KTM 390 Adventure (ADV) Confirmed, Launch in 2019

Adventure seekers, motorcyclists and KTM loyalists, it’s time to rejoice! As KTM has confirmed that the much awaited KTM 390 Adventure which is slated for launch in 2019. The upcoming model will be forged by KTM’s unparalleled Dakar legacy. KTM is the world’s No.1 off-road motorcycle brand and is undefeated at the world’s toughest race the Dakar Rally since 2001. In India, KTM is one of India’s fastest growing motorcycle brands with a CAGR of 45% since its launch 6 years ago. KTM is available across an exclusive dealer network of 430 showrooms in 320 towns spanning the length and breadth of the country.

The upcoming 390 Adventure will draw its lineage from the brand’s proud Rally-Racing history and from the flagship 1290 Super Adventure providing the motorcycle-touring community a state-of-the-art package to ride great distances and conquer almost any terrain. KTM 390 Adventure is being projected as a middle weight performance bike which will find good demand in India.

A prototype was spotted testing as early as 2016. KTM 390 Adventure will be largely based on the Duke 390 with significant changes to its frame to cater the purpose, a tall front screen and a high-mounted exhaust canister, it will borrow several features including riding modes and cruise control from the 1290 Super Adventure. KTM 390 Adventure will be seen with longer suspension, dual purpose tyres and a large fuel tank. Having upright seating position will ensure more comfort over long distances. KTM 390 Adventure gets the same 373.2cc engine as seen on the 390 Duke & RC. This single cylinder, liquid cooled engine is capable of 44 PS power and 37 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed gearbox. What remains to be seen is if the specs remain the same. Cosmetically yhr ADV 390 looks very much like the big brother the ADV 1190.

We expect this KTM 390 Adventure to be priced aggressively, as it’ll be locally manufactured and we won’t be surprised even if it undercuts the competition with its pricing. The timing of this announcement couldn’t have been better as KTM hasn’t been in the news for a while in the small capacity segment. It also comes just before BMW is finally set to launch the G 310R and G 310 GS in India. In addition to the baby GS, the KTM 390 Adventure, when it arrives, will also go up against the astronomically priced Kawasaki Versys X-300 and the seriously capable yet underpowered Royal Enfield Himalayan.

While launch in India is on the cards for early 2019, Bajaj Auto will also export the bike to global markets. Commenting on the upcoming launch Amit Nandi – President (Probiking), Bajaj Auto Ltd. said “KTM is a niche brand for a select few. With the 390 Adventure we would be making our long awaited entry into the niche premium dual-sport segment which is a very apt segment for Indian roads”