KTM 390 Adventure

The KTM 390 Adventure is known as one of the most performance-oriented ADV in the sub-500cc segment. But since the introduction of GST 2.0 in September 2025, motorcycles above 350cc became significantly more expensive, forcing manufacturers to rethink their approach. KTM and Bajaj’s answer to that problem is this: the new 350cc KTM 390 Adventure.

Even though it carries the same name and styling as the larger-capacity version, this motorcycle now uses a smaller 349cc engine while retaining almost everything else from the standard setup. So the idea here is simple: try to offer the same adventure touring experience, same features, and same hardware, but at a much more accessible price point. After riding the motorcycle through city traffic, highways, and over the rough-road sections, here’s what the new 350cc KTM 390 Adventure is really like.

Visually, the new 350cc KTM 390 Adventure looks nearly identical to its larger sibling, and honestly, that’s a good thing. It still carries KTM’s aggressive ADV styling with sharp body panels, a tall stance, and proper rally-bike proportions. The vertically stacked LED headlight, large windscreen, muscular tank extensions, and beak-style front fender give the bike a proper adventure-tourer appearance.
It’s also the kind of motorcycle that naturally grabs attention. Whether parked outside a café or filtering through traffic, people notice it instantly. The tall design, bright paint schemes, and unmistakable KTM styling ensure the bike has plenty of road presence.

Colours

KTM continues to offer the motorcycle in its familiar mix of orange and white shades, similar to those on the KTM 390 Adventure S. The graphics and paint combinations complement the sharp bodywork nicely, and among the available options, the orange-heavy scheme still suits the motorcycle best by highlighting its aggressive design. There is no X or R graphics here as the livery chosen is the same as the standard variant with 399cc engine.

Wheels

The motorcycle uses a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheel setup wrapped in dual-purpose tyres. This combination works well for the kind of usage this bike is intended for. It feels stable on highways, confident over broken roads, and capable enough for mild off-road trails without feeling intimidating.

Build Quality

The overall quality levels feel impressive. The body panels fit together neatly, the paint finish looks premium, and the weld quality is much better than older KTM ADVs. That said, the body panels do get scratched up very easily, especially where you make contact with the bike. But since the panels are the same as those found on dirt bikes, they do not break/damage under impact. Even the switchgear feels solid and tactile to use. Despite being the more affordable version in the lineup, the motorcycle doesn’t feel cheap or compromised anywhere.

Safety Features

One thing KTM hasn’t compromised on is the electronics package. The 350cc 390 Adventure comes loaded with features, including cornering ABS, cornering traction control, and multiple riding modes such as Street, Rain, and Off-road.

The Off-road mode allows the rear ABS to be switched off, which gives better control on loose surfaces. The electronics overall work seamlessly in the background and add confidence without becoming intrusive.

Convenience Features

Feature-wise, this motorcycle feels properly premium. It gets the same 5-inch TFT instrument console with smartphone connectivity for call alerts, navigation, and music controls. The display itself is crisp, easy to read, and offers multiple layouts.

Cruise control is also included as standard, which makes highway touring significantly more convenient. KTM has even retained the bi-directional quickshifter, and paired with this calmer engine setup, it actually feels smoother during everyday riding. All the functions can be controlled easily through the four-way switchgear on the handlebar.

Rider Comfort

The ergonomics strike a very good balance between comfort and control. The upright riding posture, neutral footpeg position, and wide handlebar make the motorcycle feel comfortable even during longer rides.
The seat itself is spacious and reasonably comfortable for extended saddle time. Its narrow mid-section also helps shorter riders reach the ground more confidently despite the 825mm seat height. Taller riders get enough room to move around, although extremely long hours in the saddle can make the legroom feel slightly tight.

When riding off-road while standing up, the bike feels natural and well-balanced. The handlebar position especially works nicely for trail riding, while the footpeg positioning gives enough leverage and control over rough terrain.

Pillion Comfort

The pillion seat is acceptable for shorter rides but isn’t particularly spacious. The cushioning feels slightly firm, which may become uncomfortable over longer journeys. Thankfully, the grab rails are sturdy and well-positioned, giving the pillion a secure feeling.

