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ADV NewsNew KTM 390 Adventure Unveiled at EICMA -Yes It’s Finally Here!

New KTM 390 Adventure Unveiled at EICMA -Yes It’s Finally Here!

Cover is dropped on the long-awaited entry-level adventure model from KTM.

Published on 11.05.2019

It’s been 7 years since KTM CEO Stefan Pierer first mentioned in an interview they would be producing an all-new dual-sport model based on the Duke 390 platform, and every year since then it seemed like its release was imminent. Over time, we grew numb to any rumors about the KTM 390 Adventure ‘soon to be launched,’ yet there were some solid spy photos released last year that got our attention. Well the big day has finally arrived. The Austrian manufacturer unveiled the latest edition to their adventure range – the 2020 KTM 390 Adventure – on the first day of the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. Better yet, it’s coming to North America too!

2020 KTM 390 Adventure

The long-awaited KTM 390 Adventure harnesses DNA from its big brother KTM 790 Adventure, which it shares a strong resemblance with (minus the low bulbous tank). And with nearly two decades of competing in Dakar Rally racing, we expect KTM incorporated R&D information gathered from it’s long-running success. According to KTM, the new machine is a light, agile, entry-level model for those looking to discover the world of adventure riding. A versatile motorcycle designed with both touring and light off-roading in mind. Using elements of the KTM 390 Duke platform as a base, while incorporating performance cues from the KTM 450 Rally, the 390 Adventure was created with off-road capability and impressive road manners as part of the package.

KTM 390 Adventure in the dirt
2020 KTM 390 Adventure Revealed at EICMA

KTM’s smallest travel enduro is powered by a Bosch fuel injected, liquid cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke 373.2 cc engine. Twin overhead cams, four valves and refined fuel injection, together with a balancer shaft are integral to the KTM 390 Adventure’s smooth power output. Its versatile ergonomics, smooth power delivery and innovative technology all come together in a comfortable, lightweight package. No horsepower or torque figures have been released as of yet, but if we assume similar numbers to the KTM 390 Duke (43 horsepower), the 390 Adventure will have class-leading horsepower compared to its rivals the BMW G310GS, Kawasaki Versys-X 300, Suzuki DR-Z400S or Royal Enfield Himilayan.

WATCH: KTM 390 Adventure walkaround live at EICMA.

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Taking a closer look, we can see straight away a steel trellis frame that looks very similar to the 390 Duke’s – only some minor differences in exhaust routing, frame brackets, rear subframe, and swing arm length to accommodate the additional suspension travel. Seat height is reasonable, if not a bit high, at 33.6 inches and a claimed 65 mpg will get you 249 miles of range out of its 3.8 gallon fuel tank under ideal conditions. In terms of components, the 390 Adventure sports some premium equipment for a bike in its price range like a tapered aluminum handlebars, LED lighting, BYBRE (Brembo) brakes, 5″ color TFT display with Bluetooth integration, MTC traction control, cornering ABS, slipper clutch, and optional Quickshifter+.

Rear view of ktm 390 adventure
Full color TFT display on the KTM 390 Adventure

Ground clearance is somewhat limited at 7.8 inches and suspension travel figures aren’t too impressive with 6.7 inches up front and 6.9 in the rear. We don’t expect a high flier at the track but with WP APEX 43mm front forks and rear shock absorber, we are hopeful the 390 Adventure’s suspension will offer good off-road performance for bikes in this category. 

19" front and 17" rear cast-aluminum wheels

The one obvious disappointment for dirt fans is the choice of 19″ front / 17″ rear cast wheels rather than a proper set of 21″ front / 18″ rear wire-spoke wheels, a decision that was probably made to hit a specific price point. We hope an ‘R’ model with higher-spec suspension and off-road wheels won’t be far behind this initial release. With a range of advanced technology and electronic rider aides, new adventure riders can get their start with greater confidence and control. It’s an impressive set of features for an entry-level bike priced at $6,199 USD and we look forward to getting our first test on this exciting new KTM. Read on for full details and specs:

