2021 Dakar Rally rider, Ashish Raorane, set a new highest hill climb record with the small but capable KTM 390 Adventure.
To add the bittersweet success, Raorane was racing against 11-time Radi de Himalaya winner Suresh Raina, who was driving his rally-sec Championship SUV.
The 12.5km hill-climb, from Batal to Kunzum La was located at the height of 4,000 meters above sea level and offered 20 hairpin bends with an outside temperature of -5 degrees Celcius.
Raina was first to hit the road with his Championship SUV, but after Turn 18 and clocking 11 minutes 49 seconds, his loyal machine suffered engine block damage due to the treacherous road conditions.
Raorane, went next with the 390 Adventure and managed to reach the finish line with an outstanding time of 13 minutes and 4 seconds! According to KTM India, it was the quickest time set by any person.
Raorane was also 36 seconds faster than Raina at Turn 18.
Surprisingly, the 390 Adventure was in a stock condition which also means the motorcycle managed to overcome the severe road condition with the 19″ (front) and 17″ (rear) alloy rims.
For more info on KTM 390 Adventure, please CLICK HERE.
