The KTM 390 Adventure Takes On Its Rivals, On Paper

Published November 6, 2019
Views : 14902
4 min read

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.

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