We do tend to bargain a bit in this country, and most of the time it works in our favour. The KTM 390 Adventure X is one of those products that we may have schemed out from the company. We got the powerful 390 Adventure in a more affordable package, less by more than INR 70k, minus the electronics. It does look like a win-win for motorcyclists across the country.
Peaky Personality
Central to its core is a red-hot LC4c engine, a liquid‑cooled, 398.7 cc single-cylinder unit that delivers 44 bhp of maximum power and 39 Nm of peak torque via a 6‑speed gearbox. Through the city, on the highway, or back roads, this powerplant is one of the most enjoyable singles at this price point or more. It has a strong mid-range pull, making overtakes and highway riding feel effortless. Twist the throttle past 5,000 revs smashing through the quickshifter equipped 6-speed transmission, and it surges with utmost vigour.
It is this peaky nature that makes it extremely fun to ride with its agile dynamics and quick steering. This makes for lively touring and spirited road riding, yet in low-speed off-road sections, the power delivery can feel abrupt and hard to manage. When it comes to trails, you need to keep the engine boiling to get the best performance out of it. Not because it is underpowered in any way, it is because the engine and suspension will perform best when you are fast-trailing through the countryside rather than slowly negotiating riverbeds.
Rally-Inspired Precision
Obviously, the Adventure 390 X borrows heavily from KTM’s rally DNA. It rides on a lightweight steel trellis frame and runs WP APEX suspension with about 200 mm travel on both ends. The tall 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast wheels offer solid handling on tarmac and light gravel alike. But do note, these are not the 21-inchers like those on its sibling 390 Adventure, which makes off-road bits easier.
On asphalt, the bike feels agile and well-balanced. While it doesn’t absorb off-road ruts as forgivingly as an enduro with a softer setup, its damping ensures comfort on broken tarmac and moderate gravel. Cornering remains sharp and predictable, aided by the well-judged chassis. The 14‑litre tank delivers enough range for weekend rides or light touring.
As evident from earlier, despite its rugged appearance and offroad-biased features, the Adventure X is no hardcore dirt machine. Its cast wheels, firmer suspension and peaky delivery make it less forgiving in technical terrain. For gravel roads and maintained tracks it performs admirably, but technical off‑road maniacs might find the power delivery too abrupt and the suspension limiting. Riders who are able to utilise its meaty mid-high rev range will have oodles of fun on trails.
The braking system featuring a 320 mm front disc with ByBre radial callipers and a 240 mm rear disc brings confident braking to the experience. Combined with KTM’s Offroad ABS mode, which allows delightful rear-wheel slides. The bike genuinely offers safety without dulling fun, especially on loose surfaces.
Rider Comfort
Refined for long days in the saddle, the 390 Adventure X features a tall windscreen, stepped seat and rally-style footpegs. Saddle height sits at 825 mm, suitable for adventurous riders, though shorter users may need to adapt. Overall, body position and adjustable ergonomics lend themselves well to both seated and standing riding styles, more seated though.
Connected & Hardy
The 5-inch TFT display is intuitive and easy to read. It offers full KTMconnect smartphone integration which some riders find necessary, most as part of the package, and some do not care if it’s there. Additional practical touches include a USB‑C charging port and an adaptive screen that stays bright in daylight. Mode switching in the cockpit is straightforward, allowing rapid toggling to off‑road mode. The LED headlamps are excellent, and probably lead the segment in illumination and spread.
The KTM 390 Adventure X is a great choice for riders who prefer long‑distance touring with a sporty edge. Its untamed engine, rally-honed chassis and smart tech see it excel on tarmac and light gravel. Yet, its peaky power and firmer setup shape it firmly as a road‑biased tourer rather than a full‑blown offroad explorer. For those seeking a bike that’s equally at home blasting through countryside lanes and raiding highway corners, the 390 Adventure X is a spirited contender. Hardcore off-pavement enthusiasts should look instead at KTM’s 390 Adventure or Enduro.
Photography: Mohd Nasir