Is KTM planning a tourer version of the 390 Adventure?
The KTM 390 Adventure was spied testing for the first time in India earlier this week. While the overall design of the model spied in the country is similar to the European test prototypes, the presence of alloy wheels and road-biased tyres gives rise to an important question. Is KTM India planning to introduce two variants of the 390 Adventure in the domestic market? Let's take a deep dive.
KTM India has confirmed that it will launch the 390 Adventure in 2019, but it hasn't revealed the specifications. That said, the test mule had regular 19-/17-inch alloy wheels and dual-purpose road-biased tyres, which do raise a few eyebrows. Furthermore, the alloy wheels weren't entirely similar to the ones on the KTM 390 Duke. The design of the alloys is strikingly identical to the ones found on the KTM 790 Duke, which is likely to be launched in our market before March 2019.
Considering that the KTM 790 Duke's alloys would be more robust to endure the power and weight of the middleweight, the wheels should work well on a soft-roader/tourer version of the KTM 390 Adventure. Wire-spoke wheels, on the other hand, are more abuse friendly as compared to alloy wheels and hence it justifies the application on an adventure motorcycle. Taking into consideration the poor road conditions in India, a tourer variant of the 390 Adventure with better alloys would work well for the company.
While this is only speculation from our end, and we are trying to read between the lines, a two-model approach could be an ideal strategy for the KTM 390 Adventure. Moreover, not every prospective customer is an adventure tourer, as some do prefer touring without taking the unbeaten path. Furthermore, having alloy wheels also adds to the convenience factor during punctures.
That said, the European test prototypes of the KTM 390 Adventure featured 19-/17-inch wire-spoke wheels were wrapped in Metzeler Tourance knobby tyres. These are the same units that are found in the BMW G 310 GS, which will be the direct rival to the 390 ADV. The adventure tourer is based on a modified trellis frame to offer higher ground clearance and lower seat height.
The KTM 390 Adventure will employ the same 373.2 cc DOHC, liquid-cooled engine that powers the 390 Duke and the RC. However, the motor will be tuned differently to match the off-road characteristics of the ADV. KTM could use different gearing ratios and sprocket sizes to offer more low-end and mid-range punch. The same engine produces 43 bhp and 37 Nm in the KTM 390 Duke, in which it is mated to a 6-speed transmission.
Also Read: Top 8 accessories KTM must offer on the KTM 390 Adventure
The Indian-spec KTM 390 Adventure test mule was seen with CEAT Gripp-XL tyres, which comes with an 'S' (180 km/h) speed rating. This is lower as compared to the 'H' rated (210 km/h) Metzeler Tourance units. Does it warrant that the 390 Adventure (tourer variant) will have lower power figures? We aren't sure! What we know for sure is that it will also rival the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan. KTM is likely to launch the 390 ADV in India under INR 3 lakh (ex-showroom).