Ever since it made its debut in late 2019, the KTM 390 Adventure has been one of the most well-rounded packages in the sub-500cc adventure bike category in India. There was one aspect, though, that has left many customers wanting, right since its launch, and for 2023, the Austrian marque has come up with an answer – wire spoke wheels. In addition to this, there have been a few cosmetic tweaks as well.
- Wire-spoke rims are same size as alloys, but not tubeless
- New colour option, blacked-out treatment for 2023 model
2023 KTM 390 Adventure: what’s new?
The big news here is the addition of wire-spoke rims that give the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure extra off-road capability its customers have been clamoring for since day one. While off-roading, if one encounters a large obstacle, cast alloy rims can get bent or even crack, under significant impact. The aluminium wire-spoke rims are far stronger than the cast alloy ones and are less prone to getting bent, and thus, are the ideal choice for off-road riding.
The wire-spoke rims aren’t tubeless, but are the same size as the cast rims (19/17-inch) and finished in black. In addition to the tubed wire-spoke rims that have been added for 2023, there are a couple of cosmetic updates. For starters, the main frame is now finished in the instantly recognisable KTM orange, the exhaust header pipe is now finished in black and the graphics on the body panels are different as well. Except for the addition of spoked rims, the bike remains unchanged mechanically. The 390 Adventure will continue to be offered in the same colour schemes that are available currently, in addition to the new orange colour option.
Given the growing popularity of off-roading in the country, not to mention our abysmal roads, wire-spoke rims would be ideal for the more serious Indian customers, and so we do expect this version to launch here at some point in the future. Overseas, the bike also comes equipped with adjustable WP APEX suspension at both ends, while here in India, the bike only gets rebound and preload adjustability at the rear. We hope KTM can put the India-spec version on par with overseas markets by offering adjustable suspension as well.
Do you think the KTM should launch the 390 Adventure with wire-spoke rims and adjustable suspension in India? Let us know in the comments section below.
Ved Janve
Ketan Thakkar
