KTM JOINS
THE COMPACT
ADVENTURE GAME
K
TM’s long-awaited contender for the Compact
Adventure class of motorcycles has made
its debut at the EICMA show in Milan.
Based around the same single-cylinder engine
as the popular entry-level 390 Duke, the
390 Adventure adds plenty of adventurous
DNA from the brilliant new 790 Adventure to
create KTM’s first LAMS approved adventure
bike. Look out Kawasaki and BMW!
An interesting note from KTM’s press release was
that as well as the clear 790 Adventure inspiration,
KTM also utilised development information
gleaned from nearly two decades of Dakar Rally
success in their creation of the 390 Adventure.
The end result is said to be a breezy, agile,
and ideal entry model for riders keen to
discover the ‘adventure’ sensation but
otherwise unable to commit to KTM’s larger
(and incredibly potent) other offerings.
Power is supplied via KTM’s tried-and-true
single cylinder 390 Duke engine with 43hp
18 KIWI RIDER
and 37Nm, while weight is set at 158 kilos dry.
Following KTM tradition, the 390 Adventure is
equipped with the WP suspension with an APEX
43mm upside-down front fork that includes
dual-function adjustment capability on either
side. Compression damping and rebound can
be easily changed with the turn of a dial.
KTM says the 170mm of front travel and 177mm
on the WP APEX rear shock absorber is more
than enough for a planted and secure sensation
on the street and even more confidence when
the surface alters from tarmac to trail.
Braking comes in the form of a 320 mm
front disc and 230mm rear activated with the
assistance of Bosch two-channel ABS.
However, KTM has indicated that the 390 Duke
isn’t going to be as capable as its larger Adventure
siblings, instead, they say “this motorcycle offers
added versatility for touring and light offroading.”