KTM 390 Adventure

KTM 390 ADVENTURE PRICE & OVERVIEW

PERFORMANCE

The heart of the KTM 390 Adventure is its newly upgraded 399 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This powerplant, shared with the latest KTM 390 Duke, represents a significant step from the previous 373 cc engine. It delivers an impressive Power of 46PS @ 8500rpm and 39Nm
@ 6500rpm of torque, allowing riders ample power for highway cruising and off-road excursions.

The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox, ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery across various riding conditions. Thanks to the optimised power-to-weight ratio, one of the model’s standout features is its ability to handle steep climbs efficiently. The engine’s smooth acceleration characteristics make it equally adept at navigating city traffic and conquering challenging terrains. This versatility is further enhanced by the bike’s chassis design, which features a new split-trellis frame that improves weight distribution and stability.

MILEAGE AND EFFICIENCY

While official figures are promising, real-world performance can vary based on riding conditions and individual riding styles. According to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the KTM 390 Adventure is certified with an average mileage of 32.7 kmpl under ideal test conditions. However, real-world mileage reports from KTM 390 Adventure owners in India provide a more practical perspective. On average, riders report achieving approximately 28 kmpl in mixed riding conditions.

Some users have even reported maximum mileage figures of up to 31 kmpl in city conditions and an impressive 36-37 kmpl on highways when maintaining the bike under 6000 RPM. It’s important to note that these figures fluctuate based on traffic conditions, road quality, and individual riding habits. Nevertheless, the KTM 390 Adventure demonstrates competitive fuel efficiency for its class, making it an attractive option for riders seeking a balance between performance and economy.

KTM 390 ADVENTURE FEATURES

The KTM 390 Adventure has advanced features that set it apart in the adventure-touring segment.

1. 5-inch TFT Digital Instrument Console
2. Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone integration
3. Access to navigation, music controls, and call notifications
4. Enhances long-distance touring capabilities
5. Reduces rider fatigue on highways
6. Multiple Riding Modes
7. Street, Rain, Off-Road
8. Switchable Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC)
9. Improved stability and control
10. Dual-channel ABS with Supermoto mode
11. Cornering and off-road ABS
12. Bi-directional quick-shifter
13. Slipper clutch for smooth gear transitions
14. LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
15. Vertically stacked dual LED projector lamps
16. Enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions

HANDLING

The KTM 390 Adventure is engineered to deliver exceptional handling characteristics, making it a versatile choice for both on-road and off-road adventures. At the heart of its handling prowess is a tubular steel trellis frame, derived from the latest 390 Duke but with specific geometry and rigidity tailored for adventure riding. This frame design contributes significantly to the bike’s agility and stability, providing a solid foundation for tackling various terrains. The suspension setup is key to the 390 Adventure’s handling capabilities.

It features 43mm WP Apex upside-down forks at the front and a WP Apex mono-shock at the rear. The Adventure R variant offers adjustable compression and rebound damping, allowing riders to fine-tune the suspension according to the terrain. This adaptability enhances the bike’s off-road capabilities, ensuring optimal performance across riding conditions. The wheel configuration plays a crucial role in the bike’s handling characteristics. The 390 Adventure R has wire-spoke wheels measuring 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear. This setup is ideal for off-road riding, providing better shock absorption and traction on uneven surfaces.

The larger front wheel, in particular, contributes to improved stability and obstacle clearance when navigating rough terrains. The braking system of the 390 Adventure is designed to provide confident stopping power in various conditions. It features a 320mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, paired with ByBre callipers. The R variant includes a floating front disc, which enhances braking performance, especially in off-road scenarios. Additionally, the bike is equipped with switchable ABS that consists of an off-road mode, allowing the rear wheel to lock for better control on loose surfaces.

COMFORT

The bike’s ergonomic design allows for a comfortable riding posture, which reduces fatigue on extended journeys. One of the standout comfort features is the suspension system. The open-cartridge forks with 200 mm travel at the front and a mono-shock with 205 mm at the rear offer full adjustability regarding compression, rebound damping, and preload. This level of adjustability ensures that riders can fine-tune their suspension settings to match different riding conditions, from smooth highways to rugged trails, thereby maximising comfort and control. The seat design of the 390 Adventure is another aspect that contributes to rider comfort.

