2025 is truly the year of adventure motorcycles as we have seen KTM launch the updated Adventure range, Triumph launch the Scrambler 400 XC, BMW readying the launch of the F 450 GS, TVS test the RTX 300 adventure motorcycle, and more.
While some motorcycles are yet to come, KTM and Triumph have spiced up the market currently with updates to the KTM 390 Adventure and the Triumph 400 XC, giving customers interesting options in the sub-500cc adventure segment. Let’s take a closer look.
Updated KTM 390 Adventure X launch
Just when the market thought the 390 Adventure X was a perfect motorcycle for those looking for touring rather than off-roading, KTM decided to update the motorcycle, giving some added features and spacing the three ADV motorcycles evenly — KTM 250 Adventure, 390 Adventure X, and the 390 Adventure.
The new KTM 390 Adventure X, priced at Rs 3.03 lakh ex-showroom, now gets cornering ABS, cornering traction control, cruise control, and three ride modes: Street, Rain, and Off-Road. These were missing in the previous model, and the lack of ride modes restricted the potent 46bhp engine. Oh, and there is a quickshifter as well.
Triumph Scrambler 400 X and XC get tubeless spoke wheels
This was a much-needed update; however, it comes at a cost — Rs 71,751 for a pair. The Scrambler 400X’s weakest bit was the alloy wheels and Triumph sorted that with the launch of the Scrambler 400XC, which gets spoke wheels. However, they were tubed ones.
People were quick to complain and Triumph now has a solution, albeit an expensive one. The tubeless spoke wheels are imported and can be retro-fitted on the Scrambler 400 X as well, however, this might void warranty even if fitted at a Triumph dealership — strange.
The wheels are made by the same company that makes tubeless spoke wheels for the larger Triumph adventure motorcycles. The wheels are not homologated for India.