KTM's new small adventure bike

2020 KTM 390 ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS

  • powerful single cylinder, 4-stroke, 373.2 cc DOHC engine, electronic fuel injection, 3-way catalytic converter and balancer shaft, PASC slipper clutch and a Ride-by-Wire throttle for a smoother and more refined response.
  • State-of-the-art engine management system featuring the most modern electronic fuel injection system with a 46 mm throttle body.
  • Lightweight, precision-crafted exhaust system, comprising of a stainless steel header pipe and pre-muffler, which flow perfectly into a slim silencer.
  • Ultralight trellis frame strikes a forgiving balance of flex and stiffness and is designed for straight-line stability and agile and precise steering.
  • Bolt-on trellis subframe is compact and lightweight, but strong enough to carry a passenger and luggage, while negotiating extreme terrain.
  • Die-cast, open-lattice swingarm is a signature element of the KTM Adventure range. Precision manufactured with optimized stiffness, while still offering excellent flex characteristics. Its long design offers stability and the space needed for off-road tire tread.
  • WP APEX 43 mm upside-down fork was originally developed for enduro riding and is the leader when it comes to suspension in this class. It features a spring on both sides, but each fork leg has a separate function: compression damping is fitted on the left side, while rebound is on the right.
  • Cutting-edge WP APEX shock absorber provides 177 mm of travel and is ideal for traveling long distances in tough conditions. Thanks to an adjustable spring preload and rebound damping, it can be fine-tuned to different situations.
  • Extra robust cast wheels specifically designed for demanding terrain—19” front wheel and 17” rear wheel, both fitted with tubeless CONTINENTAL TKC 70 tires for a blend of street performance and offroad grip.
  • High-quality BYBRE brakes featuring a large 320 mm front brake disc and a 230 mm rear disc work perfectly with a 4-piston radially mounted front caliper and a 2-piston floating rear caliper to provide the ideal mix of control and stopping power.
  • Ergonomically designed fuel tank with impressive 14.5 liter (3.8 gallons) fuel capacity, together with its exceptional fuel economy, is set for more than 400 km (249 miles) of non-stop exploring on a full tank.
  • High-end, tapered aluminum handlebar that importantly, provides a comfortable riding position and maximum control.
  • Windshield profile that allows the rider to move around the bike freely and offers an unobstructed view directly in front of the bike, even when covered in dirt. It can also be mounted in either a lower or higher position to suit the rider’s size or needs.
  • LED lights are used as the main headlight and taillight and offer great illumination and visibility while being compact and light.
  • Multifunctional dashboard with full-color 5” TFT display is bright and clear and offers a configurable set up via the menu switch on the handlebar.
  • Off-road ABS function improves braking control in off-road situations. In this mode, ABS is deactivated on the rear wheel, while ABS activation on the front wheel is reduced.
  • Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) reduces the engine output with an extremely smooth, barely perceptible intervention if the rotational speed of the rear wheel is disproportionate to the speed of the engine, until the system has reduced slippage to manageable proportions for the current angle of lean.
  • Cornering ABS system allows riders to always use the full power of their brakes, while the system adjusts brake pressure to match the lean angle of the motorcycle for more predictable braking across a range of situations.
  • KTM MY RIDE comes as standard and allows for Bluetooth connection to control incoming calls and audio player through the full-color TFT display.
  • The KTM 390 ADVENTURE can optionally be equipped with a race-derived Quickshifter +. Up and down-shifts can be performed without the need to pull the clutch lever.
lightweight adventure bike from KTM

KTM 390 Adventure Specs

Engine Type:Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, DOHC
Displacement:373.2 cc
Bore/Stroke:89/60 mm
Starter:Electric; 12V 8Ah
Transmission:6 Gears
Fuel System:Bosch EFI, 46 mm Throttle Body
Lubrication:Wet Sump
Cooling:Liquid Cooling
Clutch:PASC Slipper Clutch, Mechanically Operated
Ignition:Bosch EMS with Ride-By-Wire
Frame:Steel Trellis
Subframe:Steel Trellis
Handlebar: Aluminum, Tapered, Ø 26/22 mm
Front Suspension:WP APEX USD Ø 43 mm
Rear Suspension:WP APEX Monoshock 
Suspension Travel Fr./Rr.:6.7 in (170mm)/6.9 in (177mm)
Front/Rear Brakes:Disc Brake 320 mm/230 mm
Front/Rear Wheels:2.50 x 19”, 3.50 x 17”  
Front/Rear Tires:100/90-19”; 130/80-17” 
Steering Head Angle:26.5º
Wheelbase:1,430 mm ± 15.5 mm / 56.3 ± 0.6 in
Ground Clearance:7.8 in (200mm)
Seat Height:33.6 in (855mm)
Tank Capacity:3.8 gal (14.5 L)
Dry Weight, Approx:348.3 lbs (158 kg)
MSRP:$6,199 USD/ $6,799 CAD

Author: ADV Pulse Staff
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33 Comments
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wfo75080
wfo75080
November 5, 2019 5:44 am

Not sure whom this bike is intended for but its not me. Much rather do a KTM 500 EXC that can do quite well on the pavement and even better on the dirt. GLWS.

