KTM has taken the same downsizing approach used on the 390 Duke and applied it to the 390 Adventure range as well. The result is a new 350cc version of the 390 Adventure. Just like the Duke, KTM has chosen to retain the 390 branding here too. This is now the most affordable bike in the Adventure range. Sitting above it is the 390 Adventure X with a 19/17-inch alloy wheel setup, followed by the 390 Adventure R, that gets a 21/18-inch spoked wheel setup, long travel suspension, and tubed tyres. And finally, the 390 Adventure S is the top-spec variant with a 21/17-inch tubeless spoked wheel setup. All the earlier mentioned variants continue with the previous 398.7cc engine for now. We spent a few days with the new 350cc variant to tell you how the new engine performs in the real world.
350cc KTM 390 Adventure Styling and Features
The bike gets the same two colour schemes as the Adventure S, while the styling otherwise remains unchanged. It uses the 19/17-inch alloy wheel setup as the 390 Adventure X. The feature list has been retained too, including the TFT display and electronic aids like traction control, cruise control and a quickshifter, which are nice to have at this price point. The easiest way to identify this 350cc model on the road is by spotting the Adventure S colour schemes paired with the alloy wheel setup.
350cc KTM 390 Adventure Engine, Performance, and Mileage
The engine changes are identical to the Duke. KTM has reduced the stroke from 64mm to 56.15mm while retaining the same bore dimensions. As a result, power output drops from 46PS and 39Nm on the earlier 399cc engine to 41.5PS and 33.5Nm on the new 350cc motor.
The Adventure’s power delivery is now smoother and more linear, with the stronger rush of acceleration arriving much later in the rev range at around 8,000rpm. For touring duties, this calmer nature suits the bike reasonably well. It feels less aggressive and easier to ride over long distances. In sixth gear at 100kph, the bike sits at around 6,000rpm. However, the downside is that you do have to rev it harder for quick overtakes or spirited riding.
For road riding this is not too problematic but if you are an avid off roader you will notice the weaker bottom end and mid range. This was already a problem on the 390 Adventure and has become more pronounced here.
Refinement is still an issue with vibrations creeping in from as low as 2,500-3,000rpm through the bars, footpegs and tank area, and they become increasingly prominent higher up in the rev range. Another thing we did notice during testing is that once the engine temperature was high, it kept stalling at low rpms in first gear.
In our tests, the Adventure managed 0-100kph in 6.82 seconds, which is about a second slower than the Adventure S we tested last year. This performance drop should not bother most touring riders too much, but the vibrations are something they will have to live with on highway journeys.
Fuel efficiency is in line with what you would expect on a 350cc motorcycle. We got around 23kpl in the city, while highway efficiency climbed to 29kpl.
350cc KTM 390 Adventure Price and Verdict
The biggest highlight of the new 350cc Adventure is its pricing. This bike is now around Rs 62,000 more affordable than the Adventure X whose price was recently hiked to Rs 3.43 lakh (ex-showroom), thanks to the new GST regulations. And that makes a huge difference in accessibility.
As a touring motorcycle, this new version still makes a strong case for itself, perhaps even stronger thanks to the lower price. It remains well-equipped and capable enough for touring. However, if you are expecting the same excitement that the older 390 Adventure offered, this bike will disappoint. That said, for buyers prioritising affordability over outright excitement, this new downsized Adventure makes a lot of sense.
Autocar India News Desk
Ved Janve
Rishaad Mody
