The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been eagerly waiting to see what KTM has cooked up for the 2025 390 Adventure lineup. Well, the wait is over! I got my hands on all the juicy details ahead of their official launch, and let me tell you, these bikes are built on an all-new platform that barely shares anything with the outgoing models.
So, what’s new? Let’s break it down.
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KTM 390 Adventure R Hardcore Off-Road Goodness
First up, the standard 390 Adventure R. The big headline here? A significantly lower seat height—825mm, which is 30mm lower than before. That’s a huge win for shorter riders, and yet, KTM has somehow increased ground clearance by 27mm, now at 227mm. Talk about engineering wizardry!
Suspension-wise, we now get 200mm of travel at the front and 205mm at the rear, paired with proper 21/17-inch tubeless spoked wheels. That’s a major upgrade over the outgoing model’s 19/17-inch tubed setup. Braking duties are handled by a 320mm disc up front and a 240mm disc at the rear. The only slight downside? At 183kg, it’s 6 kilos heavier than before, but it still holds the same 14.5L fuel capacity.
Now, let’s talk tech. The 2025 390 Adventure R is packed with rider aids—three riding modes (Offroad, Street, and Rain), cornering ABS (which can be turned off), a bidirectional quickshifter, and—for the first time in the sub-500cc ADV segment in India—cruise control! All of this is controlled via a 5-inch TFT display, just like the latest-gen Dukes.
KTM 390 Adventure X A More Budget-Friendly Option
The 390 Adventure X is the more affordable, road-biased sibling in the lineup. It swaps out the off-road-focused 21-inch front wheel for a 19-inch alloy, keeping a 17-inch rear. While the suspension still offers the same travel, it’s non-adjustable.
Other differences? The X is a kilo lighter at 182kg and ditches a lot of the fancy tech. No riding modes, no cornering ABS—just off-road ABS and a bidirectional quickshifter. But it shares the same seat height, ground clearance, and fuel capacity as the higher-end variant.
Both models come in two colors—orange and white. And since KTM has updated its India website with the new-gen Adventure lineup, a launch is just around the corner. Pricing will likely see a slight bump over the previous-gen bikes, which were priced at Rs 2.81 lakh for the X and Rs 3.42 lakh for the standard model.
KTM 390 Adventure Long-Term Ownership Review
I’ve been riding my KTM 390 Adventure for over a year now, and let’s just say, it’s been one hell of a journey—literally! From weekend trails to highway runs, city commutes to some gnarly off-road sections, this bike has seen it all. So, how has it held up?
Performance & Engine
The 373cc single-cylinder mill is a gem. It’s punchy, rev-happy, and delivers 43hp with 37Nm of torque (on my model; the 2025 gets a slight bump). It’s a high-compression engine, so it thrives on premium fuel, but even on regular petrol, it runs just fine. The quickshifter is slick, and the gearing is spot-on for highway cruising as well as technical sections off-road.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The earlier model’s 855mm seat height was intimidating at first, but once you get used to it, it’s actually quite comfortable. The riding triangle is well-suited for long distances, and standing up on the pegs feels natural. However, the stock seat isn’t the most comfortable for long hauls—I added a gel seat for extra comfort.
Suspension & Handling
WP APEX suspension is great for mixed use, though a bit stiff for hardcore off-roading. I’ve taken it on some challenging trails, and while it manages well, the front end can feel a bit harsh over sharp rocks. The new model, with more travel and adjustability, should be even better.
On the road, handling is sharp and precise, especially with the 19/17-inch wheels. The new 21-inch setup on the 2025 model should make a noticeable difference in off-road capability.
Reliability & Maintenance
KTM’s reliability has improved over the years, and so far, I’ve had no major mechanical issues. Regular servicing costs are reasonable, though parts like brake pads and clutch cables wear out relatively quickly. One issue many owners report is the radiator fan running hot in traffic—definitely noticeable in Indian summers.
Fuel Efficiency
I get around 27-30 km/l in the city and about 32-34 km/l on the highway. For a performance-oriented ADV, that’s not bad at all. The 14.5L tank gives me a real-world range of around 400km, which is decent for touring.
Final Thoughts
The KTM 390 Adventure is a fantastic all-rounder. It’s a capable ADV, a fun tourer, and a solid commuter when needed. Yes, it has its quirks—heat management, slightly firm suspension, and a tall seat (on the older model)—but the new-gen bike addresses some of these concerns. If you’re looking for a lightweight ADV that can do it all, the 390 Adventure should be at the top of your list!
Now, with the 2025 models coming in, I’m seriously tempted to upgrade. That lower seat height, more suspension travel, and tubeless spoked wheels? KTM, take my money already!
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