It features a two-part seat that provides unmatched comfort and rider control. The seat is narrower in the front than the rear, enhancing comfort and improving control, especially during off-road riding. For long-distance touring, the 390 Adventure includes modern electronic features such as cruise control and a segment-first feature. This addition significantly reduces rider fatigue on extended highway stretches. Furthermore, the bike offers switchable Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) and cornering MTC, enhancing stability and rider confidence in various riding conditions.

BUILD QUALITY

The KTM 390 Adventure showcases significant improvements in build quality, reflecting KTM’s commitment to durability and performance. The bike features a redesigned steel-trellis frame and a revised rear subframe, improving rigidity and handling characteristics. This new frame design, shared with KTM’s smaller-capacity Duke and Enduro R models, has been modified to enhance off-road performance. The model’s overall design draws inspiration from KTM’s Dakar rally bikes, presenting a more aggressive and muscular appearance. This improves the bike’s aesthetics and contributes to its functional capabilities.

The seat height has been lowered to 830 mm, making the bike more accessible to a broader range of riders. In comparison, the ground clearance increased to 227 mm, further enhancing its off-road prowess. In terms of components, the KTM 390 Adventure features high-quality materials and finishes throughout. The fully adjustable suspension components, including the WP Apex USD forks, are built to withstand the rigours of both on-road and off-road use.

The bike’s wheels have also been upgraded, with the Adventure S variant featuring 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoked wheels, ideal for tackling challenging terrains. While the model has seen a slight increase in weight due to the more substantial frame and additional features, this is offset by the improved handling and overall performance enhancements. The attention to detail in the build quality is evident in every aspect of the bike, from the robust frame to the precisely engineered engine components.

STYLING

The KTM 390 Adventure showcases a striking design that draws significant inspiration from Dakar rally motorcycles. This rally-inspired aesthetic is evident in several key design elements contributing to form and function. At the front, the bike features a high-mounted beak-style fender, adding to its aggressive appearance and practical purpose in off-road riding. The lighting setup is equally impressive, with vertically stacked LED headlamps surrounded by LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). This configuration enhances visibility and gives the bike a modern and distinctive look.

The 390 Adventure’s bodywork is characterised by sharp tank shrouds and a semi-fairing design. These elements improve aerodynamics and enhance the bike’s sleek and dynamic appearance. The single-piece seat and block-pattern tyres further emphasise its adventure touring capabilities. One of the most notable design features is the wheel configuration. The 390 Adventure R variant is fitted with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel setup, a significant departure from previous models.

This configuration enhances the bike’s off-road performance and gives it a more purposeful and capable stance. The 390 Adventure’s overall silhouette is lean and aggressive, clearly focusing on functionality. Like the new-generation 390 Duke, the trellis frame is visible and adds to the bike’s robust and adventurous look. The fully adjustable WP front suspension with 230mm travel contributes to the bike’s off-road capabilities and adds to its imposing presence.

COLOR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS

The KTM 390 Adventure is available in two distinct colour options in the Indian market:

1. Electronic Orange
2. Ceramic White

Regarding variants, the KTM 390 Adventure is the standard model, equipped with cornering MTC, cruise control, off-road ABS, and 21″/17″ tubeless spoke wheels. It’s designed to offer a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability.

VALUE FOR MONEY AND PRICE

Priced at Rs ₹ 3,67,699/- (ex-showroom), it positions itself in the mid-range segment, making it accessible to many riders looking for a capable adventure bike without breaking the bank. Riders get advanced features typically found in higher-end models for this price. These include a 5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity, three riding modes (street, rain, and off-road), cornering ABS, traction control, and cruise control. Including these features at this price point significantly enhances the bike’s value proposition. Performance-wise, the 390 Adventure offers a good balance of power and efficiency.

Its 373cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine produces 42.31 HP and 37 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. This configuration is suitable for both city commuting and off-road adventures. The ARAI-certified mileage of 32.7 kmpl further adds to its economic appeal, making it a cost-effective option for long-term ownership. Compared to its competitors in the Indian market, such as the BMW G 310 GS and the Royal Enfield Himalayan, the KTM 390 Adventure offers more advanced features and a more powerful engine. While it may have a slightly higher price tag, the additional features and performance capabilities justify the cost. This makes it a strong contender regarding value for money.