KTM 390 Adventure: top five facts to know

The KTM 390 Adventure is perhaps one of the last, but also the most anticipated motorcycles to be launched this year. The bike broke cover internationally at the 2019 EICMA earlier this month and will be showcased in India next week, so it is safe to assume the bike will go on sale soon. The global unveil at the EICMA sure helped in clearing the air about the motorcycle's specifications and details, especially the ones that matter. Here's all you need to know about the motorcycle.

The KTM 390 Adventure is a motorcycle thousands of enthusiasts across the country are waiting for

Engine

The KTM 390 Adventure will be powered by the updated, Euro V/BS VI compliant version of the 373cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that powers the 390 Duke currently. Interestingly, specifications for the 390 Adventure that were announced at the EICMA tell us that the outputs have not dropped from the 390 Duke's 44PS and 37Nm. That said, we expect the power delivery to be tweaked to boost the bottom-end and midrange grunt, in keeping with the fact that 390 Adventure will differ in intent as compared to the KTM 390 Duke and RC390 both. The engine is also mated to the same six-speed gearbox with the exact same ratios, using the same slip and assist clutch.

Suspension

The KTM 390 Adventure will be equipped with fully adjustable suspension at both ends. These will be 43mm WP Apex upside down forks at the front and a WP Apex monoshock at the rear, offering 170mm and 177mm of travel respectively. This again should give the 390 Adventure an edge over other adventure touring motorcycles in its class like the Royal Enfield Himalayan, BMW G 310 GS and Kawasaki Versys-X 300.

The 390 Adventure gets fully adjustable upside-down separate function forks in the front and preload and rebound adjustable mono-shock in the rear.

Electronics

The KTM 390 Adventure will be the first motorcycle in its segment to feature lean sensitive traction control and cornering ABS with a dedicated off-road mode. This will make the 390 Adventure the most technologically advanced adventure tourer in its class, while also making it easier to ride and handle in tricky conditions, especially for novice riders.

The engine has a power output of 44PS at 9,000rpm and 37Nm at 7,000rpm and will come mated to a six-speed gearbox

Dimensions

Given its longer travel suspension, the KTM 390 Adventure will have a higher seat height of 855mm, as compared to the 390 Duke and RC390 both. Incidentally, that's about the same as the KTM 790 Adventure which is also slated to be launched in India sometime in the near future. This should make it less than ideal for the average Indian rider. On the weight front the KTM 390 Adventure tips the scales at 158kg dry, so given its 14.5 litre fuel tank we can assume the bike will weigh about 175kg with all fluids in, making it one of the lightest motorcycles in its class. This should certainly help it handle impressively on any terrain.

Wheels, tyres and brakes

The KTM 390 Adventure has been equipped with a 19 inch front wheel and a 17 inch rear one, obviously to make it better suited to riding off-road, unlike the 390 Duke and RC390 which are purely road-biased. As much as we would have liked KTM to offer it with wire-spoked wheels, KTM has gone in for alloy wheels as stock. That said, the list of KTM power parts will include wire-spoked wheels to enhance the bike's rideability off tarmac. Interestingly, the KTM 390 Adventure will ship with dual-purpose Continental tyres from showrooms though. The KTM 390 Adventure will run brakes supplied by Bybre, including a 320mm front disc and 230mm rear disc.