KTM 390 Adventure S VS 390 Adventure X: Which One To Buy?

When KTM launched the 2025 390 Adventure range in India, it took the 400cc adventure segment by storm. Available in two variants: Standard and X, the KTMs captured both the hearts and minds of the enthusiasts. We at ZigWheels loved the two motorcycles so much that we have both of them in our stable as our personal vehicles. 

The X priced at Rs 2,91,140 is the more affordable variant compared to the standard one, which costs Rs 3,67,699 (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi). It misses out on a few… well, quite a lot of features. After riding both vehicles for thousands of kilometres over various kinds of terrains, here’s why we think the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X should be your default choice over the more expensive standard variant: 

The Urban Jungle

An average bike will spend 95% of its total life in the city commuting from point A to point B, and back. So, if you want a big, snazzy ‘Orange’ commuter motorcycle, in our opinion, the KTM 390 Adventure X is the better bike of the two. Sure, it misses out on features such as adjustable suspension, ride modes, cruise control, and a 21-inch tubeless spoke wheel. But how many of these features will you actually use in the city, given our chaotic road conditions? The X, on the other hand, doesn't miss out on much and has you covered with all the necessary basics. It gets 200mm wheel travel at both ends (same as the standard variant), a 19-inch alloy wheel, which is actually more agile and easier to steer, and in fact has a lower seat height at 825mm (830mm on the standard variant). So if you will be riding mostly in the city, the KTM 390 Adventure X is actually the better motorcycle. 

The Literal Jungle

If you get an adventure motorcycle, some day or the other you will go out venturing into the unknown, and this is where the standard variant of the KTM 390 Adventure shines the most. When you are tackling big boulders and rough terrain, the 21-inch front wheel, the adjustable suspension at both ends and the off-road mode, which improves your throttle response, come into play. The 19-inch front wheel on the X is capable enough to handle light trails, but if you are someone who will go off-roading, the premium you pay of over Rs 75,000 seems worth it. 

But then again, if you are someone who is into hardcore off-roading, you might as well go for the KTM 390 Enduro R, priced at Rs 3,38,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi). It sits right in the sweet spot between the 390 Adventure X and the S.  It gets some proper off-road oriented equipment, which makes it even more capable at exploring the uncharted than the S.       

For The Long Haul

Adventure motorcycles are for travelling and covering long distances without breaking a sweat. If you want a budget adventure bike, the 390 ADV X is the better bike of the two. Sure, you will miss the adjustable suspension on the standard variant, but the undeniable fact is that the X’s slightly softer setup is actually the better-tuned one straight out of the factory. 

The one feature which the X variant misses out on, and will matter when you go touring is the cruise control. It gives your right hand a break from having to hold the throttle over extended periods of time. But mind you, this is a luxury you’ll miss only if you’ve experienced it before. For people who will be upgrading from lower-capacity motorcycles, with most of them not being used to the prospect of a cruise control, it won't feel like a major dealbreaker. 

ZigSays

The KTM 390 Adventure range is truly one of the best sub-Rs 5 lakh adventure motorcycles you can get your hands on. Both the X and the standard variant have enough capability that can outshine the skills of an average Joe. That said, our experience made us realise that one shouldn’t look at the 390 Adventure X as a lower variant, but a completely different motorcycle. With such a mouth-watering pricetag, you get a lot of ‘motorcycle’ for the price you pay. If your usage will most likely be limited to city riding, weekend getaways, and going on a tour - maybe once a year, the X should be your go-to choice. You also save quite a lot of money, for which you can get a whole set of adventure riding gear from top to bottom. 

The only thing X misses out on is cruise control. We wish KTM, in the first update for the Adventure range, would fit the X with cruise control. It will truly be one of the best touring motorcycles in the sub Rs 4 lakh segment in India. This is especially because if the similarly priced KTM 390 Duke can get it, why can’t its ADV counterpart? 

That said, if you truly want a do-it-all motorcycle under the Rs 5 lakh mark, you should look no further than the KTM 390 Adventure S (standard variant). It has features which motorcycles well above its segment miss out on, is extremely capable, and is also a great value-for-money motorcycle.