The KTM 390 Adventure is a game-changer in the lightweight adventure bike segment. Designed for both novice and experienced riders, it combines the thrill of off-road riding with the practicality of urban commuting. This review delves deep into the ride experience, design, features, and performance of the KTM 390 Adventure, making it clear why this motorcycle continues to grow in popularity across global markets.
Introduction to the KTM 390 Adventure
Launched as a compact adventure tourer, the KTM 390 Adventure is derived from the highly successful Duke and RC 390 platforms. It carries the DNA of KTM’s Dakar-winning machines but in a more approachable and versatile package.
This bike is built to cater to adventurers who demand capability without compromising on comfort and daily usability. Whether you’re tackling a dusty trail, navigating twisty mountain roads, or just heading to the office, the KTM 390 Adventure stands ready.
Design and Build Quality
Rugged Yet Modern Styling
The first thing you’ll notice about the KTM 390 Adventure is its aggressive and purposeful design. With sharp lines, a high front fender, and a tall windscreen, the bike screams off-road readiness. The split LED headlight setup, inspired by the larger 790 and 890 Adventure siblings, adds to its distinctive look.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The bike’s ergonomics are well thought out. A commanding upright riding position, wide handlebars, and a comfortable seat make long-distance touring a pleasure. The seat height, at 855mm, might be a challenge for shorter riders, but it provides excellent visibility and control off-road. The footpegs are positioned to allow both seated and standing riding, which is essential for trail adventures.
Build and Finish
KTM’s build quality is evident in the 390 Adventure. The materials feel premium for the price, and the attention to detail is commendable. The bike comes with robust handguards, a sturdy bash plate, and well-integrated pannier mounts.
Engine and Performance
Power and Torque
At the heart of the KTM 390 Adventure lies a 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 43 hp and 37 Nm of torque. This engine is shared with the 390 Duke but has been tuned for better low-end performance and tractability—ideal traits for an adventure motorcycle.
Ride and Handling
One of the biggest highlights of the KTM 390 Adventure is how nimble and responsive it feels. The lightweight chassis and trellis frame ensure superb handling. Whether you’re weaving through traffic or climbing a steep hill, the bike remains composed and confidence-inspiring.
Transmission and Electronics
A 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch makes gear shifts smooth and precise. KTM also includes Quickshifter+ as an optional feature, allowing for clutchless upshifts and downshifts, which enhances the ride experience.
The bike is packed with electronics uncommon in this segment, including:
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Ride-by-wire throttle
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Cornering ABS by Bosch
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Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC)
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Off-road ABS mode
These rider aids make the KTM 390 Adventure not just safer but also more enjoyable to ride across diverse terrains.
Suspension and Brakes
Long-Travel Suspension
Equipped with WP APEX long-travel suspension—170mm at the front and 177mm at the rear—the bike is more than capable of handling rocky trails, potholes, and uneven terrain. The suspension is adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune it for their weight and riding style.
Braking Power
Braking is handled by a 320mm disc at the front and a 230mm disc at the rear. The brakes offer excellent bite and feedback, thanks to the BYBRE (By Brembo) calipers. The dual-channel ABS, with an off-road mode, allows the rear ABS to be disengaged, giving the rider more control on dirt roads.
Wheels and Tires
The KTM 390 Adventure rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels shod with dual-purpose Continental TKC 70 tires. While these are not hardcore off-road tires, they offer a balanced grip for light trails and asphalt. For serious off-road adventures, some riders may consider switching to spoke wheels and more aggressive knobby tires.
Technology and Features
TFT Display and Connectivity
A bright 5-inch full-color TFT display serves as the information hub. It is easy to read under direct sunlight and displays everything from speed to gear position, fuel consumption, and turn-by-turn navigation (when paired via Bluetooth).
KTM My Ride
The KTM My Ride app enables phone connectivity, allowing you to manage calls, listen to music, and navigate using your smartphone—adding a touch of convenience and modernity to your ride.
Ride Modes and Customization
Though the KTM 390 Adventure doesn’t feature multiple ride modes, the presence of traction control, cornering ABS, and adjustable suspension offers more than enough customization for riders to tailor the experience to their liking.
Real-World Ride Experience
City Commutes
Despite its ADV styling, the KTM 390 Adventure is perfectly at home in the city. The upright posture, high ground clearance, and punchy engine make it great for tackling potholes and weaving through traffic.
Highway Touring
This bike performs admirably on highways. It can cruise comfortably at 100–120 km/h with some power left for overtaking. The windscreen provides decent protection from wind blast, and the bike remains stable at high speeds.
Off-Road Trails
While it may not be as hardcore as KTM’s EXC or enduro models, the 390 Adventure holds its own on mild off-road trails. The standing riding position, off-road ABS, and long suspension travel make it suitable for forest paths, gravel roads, and light hill climbs.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
The KTM 390 Adventure offers an average fuel efficiency of 25–30 km/l, depending on riding conditions. With a 14.5-liter fuel tank, it has a decent touring range of over 350 km.
KTM’s service intervals are relatively spaced out, and the bike is known for its reliability. However, being a performance-oriented brand, maintenance costs might be slightly higher than Japanese rivals, but the trade-off is a more engaging and tech-rich experience.
Conclusion
The KTM 390 Adventure is a near-perfect blend of performance, practicality, and advanced features at a competitive price point. It caters to riders who want a taste of adventure without committing to a heavyweight, expensive machine. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get into ADV riding or an experienced rider seeking a lightweight companion, the KTM 390 Adventure is a formidable choice.
With premium components, rider-friendly ergonomics, and cutting-edge electronics, the KTM 390 Adventure stands tall as one of the best options in the entry-level adventure touring segment.