KTM’s optional touring seat remains a worthwhile upgrade for riders who frequently travel long distances with a pillion.

Engine

Powering the new KTM 390 Adventure is a 349.32cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 41.5PS at 8,600rpm and 33.5Nm at 7,000rpm. Compared to the earlier 399cc version, the smaller engine loses some outright performance (4.5PS and 5.5Nm to be exact), but the overall character of the bike remains sporty and engaging.

Underpinnings

Mechanically, the motorcycle retains the same chassis and suspension setup as the Adventure X. It uses a steel trellis frame along with long-travel suspension offering 200mm front and 205mm rear wheel travel.

At 181kg kerb weight and with 228mm ground clearance, the bike still feels like a proper adventure motorcycle capable of handling rough roads and mild trails comfortably.

Brakes

Braking performance remains strong thanks to the 320mm front disc and 240mm rear disc setup. The front brake offers progressive stopping power with good feel at the lever, while the ABS calibration works nicely for both road and off-road riding. However, we would have liked it if KTM/Bajaj had given the bike front sintered brake pads as standard, as it would allow for more consistent braking performance.

City Handling

Despite its tall stance, the motorcycle feels surprisingly manageable in urban conditions. The relatively low kerb weight and well-balanced chassis make low-speed manoeuvres easy, while filtering through traffic doesn’t feel intimidating.

Highway Handling

At highway speeds, the bike feels planted and confidence-inspiring. It remains stable even at triple-digit cruising speeds, while quick lane changes feel natural and predictable.

Cornering

Through corners, the 390 Adventure feels quite engaging, especially for an adventure bike. The suspension setup may feel slightly soft during aggressive riding, but overall stability and grip levels remain impressive for an ADV-focused motorcycle.

Ride Quality

Ride comfort is one of the motorcycle’s strongest areas. The suspension setup absorbs potholes, broken roads, and highway undulations very well without feeling overly soft.

While it may not be as plush as the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, the overall balance between comfort and sporty handling feels excellent. The suspension tuning works well across a wide variety of riding conditions.

The new 350cc KTM 390 Adventure feels like a very smart response to the changing market conditions after GST 2.0. Instead of stripping down the motorcycle or compromising on features, KTM has simply introduced a smaller engine while retaining everything that made the platform appealing in the first place.

You still get the same sharp styling, same feature-loaded electronics package, same capable chassis, and same touring-friendly ergonomics. Yes, outright performance has taken a slight hit compared to the larger-capacity version, and enthusiastic riders will definitely notice the calmer character of this engine. But in return, you get better refinement, improved fuel efficiency, and most importantly, a much more accessible price tag.

At Rs 2,80,905 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the motorcycle now makes a very strong value proposition in the ADV segment. In fact, the money saved can easily go towards riding gear, accessories, touring upgrades, or fuel for actual adventures.

For riders looking for a comfortable, feature-rich, and genuinely capable adventure tourer without spending a fortune, the new 350cc KTM 390 Adventure feels like one of the most sensible motorcycles currently on sale.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

The Himalayan 450 remains one of the best adventure tourers when it comes to ride comfort and low-end torque. Its suspension setup feels exceptionally plush, especially on rough roads. However, compared to the KTM, it is heavier and less agile in everyday riding situations.

Triumph Scrambler 400 X

The Scrambler 400 X offers excellent build quality, approachable ergonomics, and a premium riding experience. It works well for both city riding and light off-road usage. However, it misses out on several modern electronics and touring-focused features that the KTM offers as standard.

TVS Apache RTX 300

The Apache RTX 300 is a more road-focused adventure tourer with a strong emphasis on comfort, technology, and everyday usability. Its engine feels refined and tractable, while the overall ergonomics make it approachable for a wide range of riders. The bike also packs a decent feature list and offers a comfortable ride quality for touring duties. However, when compared to the KTM 390 Adventure, it doesn’t feel as engaging or capable once the roads get rougher.