Updated KTM 390 Adventure X vs KTM 390 Adventure S: Differences Explained

With all the new features from the S carried over to the X, there’s now only a few but crucial differences

The updated KTM 390 Adventure X is a lot more feature-packed than the earlier version. The bike now has all the features that were earlier exclusive to the 390 Adventure S. But the two bikes still have key differences that make them appealing to two different sets of riders. 

Common Features?

The new KTM 390 Adventure X now gets cruise control, 3 riding modes, cornering ABS and a traction control system. This is in addition to the already existing bidirectional quickshifter. 

The 390 Adventure X, with its alloy wheels, is supposed to be a road-biased, touring-oriented ADV. However, the lack of cruise-control sort of felt like it was robbed of its full potential, especially considering the off-road biased 390 Adventure S has it. With the update, both the bikes have become equally capable highway tourers, in fact, the X more so, with its 19”-17” wheel setup. 

The addition of a traction control system, and cornering ABS in the 390 Adventure X have also made it a lot safer. This is especially useful for newer riders who have upgraded to a larger bike and are getting used to the level of power and performance. The other features that were common before are the 5-inch TFT console which offers smartphone connectivity and related features such as turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts and music controls.

What’s Different?

The main difference in terms of features now comes down to the suspension setup, wheels, and tyres. The KTM 390 Adventure S has adjustable front and rear suspension as well as tubeless spoke wheels with the front wheel being larger than the one on the X. 

The adjustable suspension makes it easier for riders to adjust the fork’s compression and rebound setting by turning two knobs on the top of the fork. The monoshock has  20-click rebound adjustment and a 10-step preload adjustment.

This allows the riders to set up the bike as per their requirements - be it their weight or the surface of the road. On the other hand, the 390 Adventure X doesn’t get adjustable suspension.The KTM 390 Adventure S has 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels while the X has a 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear alloy wheel setup. 

Price & Verdict

The 390 Adventure X and 390 Adventure S comes in the following prices:

The pricing difference comes to Rs 64,574, which is substantial for the differences in hardware. The recent update has made the KTM 390 Adventure X similar to the KTM 390 Adventure S in terms of electronic riding aids. From a budget and value for money perspective, the KTM 390 Adventure X has now become more attractive to buy. 

The X makes sense if you’re looking to get an ADV with good highway touring capabilities and some off-road manners. The 390 Adventure S makes more sense if you’re planning on doing a lot more hardcore off-road riding apart from touring.