Upcoming KTM Adventure motorcycles: 250 Adventure launch in November 2020, 890 Adventure expected in 2021

KTM is readying its upcoming Adventure motorcycles for India launch. First of them is the KTM 250 Adventure that will be launched in the country in November this year. We expect KTM India to reveal the pricing of the 250 Adventure in the coming weeks, wherein the dealers across the country are expected to commence bookings in the first week of November. The deliveries of the same should begin in the last week of November or the first week of December. We also hear that KTM India is considering the 890 Adventure for an Indian launch sometime in mid-2021.

KTM 890 Adventure (L) is expected to arrive in mid-2021 whereas the 250 Adventure (R) will be launched in India in November 2020

KTM 250 Adventure

Expected price: Rs 2.3 lakh, ex-showroom

Rivals: Royal Enfield Himalayan

Positioned below the KTM 390 Adventure, the styling is identical to the elder 390 Adventure which has been a theme in KTM's hierarchy. The tank extensions on the 250 get the KTM's signature orange paint with decals. The seat height is 855mm high and the fuel tank capacity stands at 14.5 litres - identical to the 390 Adventure. The source of power is a 250cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, engine that we've seen in the 250 Duke.

The power is rated at 29.5PS and 24Nm torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox. As part of undercutting the 390 Adventure, the 250 Adventure misses out on most bells and whistles. To begin with the feature list, the 250 Adventure gets a halogen headlamp instead of an all-LED unit. For suspensions, the 250 Adventure gets standard upside-down forks in the front, and a pre-load and rebound adjustable mono-shock in the rear as opposed to the fully adjustable separate function USD forks on the 390 Adventure. The 250 also misses out on the ride-by-wire and traction control, however, the 250 gets a dual-channel ABS that can be completely turned off.

KTM 890 Adventure

Expected price: Rs 11 lakh

Rivals: Triumph Tiger 900 and BMW F 850 GSA

KTM recently unveiled the base 890 Adventure, that is positioned below the 890 Adventure R and the 890 Adventure R Rally. With the addition of 90cc in the displacement, the 890 Adventure makes use of a new 889cc compact engine that puts out 105PS of power and 100Nm of torque whereas the 20 per cent extra rotating mass of the crankshaft brings an improved feeling at low revs while augmenting the centralized sensation and traction through corners, claims KTM. The additional power and improved torque rating over the 790 Duke have been achieved with the use of updated pistons, valves, valve springs, connecting rods and more, all of which have made the engine heavier than before but at the same time offers smoother performance and better handling, claims KTM.

KTM will start deliveries of the 890 Adventure in the international market in December 2020.

Mated to this engine is an improves transmission with a revised design and a new slipper clutch for seamless shifts. The company has also equipped the powertrain with a more effective oil cooler for better cooling and also to increase the shelf life of the engine. In terms of suspension, the KTM 890 Adventure makes use of a new WP APEX rear shock that offers better potential through a new rebound damping adjuster and an additional hand adjuster for spring preload. The features list includes adventure-spec tires, a full-size TFT dashboard, Cornering ABS, Motorcycle Traction Control and Motor Slip Regulation, a seat that is adjustable in two heights and a strong yet lightweight subframe for pillion or baggage. KTM will start deliveries of the 890 Adventure in the international market in December 2020. We believe KTM India could look at launching the 890 Adventure in mid-2021. Let us know in the comments, which among these two KTM Adventure motorcycles are you waiting for?