KTM 390 Adventure wins on the on world’s highest hill climb

THE KTM 390 Adventure has taken an unlikely win, as a modified version of the A2-friendly adventure bike has won the Kunzum Kaiser.

KTM 390 Adventure - Full Review 2021 | Off-road

The event takes place in the Spiti Valley, with the stage beginning in Batal and ending in Kunzam La, 551-metres higher, 12.5km and 20 turns away. The KTM was being ridden by Dakar hopeful for 2022 Ashish Raorane, while his challenger, driving a custom-built rally raid 4x4, was Suresh Rana. The bike had 43bhp, knobbly tyres and, well that seems to be about it. The rally raid off-roader was putting out a reported 160bhp and was tailor-made to take part in the Himalayan Rally.

World’s Highest Hill Climb Challenge | KTM Adventure

As anyone who has ridden a small capacity bike at altitude will tell you, it’s not easy. The thin air being gulped into the engine while at 4,300m (14,100ft) is so devoid of any oxygen it makes combustion difficult. This coupled with the harsh nature of the course was the deciding factor in the race, as Rana was forced to retire with just a couple of corners to go after a mechanical issue ruled him out.

This left Raorane the win on a plate, although as you can see from the video, he wasn’t hanging about, eventually taking the finish line in 13m4secs, with an average speed of more than 35mph – the fastest time recorded at the stage. 

Lead image copyright from: Facebook KTM India