repeating – it’s a 6.5-litre V12 that produces a scarcely believable 128bhp per litre for a total power output of 818bhp at 9,250rpm and 678Nm at 7,250rpm. It redlines at, brace yourself, 9,500rpm, and it’s so incredibly smooth, plus it revs so fast thanks to its titanium conrods, that you can get up to the redline and not even know it unless you’re looking at the digital tach on the instrument cluster.</p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/03/1741784971851-vk7o-Ferrari-12Cilindri-Spider-1.webp" alt="Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider-1.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>Yes, it reaches 100km/h in 2.9 seconds and 200km/h in 7.9 seconds from a standstill, but it also has a cabin outfitted with the finest handstitched Italian leather and all the tech you can possibly imagine. It gets three displays – one for the instrument cluster, one for the central screen, where you can connect your phone, and the third is a passenger screen integrated into the dash, so your unsuspecting co-driver can keep an eye on the revs as he or she hangs on for dear life.</p>
  
    
  


<p>Of course, in true Ferrari fashion, it’s got massive gear shift paddles mounted to the steering column – as opposed to onto the steering wheel – which is just how I like them because you always know where they are. The steering wheel has wiper controls and indicator buttons, as well the famous Manettino switch, which you use to control the driving modes. But it also has a very innocuous button on a panel off to one side of the steering wheel that’s marked HELE, which stands for ‘High Emotion, Low Emission.’ That’s Ferrari-speak for the Auto Start-Stop button. Most cars would have an ‘A’ inside a circle, but that just wouldn’t do on a Ferrari. But the thing is that it’s not contrived in the cabin of this car. It’s simply a result of the Ferrari mindset of passion and precision. Of course, they strive for absolute performance and aim for perfection, but at the heart of every decision is emotion – the emotion it evokes when you interact with the machine. And you get a sense of that ethos from everyone who works at Maranello, regardless of whether that person is in his or her first week or a veteran who’s been there for decades.
      
<br></p>
  
<h2>So, what’s it like from behind the wheel?</h2>

<p>Well, I would love to tell you that I spent my time in the 12Cilindri Spider bouncing off the 9,500rpm rev limiter, but in fact we were met with a torrential downpour that felt less like Southern Europe and more like South Mumbai in the monsoon. But what these conditions did was usher in a complete revelation in terms of just what this Ferrari GT is capable of.</p>

<p>You would imagine that an 800+ horsepower rear drive beast would be a terrifying experience in the pouring rain – especially on the tight and twisting coastal roads of Portugal, but in in truth, with the Manettino set to ‘Wet,’ it was almost as docile as a Fiat Panda. But the minute you bury your right foot into the carpet, it quickly turns into a thoroughbred stallion – but never a bucking Bronco. You can see the traction control button flashing away on the dash as you try and overwhelm the rear tyres, but the electronics are so well calibrated that it modulates the power perfectly to match the prevailing levels of grip. Sure, you can always get in over your head with that much power on tap but show a little restraint and the 12Cilindri will humour and entertain you in equal measure.</p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/03/1741785017763-ioei-Ferrari-12Cilindri-Spider-Rear-Three-Quarter.webp" alt="Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider-Rear-Three-Quarter.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>Of course, any opportunity I got between the near incessant showers, I dropped the top to hear that V12 howl. Sure, it’s slightly muted because of a pair of catalytic convertors and petrol particulate filters, but in ‘Race’ mode, with the flaps in the exhaust open, it’s enough to make your hair stand on end and send chills down your spine. But, really, what stands out in this car is its sheer poise and balance. No one does cohesion quite like Ferrari. Sure, a lot of manufacturers do power and speed quite well, but no one does it with this much style and finesse.</p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/03/1741785044538-hxid-Ferrari-12Cilindri-Spider-Side-Profile.webp" alt="Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider-Side-Profile.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p>

    
  


