ktm duke tft display price factory
Dealers say that the main culprit is the TFT display used on the 390 Duke, which is not available due to the global semiconductor shortage that continues to rage. While this TFT is shared by both the Duke 390 and the 390 Adventure, KTM appears to be in the difficult situation of having to ration out its limited semiconductor supply between models. At present, the updated 390 Adventure and RC 390, which will soon be launched, are taking precedence over the 390 Duke.
Unlike the other 390s, the 390 Duke is not in line for updates anytime soon, and the shortage of supply is not linked to a model year update arriving anytime soon. KTM is, however, working on the next-generation 390 Duke, and has been spotted testing a significantly updated motorcycle with more comprehensive changes, especially in the chassis department. But this next generation is still some time away, and the earliest you can expect to see it is at the end of 2022.
The 2022 KTM RC 390 is a high-performance Supersports machine with its roots firmly planted on the race track. Featuring an impressive technology package, as well as race-derived styling, handling characteristics, and addictive power delivery, the KTM RC 390 is a real-world racer with undoubted pedigree.
The 2022 KTM RC 390 uses the proven 373 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine to maximum effect. Revised engine mapping, improved torque figures, and smoother, hard-hitting power delivery means this state-of-the-art powerplant churns out unmatched performance.CHASSISFrame
A new, ultra-lightweight frame design saves 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) over the previous generation, making use of a trellis frame and bolt-on subframe, which also gives the 2022 KTM RC 390 improved high-speed stability and increased rider feel. The result? Faster lap times.ERGONOMICSHandlebars
Taking its lead from the pinnacle of 2-wheeled racing, the KTM RC 390 echoes the design of the KTM RC16 racer in both styling, ergonomics and Factory Racing-inspired color options.SOFTWARE & ELECTRONICSTFT Display & Switchgear
An all-new TFT dashboard lets you see all the important information you need at a glance, or allows you to customize what you want to see via intuitive switchgear. The ambient light adaptive sensor also means the display adjusts to changing light conditions automatically, so that you maintain perfect visibility, day or night.PRICE CAN NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER FINANCE PROMOTIONS OR OFFERS.
The KTM 390 DUKE is a pure example of what draws so many to the thrill of street motorcycling. This Corner Rocket maximizes enjoyment and user value, taking the honors wherever nimble handling counts. Light as a feather, powerful and packed with state-of-the-art technology, it guarantees a thrilling ride, whether you"re fighting your way through the urban jungle or carving your name into a forest of bends.Features may include:ENGINE & EXHAUSTEngine
The KTM 390 DUKE engine not only delivers arm-wrenching torque and hair-raising acceleration, but also good manners in everyday use, all with outstanding fuel economy. This lightweight, compact engine really packs a punch and with 32 kW (44 hp) it"s one of the most powerful options out there for A2 riders. Thanks to the ingenious intake design and the meticulous fuel injection system, the KTM 390 DUKE is ready and waiting to tear-up the streets and the circuits alike.CHASSISSuspension
The KTM 390 DUKE comes as standard with ultra-lightweight, high-performance upside-down WP forks. Using the latest open-cartridge technology, these forks not only perform above expectations when pushed to the limits, but are also nice and easy to maintain. This makes them perfect for all aspects of riding, from relaxed cruising to hammering around on closed circuits and everything in between.ERGONOMICS & COMFORTHandlebar
Hi-tech upright handlebars offer KTM 390 DUKE riders a controlled yet aggressive body position, allowing you to dominate in all aspects of riding. From destroying corners to pulling the perfect stoppie, these bars will give you the balance and confidence you need to attack the road like never before. Clutch and brake levers are fully adjustable, allowing you to customize your cockpit to suit your individual riding style.BODYWORK & GRAPHICSTFT color display
As an absolute first in its class, the KTM 390 DUKE boasts an innovative multicolor TFT display, presenting all the data you need to go faster in a clear-cut, uncluttered way. As you rev the engine, the display bars change color, either spurring you on or telling you to back off when the engine’s still cold. The display also automatically adapts its color to best suit the light conditions around you. Innovation at its best!!!SOFTWARE & ELECTRONICSRider aids
The KTM 390 DUKE utilizes market leading technology to enhance your ride and provide you with all the assistance you need to help turn the streets into your own personal playground.
