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KTM 390 Adventure Debuts


KTM's long-awaited contender for the Compact Adventure class of motorcycles has made its debut at the EICMA show in Milan overnight.


Based around the same single-cylinder engine as the popular entry-level 390 Duke, the 390 Adventure adds plenty of adventurous DNA from the brilliant new 790 Adventure to create KTM's first LAMS approved adventure bike. Look out Kawasaki and BMW!

An interesting note from KTM's press release was that as well as the clear 790 Adventure inspiration, KTM also utilised development information gleaned from nearly two decades of Dakar Rally success in their creation of the 390 Adventure.


The end result is said to be a breezy, agile, and ideal entry model for riders keen to discover the ‘adventure’ sensation but otherwise unable to commit to KTM's larger (and incredibly potent) other offerings.


Power is supplied via KTM’s tried-and-true single cylinder 390 Duke engine with 43hp and 37Nm, while weight is set at 158 kilos dry.

Following KTM tradition, the 390 Adventure is equipped with the WP suspension with an APEX 43mm upside-down front fork that includes dual-function adjustment capability on either side. Compression damping and rebound can be easily changed with the turn of a dial.


KTM says the 170mm of travel and 177mm on the WP APEX rear shock absorber is more than enough for a planted and secure sensation on the street and even more confidence when the surface alters from tarmac to trail.


Braking comes in the form of a 320 mm front disc and 23 mm rear activated with the assistance of Bosch two-channel ABS.


However, KTM has indicated that the 390 Duke isn't going to be as capable as its larger Adventure siblings, instead, they say "this motorcycle offers added versatility for touring and light offroading."


No word yet on pricing or NZ availability, but we'd expect it to fall in line with the rest of the class and offer a sub-$10,000 price point.



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