<p>So, what you’re getting in the 12Cilindri is a level of performance &amp; style mated to a versatility &amp; usability that’s simply unmatched. You get bragging rights and the ultimate tech of course, but what really sets this machine apart is its breadth of capability, which is in a league of one. This really is a car that you can drive cross-country to your favourite racetrack, have a blast at the limit, and then drive home again at breakneck speed – in true GT fashion.</p>

<p>Job well done Ferrari! Thank you for flying the V12 flag – may you continue to do so for a long time to come…</p>




<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>Engine:</strong> 6,496cc V12 (Dry Sump)  </p>

<p><strong>Transmission:</strong> 8-speed DCT</p>

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 819bhp </p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 678Nm</p>
 
<p><strong>Acceleration:</strong> 0-100km/h 2.95 sec</p> 

<p><strong>Fuel:</strong> Petrol</p> 

<p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;Rs 9.15 Crore Ex-showroom</p>

<p><strong>X-Factor:&nbsp;</strong><em>Supremely engineered. Stupendously fast. Stunningly beautiful.</em></p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Pros &nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
			•&nbsp; As fast &amp; versatile as anything ever conceived. </p>

			</td>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Cons</strong><br>
			• Only for the extremely well heeled. </p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>


Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider First Drive Review: Versatility in Verde

We drove a naturally-aspirated V12, convertible Ferrari offering maximum involvement but a torrential downpour threatened to spoil the party.

