KTM 390 Adventure: What To Expect

The KTM 390 Adventure is indeed on its way as the latest spy shots of a test prototype has surfaced, and this time, in India. The 390 Adventure is one of the most-awaited adventure bikes in the Indian two-wheeler market and is expected to be finally launched in production form. The prototype is heavily disguised with camouflage stickers on the body, but there's no mistaking that this is indeed the KTM 390 Adventure. While details are sketchy at this point, and we only have a few spy shots for reference, here's what we can expect from the KTM 390 Adventure.

Also Read: KTM 390 Adventure Launch Confirmed In 2019

The KTM 390 Adventure shares its headlight with the KTM 390 Duke, but the wheels look to be bigger, and shod with dual-sport rubber

Design & Ergonomics

The front end of the bike does get the similar LED headlight as the KTM 390 Duke, and although it gets a taller windshield, the tank shrouds seem to be similar to the 390 Duke, but the fuel tank design does look different. The adv-style seat looks taller than the Duke, and the fuel tank could have more capacity for longer rides. The footpegs are also positioned slightly forward than the Duke, and together with the taller seating, the 390 Adventure will have a more upright and comfortable riding position suitable for long hours in the saddle. The prototype seen in the spy pics also comes with standard engine guards, and the exhaust end-can is different than the 390 Duke's, although it's difficult to say if the exhaust is a test unit, or if the production spec unit will have a different design.

KTM 390 Adventure will get different suspension, new seat, and possibly a larger tank

Adventure-ready kit

What is apparent is that the suspension will have longer travel than the 390 Duke, clearly hinting at the 390 Adventure's potential to take on the rough. While earlier prototypes of the 390 Adventure spotted in Europe were seen with spoked wheels, the latest pictures in India show the bike with cast alloy wheels only. It's still not clear if there will be another variant with wire spoke wheels on offer, or if only one standard variant (with alloy wheels) will be offered. The wheel sizes are also different, and seems to have a 19-inch front, 17-inch rear set-up. Also in a clear indication of the 390 Adventure's off-road capability is the standard engine bash plate, which seems to be made of steel and extends to cover the entire sump and underbelly of the engine. Clearly, KTM has equipped the 390 Adventure with kit to take on the rough, but the 390 Adventure may not be an out and out off-road bike, but more suited for 'soft' off-roading over the occasional gravel trails and the like, rather than hard-core off-road riding.

Earlier spy shots from Europe showed the KTM 390 Adventure with wire spoke wheels

Engine

The KTM 390 Adventure will be based on the KTM 390 Duke, so it will be powered by the same 373 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. On the 390 Duke, the engine puts out 43 bhp at 9,000 rpm, and peak torque of 37 Nm at 7,000 rpm. From the spy shots, the engine casings look near identical to the 390 Duke, so the engine will likely be the same. What could change, however, is the state of tune on the engine, which could have better low-end grunt with the peak torque kicking in lower in the revs for better traction. Of course, all this is conjecture at this stage, and it remains to be seen if the 390 Adventure does get a different state of tune, or if it will be introduced with the same high-revving state of tune as the 390 Duke. What could also change on the 390 Adventure is the gearing to make it more capable off-road than outright acceleration on tarmac. Expect a decent cruising speed to cover long distances over a day's ride, supported by more range from a slightly larger fuel tank as well.

Also Read: KTM 390 Adventure SWOT Analysis

Price and Expected Launch

The KTM 390 Adventure will certainly be launched in 2019, and by our estimates by the middle or second half of the year. The 390 Adventure is expected to have a price tag of around Rs. 2.6-2.75 (ex-showroom), and will compete with the BMW G 310 GS and even the Kawasaki Versys-X 300. The 390 Adventure though will be the most affordable adventure touring motorcycle in its segment, and will offer the Indian adventure motorcyclist a value-for-money motorcycle, which will be more suited for touring with some light off-road duty, rather than be a true-blue off-road motorcycle. So, it will be versatile and it promises a lot of value, if priced right.