Why Is KTM Trying To Increase Detergent Sales In The Country?

KTM is on a mission to drive up detergent sales in the country. First they launched the very capable 390 Adventure, which gave civilized gentlemen and women of the country a reason to step outside their air-conditioned cubicles and travel into the wilderness. As if that wasn't enough, now they have launched an even more capable off-road motorcycle - the 390 Enduro R which will surely get them dirtier, quicker. It looks like both are going to add to your dirty laundry. The question is, on which motorcycle should you be going to the market to get that extra detergent?

On paper, which is a terrible place to look, the two motorcycles are quite similar. The 390 Enduro R is priced at Rs 3,36,500, whereas the Adventure costs Rs 3,67,699 (both ex-showroom, Delhi). They are both based on the same platform, are powered by the same engine and get a similar suspension setup too. That, however, is where the similarities end. 

The Do-It-All Bike

The 390 Adventure is a motorcycle that won’t leave you wanting more. If you do ride a motorcycle daily or even just on the weekends - the 390 Adventure will be all the bike you will ever need. It is a brilliant commuter and tourer - thanks to the engine which is very tractable for riding in both city and on the highways. It can do 20kmph and 120kmph all day long. The bike also has a large 14.5 litre fuel tank, which gives it a range of over 300km on a full tank. The riding posture is quite comfortable and made for both touring and going offroad.

But, if you decide to take it on trails - it really comes alive. With its 21/17-inch tubeless spoked wheel setup for stability, adjustable suspension at both ends for customization, and an accessible seat height of 830mm - the only thing you ‘soil’ your pants with is dirt. And of course, a generous ground clearance of 237mm. The slim mid-section allows the rider to hold on to the bike with their legs while standing up on the footpegs. 

To round off its all-round credentials, the motorcycle also gets a tall windscreen, tons of features in the form of a large TFT screen, cruise control, cornering traction control, cornering ABS, ride modes and more. 

The Problem Child

The KTM 390 Enduro R is the more offroad-focused sibling in the 390 lineup. While it shares a lot of components with the ADV, it is built with a single purpose in mind: going offroad. It has no interest in being a tourer or a commuter - it just wants to get dirty. Also what you need to remember is that the Enduro R only carries 9 litres of fuel. Enough for going offroad, but for your daily commutes and highway runs, it will be an issue.

The Enduro ditches the large fairing for a more minimalist one to reduce the kerb weight. It weighs 177kg, which is 6kg lighter than the ADV, gets a different headlight and a smaller TFT display. Less weight = more confidence offroad = more fun!

The bike has a 21/18-inch spoke wheel setup with tube tyres, which is helpful when you go offroad and damage the rim. The tube prevents the air from leaking and allows you to get back home safely. The Mitas tyres are proper knobbies, and are better offroad - but will suck when you are on the road. 

ZigSays

KTM has been on a roll this year with the launch of the 390 Enduro R and the 390 Adventure. While one is a capable highway tourer with some off-roading capability, the other is an offroad maniac. Both the motorcycles have two completely different purposes. But if you are in search of a one-bike garage, the 390 Adventure is your best bet. It has more than enough power, is a great tourer and can handle fast trails as well. But if you are someone who wants a motorcycle which will take you to places unknown, the 390 Enduro R should be your go-to choice - as long as you own a pickup truck to get the motorcycle closer to the location first.