<p>We were quite eager to&nbsp;get our hands on this bike since it was first teased at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/news/bike-news/eicma-2024-top-india-bound-motorcycles-to-watch-out-for-118832/">EICMA</a>. The <a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/bike-reviews/ktm-390-adventure-review-first-ride-107195/">old 390 Adventure</a> was a blast, don't get me wrong, but it had its quirks, especially when pushed off-road. After spending six months commuting on the Royal Enfield Himalayan, I was curious to see how this new KTM stacked up. Well, we recently had the opportunity to thoroughly ride and test it, and let me tell you that it's a significant leap forward. This isn't just a refresh; it's a full-fledged evolution.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
      <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/02/1740405360146-iso3-KTM-390-Adventure-Web-5.webp" alt="KTM 390 Adventure Web 5.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
    </div>
  <p><br></p><h2>KTM 390 Adventure First Ride Review: Design and Quality<br></h2><p>Let's talk about the design first. It's definitely going to spark debate, but personally, I like it. That rugged rally-inspired Dakar vibe works in its favour. The tall windscreen and short front fender look the part, though I did notice a bit of wind noise from the Indian-spec number plate mount while riding, but it's a minor niggle.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/bike-reviews/kawasaki-klx-230-review-more-capable-than-hero-xpulse-200-and-re-himalayan-450-118831/">Kawasaki KLX 230 Review: More Capable Than Hero Xpulse 200 and RE Himalayan 450?</a></p><p>KTM has tackled some key issues. The 21-inch front and
17-inch rear spoke wheels with tubeless Apollo Tramplr tyres are a huge plus.
The WP Apex suspension is another standout upgrade, offering a noticeably more
compliant and capable ride. An India-specific tweak – the offset rear monoshock
– lowers the seat height to 830mm in the Adventure variant and 825mm in the
Adventure X. On top of that, ground clearance has been increased to a solid
237mm, addressing a major concern from the previous model.</p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/02/1740405472650-uxpi-KTM-390-Adventure-Web-13.webp" alt="KTM 390 Adventure Web 13.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p>
  <p>The pigmented body panels are a nice touch, promising better scratch resistance since they're painted during the moulding process itself. And the standard kit – knuckle guards, engine guard, and bash plate – is quite useful for off-road scrapes. The forged foot levers feel solid, and you can remove the rubber inserts for better grip while riding&nbsp;in the dirt. My only gripe? The flimsy all-plastic knuckle guards&nbsp;–&nbsp;they would have been much better with metal reinforcements.&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/02/1740405792534-0shu-KTM-390-Adventure-Web-7.webp" alt="KTM 390 Adventure Web 7.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>The new bespoke ADV tubular trellis subframe – KTM claims
that it’s 10% more rigid – feels solid and enhances the bike’s overall
stability. Despite the weight dropping to 183kgs, the 14.5-litre fuel tank
remains unchanged. The overall fit and finish are excellent, offering a premium
feel throughout. The 5-inch bonded TFT screen, borrowed from the new 390 Duke,
is crisp, clear, and easily readable even in bright sunlight.<br></p><h2>KTM 390 Adventure First Ride Review: Ergonomics and Features<br></h2><p>The riding position is comfortable and upright – perfect for
long days in the saddle. The new KTM 390 Adventure feels large when you're off
it but seems to shrink around you once you get on and start moving. The
controls are intuitive, and the switchgear is easy to reach. Cruise control is
a welcome addition for highway stints, and the ride modes – Rain, Street, and
Off-Road – are simple to toggle through. A big plus is that ride mode settings
remain unchanged even after switching off the ignition – a thoughtful touch
indeed!</p>
<p>Phone connectivity and navigation feel slick, and the
voice-activated calling is a nice convenience. Unlike the Duke 390, which can
only receive calls, the 390 Adventure allows you to make calls directly from
the bike. Finally, the electronics suite – which includes cornering ABS,
switchable cornering traction control, Quickshifter+, and customizable ride
modes – works seamlessly to enhance both safety and performance.</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/bike-reviews/royal-enfield-himalayan-in-depth-review-the-flying-sherpa-115536/">Royal Enfield Himalayan Review: The Flying Sherpa!</a></p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/02/1740405914040-dchb-KTM-390-Adventure-Web-1.webp" alt="KTM 390 Adventure Web 1.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><h2>KTM 390 Adventure First Ride Review: Performance and Handling<br></h2><p>Now, let’s get to the good stuff – how it rides. The LC4c
399cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine is noticeably smoother, thanks to
the 5mm offset crank. It delivers better low-end grunt than the previous model
but still loves to be revved. Peak power kicks in 1,000rpm sooner, making it
more accessible.</p>
<p>That said, there’s still a noticeable lag before the bike
starts moving. I noticed that it stalled a couple of times when
setting off from a standstill off-road, but far less frequently than the old
bike.</p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/02/1740405943424-ag92-KTM-390-Adventure-Web-15.webp" alt="KTM 390 Adventure Web 15.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>Acceleration is brisk, with 0 – 60 km/h achieved in 2.6
seconds and 0 – 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds – both quicker than the previous
generation model. The improved mid-range power is quite evident, delivering
faster 30 – 70 km/h roll-on acceleration.
Cruise control, which activates above 20 km/h, performs well
on the highway, especially when paired with Quickshifter+, making for a smooth
and hassle-free touring experience.</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/bike-reviews/2024-yezdi-adventure-first-ride-review-better-than-the-himalayan-117960/">2024 Yezdi Adventure First Ride Review: Better Than The Himalayan?</a></p><p>The bike’s heat management has improved, thanks to the
curved radiator and reprofiled shrouds that divert hot air away from the rider
– a definite and noticeable upgrade. The underbelly exhaust, with its claimed
400mm water-wading capacity, handles water crossings with ease, even when the
water level reaches the engine guards.</p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/02/1740406032170-z2yg-KTM-390-Adventure-Web-3.webp" alt="KTM 390 Adventure Web 3.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>The WP Apex suspension has received a significant upgrade,
offering a much more compliant ride, as it effortlessly absorbs bumps and rough
terrain. The adjustable open-cartridge system provides 30 steps of compression
and rebound adjustment at the front, 20 steps at the rear, and 10 steps of
preload adjustment at the rear, allowing for fine-tuning across various riding
conditions.
While the increased suspension travel is a welcome
improvement, I did notice the front forks bottoming out a couple of times
during intense off-road testing – enough to throw me off the line slightly. That
said, it’s a fair trade-off for the bike’s sharp on-road dynamics and a huge
improvement over the previous model’s overly stiff setup, which was a common
complaint.</p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/02/1740406059851-vvw3-KTM-390-Adventure-Web-4.webp" alt="KTM 390 Adventure Web 4.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>
    Off-road, the bike feels light, balanced, and predictable in
technical sections. Compared to the Himalayan, it’s noticeably sharper and more
responsive. The Apollo Tramplr tyres performed decently across varied on- and
off-road conditions. However, since we didn’t lower the tyre pressure when
going off-road, the front end lacked a bit of bite.
The brakes – a 320mm floating disc with a twin-piston calliper
up front and a 240mm rear disc with a single-piston calliper – are strong and
provide good feedback.</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/bike-reviews/royal-enfield-himalayan-vs-triumph-scrambler-400x-115920/">2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan vs Triumph Scrambler 400X: Which is Better for Everyday Adventure?</a></p><h2>KTM 390 Adventure First Ride Review: Verdict<br></h2><p>So, is the new KTM 390 Adventure worth the hype? Absolutely.
It’s a complete and far more refined package. The improvements in engine
smoothness, suspension compliance, and overall capability are substantial. It
still retains the fun, hooligan character we love, but now it’s more versatile
and capable than ever.</p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/02/1740406224156-l0fz-KTM-390-Adventure-Web-6.webp" alt="KTM 390 Adventure Web 6.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>For
someone like me, who loves venturing off the beaten path, this bike is a
serious contender. It’s fun, capable, and feels right. While I’m still eager to
do a proper back-to-back comparison with its rivals, my initial impressions are
overwhelmingly positive. This is a true adventure bike that delivers on its
promises.<br></p>

