The KTM 390 Adventure Takes On Its Rivals, On Paper

  • Nov 6, 2019
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How does KTM’s entry-level ADV for the world fare against the known foes?

[UPDATE: KTM Has Launched The 390 Adventure In India!]

KTM’s 390 Adventure is one motorcycle that Indian enthusiasts have been longing for a long time. KTM has bided its time, analysed each and every one of its rivals closely and brought in a package which it feels is strong enough to trump all of them. Is it though?

Engine

 

KTM 390 Adventure

Royal Enfield Himalayan

BMW G 310 GS

Kawasaki Versys-X 300

Specs

373.2cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4V, DOHC

411cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC

313cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4V, DOHC

296cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, 4V, DOHC

Power

44PS @ 9000rpm

24.84PS @ 6500rpm

34PS @ 9500rpm

40PS @ 11,500rpm

Torque

37Nm @ 7000rpm

32Nm @ 4250-4500rpm

28Nm @ 7500rpm

25.7Nm @ 10,000rpm

Transmission

6-speed transmission with slipper clutch

5-speed transmission

6-speed transmission

6-speed transmission with slipper clutch

Each one of these engines has their own strong traits. If the focus is going to be towards touring, the Enfield proves to be one of the best of the established three when cruising along at 100kmph. The BMW G 310 GS’ motor is known to be quite vibey and although it is quite refined, the parallel-twin motor on the Versys-X 300 is quite shouty. In that regard, the KTM should be quite nice to chug along on the highway. You might still feel a slight buzz at 100kmph but post that speed is where we expect the 373cc single mill to stretch its legs. Although the outputs as well as final drive ratios are similar to the 390 Duke, we hope the engine has been tuned slightly mellower to suit the motorcycle’s intention.

Underpinnings

 

KTM 390 Adventure

Royal Enfield Himalayan

BMW G 310 GS

Kawasaki Versys-X 300

Chassis

Split tubular steel trellis frame

Split double-cradle chassis

Tubular steel trellis frame

Steel backbone chassis

Front suspension

43mm WP Apex USD forward-offset fork, 170mm travel

41mm conventional fork, 200mm travel

41mm USD fork, 180mm travel

41mm telescopic fork, 130mm travel

Rear suspension

WP Apex monoshock, preload adjustable, 177mm travel

Monoshock with linkage, preload adjustable, 180mm travel

Monoshock, preload adjustable, 180mm travel

Monoshock with linkage, preload adjustable, 148mm travel

Brakes

F: 320mm disc, 4-piston radial caliper


R: 230mm disc, 1-piston caliper


ABS: Switchable dual-channel with Off-Road mode

F: 300mm disc, 2-piston caliper


R: 240mm disc, 1-piston caliper


ABS: Dual-channel ABS

F: 300mm disc, 4-piston radial caliper


R: 240mm disc, 1-piston caliper


ABS: Switchable dual-channel, only rear disengageable

F: 290mm disc, 2-piston caliper


R: 220mm disc, 2-piston caliper


ABS: Dual-channel ABS

Tyres

F: 100/90 - 19

R: 130/80 - 17

Make: Metzeler Tourance

F: 90/90 - 21

R: 120/90 - 17

Make: Ceat Gripp XL

F: 110/80 - R19

R: 150/70 - R17

Make: Metzeler Tourance

F: 100/90 - 19

R: 130/80 - 17

Make: IRC

Internationally, the 390 Adventure gets adjustable suspension on offer. To keep costs in check, the India-spec bike misses out on the units. This is a major downer, especially now as the units do not have as much wheel travel as the Himalayan or even the G 310 GS. Both the Himalayan and Beemer have softly sprung suspension units which have a tendency to bottom out. And while the Himalayan is the only bike here to get a 21-inch front spoke wheel, it does not get tubeless tyres, causing a hindrance in case of a puncture.

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Dimensions

 

KTM 390 Adventure

Royal Enfield Himalayan

BMW G 310 GS

Kawasaki Versys-X 300

Seat height

855mm

800mm

835mm

815mm

Ground clearance

200mm

220mm

NA

180mm

Rake/trail

26.5-deg/98mm

NA

26.7-deg/98mm

24.3-deg/108mm

Wheelbase

1,430mm

1,465mm

1,420mm

1,450mm

Fuel tank capacity

14.5-litres

15-litres

11-litres

17-litres

Kerb Weight

158kg (dry)

194kg

170kg

184kg

This is quite an interesting match up. The KTM does not have the shortest wheelbase, is not the lightest, does not have incredible ground clearance nor boast of having the most fuel carrying capacity on board. However, as a mix it certainly shines given that it offers a good balance of all of the aforementioned aspects. The only intimidating factor that preys on your mind is the 855mm saddle height, which is the tallest amongst the lot. In fact, larger adventure motorcycles like the Triumph Tiger 800, have a seat height lower than the 390 Adventure.

Price and Verdict:

KTM 390 Adventure

Royal Enfield Himalayan

BMW G 310 GS

Kawasaki Versys-X 300

Rs 2.99 lakh

Rs 1.86 lakh

Rs 3.49 lakh

Rs 4.69 lakh

When it comes to pricing, the 390 Adventure comes with a price tag of Rs 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It is not going to be the affordable adventure motorcycle that many were hoping for. It is over a lakh of rupees more than the Himalayan BS6 and Rs 50,000 lesser than the GS, the Kwacker is out of the question altogether. But does it feel like the motorcycle worth the wait? Read all about it in our first ride review here.

KTM 390 Adventure Video Review

KTM 390 Adventure
KTM 390 Adventure
4.4 320 user reviews
Rs. 3.39 Lakh
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