The 390 Adventure is new in more ways than its fresh appearance would suggest — a distinct move further away from the previous motorcycle, which had been occasionally referred to as the ‘taller Duke’. We take the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure for a spin to find out what has changed and how it justifies the ₹3.68 lakh price tag.
In terms of appearance, the 390 Adventure is definitely more focused than before. The vertically stacked dual-LED headlight has a surrounding LED DRL similar to what you would have seen on larger KTM motorcycles. Adventure-ready, the motorcycle comes with knuckle guards, crash guard, and even a bash plate fitted as standard from the factory. It also has PP body panels with in-mould decals, which means it’s devoid of conventional paint, making it ideal for the rough use an adventure bike is going to be subjected to.
Powering the motorcycle is a 399 cc single-cylinder engine, which makes 45.3 bhp and 3.9 kg-m. If you’re coming from a KTM, especially a 390, you’ll be able to understand what I mean by its power delivery being completely different from the previous motorcycle. It lacks the urgency of the Duke at low rpm but beyond 5000 rpm, it transforms into a different machine altogether. What has changed drastically, thanks partially to a different sprocket, is the tractability of the 390 Adventure, especially at low revs. There’s also a new crawl function, which keeps this 390 in motion without requiring any clutch or throttle input.
It weighs 182 kg, and despite being the heaviest of the 390s, it doesn’t feel so. It’s worth noting that the tall and wide handlebar makes controlling the motorcycle effortless and the seat-to-footpeg distance seemed perfect. The seat height is low and with a 200/205 mm suspension travel, the 390 Adventure can handle nearly everything you throw at it. The narrow 21-inch front wheel makes manoeuvring the motorcycle easy too. Having said that, if you need anything more serious off-road, the 390 Enduro R will be a possible choice.
Other upgrades on the 390 Adventure include a 5-inch TFT screen, which can be controlled using the ergonomically placed buttons on the left switchgear. The motorcycle gets three modes to choose from: Off-road for the sharpest throttle response, no ABS at the rear wheel and a reduced level of TC; Street with mid-level throttle response and TC; and Rain with the highest level of traction control and the laziest throttle response among the three. The front forks and rear monoshock are completely adjustable, the motorcycle’s advertised ground clearance is increased by 37 mm, and the standard Apollo Tramplr XR tyres provide decent grip on the tarmac but lack feedback.
To round it up, the new KTM 390 Adventure is the kind of motorcycle that will nearly do it all for you while being easier to ride than in the past but also more competent at serious off-roading. It retails at ₹3.68 lakh, ex-showroom, which is just ₹3,000 dearer than the previous iteration’s SW model. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more competent, the Enduro R might be worth the wait, whereas the much cheaper 390 Adventure X will be a good fit for those looking for something not as serious.
© Motoring World
