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Is the KTM 390 Adventure the best option?

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  • #1

    Is the KTM 390 Adventure the best option?

    I just moved to Mysore, which I deem to be a tier 2 city, and I persume has not as severe traffic considerations as Bangalore. I'm looking for a new bike with a max budget of 4L.

    I don't have a commute, so it will primarily be used for leisure solo rides to the city surroundings and back, and occasional inner city errands. I would like to try dabbling in the odd slightly-off-the-road rides as well.

    I'm 6'2" tall and weigh about 90 kgs.

    I was eyeing the 390 adventure and it felt nice sitting on it, but wasn't allowed a test ride. I liked the size of the bike. However, I read that the current batches of the 390 adventure are being forced to come with MRF tyres instead of the Metzeler tyres.

    The showroom guy said the one bike on display was the last one with Metzelers and if I want I could take that piece. I was just there for a preliminary visit but still felt uneasy booking a display piece. Are these usually abused in test drives? The salesman did show me the odometer with 0 reading though. But then again, things like the default knuckle guards were stripped on that piece, and who knows what else. But it's possible I'm being overly cautious?

    Is the 390 adventure the idea choice for me? Do the MRF tyres make it not worth it anymore? Should I be looking at something else?

    Please let me know.

    Thanks.
    Tags: 390 adventure, metzeler tyre, mrf tyres, mysore
  • #2
    Re: Is the KTM 390 Adventure the best option?

    Thread approved.

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: Is the KTM 390 Adventure the best option?

      When I bought Dominar 400 last year, it had absolutely ZERO odometer reading because the sensor was disconnected. It was also a display piece, kept on a high shelf in the showroom display. So odometer can not prove whether it was used or not.

      Usually we need to assess other indicators of running like:
      1. Brand new disc rotor has got small circular machining marks, they won't have a uniform rubbing pattern which can be seen in a used motorcycle.

      2. Tyres will have those tiny rubber plugs/hairs all over it uniformly, they usually rub away within 20-30 kms of running.

      3. They do remove few accessories for motorcycles kept in display, it is done for better visual presentation. And I think it's a good thing because they won't be using such motorcycles for test rides. When I spotted the Dominar (only green available) in the showroom display, it had no saree guard and crash guard.

      4. Display piece means the motorcycle was kept idle for few months at least, which almost always leads to a discharged battery. They had to replace my battery with a new one because of that.

      I would suggest you to research a lot before buying the 390 adventure because it's an entirely different breed. Read a lot of reviews posted by educated & experienced reviewers, not those flip-flop wearing cheap youtube reviewers!

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: Is the KTM 390 Adventure the best option?

        Originally posted by arya809 View Post
        When I bought Dominar 400 last year, it had absolutely ZERO odometer reading because the sensor was disconnected. It was also a display piece, kept on a high shelf in the showroom display. So odometer can not prove whether it was used or not.

        Usually we need to assess other indicators of running like:
        1. Brand new disc rotor has got small circular machining marks, they won't have a uniform rubbing pattern which can be seen in a used motorcycle.

        2. Tyres will have those tiny rubber plugs/hairs all over it uniformly, they usually rub away within 20-30 kms of running.

        3. They do remove few accessories for motorcycles kept in display, it is done for better visual presentation. And I think it's a good thing because they won't be using such motorcycles for test rides. When I spotted the Dominar (only green available) in the showroom display, it had no saree guard and crash guard.

        4. Display piece means the motorcycle was kept idle for few months at least, which almost always leads to a discharged battery. They had to replace my battery with a new one because of that.

        I would suggest you to research a lot before buying the 390 adventure because it's an entirely different breed. Read a lot of reviews posted by educated & experienced reviewers, not those flip-flop wearing cheap youtube reviewers!

        Thanks, those are very interesting insights.

        I am trying to do more reading about this bike and so far it seems like the general consensus is that it's a pretty smooth tourer, but a bit too aggressive for bumper-to-bumper.
        I'm not a pro rider and it's been a year since I sold/rode my last bike, but am still eyeing this 390. I used to own a AS200 which I really enjoyed aside from the sudden braking performance - which may be due to the brakes, the tyres or perhaps lack of skill. I did ride a friends Dominar 400 which seemed a lot nicer in terms of braking though.

        I am hoping the MRFs on the 390 aren't a massive downgrade...

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: Is the KTM 390 Adventure the best option?

          Stay away from Display models.

          i had an experience when I took my new Gixxer delivery. I have complained that the front visor is scratched during delivery and asked for replacement. Then the technician quickly swapped the part from a display bike and then I took delivery.

          We can give you better bike suggestion if we know your current bike,riding experience and riding patterns.

          KTM 's have a very hard suspension that many don't enjoy after initial excitement die down.

          Ride safe

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: Is the KTM 390 Adventure the best option?

            Originally posted by Demonizah View Post
            I just moved to Mysore, which I deem to be a tier 2 city, and I persume has not as severe traffic considerations as Bangalore. I'm looking for a new bike with a max budget of 4L.

            I don't have a commute, so it will primarily be used for leisure solo rides to the city surroundings and back, and occasional inner city errands. I would like to try dabbling in the odd slightly-off-the-road rides as well.


            Is the 390 adventure the idea choice for me? Do the MRF tyres make it not worth it anymore? Should I be looking at something else?

            Please let me know.

            Thanks.
            Hey [MENTION=80264]Demonizah[/MENTION],

            In case you do not have prior experience with an Adv bike, I suggest that you do not jump in with the 390. I would suggest the Hero Xpulse, Himalayan or even better, wait for the KTM 250 Adv.

            Cheers!
            Instagram highway.to.hill
            YouTube Highway To Hill

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