The small/mid motorcycle segments has gotten incredibly popular in recent years, and manufacturers are rapidly capitalizing on trends in mostly emerging markets.
The Honda CRF250, Kawasaki Versys X-300 and the Suzuki V-strom 250 are popular models, and the BMW G310GS is perhaps even more popular. The offroad capabilities of this Beemer have spurred KTM to also make an ‘adventure’ version of its 390 model.
The KTM 390 Adventure comes with a 44bhp, 373cc engine which is connected to a six-speed gearbox. It’s also equipped with led lights, just like the 790, 1090 and 1290 and road handling is at least as good as on the 790, which I thought handled very nimble on Mexico-city’s speedways.
Real offroad gurus are probably better off buying a trail bike, or the Husqvarna 701 Enduro which I discussed last time, as the KTM is focusing more on beginning riders. The 390 offers enough power to keep up with bigger adventure bikes in the corners, but will undoubtedly be left behind on long stretches of highway. The riding position is like the other KTM ADV’s: upright and comfortable enough to take it for longer day trips.
The bike comes standard with 43mm upside down forks from WP and the 19-inch front wheel makes a big difference on rocky surfaces. The 390 Adventure also features cornering ABS and a traction control system which is of great help on rainy days. The 14.5 liter tank should give you a range of almost 400 kilometers, which is more than my 23 liter tanks gives me on my 1090 Adventure.
All in all, the smallest member of the KTM adventure family is a very well equipped bike for a reasonable price (US$6,200).