Siddharth
Siddharth
November 5, 2019 6:12 am
Reply to  wfo75080

Indian market. Everyone here has been impatiently waiting for this. But I am somewhat disappointed with the suspension travel and ground clearance. Looking at this, I have no regrets buying the Duke 390 recently. Maybe I can mod my Duke 200 with parts from this.

S Fischer
S Fischer
November 5, 2019 9:04 am
Reply to  wfo75080

It looks more oriented to entry level adventure riders or woman or shorter riders that may not be able handle the weight of a full or mid-sized adventure bike. Based on the clearance and suspension, I don’t think it is a proper replacement for one of the existing popular dual sports like the DRZ.

Scott Hart
Scott Hart
November 5, 2019 6:15 am

Great news! A little more street bias than we were hoping for, hopefully the R variant will address that- SRC MOTO

Ted
Ted
November 5, 2019 6:59 am

Looks fantastic. Anybody know if there will be a low seat option (for the ladies), without having to go the suspension lowering rout? I am surprised at the posted factory seat height. Thanks.

dingus
dingus
November 5, 2019 9:50 am

390 is too under-powered. 790 is too heavy. Where is the 690 adventure that we are all waiting for? It has been 10 years already.

Shaun Riedinger
Shaun Riedinger
November 6, 2019 7:26 am
Reply to  dingus

Its in my garage – 690 R is fantastic, just needs some basic mods to get it up to adventure spec.

M Ridgeway
M Ridgeway
November 19, 2019 11:43 am
Reply to  dingus

Go with the Husky 701 LR. It addresses most of the 7690 complaints for adventure riding.

JR
JR
November 30, 2019 3:27 pm
Reply to  dingus

44 hp not enough? Tell that to the millions of DR650 riders out there that have traveled, some clear around the world.

Troy Erler
Troy Erler
December 26, 2019 3:39 pm
Reply to  dingus

I see this 390 adventure (in an R Version) being the ideal adventure bike for someone like myself that doesn’t really want to put long hwy hours in the saddle but still wants to make shorter excursions and have a bike that can be easier to handle in the dirt! I dream of having an expedition motorhome with something like this 390 Adventure on a rack or in the attached bike garage so when a guy sets up camp in the Moab dessert he has the perfect light and nimble adventure bike to explore trails on or ride into town.

Michael G Supple
Michael G Supple
November 5, 2019 2:06 pm

This could be the perfect bike for me. I’m a 72 year old rider who likes to camp off my bike and hit up lots of back country roads both paved and dirt. I like all the safety features and the fact that for me it’s probably powerful enough without being overpowering. I was considering a new Honda CB500X but this bike has way more features and an even smaller price tag. I’ll be giving it a VERY hard look. AND it’s about 70 to 80 lbs lighter.

Rory Singer
Rory Singer
November 28, 2019 6:42 pm

As another 72 year old rider this could fit my wants. Now ownig a dl650 and wr250r, I should think this ktm will replace the wrr and maybe the vstrom. These days less is more!

Doe Wong
Doe Wong
November 5, 2019 2:28 pm

365 lbs wet, thanks but no thank. I don’t ride any bike over 140 kg wet.

Brian Christiaansen
Brian Christiaansen
November 5, 2019 5:48 pm

Looks awesome. Specs look good for it’s intended purpose. My gosh haters! More options in the ADV world are good! Quit complaining about expert details. If only a big bore will do for you, great! Lots of people will do well and love this bike all over the world.

Shaun Riedinger
Shaun Riedinger
November 6, 2019 7:24 am

That’s a TON of bike for $6199 regardless of the somewhat limited specs

nordicbiker
nordicbiker
November 6, 2019 10:14 am

This bike is beating the wannabe offroad G310GS in any respect! If they now just make an R version…

Guest
Guest
November 6, 2019 1:05 pm

Here’s hoping they do a 390 Enduro. That could be the true DRZ replacement, especially at that price (which I bet you people complain is too high)

MrBill
MrBill
November 6, 2019 1:39 pm

They Senior Product Manager at KTM said they are not talking about an R model so I would not hold my breath.

