The entry-level adventure touring motorcycle is outfitted with two riding modes and new colour options thanks to the 2022 KTM 390 Adventure, which KTM India unveiled.
The 390 Adventure was introduced in India two and a half years ago, which serves as yet another sobering reminder of how quickly time passes.
We got on one to find out because KTM has given the bike its first (although minor) set of improvements for 2022 that should slightly enhance the riding experience.
Combining all-road versatility, tried-and-true durability, and good performance, the KTM 390 adventure broadens the definition of adventure. With the unparalleled capabilities and thrill you’d expect from a KTM adventure 390 bike, the 390 adventure urges you to explore new territories.
It sports a capable, lightweight chassis, a tiny 373 cc single-cylinder engine, and industry-leading electronics. With two riding modes and two new colour options, the entry-level touring bike is ready to turn the heads of many riding enthusiasts.
The new 390 ADV maintains the same ADV-inspired tough aesthetic as the previous model. The aesthetic alterations are consistent with the KTM Factory Rally vehicles that won the Dakar.
The motorcycle now comes in two new colour schemes: grey/black and blue, with orange accents and distinctive body artwork. The larger KTM bikes, such as the Adventure 890, inspired the new colour schemes.
The 2022 KTM 390 Adventure has revised tank shrouds and bigger side panels for improved rider control. The shortened headlamp bezel makes the front end somewhat lighter. According to KTM, the fuel tank’s form gets optimised to maintain the rider’s freedom of motion and control.
KTM Adventure 390 is available in two distinct colour schemes:
KTM 390 Adventure gets only one variant:
The KTM 390 Adventure derives its inherent characteristics from the normal 1190 Adventure in terms of the overall design. It is based on a wholly conventional street version of the adventure motorcycles. By omitting the front fender, tail, and seat, the KTM 390 Adventure borrows more from the Enduro R’s overall appearance than the Enduro.
Except for the large handlebar, this bike is excellent for commuting, including a light clutch, smooth throttle responses, and no unpleasant engine heat. Not that it’s dull either; after you pass 6,000 rpm, there is a pleasant burst of power.
The 5-inch TFT dash on the 2020 KTM 390 Adventure may get customised to meet your needs. The dash may also be Bluetooth-connected to the KTM My Ride app to access phone features and an audio player.
An LED headlight with a Daytime Running Lamp and a windshield that deflects wind away from the rider are provided upfront. The body panels and angular paint job are distinctly KTM in the side profile.
KTM has employed a side-mounted exhaust to boost ground clearance, which is crucial for off-roading and frees up space beneath the bike.
KTM Adventure 390 gets powered by a single cylinder, 4-stroke, 4 V DOHC Engine373 cc engine, which is capable of producing a power of 43.5 PS @ 9000 rpm and a torque of 37 Nm @ 7000 rpm.
KTM 390 Adventure feature WP Apex 43mm USD forks in the front and a 10-adjustable mono shock at the rear—the suspension travel is 177 mm in the rear.
The bike gets disc brakes at both front and rear, and it also gets organic brake pads from the lesser KTMs instead of the sintered pads that come with the 390 Duke and RC.
Street and Off-Road traction control intervention levels have been added to the 390 Adventure’s electronics package. The former’s operation on the tarmac was hardly apparent. When you start to run out of tarmac, which is when the other option does help, it feels rather obtrusive.
When the user selects Off-Road, the traction control enables the rider to slide the rear a little before stepping in a controlled way. You may turn the assistance off if you have sufficient off-roading experience. The good news is that until you turn the key off, the system stays in the same state and the traction stays off in the case of a fall or when you turn off the motor using the kill switch.
It drives without a jerk, rev-hunting, or irate pitbull-on-a-leash behaviour. It is smooth, docile, and remarkably well-behaved. Thanks to its longer chassis and more relaxed steering geometry, it has no jittery, harsh steerings you’d get on rocky roads.
In terms of engine heat, yes, it may become rather warm. Still, even in heavy traffic, the engine temperature is controlled, and the twin radiator fan ensures you are never subjected to any uncomfortable hot patches.
The 390 Adventure’s improvements by KTM have a little but visible impact on off-road riding.
The KTM features a more cutting-edge drivetrain, while the Himalayan has a larger engine. The latter has a six-speed gearbox, a four-valve head, and liquid cooling. The Royal Enfield must make do with a two-valve, air/oil-cooled engine coupled to a five-speed gearbox, the same as that of the KTM 390.
Unsurprisingly, the KTM has greater power, and the Himalayan has substantially more torque.
