KTM 390 Adventure to Take On Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 & Yezdi Adventure
The adventure motorcycle segment in India is picking up pace fast. And to the delight of many brands, customers are looking more and more for vehicles in thisniche as well; most manufacturers either have an all-new car out or one waiting on deck. Especially with its 250 Adventure and 390 Adventure models, KTM has been one of the biggest deals going in that space.
Thankfully, KTM is now at the verge of unveiling its next-gen avatar as the 390 Adventure that’s sure to garnish more attention from adventure biking enthusiasts.
Teaser Campaign and EICMA Debut
The Next-Gen KTM 390 Adventure has been one of the most highly awaited motorcycles. KTM has teased its new model on social media last week, with the official unveil scheduled for November 14,2024 in India. Adding to the curiosity was a set of wallpapers that were released at EICMA 2024 recently which instantly became one stylish wallpaper for many biking enthusiasts globally.
Since then, the Creta has been spied testing for a couple of times in India as well as some foreign lands too over 2018 and that only added to our excitement towards it. The most recent teaser video from KTM places the bike against a rocky desert backdrop, providing an idea of its off-road prowess but stopping short of revealing much in terms if actual motorcycle.
Variants: Adventure X and Adventure R
KTM has also confirmed that the new 390 Adventure will come in two separate variants: The standard model is called the Adventure X, while an even more rugged version named Adventures R gets some additional features. In rough terrains, the Adventure R variant offers better ride-ability owing to its top-shelf off-road components that provide riders enhanced control and stability.
KTM 390 Adventure Update: New Design & More Features
The new-gen KTM 390 Adventure has been updated in terms of design and now it gets sportier, edgier looks Styled after KTM’s Dakar Rally enduro motorcycles, it looks nearly identical to bikes like the KTM 890 Adventure. Up top, the bike also gets an all-new vertically stacked split LED headlight with unique polygonal DRLs surrounding a new shape for symmetry on both sides of the elongated cockpit to emphasize its aggressive front-end.
Additional design elements include round mirrors, a white belly pan, and an aluminum bash plate, providing extra underbody protection. The bike has a single-piece stepped seat that transitions to a narrower rear section, optimizing comfort and control. A front disc protector is also present, a feature commonly found on off-road bikes to shield the brake rotor.
Advanced Electronics and Rider Assistance
However, new for MY21 is an updated 390 Adventure which has been make more rider-friendly with electronic aids and in this hotly-contested adventure bike segment it goes head-to-head against the rivals. Key features include:
- Bi-directional Quickshifter: Allows seamless gear changes without the need for a clutch.
- Ride-by-Wire Throttle: Ensures precise throttle response, enhancing control.
- Multiple Ride Modes: Offers customizable riding experiences to suit different terrains.
- Traction Control and Switchable Rear ABS: Adds safety and flexibility in varying conditions.
Other expected additions include Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and a USB charging port, enhancing convenience for long journeys.
Also Read: Royal Enfield Classic 650 Unveiled at EICMA 2024 – Everything You Need to Know
KTM 390 Adventure: Hardware and Suspension Details
Each variant of the 390 Adventure brings unique hardware specifications suited to different riding preferences:
- Adventure X Variant:
- Wheels: 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked alloy wheels.
- Seat Height: 825mm, ideal for shorter riders.
- Suspension: Non-adjustable suspension with 200mm travel, delivering a balanced ride for general terrains.
- Instrument Console: Basic LCD digital console and non-cornering ABS.
- Adventure R Variant:
- Wheels: 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoked wheels, enhancing off-road capability.
- Seat Height: Higher, at 885mm, catering to off-road enthusiasts.
- Suspension: Fully adjustable suspension with a longer travel of 230mm, suited for challenging terrains.
- Instrument Console: Advanced TFT display, cornering ABS, and comprehensive electronic aids.
Both are based on a trellis frame structure shared with the new-generation KTM 390 Duke. In terms of hardware, the bike comes with upside-down front forks, a rear monoshock, single-sided swingarm, and gets single disc brake on both ends. These details form a strong foundation and good stopping power to give riders confidence over wide ranging surfaces.
Power and Performance: The New 399cc Engine
The KTM 390 Adventure gets an updated version of the current engine – a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled unit which displaces 399cc. It is the same engine that does duty on latest KTM 390 Duke and performs for segment best power performance claims at 45.5 bhp along with a peak torque of 39 Nm as well This is a bump up from the previous 373cc engine that put out 43 bhp and 37 Nm of torque.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slip-and-assist clutch for smoother shifts and less tiring rides even on long hauls. As a result, the improved power and torque help increase response and overall performance capability of demanding off-road environments.
KTM 390 Adventure vs Others
When it reaches the market, the KTM 390 Adventure will be rubbing side parts with established challengers such as Royal Enfield Himalayan and Yezdi Adventure. Here’s a quick comparison:
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450- A well built with good torque : The Royal enfield himalayan is all known for its rugged build quality and powerful torque, this one attracts the riders who wants to have endurance on any rough terrains.
Yezdi Adventure Budget-friendly adventure bike that delivers a simple, capable ride albeit with some missing features of the KTM 390 Adventure.
The new-gen KTM 390 Adventure, as such is positioned in the higher premium sector, it gets a host of advanced electronic rider aids along with performance upgrades and modern design elements that help feature against these rivalries.
Also Read: Royal Enfield Bear 650: New Release in India, Priced from Rs 3.39 Lakh
Final Thoughts: A Powerful Contender in the Adventure Segment
In fact, the arrival of the new-gen KTM 390 Adventure is one big step for adventure biking in India. The bike is expected to be a huge success among adventure enthusiasts with its improved design, powerful engine and features. Be it the harsh slush or high-speed freeway, you name your light off-road riding and highway cruising, this new 390 Adventure is expected to offer quite a power-fest along with control assistance from the technology end.
Well, for those adventure bikers who were waiting to see this model can now set their calendars as KTM will pull the wraps off its 390 Adventure making it official on November 14th in India.