The KTM 390 Duke and RC 390 are 373.2 cc (22.77 cu in) displacement single-cylinder engine motorcycles assembled by Bajaj Auto, and KTM Asia Motorcycle Manufacturing, Inc. (KAMMI) for the Austrian manufacturer KTM.standard debuted at the 2012 EICMA show in Milan, Italy, and went on sale in India and the Philippines in 2013 and in the US in 2015.sport bike was presented at EICMA the following year.
Pierer said in December 2015 that KTM and Bajaj plan to replace the 125, 200, and the 390-series Duke and RC lines in 2017, based on all new platforms, in part tarnavo meet Euro IV emissions standards, and to incorporate new technologies such as ride-by-wire.
In its home market, the 390 Duke"s engine size and weight place it in the mid-range category, and it sells for more than three times the average price of a motorcycle in India.Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards.IndianCarsBikes said that with a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) and a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) time of 5.5 seconds, the 390 Duke is the fastest motorcycle made in India as of January 2014
After 2017, the 390 series" front brake disc was increased from 300 mm to 320 mm. The headlight was redesigned and converted to LED. The display became a color TFT panel with phone pairing capability. Seat height was increased from 800 mm (31.5 in) to 830 mm (32.7 in) and wheelbase was decreased 10 mm. The brake and clutch levers were also made manually adjustable.
In 2018, KTM updated its Duke 390 with some minor changes, where it added a deflector plate on the left side of the chassis, to avoid exhaust heat near the riders leg.Euro IV emission standards.
A sport bike version of the 390 Duke, the KTM RC 390 was presented at the 2013 EICMA motorcycle show in Italy, though most details had been leaked a few weeks earlier.road racing style bike has the same 373 cc engine making a claimed 44 hp (33 kW) @ 9,500 rpm with a claimed weight without fuel of 147 kg (324 lb). With a fuel capacity 10.0 l; 2.20 imp gal (2.64 US gal), the wet weight would be 150 kg (340 lb).trellis frame than the Duke, which KTM says is stiffer than the 390 Duke.Metzeler 110/70ZR17 front and 150/60ZR17 rear.rake), the RC"s fork has a steeper 66.5° head angle (or 23.5° rake).
KTM added a racing version of the RC 390, the RC 390 Cup for use by motorcycle racers ages 13 to 21 in the ADAC Junior Cup, a MotoGP event. The RC 390 Cup has no lights or mirrors, and no ABS to reduce weight, and an upgraded WP suspension, fully adjustable front and rear. The engine is detuned to a 38 hp (28 kW) with a block-off plate, and has an Akrapovič exhaust.
KTM revised the RC 390 in 2017 by adding a slipper clutch, adjustable brake levers, ride-by-wire throttle, a larger 320 mm front brake rotor, larger mirrors, and some cosmetic and ergonomic changes.
MultiViu Sports is not only a new generation of displays for the motorcycle world,” says Patric Zimmermann, “it opens up new opportunities for the motorcycle industry. By having a joint back end and a front end that can be customized to a high degree, automotive display technology can be made available to motorcycles in a cost-efficient manner, even with small production runs.” The MultiViu Sports platform also shortens the time to market for manufacturers. Displays can go into production more quickly.
The developers at Continental have not only designed the platform to permit customization of image content. Suppliers can also integrate external services such as weather information or music streaming in cooperation with manufacturers. An app with an open design connects the rider’s smartphone with the motorcycle via Bluetooth Low Energy, taking customization another step further. Continental has also designed the platform to be ready for future technologies and types of user behavior. For example, forthcoming versions of the MultiViu Sports display will offer touchscreen functionality. A video of the display can be seen on the Continental Automotive YouTube channel.
BikeWale brings you comparison of KTM 390 Duke and KTM RC 390. The ex-showroom price of KTM 390 Duke is ₹ 2,94,976 and KTM RC 390 is ₹ 3,12,770. KTM 390 Duke is available in 2 colours and 1 variant and KTM RC 390 is available in 2 colours and 2 variants. Apart from prices, you can also find comparison of these bikes based on displacement, mileage, performance, and many more parameters. Comparison between these bikes have been carried out to help users make correct buying decision between KTM 390 Duke and KTM RC 390.
Tripmeters are available in two type - analogue and digital. The analogue unit usually features a single trip meter while a digital display may come with two trip meters.
The Keeway K300R is the latest supersport offering that aims to take on the well-established KTM RC 390. Now, the RC 390 has a proven track record, both, on the race track and on public roads. That said, we are curious to find out whether the Keeway K300R can beat the KTM RC 390 at its game or succumbs to the Austrian engineering and finesse. Let’s find the answer.Read more
It was time to test KTM’s claims to have made the RC more useable, mainly in terms of engine refinement and tractability, ride quality, and seating comfort. What followed was a 1200km Mumbai-Goa round trip. Here’s how it went.Read more
We thoroughly enjoyed testing the 2022 KTM RC 390"s capabilities on the race track and during our road test review as well. However, if you want a quick summary of the bike, here are the positives and negatives of the all-new RC 390.Read more
The 2023 KTM Duke 390 has been successful in grabbing the attention of those who thrill for the joy of street motorcycling. The bike is lightweight and gives a power-packed performance. It was upgraded with a BS6-compliant engine back in February 2020. It guarantees a thrilling ride experience whether one is riding it through the streets or going through a forest of bends. The bike is manufactured in India at Bajaj’s Auto plant in Chakan. At present, the MY2023 KTM Duke 390 is priced in India at INR 2.96 lakh (ex-showroom).
Going by the design statement, the bike rides on a lightweight split steel trellis frame. The bike offers maximum maneuverability and precision. It has been equipped with all-LED headlamps and DRLs that offer it a fully-offensive stance. The bike has not received a cosmetic update since a long time as it was last updated in 2017 when it got an all-new design. However, the new colour options do add up to its astonishing look. As per the latest details available, KTM would be unveiling the 2023 model of Duke 390 by the end of this year. Some media reports also claim that the brand is planning to replace the Duke 390 with a bigger twin-cylinder Duke 490. But according to us, it won’t be happening as Duke 390 is a single-cylinder model and it offers excellent value for money in this price segment. The KTM Duke 490 would be priced on the higher side and would be catering to a different segment of customers.
The 2023 KTM Duke 390 is powered by a BS6-compliant 373.3cc liquid-cooled, DOHC single-cylinder engine. The engine has been upgraded to meet the stringent emission norms. Despite the BS6 update, the output figures of the bike remain unchanged. It churns out 43.5 HP of maximum power at 9000 rpm and 37 Nm of peak torque at 7000 rpm. The engine of the bike remains mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The updated exhaust system with a catalytic converter is a part of the BS6 upgrade of the bike. The motorcycle has been equipped with a Quickshifter+ that allows the rider with clutchless upshifts and downshifts to have a comfortable ride irrespective of its terrain.
The BS6-compliant KTM Duke 390 comes equipped with a TFT instrument cluster. It not only displays the riding data but also provides Bluetooth connectivity. It comes with an ability to toggle Supermoto Mode that disengages ABS at the rear wheel and toggles the Quickshifter+. The Quickshifter icon appears on the screen once the bike is turned on. One can change the display theme, the shift light, clock, these all are available in the settings of the instrument display.
The 2023 Duke 390 measures 2002 mm in length, 838 mm in width, and 1274 mm in height. It has a seat height of 823 mm with a wheelbase of 1357 mm. With the updated exhaust system along with the catalytic converter, the bike is now 4kg heavier than the previous-gen model. The bike now has a kerb weight of 167 kg. The fuel tank capacity of this street motorcycle is 13.5 litres. It has a ground clearance of 151mm which is quite good. The mileage of the bike stands at around 25-30 kmpl while the top-speed offered by Duke 390 is 167 kmph (approximate).
New KTM Duke 390 rides on a split steel trellis frame while the suspension of the bike is handled by WP Apex UpSide Down forks at the front with 142mm wheel travel and a WP Apex mono-shock at the rear with 150mm wheel travel. The braking power of the bike comes from a 320mm single disc at the front with 4-piston fixed calliper and a 230mm single disc at the rear with a 1-piston floating calliper. It gets BOSCH 9.1MP 2-Channel ABS with Supermoto mode which allows the rider to turn off the rear wheel ABS. The street motorcycle rides on 110/70-R17 tubeless tyres at the front and 150/60-R17 tubeless tyres at the rear.
The 2023 model of the KTM Duke 390 is available in two colour options: Metallic Silver and Ceramic White. The look of the bike looks quite appealing. The Metallic Silver colour on the bike looks nice and classy while the wheels of the bike in this colour variant are in orange colour. The exposed trellis frame is also painted in orange and the bolt-on subframe is painted in black. On the other hand, the Ceramic White colour comes equipped with all-black alloy wheels and black/white trellis frame.
Considering the price, the 2023 BS6 KTM 390 Duke is one of the best products in its class and it offers excellent value for money. The bike looks appealing from almost all angles, and it is a fun-to-ride motorcycle. Coming to rivals, it competes in the Indian market with the likes of Bajaj Dominar 400, BMW G310R, Honda CB300R, TVS Apache RR 310, and the Kawasaki Ninja 300.
The KTM naked streetfighters have a name which has been attracting a lot of enthusiasts. With the Duke 250 taking over the helms in certain Asian nations due to capacity restrictions, the bike’s 2017 update has been unveiled on KTM’s website.
The absence of the 2017 KTM Duke 250 at EICMA did puzzle us but the Austrian bike maker has updated its website with the new bike. The 2015 edition of the Duke 250 was essentially a resleeved version of the Duke 390. However, 2017 will see the Duke 250 fall slightly behind. Let’s have a look at what’s changed and what has not.
The powertrain remains the same 248.8 cc single cylinder mill with twin overhead camshafts. The output remains the same 31 hp. It gets 38 mm throttle bodies while the new Duke 390 gets 46 mm ones. The bike though gains the new side mounted canister exhaust system. Slipper clutch continues to be present. The Duke 250’s front suspension travel too has been brought down to 142 mm and the ground clearance increased to 185 mm.
However, the bike misses out on split LED headlamps seen in the 2017 Duke 390! Yes, the Duke 250 continues with a halogen headlight. The front disc too is the older 300 mm unit and not the 20 mm bigger one in the 390! ABS, though, thankfully remains as standard. That’s not all, it even misses out on the new TFT display and continues with the old LCD instrumentation.
The fuel tank, thanks to the same body as the 390, gets a larger 13.4-litre storage volume. The Duke 250 also misses out on ride by wire. But why is KTM being partial to the Duke 250 if it is their flagship (small) Duke in so many Asian countries?
TFT DISPLAY & SWITCHGEAR: An all-new TFT dashboard lets you see all the important information you need at a glance, or allows you to customize what you want to see via intuitive switchgear. The ambient light adaptive sensor also means the display adjusts to changing light conditions automatically, so that you maintain perfect visibility, day or night.
MTC: Complete confidence at any angle, Motorcycle Traction Control reacts in a matter of milliseconds if the rotational speed of the rear wheel is disproportionate to the riding situation. MTC reduces the engine output with an extremely smooth, barely perceptible intervention at the throttle valves, reducing slippage to optimum proportions. This means riders can enjoy the full power of the KTM RC 390 under all circumstances, on track and on the road.
CORNERING ABS: The KTM RC 390 is equipped with Cornering ABS to ensure maximum braking performance under all conditions. This allows riders to use the full power of the BYBRE brakes when navigating a corner by taking the lean angle of the motorcycle into account, reducing the chance of locking up a wheel mid-corner.
SUPERMOTO ABS MODE: The KTM RC 390 can let it all hang out, thanks to SUPERMOTO ABS. This mode allows the rider more freedom when it comes to hard braking, without compromising on safety. This is done by deactivating ABS functionality on the rear wheel which allows the rider to slide the rear into a corner. At the same time, rear wheel lift up detection is also disabled allowing the rear wheel to lift up, but keeping brake pressure on the front until an excessive front wheel slip is detected, at which point ABS will intervene. This also means the rider can apply more brake pressure when cornering or trail braking.
QUICKSHIFTER+: Shift like a pro with the KTM RC 390 and KTM"s optional QUICKSHIFTER +, allowing you to gear up or down without using the clutch lever. This means quicker shift times, improved rear wheel traction, smoother acceleration and the distinct racetrack sound. This works by cutting the ignition at the moment the shift lever moves up or down, unloading the gearbox, and making it possible for you to switch one gear up without closing the throttle.
KTM MY RIDE: Thanks to the all-new TFT display, the KTM RC 390 can connect to KTM MY RIDE, which allows riders to connect their smartphone via the KTM MY RIDE app, giving them access to their music library and incoming calls without taking their hands off the grips.
LED LIGHTNING: An all-new LED headlight illuminates the way forward on the KTM RC 390. Providing a very wide beam, complete with daylight running lights, guarantees optimum visibility and a distinctive look that matches the rest of the KTM model range. A sharp LED taillight completes the look.
The KTM 390 Adventure, which will likely debut at this year’s EICMA motorcycle show in Italy, will enter production in December. It will be manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan plant, near Pune, and we expect to see an aggressive price tag on the upcoming model. India will be among its first markets worldwide.
The KTM 390 Adventure may carry a premium of INR 30,000-40,000 over the KTM 390 Duke. Thus, the ex-showroom tag may sit between INR 2.8 lakh* and INR 3.0 lakh*. In comparison, the BMW G 310 GS (BS-IV), which will be its closest rival, retails at INR 3.49 lakh*.
Spy shots have already revealed most of the details about the KTM 390 Adventure. The motorcycle will be built around a trellis frame with a bolted sub-frame. The feature list will include full LED lighting (blinkers, taillight and headlamp) and a TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity. The console, in addition to the features available on the KTM 390 Duke, may offer a turn-by-turn navigation function.
Being an adventure-tourer, the motorcycle will come with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination. Test mules of the 390 Adventure that were spotted in India were seen with alloy wheels. KTM may offer an option to install wire-spoke wheels via Power Parts. The 390 Adventure will also get several optional extras to enhance its touring capabilities. Spy photographs have already revealed accessories such as saddlebags, panniers and top-box in the past.
The engine will most likely be the same unit as that of the 390 Duke. The tweaked gear ratio and the engine mapping should be different in the Adventure version. The motorcycle will be launched with a Euro-V/BS-VI compliant engine, which may have slightly different performance numbers. The BS-IV compliant 390 Duke"s engine, for reference, makes 43.5 hp of max power at 9,500 rpm and 35 Nm of peak torque at 7,250 rpm from the 373.2 cc single-cylinder, DOHC, 4-Valve, liquid-cooled engine.
In other updates, Indian Autos Blog also learns that the KTM will introduce a 490 range comprising five bikes employing a parallel-twin cylinder engine.
The KTM 390 Adventure and KTM 250 Duke. As a result, it features several parts and components that have been borrowed from its parents. However, the instrument cluster of the upcoming ADV appears to be a completely new unit.
For the 250 Adventure, KTM has not picked up the fully-digital old instrument cluster from the 250 Duke nor did it use the full-colour TFT display of the 390 Adventure. Since the 250 Adventure is like the middle ground between the 250cc Duke and 390 ADV, the Austrian company has come up with a new instrument cluster that somewhat falls in the middle ground as well.
Just like the 250 Duke, the 250 Adventure will also have an LCD instrument cluster. However, in shape and size, it will be identical to the ones that we have seen on the KTM 390 Duke and 390 Adventure and at the same time will not offer the same number of features. But it will still show a plethora of information such as a gear position indicator, clock, warning texts, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, and more. The 250 Adventure would also not get Bluetooth connectivity.
While KTM 250 Adventure price remains unknown as of now, it will certainly be below that of the 390 Adventure. Considering that, it seems KTM has done a pretty good job with the new LCD instrument cluster. What do you think of it? Let us know in the comments below.
Powering the upcoming KTM 250 Adventure will be a 248.8cc, liquid-cooled engine that also has homes in several other quarter-litre motorcycles like the 250 Duke, Bajaj Dominar 250, and Husqvarna 250 Twins. This single-cylinder mill is capable of churning out 30 PS of maximum power and 24 Nm of peak torque.
They say big things come in small packages and that’s been the hope for the 390 Adventure ever since KTM CEO Stefan Pierer first mentioned it in an interview some 7 years ago. Well after years of rumors, speculation and spy photos, it’s finally here, in the flesh.
A small-displacement adventure bike that is approachable, versatile, economical and fun isn’t anything new in the market. There have been a number of small ADVs filling out this category for several years now, but they tend to be more adventure “style” than “bike.” So when the ‘Ready to Race’ brand jumped into the game, there were certain expectations, regardless of price. But have they hit their mark?
Starting off with a 373cc single-cylinder motor borrowed from the 390 Duke, the pint-sized powerplant pumps out a respectable 43 horsepower and 27.3 ft-lbs of torque. Plus it comes packed with premium components you typically don’t get standard in this category like a TFT display with Bluetooth integration, a charging port on the dash, tapered aluminum handlebars, crash bars, skid plate, hand guards, adjustable windscreen, ByBre (Indian Brembo) brakes, and WP suspension with damping adjustments front and rear. Rider aids are also impressive like cornering ABS that is Street/Off-Road switchable, lean angle-aware traction control, a slipper clutch, optional quickshifter, and smooth fueling thanks to ride-by-wire throttle.
That’s a lot of primo componentry for a budget-oriented adventure bike, but the one important area where KTM may have skimped a little is in wheel choice. Whereas its big brothers come with 21” front and 18” rear wire-spoke wheels, the 390 Adventure sports 19”/17” cast aluminum hoops. Also, the suspension travel is much lower than usual for KTM adventure bikes, measuring 6.7 inches up front and 6.9 inches in the back, along with a ground clearance measurement of 7.8 inches.
Decisions were likely made to hit a specific price point, but it is important to keep in mind the smaller wheels and lower suspension do help get the seat height down to a more reasonable 33.6 inches and also improves maneuverability — important factors for any entry-level machine. However, KTM’s statement that the new 390 Adventure was made for touring and ‘light’ off-roading had me wondering if I should check my ‘Ready to Race’ expectations at the door.
So is it an adventure bike worthy of the orange brand? Or just another budget lookalike ADV without any true off-road intentions? As a big fan of small bikes, I was thrilled to get some seat time on this long-awaited newest addition to KTM’s family to find out what it’s all about, and how it matches up with other bikes in the category. Read on for the straight scoop!
While the 390 Adventure is based on the 390 Duke, it shares a strong family resemblance with the 790 Adventure, with the exception of the low-slung fuel tank. Everything from lighting to the side panels, windscreen, display, seating, and GPS mount are a close match, just shrunk down to a smaller package… But it’s no minibike either. The ergos feel full sized in the seated position, with a comfortable reach to the bars and enough room to move around in the saddle. The distance from the seat to the footpegs is also comfortable for taller riders like myself at 6 foot 2 inches. Although in the standing position, it is slightly cramped with the bars feeling a bit low and too far back for my size, even with the handlebar supports set in the high/forward position.
Turning on the display, the 5” Color TFT looks similar to the 790 and 1290 Adventures’, with a low glare design that switches colors for night and day. Its interface and control switches are just like the big bikes when configuring ABS and MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) settings, although there are no rider modes. Instead, there is one standard fuel map and you can either turn traction control On or Off. ABS is also simplified with either Street (front and rear) or Offroad (front only) settings only. You can also set shift warning lights for two different RPMs and custom configure your home screen. About the only thing I didn’t find on the display was outside temperature, which is a nice tool to have for understanding current road conditions.
The display is also compatible with the KTM My Ride app that allows you to connect your phone and headset via Bluetooth. Once connected, you can take calls, adjust your music and receive turn-by-turn navigation on the bike’s display, all managed with the left thumb controls. The larger display makes things easier to see what’s going on in your peripheral vision and the thumb controls keep the rider’s hands on the handlebars where they should be.
Firing up the 390 for the first time, it sounds subdued compared to KTM’s heart-pumping twin-powered machines but it’s not without character. An initial test run revealed a flat powerband that doesn’t ‘wow’ the rider with low-end pop or high RPM surge. It’s just smooth and steady throughout. But you can get the front wheel up in first gear and ride a wheelie, if you clutch it. The suspension feels firm, which is unique for a bike in this class. And when setting up sag for around 230 pounds of rider and gear, I was surprised to find the preload on the shock was not even close to maxed out — a good sign for things to come on the trail. But first, the pavement…
Pointing the 390 Adventure toward twistier asphalt was a much more enjoyable ride. Here you can really feel some of the street DNA it inherited from the 390 Duke. Turning is effortless on the light maneuverable bike. Plus with the more street-friendly 19”/17” wheel combo, it’s easy to switch lines mid turn, and it doesn’t feel twitchy or sensitive to inputs.
As you might expect, that smooth, flat power curve works great in the dirt. Even with Traction Control off, the torquey thumper motor keeps the rear tire glued to the ground in the lower RPMs. You really have to get the revs up, or be riding in sand or mud, to get any wheel spin. Moreover, the TC system seems to be turned for street and doesn’t have the sensitivity of KTM’s off-road traction control systems found on bikes like the 790 Adventure or 690 Enduro. Keep it on only if you are new to off-road riding and you are sticking to packed dirt roads.
Another small annoyance was having to repeatedly turn the Traction Control off in the dirt. If the kill switch is turned off with the ignition on, it loses the Off setting. Or even if you just stall the bike and restart it within a few seconds, it sometimes loses the setting. I haven’t noticed traction control being this finicky on other KTM models before.
KTM has done a great job of creating a capable, entry-level ADV Bike at a price point that makes it easier for new adventure riders to get started on an orange bike. You don’t get all the premium components and hard-edged performance of their larger machines, but it’s a step ahead of the competition for this category.
The 390 Adventure has enough power to keep up with bigger bikes too, although I do wish it were smoother on the highway. Comparing it to other single-cylinder models, KTM 690 Enduro R is smoother at 75mph with its dual balancer shafts. Yet without a windscreen, highway stints on the 690 are rough. The 410cc Royal Enfield Himalayan is also a smoother operator, but that’s in part because its limited-performance motor keeps the revs down. The 390 Adventure does feel smoother than either the BMW G310GS or CRF250L Rally though. But perhaps the 390’s vibration woes can be resolved with heavy bar-end weights and vibration damping footpegs.
Looking at all the equipment and electronics you get for an MSRP of $6,199, it’s a good value too. Not only is it an attractive package to draw new riders into the sport, but we can also see older and smaller-statured riders who are looking for a more manageable bike on the trail (i.e. easier to pick up) being enticed. And while some experienced off-road riders may desire more capability in the dirt, it still offers enough performance to be left impressed with what it can do, especially for the price.