The Himalayan adds straightforwardness to the mixture. And the design isn’t the only use.
The KTM has all-digital and information-rich instrumentation and backlit switchgear. Knuckle guards, an engine guard, an adjustable windshield, and a good deal of LED illumination are included.
The Himalayan should have been more fuel-efficient due to its torquey engine, longer spacing between gear ratios, and laid-back attitude. In the case of KTM, the bike is for adventure rides; hence, its fuel efficiency is not as good as the Himalayan.
Both motorcycles achieve fuel economy ratings in the low to mid thirty range. Of course, Royal Enfield has a significant edge in price, and it costs about Rs 2,60,000, whereas the KTM costs Rs 3,10,000.
The Bajaj Dominor 400 has several mechanical upgrades to improve its handling and ride quality over its predecessor and increased power and refinement. The powerband is much more evenly distributed, and the engine is now smooth (up to 7500 rpm, beyond which it becomes vibratory). It seems relaxed and unburdened when you aren’t pushing it hard, cruising at 100-120 kph all day long, precisely what it had designed to do.
The KTM 390 Adventure, on the other hand, had nothing particularly wrong with it. Still, since it hadn’t received a significant upgrade since its inception, it underwent a new makeover in its most recent incarnation. While mechanically, the engine shelves at 7000 rpm appear to be considerably more aggressive today, it has become cleaner and more tuned.
Both the bikes are less jerky at lower rpm because of the better fueling. Potholes are better absorbed by the modified suspension of KTM Adventure 390.
The base model of the Bajaj Dominar 400 gets priced at Rs. 2.23 Lakh, while the KTM 390 Adventure starts at around Rs. 3.10 Lakh, costing an additional Rs. 90,000.
The GS is far more tuned in its most recent iteration, even if it still doesn’t have as few vibrations as the 390 Adventure. Additionally, BMW has upgraded the model to address the stalling issue, and the new ride-by-wire system operates well.
However, the KTM’s powerful 390 cc engine overshadows the BMW’s 310 cc engine in performance.
The KTM’s competitive kerb weight, 179kg, only 2kg higher than the BMW’s at 177kg, underpins its edge in power.
When the bigger 14.5-litre fuel tank on the KTM is considered, the kerb weight number is even more astounding. On the other hand, the various variants of the BMW GS have different fuel capacities, ranging from 18 litres to 30 litres.
The 390 is also more fuel-efficient, which could give it a significant edge regarding range on the highway.
Both motorcycles are extremely quick to turn in despite having big wheelbases and 19-inch front wheels, but the KTM seems more lively.
It is hardly surprising as it also has a stiffer suspension system. The BMW has the advantage because of its softer setup when you come upon a damaged route.
In addition to having superior standing-position ergonomics than the KTMs, which need you to lean too far forward and down to reach the handlebar, it will glide over rough terrain. For the BMW, the handlebar is a bit stiff, but it is very smooth for long rides on rough terrain,
Both bikes benefit from a 20mm ground clearance advantage and low-speed tractability in such circumstances.
BMW has corrected its pricing, cutting the cost of the 2020 GS by about 20%. (Rs 59,000). The BMW is equally expensive as the KTM 390 Adventure at Rs 3,10,000.
Yes, certain compromises have been made to save money using the same platform as the 390 Duke. But KTM 390 Adventure is compensated for by meticulous attention to detail and specific technologies now exclusive to the orange camp.
While KTM’s “global” adventure bike isn’t flawless, it is by far the most competent, well-equipped, high-quality, and entertaining motorbike in its class. Less weight, greater adventure: go light, go far.
According to KTM, the 390 Adventure is not a fully-fledged, tough rally replica but a road-focused travel bike with light off-road capability. Given its stern "Ready to Race" mentality and reputation, I'm not sure this is what KTM would have truly intended to produce.
The long-lasting 373cc liquid-cooled DOHC unit is a smooth and powerful little engine, as anybody familiar with the 390 Duke or RC 390 would attest. However, it has occasionally experienced problems in the past with sluggish throttle response and, in rare cases, an overworked cooling system.
The 390 Adventure's brand-new graphics link it to KTM's Dakar-winning Factory Rally squad. The new rally-inspired hues in black and blue liveries with orange accents convey the small-bore ADV's off-road aspirations.
A foldable gear lever tip, a replaceable serrated toe piece on the rear brake lever, and span-adjustable front brake and clutch levers all contribute to the 390's reputation as an adventure-ready vehicle.
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