KTM has finally introduced the 390 Adventure X in India, adding a whole bunch of technology that now makes the entry-level adventure bike a much more equipped touring option. This updated variant is priced at Rs 3.03 lakh (ex-showroom), which is Rs 12,000 dearer compared to the outgoing model that was originally priced at Rs 2.91 lakh.
The X-variant gets Major Feature Upgrade
The new 390 Adventure simply brings the base bike a step closer to its premium sibling, offering some of the advanced electronic rider aids that were missing from the last-gen 390 Adventure. Cruise control, cornering ABS and switchable cornering traction control are now features of the motorcycle. Those additions all but negate the main knock on the original X variant—that it didn’t come with these premium touring characteristics despite its similarly competitive sticker price.
That’s accompanied by three selectable riding modes—Street, Rain and Off-Road (each offering a different throttle map and levels of electronic intervention)—to get the most out of your adventure. This upgrade greatly increases the on-road or off-road versatility of the motorcycle.
Enhanced Switchgear And Controls
The 390 Adv X’s new systems have also seen KTM rework the switchgear on the 390 Adventure X accordingly. The new control system goes up from the instrument cluster with dedicated button for the cruise control and the toggle switches for speed control, lifted off from the standard 390 Adventure that is. In addition, this integration eliminates the need to mount the somewhat bulky Garmin 680T on the bars since the unit slips right into the provided cradle just like a smart phone and out of sight. MY KTM cockpit is familiar, uncluttered, and simple like this.
Cruise control handles more of the long-distance road trips with minimal effort, thanks to an easy-to-use rocker switch on the handlebar that adjusts to three user-defined preset positions. The system disengages automatically when brakes are applied and can be reactivated from standstill, for premium touring convenience that isn’t usually available on mid-displacement motorcycles.
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Mechanical Specifications Remain Unchanged
Beneath all of that electronic wizardry, the 390 Adventure X has the same basic mechanical setup. It is still powered by the 399cc LC4c single-cylinder engine good for 45 horses at 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Engine is mated to a standard 6-speed transmission with bi-directional quickshifter and slipper clutch.
Suspension continues to be carryover with WP Apex 43mm USD non-adjustable forks offering 200mm travel at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock providing 205mm of travel at the rear. As befitting its touring bias, the Adventure X’s 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels wrapped in Apollo Tramplr dual-purpose tyres are retained.
Competitive Market Positioning
The new 390 Adventure X, on the other hand, directly puts itself against the Rs 2.85 lakh Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. In terms of features, the Adventure X offers better power (46 PS) as compared to Himalayan’s 40.02 PS and feature-rich electronic equipment which is absent in the Royal Enfield bike.
At a kerb weight of 181kg, the Adventure X is much lighter than the 196kg Himalayan 450, which can only mean better handling. 30 kmpl on both the motorcycles are claimed to be the fuel efficiency ratings, with not much difference also to be expected from them in terms of running costs.
Market Strategy And Customer Response
The 390 Adventure X is priced at a significant premium over the standard 390 Adventure, and our industry sources suggest that the stock 390 Adventure already finds few takers. The fully loaded 390 Adventure with its complete electronic suite was a consistently preferred choice with customers, which is why KTM has upgraded the X to feature these premium properties.
The updated variant is expected to appeal to buyers who are on the lookout for more adventure touring capability at a price that is not as dear as the standard 390 Adventure that is priced at Rs 3.68 lakh. This leads to a much more sensible product hierarchy within KTM’s 390 Adventure line-up.