KTM has launched its hardcore off-roader – the 390 Adventure, and it’s here to tackle India’s pot-holed streets. There was a lot of hype and anticipation around this motorcycle, ever since it was unveiled at the EICMA 2019. The India-spec 390 is a little different from the international model. We dig a little deeper to see what’s special about it.
Striking looks
The Adventure 390, as you’d expect, is a pretty large motorcycle and dwarfs other bikes with a similar engine capacity. It’s not exactly beefy to look at; in fact its slim skeletal structure gives it an aggressive stance. It gets crash protection that sits flush with the body; the exhaust can is slender, giving the bike a rather sleek look. The styling may not be to everyone’s taste, but it is proportionate and makes it easy to snake your way through traffic.
The details
Up-front, the KTM 390 Adventure gets a 100/90-19 tyre at the front and a 130/80-17 tyre at the rear, while suspension duties are taken care of by a USD fork at the front and a rear monoshock that can be adjusted for pre-load and rebound. This setup allows for more travel compared to the Duke 390. The bike also features a bi-directional quick-shifter and switchable traction control as standard. The TFT display looks identical to the Duke’s, but gets a larger protective cover. The ABS and MTC mode are shown on the home screen. The quality of plastics is good, and the switchgear is seen on the Duke 790 too. You can see battery voltage, mileage and distance to empty on the console.
Power for the road
The bike is powered by a 373cc engine that makes 42.3bhp and 37Nm of torque, and is BS6-compliant. Power delivery is exactly the same as the Duke 390’s, and the motor has a strong mid-range and top-end. Throttle response is sharp and it can reach a top speed of 165kph. The 6-speed transmission gets a bi-directional quick-shifter which allows for better shifts, and there is a slipper-clutch too. Refinement in the mid-range is good, but vibrations do filter through. The 390 Adventure also gets a new radiator and two fans to help with cooling.
Swinging a leg over
The seat is well cushioned, making it great for long tours. The suspension is on the pliant side and the split-trellis frame has been re-engineered to place the new radiator, coolant box and fuel tank. There’s good feedback from the handlebar and tips into corners with confidence. The bike is also agile and stable and the centre-of-gravity is higher. The tyres are dual-purpose ones, but feel much better on the road. The ergonomics are spot-on, and you’re seated high up. Thanks to the height of the bike, you don’t feel cramped. And the foot pegs are set in the centre.
Final word
This is the first-ever adventure bike from KTM in India, and is a great all-rounder motorcycle. It gets a whole lot of features like ABS and a bi-directional quick-shifter, but yes, the bike’s towering personality can be an issue for riders with an average height. It is a proper tourer in every sense of the word, and shouldn’t get you thinking twice. Also, grab the latest info on the new bikes, only at autoX.
