When KTM launched the new KTM 390 Adventure, it was met with widespread acclaim. A bigger engine, more power, more torque, more approachable performance, and some much-needed improvements to make it a proper off-roading machine for everyone but the veterans of the dirt. With that came a price tag, which is still a steal for the features available, but still out of reach for most. So, like the last time, KTM also brought in the KTM 390 Adventure X variant and after spending some time with it, here’s our review.

First off, we will list the features of the 390 Adventure so that you have an idea of what is going to be missing from the 390 Adventure X. In addition to the larger engine, the 390 Adventure featured a 21”/19” wheel setup, riding modes, cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, fully adjustable suspension, and spoke wheels with tubeless tyres. The 390 Adventure X comes equipped with a 19”/17” wheel setup, alloy wheels, non-adjustable suspension with pre-load adjustment on the rear, and standard ABS and cruise control. 

Those were the differences between the two models. Now, let us get to what the KTM 390 Adventure X is about on the road. Visually, the 390 Adventure X is more or less similar to its more premium sibling. We still have the signature KTM ADV stance, sharp design, and the somewhat outlandish appeal that is standard with motorcycles from KTM. What we liked the most here is the headlight. It is impressively bright and does a great job of illuminating the road at night. 

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Another thing we loved is the fact that KTM kept the TFT screen on the X variant as well, unlike the previous generation, which had an LCD screen. The screen is crisp and vibrant, and the animations are smooth. The accompanying switchgear is pretty solid as well. In this particular regard, the KTM 390 Adventure X seems like it offers a lot more in terms of a ‘premium feel’ not only for the price but also when compared to the previous variant. 

Now, the 390 Adventure already had a lower seat height thanks to the offset rear suspension and a repositioned airbox. The 390 Adventure X is a further 5mm less than the non-X variant. It now sits at 825mm, which makes it more approachable for shorter riders, but it might still be a little tough to have both feet firmly on the ground. Overall, the 390 Adventure X is almost identical to the 390 Adventure, so for the lesser cash, you are not being shortchanged… at least in terms of looks. 

Now, the mill. It is identical to the 390 Adventure; 399cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that gives you access to 46 Ps of power and 39 Nm of torque. This is also similar to the latest-gen Duke, but the difference lies in more teeth on the rear sprocket for even more grunt at the lower end. So you can expect performance similar to the 390 Adventure, and that comes with the tag of being the quickest in the segment. 

Where the 390 Adventure X does miss out is the riding modes, or when you boil it down further, the delivery of the power. While the 390 Adventure seems to have different personas in the different riding modes, the 390 Adventure X is essentially the 390 Adventure stuck in the Street mode. We use stuck in a very loose sense here. It is not dull by any stretch of the imagination, just not as sprightly as the 390 Adventure can be in other modes. 

In an overall regard as well, the 390 Adventure X, while making the same amount of power and torque, is tamer in its delivery. But that makes it more approachable. It feels very gentle and composed, which is a rather un-KTM-like thing. For newer riders and those more inclined towards travel than kicking up a storm, this is a blessing. And in terms of travel, the KTM 390 Adventure X is just about the best thing out there. 

The clutch is also very light, and the gear shifts are easy. The quickshifter is a little clunky and could have been done better, but it is not a dealbreaker in any way. Overall, in terms of engine and transmission, the KTM 390 Adventure X is a gem and would have no problems munching big miles on the highway all day long with minimal effort. 

The ergonomics are spot-on as well, upright and comfortable. The seat is a bit on the firmer side, and this would make things a little less than enjoyable when talking about long hours in the saddle. On the highway, the windscreen does its job, and the wind protection is exemplary for the class. We wish it were adjustable, but then again, wishes, horses, and all that cool stuff that people add in writing pieces to project their brilliant eloquence upon the world. 

Then comes handling. Well, it is a KTM, so it tends to be really good at this sort of thing. The suspension, despite not being adjustable, is perfectly set up for riding on the road. It absorbs nearly everything our stellar roads can throw at it. The suspension has the same travel as the non-X variant, 200mm/205mm. The smaller front wheel comes with an added benefit. It is much easier to throw the 390 Adventure X in the corners, and it just… obliges. 

It is very confident and planted in the corners. The brakes are there and thereabouts. While the initial bite does not hit as hard, it drops anchor really well once you grab a handful of the lever. This is probably because a softer initial bite aids off-roading. Mud-slingers like that sort of thing, and we concur. All in all, the 390 Adventure X is a really, really good motorcycle on the tarmac. 

How about off it? Well, it has a smaller front wheel and practically no adjustability on the suspension. Yet, it can still manage light trails with relative ease. If you want hardcore off-roading, including jumps, rocks, and all the stuff that makes onlookers shout swear words, you are better off with the full-fat Adventure. All else, the 390 Adventure X does fine. 

In terms of features, we discussed earlier what the KTM 390 Adventure X is missing compared to the non-X. But when you think about it, with the quickshifter and the TFT, it is still quite good for the price. We wish cruise control was there though. That would have made this arguably the best tourer in the class. 

We have talked a lot about the price, but not with numbers. Let us do that now. In Delhi, the KTM 390 Adventure costs 3.68 Lakh (Ex-Showroom). The 390 Adventure X? 3.04 Lakh ( Ex-Showroom). That is a savings of nearly INR 64,000, and that is some sum. What do you miss out on? Only the hardcore off-roading stuff and electronics that you may not need if you know what the KTM 390 Adventure X is all about. 

If it were to us, we’d be happy with the engine, the chassis, and a few other bits for the price… and we’d happily put it in a sac, swing it over our shoulders, and run off. KTM is offering a proper motorcycle for the price, so… good stuff, isn’t it? 

So, that was our review of the KTM 390 Adventure X and now, here are some more photos for you to enjoy.