Here’s What’s Different Between The India-spec KTM 390 Adventure...
- Dec 12, 2019
- Views : 9173
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.
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.
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