“
...it perks up around
6000rpm and then again
at 8000rpm. There’s this
little rush of power just
before 10,000rpm that
gave me a wee smile each
time I rode it
While extremely rideable, there’s not really
much happening below 5000rpm, but it perks
up around 6000rpm and then again at
8000rpm. There’s this little rush of power just
before 10,000rpm that gave me a wee smile
each time I rode it.
Pace-wise, 120km/h has the engine working,
but not struggling and, even with my long frame
sitting up, 140km/h was quite possible. This
motor will make more powerful bikes work to
shake the 390 on tight roads because it’s so racy
in the turns. Our test bike came fitted with a
sharp-looking Akrapovic muffler, and, while the
KTM was still very quiet, it probably produces a
little more power than the standard one. Just
something to consider.
ADVENTURING OFF TAR SEAL
The handling is delightful. At 148kg dry, the
390 is not a light bike by dirt bike standards.
But it feels like a mini bike compared to most
adventure-class machines, with lovely light
manners at turn-in. Tarmac turns can be
attacked hard and with confidence, the TKC70
tyres gripping very well. The steering is planted,
accurate and agile. Very little changes that on
gravel. Obviously maximum grip is down from a
50/50 tyre and well down from a full knobbly,
but on firm gravel with few loose stones you
can still press on with a business like attitude. I
would not recommend going far off-road with
the standard tyres if wet – you will not enjoy
them in mud.
The suspension is impressive on highways and
byways. Both ends are firm yet plush on the
road with very controlled feedback – impressive
for a bike of modest budget.
This result is repeated on gravel. Offroad the
390 adventure cannot be compared to a dirt
bike. Of course, modestly difficult dry offroad
terrain is achievable, but it will need to be
ridden with caution. To start with it is heavier,
the tyres are not really suitable and then the
shock and forks are of a basic specification
with less adjustability and much less wheel
travel. Up front the forks offer 170mm of wheel
travel and at the rear 177mm. So, while this
means it’s excellent on all roads and easy
KIWI RIDER 99