The adventure biking community has been growing in India progressively in the last few years. Hence, we see many brands foraying into this space or upgrading their existing portfolio with new models. KTM is one of the more prominent brands in the entry-level premium range of adventure bikes which include the 250 Adventure and the 390 Adventure.
The KTM 390 Adventure is one of the most sought after adventure tourers in India and the launch of a new generation has been awaited for a long time. Last week, KTM officially shared a teaser on its social media handles announcing the launch of the new 390 Adventure. And now, the new-gen KTM 390 Adventure officially broke cover at the ongoing EICMA 2024.
Prior to this, test mules of the latest iteration of 390 Adventure have been spotted on numerous occasions over the past two years both in India as well as overseas. The Austrian bikemaker has once again shared a teaser of the 390 Adventure on its social media handles reconforming its India debut on 14 November 2024.
The latest teaser video shows a desert environment, probably hinting at the bike’s dune bashing abilities without sharing a glimpse of the adventure motorcycle. It has already been revealed that the new-gen 390 Adventure will be offered in at least two variants– Adventure X and Adventure R— the latter offer slightly better off-roading credentials than the former, hence, the better equipment on offer.
KTM 390 Adventure: Design & features
Visually, the new 390 Adventure looks very different from the current model. It is a lot sleeker than before, taking inspiration from KTM’s Dakar Rally enduro machine, similar to the 890 Adventure. The motorcycle gets a new vertically stacked split LED headlight setup and the polygonal DRLs encasing the headlamp cluster, giving the motorcycle a unique identity.
The motorcycle showcases round mirrors, a white belly pan, and an apparent aluminium bash plate for underbody protection. The single-piece seat, featuring a stepped design, transitions into a narrow rear section. A unique addition is the front disc protector, a common feature on off-road motorcycles to safeguard the rotor.
The new 390 Adventure will benefit from rider aiding electronics such as a bi-directional quickshifter, ride-by-wire throttle, multiple ride modes, traction control, and switchable rear ABS. Other expected features include Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, USB charging port, etc.
KTM 390 Adventure: Hardware Specifications
The upcoming Adventure X rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked alloy wheels and gets a seat height of 825mm. On the other hand, the Adventure R rolls on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire spoke wheels. The seat height on this variant is pegged at 885mm. It isn’t yet confirmed if the Adventure R will get tubeless tyres with wire spoked wheels.
The Adventure X gets a non adjustable suspension with 200mm of travel whereas the Adventure R gets a fully adjustable setup with a travel of 230mm. The latter also benefits from a TFT instrument console and a comprehensive suite of electronic aids such as cornering ABS and traction control. The Adventure X gets a more modest setup featuring an LCD digital console and a non cornering ABS.
Both variants will be based on the same trellis frame which underpins the new-gen 390 Duke which were launched last year. In terms of hardware, we notice upside-down front forks, a rear monoshock with a single-sided swingarm, and single disc brakes at both ends.
KTM 390 Adventure: Powertrain specs
Powering both variants of the 390 Adventure is a 399cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine seen in the 390 Duke. The engine makes 45.3 bhp and 39 Nm of torque with the help of a six-speed gearbox via a slip and assist clutch. This is slightly better than the current 390 Adventure which uses a 373cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor which kicks out 43 bhp and 37 Nm of torque.
