At the launch of the recently-updated KTM RC200 and RC 390, Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj confirmed that the KTM 390 Adventure will be launched in India. He added that the design of the small displacement adventure tourer has already been finalised, but did not comment on exactly when we could expect to see the bike hit our shores. This comes in light of a prototype of what’s rumoured to be the 390 Adventure that was spotted near KTM’s testing facility in southern Europe late last year.
Although there has been no official word on any details of the upcoming bike, it's believed that it will be powered by the same 373cc single-cylinder engine found on the RC and the Duke 390s. Also, it could utilise a revised version of the new two-piece trellis frame that will debut in the upcoming Dukes. However, based on the bike's intended function and spy pictures, this frame will likely be used in conjunction with beefier components like a sturdy box-frame swingarm, a different head-stock, wire-spoke wheels (in a 19"-17" configuration) and more suspension travel to handle off-road duties. Keeping in line with the bike's go-anywhere ability, also expect it to feature a strong skid plate under the engine as well as a high-mounted exhaust.
A launch date for the bike hasn’t been finalised yet, but considering that its design has already been decided, it could possibly debut at this year’s EICMA show in November, with a launch as early as 2018. It will rival adventure tourers like the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the soon-to-be-launched BMW G310 GS in India. Internationally, it will also compete with the recently-launched Kawasaki Versys X-300, which itself could be heading to India in the near future. Given that off-road and adventure bikes are KTM's forte, we can't help but be very excited for the 390 Adventure.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
