New KTM 390 Adventure Unveiled at EICMA -Yes It’s Finally Here!  Cover is dropped on the long-awaited entry-level adventure model from KTM.

It’s been 7 years since KTM CEO Stefan Pierer first mentioned in an interview they would be producing an all-new dual-sport model based on the Duke 390 platform, and every year since then it seemed like its release was imminent. Over time, we grew numb to any rumors about the KTM 390 Adventure ‘soon to be launched,’ yet there were some solid spy photos released last year that got our attention. Well the big day has finally arrived. The Austrian manufacturer unveiled the latest edition to their adventure range – the 2020 KTM 390 Adventure – on the first day of the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. Better yet, it’s coming to North America too!



The long-awaited KTM 390 Adventure harnesses DNA from its big brother KTM 790 Adventure, which it shares a strong resemblance with (minus the low bulbous tank). And with nearly two decades of competing in Dakar Rally racing, we expect KTM incorporated R&D information gathered from it’s long-running success. According to KTM, the new machine is a light, agile, entry-level model for those looking to discover the world of adventure riding. A versatile motorcycle designed with both touring and light off-roading in mind. Using elements of the KTM 390 Duke platform as a base, while incorporating performance cues from the KTM 450 Rally, the 390 Adventure was created with off-road capability and impressive road manners as part of the package.



KTM’s smallest travel enduro is powered by a Bosch fuel injected, liquid cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke 373.2 cc engine. Twin overhead cams, four valves and refined fuel injection, together with a balancer shaft are integral to the KTM 390 Adventure’s smooth power output. Its versatile ergonomics, smooth power delivery and innovative technology all come together in a comfortable, lightweight package. No horsepower or torque figures have been released as of yet, but if we assume similar numbers to the KTM 390 Duke (43 horsepower), the 390 Adventure will have class-leading horsepower compared to its rivals the BMW G310GS, Kawasaki Versys-X 300, Suzuki DR-Z400S or Royal Enfield Himilayan.



WATCH: KTM 390 Adventure walkaround live at EICMA.

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Taking a closer look, we can see straight away a steel trellis frame that looks very similar to the 390 Duke’s – only some minor differences in exhaust routing, frame brackets, rear subframe, and swing arm length to accommodate the additional suspension travel. Seat height is reasonable, if not a bit high, at 33.6 inches and a claimed 65 mpg will get you 249 miles of range out of its 3.8 gallon fuel tank under ideal conditions. In terms of components, the 390 Adventure sports some premium equipment for a bike in its price range like a tapered aluminum handlebars, LED lighting, BYBRE (Brembo) brakes, 5″ color TFT display with Bluetooth integration, MTC traction control, cornering ABS, slipper clutch, and optional Quickshifter+.



Ground clearance is somewhat limited at 7.8 inches and suspension travel figures aren’t too impressive with 6.7 inches up front and 6.9 in the rear. We don’t expect a high flier at the track but with WP APEX 43mm front forks and rear shock absorber, we are hopeful the 390 Adventure’s suspension will offer good off-road performance for bikes in this category.



The one obvious disappointment for dirt fans is the choice of 19″ front / 17″ rear cast wheels rather than a proper set of 21″ front / 18″ rear wire-spoke wheels, a decision that was probably made to hit a specific price point. We hope an ‘R’ model with higher-spec suspension and off-road wheels won’t be far behind this initial release. With a range of advanced technology and electronic rider aides, new adventure riders can get their start with greater confidence and control. It’s an impressive set of features for an entry-level bike priced at $6,199 USD and we look forward to getting our first test on this exciting new KTM. Read on for full details and specs:



2020 KTM 390 ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS

powerful single cylinder, 4-stroke, 373.2 cc DOHC engine, electronic fuel injection, 3-way catalytic converter and balancer shaft, PASC slipper clutch and a Ride-by-Wire throttle for a smoother and more refined response.

State-of-the-art engine management system featuring the most modern electronic fuel injection system with a 46 mm throttle body.

Lightweight, precision-crafted exhaust system, comprising of a stainless steel header pipe and pre-muffler, which flow perfectly into a slim silencer.

Ultralight trellis frame strikes a forgiving balance of flex and stiffness and is designed for straight-line stability and agile and precise steering.

Bolt-on trellis subframe is compact and lightweight, but strong enough to carry a passenger and luggage, while negotiating extreme terrain.

Die-cast, open-lattice swingarm is a signature element of the KTM Adventure range. Precision manufactured with optimized stiffness, while still offering excellent flex characteristics. Its long design offers stability and the space needed for off-road tire tread.

WP APEX 43 mm upside-down fork was originally developed for enduro riding and is the leader when it comes to suspension in this class. It features a spring on both sides, but each fork leg has a separate function: compression damping is fitted on the left side, while rebound is on the right.

Cutting-edge WP APEX shock absorber provides 177 mm of travel and is ideal for traveling long distances in tough conditions. Thanks to an adjustable spring preload and rebound damping, it can be fine-tuned to different situations.

Extra robust cast wheels specifically designed for demanding terrain—19” front wheel and 17” rear wheel, both fitted with tubeless CONTINENTAL TKC 70 tires for a blend of street performance and offroad grip.

High-quality BYBRE brakes featuring a large 320 mm front brake disc and a 230 mm rear disc work perfectly with a 4-piston radially mounted front caliper and a 2-piston floating rear caliper to provide the ideal mix of control and stopping power.

Ergonomically designed fuel tank with impressive 14.5 liter (3.8 gallons) fuel capacity, together with its exceptional fuel economy, is set for more than 400 km (249 miles) of non-stop exploring on a full tank.

High-end, tapered aluminum handlebar that importantly, provides a comfortable riding position and maximum control.

Windshield profile that allows the rider to move around the bike freely and offers an unobstructed view directly in front of the bike, even when covered in dirt. It can also be mounted in either a lower or higher position to suit the rider’s size or needs.

LED lights are used as the main headlight and taillight and offer great illumination and visibility while being compact and light.

Multifunctional dashboard with full-color 5” TFT display is bright and clear and offers a configurable set up via the menu switch on the handlebar.

Off-road ABS function improves braking control in off-road situations. In this mode, ABS is deactivated on the rear wheel, while ABS activation on the front wheel is reduced.

Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) reduces the engine output with an extremely smooth, barely perceptible intervention if the rotational speed of the rear wheel is disproportionate to the speed of the engine, until the system has reduced slippage to manageable proportions for the current angle of lean.

Cornering ABS system allows riders to always use the full power of their brakes, while the system adjusts brake pressure to match the lean angle of the motorcycle for more predictable braking across a range of situations.

KTM MY RIDE comes as standard and allows for Bluetooth connection to control incoming calls and audio player through the full-color TFT display.

The KTM 390 ADVENTURE can optionally be equipped with a race-derived Quickshifter +. Up and down-shifts can be performed without the need to pull the clutch lever.

KTM 390 Adventure Specs