KTM 390 Adventure First Ride Review: It's Everything You Wanted, And More!

The wait is over. The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure is here, and it's a game-changer. We rode it, pushing it to its limits, and here's our honest take.

<p>Ather introduced their revolutionary Magic Twist regenerative braking system with the 450 Apex, a limited edition model. Then they brought traction control with the Rizta and now, you get the best of both worlds with the updated 450X…and also the new Apex. I got a chance to test out the Magic Twist and the updated traction control system on the new scooter at a go-kart track and even on some off-road patches. So, how good is the 450X now?</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n1zqFDNCeAE?si=8D0u5vi9QkL4qFhH" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2>2025 Ather 450X Review: New Modes and Regen</h2>

<p>The first thing I want to highlight is the multi-level traction control system. While the Rizta had a simpler on-and-off toggle, the new 450 scooters get multiple levels — Rain, Road and Rally. You can also completely switch it off if you want. As one would expect, the traction control system is the most active when you select Rain while Road is meant for daily usage.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/news/bike-news/honda-activa-e-qc-1-bookings-commence-in-india-119454/">Honda Activa e, QC 1 Bookings Commence in India</a></p>

<p>In the Rally mode, the traction control is a lot more lenient and it allows you to kick up some dirt. We tested the modes on some loose sand and it worked really well. There is an appreciable difference when testing the scooter in extreme conditions. While the 450X, does not really need a traction control system, it is good to see it nonetheless.</p>

<p><img alt="2025 Ather 450X Off Road" src="/uploads/2025/01/2025-Ather-450X-off-road.jpg" style="width: 1280px; height: 720px;" /></p>

<p>The 450X still gets the same 8.4bhp motor that is capable of producing 26Nm. It is still just as fun to ride and just as responsive too. Ather has introduced a new set of tyres from MRF&nbsp;with the updated scooters. These tyres have been developed specially for the 450 and are meant to offer more range while not compromising grip. And I must say, that I hardly noticed any issue with the grip from the new rubber. Combined with the new regen braking, this setup is claimed to substantially increase the real-world range of the scooter. As per Ather, the TruRange of the 3.7kWh model has gone up from 105km to 130km. That is a healthy boost and we will be eager to test it out when we have the scooter for a longer time.</p>

<p><img alt="2025 Ather 450X Tyres" src="/uploads/2025/01/2025-Ather-450X-tyres.jpg" style="width: 1280px; height: 720px;" /></p>

<p>What I do feel is a missed opportunity is that there is still no ABS. I think adding ABS over traction control would have been more useful. I did find myself locking the brakes a couple of times when on the track. While you may argue that people ride more gently on the road, let me remind you that the conditions out there can be rather unpredictable. Also, now that the 450X supports traction control modes and regen levels along with ride modes, I think that Ather should display them on the screen as well. This would help the rider in knowing what levels of various settings the scooter is in, rather than having to dig deep into menus.</p>

<h2>2025 Ather 450X Review: Colour Options and UI Updates</h2>

<p>Ather has not changed any aspect of the scooter’s design so it remains the same as before. There are, however, two new colour options available now - Hyper Sand and Stealth Blue. I particularly like the Hyper Sand colour options as it has a nice finish and looks rather refreshing. As a bonus, if you get this colour option, you will not have to worry about the scooter looking dirty because of the shade.</p>

<p><img alt="2025 Ather 450X Screen" src="/uploads/2025/01/2025-Ather-450X-screen.jpg" style="width: 1280px; height: 720px;" /></p>

<p>The new 450 scooters also get Atherstack 6 as part of the software suite. The instrument cluster is the same touch unit and is packed with features. However, the response is still lethargic when you use the map screen. There are noticeable stutters while you pan around. I also noticed that while most of the interface operation is smooth, there are the occasional hiccups and moments when the screen does not react as quickly.</p>

<h2>2025 Ather 450X Review: Is it better?</h2>

<p>Altogether, the 450X remains a smart and fast scooter that is more feature-rich than ever before. I feel the Magic Twist is a great addition and one that will find a lot of daily use. The traction control might be less useful but is a good safety feature still.</p>

<p><img alt="2025 Ather 450X Riding" src="/uploads/2025/01/2025-Ather-450X-riding.jpg" style="width: 1280px; height: 720px;" /></p>

<p>As for the pricing, it has gone up ever so slightly by Rs 6,400 for the base 450X and Rs 2,000 for the 450X with the bigger 3.7kWh battery pack.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/news/bike-news/updated-ather-450s-450x-450-apex-launched-in-india-prices-start-at-rs-130-lakh-119474/">Updated Ather 450S, 450X, 450 Apex Launched in India; Prices Start at Rs 1.30 Lakh</a></p>

<p>Similarly, the 450 Apex has also seen a mere increase of Rs 5,001 on the effective ex-showroom price in Bengaluru. And Ather is throwing in the Halo helmet with the Apex to make it more lucrative. Altogether, despite the price hike, the scooters remain smart and safe options to pick if you are looking for an EV in this segment.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>2025 Ather 450X</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>Motor:</strong> Permanent Magnet AC</p>

<p><strong>Battery:</strong> 3.7kWh</p>

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 8.4BHP</p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 26NM</p>

<p><strong>Price:</strong> ₹1.87 Lakh (Ex-showroom Bengaluru)</p>

<p><strong>X-Factor:&nbsp;</strong><em>The most fun and feature-rich e-scooter</em></p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Pros &nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
			•&nbsp; Quick</p>

			<p>•&nbsp; Smart Design</p>

			<p>•&nbsp;&nbsp;Magic Twist!</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Cons</strong><br />
			• Laggy UI</p>

			<p>•&nbsp;Range</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>


2025 Ather 450X Review: The e-scooter for Rallying?

Ather is not sitting on its laurels and is taking every opportunity to make its 450 range as robust and high-tech as possible.

2025 Camry Hybrid First Drive Review: Luxury and Performance with 25kmpl

The new Toyota Camry Hybrid is a big step up from the last generation when it comes to looks, features, and how it drives, and it’s definitely for the better.

Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

Find the Cars of your Choice

Videos