KTM 390 Adventure Review: A Perfect Blend of Performance, Technology, and Off-Road Capability

The KTM 390 Adventure has established itself as one of the most versatile and feature-rich entry-level adventure motorcycles in India. Designed for riders who want to experience the thrill of touring, daily commuting, and off-road exploration, the bike blends KTM’s racing DNA with modern adventure touring capabilities.

With its powerful engine, premium suspension setup, and rider-focused electronics, the KTM 390 Adventure stands out as a benchmark in the sub-500cc ADV segment. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this motorcycle such an appealing choice for enthusiasts.

KTM 390 Adventure: Quick Summary

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the KTM 390 Adventure lies a 398.63cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that meets the latest BS6 norms.

• Power output: 45.3 bhp
• Torque: 39 Nm
• Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch and quickshifter

Performance Highlights:

• The engine delivers smooth, linear power across the rev range.
• The slipper clutch reduces rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts, enhancing control.
• The bi-directional quickshifter allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts, adding convenience during touring and off-road use.
• Excellent cruising ability on highways with enough punch for overtakes.

This combination makes the 390 Adventure equally adept at handling city traffic, long highway stretches, and tough off-road conditions.

Suspension and Braking System

The suspension setup of the KTM 390 Adventure is one of its strongest points, designed for maximum stability and comfort.

• Front: 43mm WP Apex USD forks with 200mm travel
• Rear: WP Apex monoshock with 205mm travel
• Ground clearance: 227 mm

This long-travel suspension provides excellent shock absorption and control on rough terrain.

For braking, the bike is equipped with:

• 320mm front disc with radially mounted calipers
• 240mm rear disc
• Dual-channel ABS with cornering functionality

The setup ensures precise braking and safety, both on-road and off-road.

Design and Looks

The latest model of the 390 Adventure features refined and aggressive styling that mirrors KTM’s larger adventure motorcycles like the 790 Adventure and 890 Adventure.

• Sharp bodywork with a more premium finish.
• LED headlamps and DRLs for modern appeal.
• Slim tail section and rugged side panels for an ADV look.
• Spoke wheels (21-inch front, 17-inch rear) add off-road toughness.

The 390 Adventure looks like a scaled-down version of KTM’s rally bikes, appealing to riders who want authentic adventure design with practicality.

Technology and Features

KTM has packed the 390 Adventure with class-leading features rarely found in its segment.

• 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone pairing.
• Cornering ABS for enhanced safety during lean braking.
• Traction control system (switchable) for confidence on tricky surfaces.
• Cruise control for fatigue-free highway rides.
• Multiple riding modes – Street, Rain, and Off-road.
• LED lighting setup improves visibility and aesthetics.

These features make the KTM 390 Adventure not just a performance machine but also a smart and tech-savvy motorcycle.

Ride Quality and Handling

The KTM 390 Adventure offers a balanced ride experience:

• On-road: Comfortable for long highway journeys, with stable handling at high speeds.
• Off-road: Long-travel suspension, spoke wheels, and traction control make it capable of tackling dirt trails and gravel roads.
• In traffic: Manageable weight and upright seating ensure city usability.

The ergonomics are adventure-focused, with an upright seating position, wide handlebars, and well-placed foot pegs for both sitting and standing while riding off-road.

Price and Value

The KTM 390 Adventure is priced at ₹3,68,299 (ex-showroom, India).

However, from September 22, KTM has announced a 6% hike (around ₹25,000), which will push the price closer to ₹3.93 lakh.

Despite the price increase, the 390 Adventure offers excellent value for money because of:

• Advanced technology (cruise control, TFT, traction control).
• Strong performance.
• Premium suspension and braking setup.
• Versatile design for both touring and off-roading.

Who Should Buy the KTM 390 Adventure?

This bike is best for:

• Riders looking for a do-it-all motorcycle for city, highway, and trails.
• Touring enthusiasts who want long-distance comfort with features like cruise control.
• Young riders stepping into the adventure motorcycle category.

It may not suit riders who:

• Prefer lightweight commuters with high mileage.
• Need a low-maintenance machine with minimal electronics.

The KTM 390 Adventure is for those who see riding as an adventure, not just transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the engine capacity of KTM 390 Adventure?

It has a 398.63cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine.

Q2. How much power and torque does it produce?

It produces 45.3 bhp of power and 39 Nm of torque.

Q3. What is the price of KTM 390 Adventure in India?

The ex-showroom price is ₹3.68 lakh, expected to rise to around ₹3.93 lakh after the announced hike.

Q4. What features make it stand out from rivals?

Features like cruise control, cornering ABS, traction control, TFT display, and riding modes make it unique in its segment.

Q5. Is it suitable for off-roading?

Yes, with 21-inch front wheel, 227 mm ground clearance, long-travel suspension, and switchable ABS, it is well-suited for off-road conditions.

Q6. Who are its main competitors?

Its closest rivals include the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, BMW G 310 GS, and Honda CB500X.

Official Website

For more details, visit: www.ktmindia.com

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