If you are an off-roader with a limited budget, the Hero Xpulse 200 4V is the motorcycle to go for. But if you can spend a little more, here are the three motorcycles that should be on your list.
Benelli India has recently launched the TRK 251 in India. Just like the larger TRK 502, the Benelli TRK 251 packs a few off-road and touring credentials. The motorcycle mainly rivals the KTM 250 Adventure, which is similar to the former in terms of capacity.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is on sale as well; however, despite its high engine displacement, the Himalayan undercuts the pricing of both the TRK 251 and the 250 Adventure. Therefore, the similarities between the three relatively affordable off-road and touring machines warrant a comparison of their specifications.
Engine
The Himalayan has a clear advantage in the displacement department, but it losses out in terms of power. But the Himalayan regains the advantage in the torque department. The 250 Adventure and the TRK 251 have a substantially low torque output than that of the Himalayan. Additionally, the engine of the Royal Enfield Himalayan is thumper in nature, which effectively means that the engine does not rev as much as that of the other two.
| Benelli TRK 251 | KTM 250 Adventure | Royal Enfield Himalayan | |
| Engine | 249cc / Single-Cylinder / Liquid-Cooled | 248.8cc / Single-Cylinder / Liquid-Cooled | 411cc / Single-Cylinder / oil-Cooled |
| Power | 25.4bhp at 9,250rpm | 29.6bhp at 9,000rpm | 24bhp at 6,500rpm |
| Torque | 21.1Nm at 8,000rpm | 24Nm at 6,000rpm | 32Nm at 4,500rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-Speed | 6-Speed | 5-Speed |
That being said, the peak power and torque of the Himalayan are offered relatively early at 4,500rpm, which is very useful in tricky off-road situations.
While the TRK 251 and the 250 Adventure get a six-speed gearbox, the Himalayan still uses a five-cog transmission. The Himalayan’s big-block engine gets an oil cooler for heat management, while the other two ADVs use a liquid-cooling system.
Cycle parts
The spoke wire wheels of the Himalayan add to its off-road credentials; however, the tyres are not tubeless. Despite the TRK 251 and the 250 Adventure featuring alloy wheels, the tyres are tubeless, which translate to easy maintenance and puncture repair.
| Benelli TRK 251 | KTM 250 Adventure | Royal Enfield Himalayan | |
| Wheel Type | Alloy wheels / Tubeless | Alloy wheels / Tubeless | Spoke-wire / Tube Type |
| Front | 110/70R17 | 100/90R19, | 90/90R21 |
| Rear | 150/60R17 | 130/80R17 | 120/90R17 |
| Fuel Tank | 18-litres | 14.5-litres | 15-litres |
| Ground Clearance | 170mm | 200mm | 220mm |
| Seat Height | 800mm | 855mm | 800mm |
| Kerb Weight | 164kgs (dry) | 177kgs (wet) | 199kgs (wet) |
The front-wheel size of the Royal Enfield Himalayan, which is 21-inch, is best suited for off-roading. The KTM 250 Adventure also gets 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel sizes, which work well off the tarmac. The Benelli TRK 251 gets 17-inch alloy wheels on both ends, which are best suited for urban riding. That being said, the TRK 251 gets the largest fuel tank, which means that it offers the highest full-tank range.
The KTM 250 Adventure has a seat height of 855mm, which is pretty high for average built riders. Unfortunately, KTM India does not even offer a seat lowering kit as an accessory.
Suspension & Brakes
The Himalayan gets the conventional telescopic front forks, while the other two feature USD forks. Despite the basic conventional forks on offer in the Himalayan, the motorcycle offers the highest suspension travel on both ends. Additionally, the Himalayan also offers the highest ground clearance at 220mm.
| Benelli TRK 251 | KTM 250 Adventure | Royal Enfield Himalayan | |
| Suspension (F) | Upside Down Forks | WP Apex Upside Down Forks | Conventional Telescopic |
| Travel (F) | 135mm | 170mm | 200mm |
| Suspension (R) | Mono-shock | WP Apex Mono-shock | Mono-Shock |
| Travel (R) | 51mm | 177mm | 180mm |
The KTM 250 Adventure has a radially mounted brake calliper at the front, while the other two get floating callipers at the front.
Pricing
Out of the three, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is the most affordable at Rs 2.10 lakh (ex-showroom). The KTM 250 Adventure has been priced at Rs 2.35 lakh (ex-showroom), and the Benelli TRK 251 has been priced at Rs 2.51 lakh (ex-showroom).
In an on-paper comparison, the Himalayan seems to be a wise choice; however, the Benelli TRK and KTM 250 Adventure have some tricks up their sleeve too. Also, KTM is expected to bring the updated KTM 250 Adventure to the Indian market sometime by Q1 of 2022.
Also Read:
India-bound 2022 Benelli Leoncino 250 revealed
EICMA 2021: Benelli TRK 800 adventure motorcycle revealed
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