KTM launched the 390 Adventure in India in 2019, and since then, the bike’s popularity grew largely, courtesy of its promising package. However, buyers still wanted spoke wheels instead of the alloys on the Austrian ADV. So, KTM India recently launched a new variant of the 390 Adventure with spoke wheels and adjustable suspension. We recently tested it, and here’s what we think of the new KTM 390 ADV variant.
By the looks of it, there are no changes to the bodywork of the new KTM 390 Adventure. It features the same LED headlight with boomerang-shaped LED DRLs. A transparent windscreen tops the setup and the bike gets a wide handlebar giving enough leverage in terms of handling.
The large fuel tank, split seat, and overall tall stance remain unaltered. However, with the new spoke wheels, the 390 Adventure looks even more appealing and purposeful when it comes to hardcore off-roading.
KTM has powered the new model with the same 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. It dishes out 42.9bhp and 37Nm and is linked to a six-speed gearbox. For added fun and convenience, the bike retains the bi-directional quickshifter and the slipper clutch too.
Apart from LED illumination and the quickshifter, the TFT, ride-by-wire, USB charging socket, traction control, and smartphone connectivity have also been carried over to the new version.
With a crisp and smooth throttle response, you can make the most of the 390 Adventure’s spirited motor. However, during our test, it was the city traffic where the bike stalled a couple of times in the beginning. But with careful throttle and clutch modulation, we were back at riding with ease in no time. The engine was revving fairly high throughout the test, but the 390 Adventure still indicated about 300km of range.
The new dual-purpose Metzeler Tourance tyres inspire a good amount of confidence, be it on wet or dry roads. We experienced the same while riding in the twisties of Tamhini Ghat. The same was amplified with the new adjustable suspension.
KTM’s new front USD forks allow the rider to adjust the compression, rebound, and preload. If you are taking corners, compression and rebound damping come to the rescue. And if there are broken roads on your way, then simply reduce the damping to flow over the bad patches.
While off-roading, the KTM 390 Adventure with spoke wheels and adjustable suspension behaves quite differently than the standard model. With appropriate preload, the bike can jump without bottoming out the front.
There are quite a few other aspects that you must know about the new KTM 390 Adventure. Read our first ride review for the same.
