KTM 390 Adventure X

The KTM 390 Adventure X is the more affordable and, by default, the less feature-rich model in the two-variant 390 ADV lineup. While the standard model has a more off-road bias, the X is the more touring-friendly variant, with a 19/17-inch alloy wheel setup. It also has a significantly lower price tag, making it on par with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. So, is it a wiser choice to buy the X over the standard model? Let’s find out.

The 390 Adventure X’s styling is unmistakably KTM. It draws inspiration from its bigger siblings like the 890 Adventure. The X features sharp, chiseled, and angular body panels that give it a sporty and athletic stance. The vertically stacked LED headlamp, tall visor, and slender tail lend it a pukka ADV appeal.

That said, we do think KTM could improve the overall quality levels. The bike could do with tighter panel gaps, and KTM could’ve used a better grade of plastics. The switchgear, though tactile in feel, doesn’t feel premium, especially for a bike that costs nearly Rs. 3.50 lakh OTR. Also, KTM has used pigmented plastic panels with printed graphics, which means the colours and graphics won’t fade easily.

The 390 Adventure X is quite a comfortable motorcycle in its stock form. The seating triangle is upright, and the wide handlebar offers good leverage in the city as well as on the highway. Even the 825mm seat height is quite accessible and shouldn’t be an issue for riders with a height of five feet seven inches and above.

The seat, meanwhile, is a mixed bag. Although it is roomy and spacious, it feels hard and lacks sufficient padding. While it may work better for long-distance touring, you may have a sore bottom during short city commutes.

Finally, while the tall windshield worked well for me on the standard model, it causes a lot of wind buffeting on the X. This is largely due to its lower overall height due to the smaller 19-inch front wheel. Moreover, the windshield is designed in such a way that there’s barely any ventilation around your torso, which tends to get sweaty while touring. The only respite is to stand up and ride to get around the lack of ventilation.

The engine on the new 390 Adventure doesn’t feel as lively as you’d typically expect from a KTM. There’s a noticeable delay in power delivery once you start off the line, courtesy of the ever-tightening emission norms. Even on the move, the throttle response feels a bit timid (for a KTM) until the 5,000rpm mark, which is similar to the Street mode on the standard model. While the latter offers an Off-road mode, which sharpens the throttle response, the X doesn’t get any such option.

Once you cross the 5,000rpm mark, the engine comes into its own and pulls with vigour until it reaches its redline. Pulling off overtakes is just a twist of the throttle, be it while riding in the city or doing triple-digit speeds on the highway. Keep the engine on the boil, and it feels quick, fast, and exudes the KTM character we know of.

This engine is decently tractable, and you can easily do 60kmph in sixth gear without any signs of protest from the motor. On open roads, it does 100kmph in sixth gear at 6,000rpm, and yet, the engine pulls with much vigour when you want to overtake. The X also features an extremely light clutch and requires minimal effort to shift gears.

That said, the bi-directional quick shifter is a mixed bag. Though it’s a much better unit than the one on the previous-gen bike, it requires significant effort to perform clutchless upshifts. However, downshifts happen seamlessly and without any drama.

KTM has equipped the bike with a strong and reliable braking setup. While the front brake lever lacks feel and has a soft pull, there’s no dearth of bite from the calliper, allowing you to stop or slow down quickly and confidently. We also like the more progressive yet predictable feel of the rear brake, which comes in handy both on the road and off it.

The 390 Adventure X impresses with its handling, especially for an adventure bike. It’s surprisingly nimble in traffic, making quick lane changes and filtering through gaps feel effortless. A major contributor is the wide handlebar, which offers excellent leverage and control.

Out on twisty roads, the X continues to shine. It leans into corners with confidence and accuracy, feeling agile and responsive. The Apollo Tramplr tyres do a commendable job as well. Despite their aggressive tread pattern, they offer surprisingly good grip, even when riding aggressively around bends.

The suspension setup leans slightly towards the firmer side, but it’s well-judged. While it doesn’t completely iron out smaller bumps, it absorbs them well enough to keep things comfortable. However, on rougher surfaces or at higher speeds, the bike tends to bob gently over undulations. Even then, the ride remains composed and never feels harsh.

Despite its road-biased nature, the 390 Adventure X holds its own off-road, provided you keep your speed and inputs measured. Whether it's a straight dirt track or a tight trail, the bike feels stable and well-balanced. Side-to-side transitions are easy and confidence-inspiring.

The linear power delivery and predictable throttle response ensure you’re rarely caught off guard, and the light clutch makes navigating tricky sections easier. While it’s not built for hardcore off-road trails like the standard model, the X is happy to take light jumps and controlled slides, letting you have fun without feeling overwhelmed.

The suspension setup stays composed over small rocks and ruts but shows its limitations if you plan to do hardcore off-road stuff. Still, for mild trails and weekend adventures, the 390 Adventure X performs far better than expected.

Feature-wise, the 390 Adventure X is decently loaded with a lot of equipment. Unlike the standard model, it misses out on IMU-based rider aids such as cornering ABS and cornering traction control, as well as other features like multiple ride modes and cruise control.

Even so, it offers a decent feature set, including a five-inch colour TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, bi-directional quickshifter, full-LED lighting, and switchable dual-channel ABS with Supermoto mode.

In Bikewale’s city mileage test, the KTM 390 Adventure X returned a fuel economy of 24.9kmpl, with conservative riding through mild city traffic. This translates to a real-world range of over 360km via its 14.5-litre fuel tank, making it a good adventure touring motorcycle. On the highway, the mileage should be slightly higher, given that you are gentle with your throttle inputs.

The KTM 390 Adventure X is a very likeable motorcycle, especially if you're looking for something quick, agile, and easy to handle. Once past the 5,000rpm mark, the engine comes alive with a strong surge of power, making it equally suited for zipping through city traffic or cruising on highways. It feels nimble in urban conditions while remaining confident and predictable in corners. The braking performance is solid, and the ride quality and ergonomics are comfortable for the most part.

That said, it’s not without flaws. There’s a persistent buzz on the footpegs that's hard to ignore, and the overall quality, particularly in terms of materials and finish, feels underwhelming at this price. Long-term durability is also a bit of a question mark, for now.

If you're not focused on hardcore off-roading and can live without advanced electronics and ride modes, the X offers better value than the more expensive standard model. On the whole, the 390 Adventure X delivers a well-rounded and fun riding experience for its asking price.

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi