KTM 390 Adventure First Look
Well, we love the RC390 and the 390 Duke even more, and the 790 Adventure is our 2019 Motorcycle of the Year, so what won’t be to love about KTM’s all-new 390 Adventure? KTM says it’s harnessed the attributes and DNA from the KTM 790 Adventure as well as the information gathered from nearly two decades of Dakar Rally success, to create a light, agile, ideal entry model.
KTM Press Release:
2020 KTM 390ADVENTURE
MSRP: $6,199USD/$6,799CAD
RACE INSPIRED
Satisfy your restless spirit with the new KTM 390 ADVENTURE. This compact single-cylinder travel-enduro machine has a sporty design attitude, with the comprehensive equipment and proven performance credentials of the KTM ADVENTURE range. A state-of-the-art, liquid cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke 373.2 cc engine powers this agile machine perfectly into KTM’s world of ADVENTURE. The engine is equipped with an electric starter and achieves impressive peak power with incredibly punchy torque.
Twin overhead camshafts, four valves and electronic fuel injection are integral to the KTM 390 ADVENTURE’s outstanding power and together with a balancer shaft, deliver the highest levels of smoothness. Its versatile ergonomics, smooth power delivery and innovative technology all come together in a comfortable, lightweight package built for those wanting to fit more adventure into their daily lives.
2020 KTM390 ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS
Extremely powerful single cylinder, 4-stroke, 373.2 cc DOHC engine, electronic fuelinjection, 3-way catalytic converter and balancer shaft, PASC slipper clutch and a Ride-by-Wire throttle for a smoother and more refined response.
State-of-the-art engine management system featuring the most modern electronic fuel injection system with a 46 mm throttle body.
Lightweight, precision-crafted exhaust system, comprising of a stainless steel header pipe and pre-muffler, which flow perfectly into a slim silencer.
Ultralight trellis frame strikes a forgiving balance of flex and stiffness and is designed for straight-line stability and agile and precise steering
More by John Burns
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It's close, but for this price I also want to see:
1. Dual disc front brakes, with floating rotors, not fixed.
2. Saddle gas tank, like the 790's, to lower center of gravity.
3. Adjustable levers (if it doesn't have them already, specs don't mention it).
4. Tubeless wire wheels, not cast.
5. Crash bars.
6. Larger windscreen as standard, not accessory.
7. USB and 12V ports.
And don't tell me that they can't do it for this price; they can do it, but have chosen not to. Hell, I would be fine with them removing all of the electronics and using the "savings" on the things that I listed. The engine, with the output it has, doesn't need to be electronically nannied. Chuck the MTC. And I would be OK with standard ABS, in place of the cornering ABS.
I definitely like this bike, but it could be even better. I know because I just bought a CSC RX4 for virtually the same price, with most of the stuff I listed above, plus a rack and aluminum top case. It lacks the saddle gas tank and tubeless wire wheels. But still. I'll be watching this bike for sure; it might make a good replacement in 4-5 years for my RX3, which weighs about the same sans luggage, especially if the engine proves to be as reliable as the NC250.
Well, 158 kg of dry weight is not very light for a 370cc engine bike, you have to add around 15 kg more for a running condition. Suspension travel distance is surprisingngly short, fuel tank capacity seems OK, gone are the traditional 21" & 18" wheels, Tubeless tyres are an improvement, but not at he cost of wirespokes! Still a lot of expensive plastic around in case of a fall... Personally I would have expected a more rugged and minimalist design, but nowadays marketing departments rule...