Quin Mar
Quin Mar
November 6, 2019 1:40 pm

meh… I’ll wait for the Husqvarna 401-ADV version of this with full wire wheels, a classic neo look, a fairing, crash bars and less denial. This insect is just more #shock from gerald.kiska imo, no thanks

Shaun Riedinger
Shaun Riedinger
November 6, 2019 1:56 pm
Reply to  Quin Mar

That sounds great but wont happen.

Teddy
Teddy
November 6, 2019 1:58 pm

Great looking bike but disappointed with the suspension and the wheels 19” and 17”. Hopefully there will be the rally version in the not to distant future.

Paul Girard
Paul Girard
November 6, 2019 2:31 pm

So so SO glad i did not wait for this. (Pats own back and walks the other way)

rich
rich
November 7, 2019 6:45 am

This should be a good platform for the aftermarket to make more off-road capable with high fender, 21×18 wire wheels, more suspension, weight removal etc. Likely a very attractive bike for adventure and commuter-oriented WR250R and DRZ riders…It’s clear to me this was directed at the huge Indian market, but slightly missed the mark in the US – which likely wants a “dirtier” bike. R version could fix this… or aftermarket will create it’s own “R” version.

Cameron
Cameron
November 7, 2019 8:19 am

The “Ready to Race” crew made a commuter bike.

Tim Woods
Tim Woods
November 7, 2019 5:46 pm

350 pounds… Ugh!

Don Lopez
Don Lopez
November 7, 2019 8:01 pm

I will keep my old DRZ 400 and new 790R. Make the 390 R with 10-11 inch suspension, 12’ ground clearance and less than 340 lbs wet like the DRZ, but with cruise control, ABS, traction control, Bluetooth and 250 mile range like the 790. The 790R is a great adventure bike, but too heavy for some things the DRZ is better for. And don’t worry about the seat hight, I don’t care if I can’t touch the ground with both feet.

trackback
Put up your dukes! A KTM 390 custom from Ellaspede | Gear Cafe
November 8, 2019 9:31 am

[…] One of the handful of shops that have recognized the merits of the Austrian single is Australia’s Ellaspede. The Brisbane outfit has given the Duke 390 a blacked-out, off-road-oriented makeover—and provided an alternative to the newly unveiled KTM 390 Adventure. […]

trackback
Put up your dukes! A KTM 390 custom from Ellaspede - Chop Feed
November 8, 2019 9:42 am

[…] One of the handful of shops that have recognized the merits of the Austrian single is Australia’s Ellaspede. The Brisbane outfit has given the Duke 390 a blacked-out, off-road-oriented makeover—and provided an alternative to the newly unveiled KTM 390 Adventure. […]

trackback
Put up your dukes! A KTM 390 custom from Ellaspede – Today’s Automotive News
November 8, 2019 9:52 am

[…] One of the handful of shops that have recognized the merits of the Austrian single is Australia’s Ellaspede. The Brisbane outfit has given the Duke 390 a blacked-out, off-road-oriented makeover—and provided an alternative to the newly unveiled KTM 390 Adventure. […]

trackback
Put up your dukes! A KTM 390 custom from Ellaspede – BikesNova
November 8, 2019 10:41 am

[…] One of the handful of shops that have recognized the merits of the Austrian single is Australia’s Ellaspede. The Brisbane outfit has given the Duke 390 a blacked-out, off-road-oriented makeover—and provided an alternative to the newly unveiled KTM 390 Adventure. […]

trackback
Put up your dukes! A KTM 390 custom from Ellaspede – Oliver Eliott Blog
November 8, 2019 11:37 am

[…] One of the handful of shops that have recognized the merits of the Austrian single is Australia’s Ellaspede. The Brisbane outfit has given the Duke 390 a blacked-out, off-road-oriented makeover—and provided an alternative to the newly unveiled KTM 390 Adventure. […]

trackback
Put up your dukes! A KTM 390 custom from Ellaspede – 360Rider
November 8, 2019 6:13 pm

[…] One of the handful of shops that have recognized the merits of the Austrian single is Australia’s Ellaspede. The Brisbane outfit has given the Duke 390 a blacked-out, off-road-oriented makeover—and provided an alternative to the newly unveiled KTM 390 Adventure. […]

WHE
WHE
November 10, 2019 11:12 pm

Hopefully RM ATV makes some reasonably priced Tusk 19/17″ spoke wheels for this bike asap. The 310GS and CB500X could use some too.

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