The new KTM 390 Adventure X misses out on most electronic features and rider aids found on the standard model.
With the launch of the more affordable 390 Adventure X, KTM has made the bike much more accessible to a wider audience. Here’s how it compares to its stablemates and another small-capacity Indo-European rival.
KTM 390 Adventure X vs rivals: engine and output
| Engine and output | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 390 ADV X | 390 ADV | G 310 GS | 250 ADV | |
| Engine | 373cc, single-cyl, liquid-cooled | 373cc, single-cyl, liquid-cooled | 313cc, single-cyl, liquid-cooled | 249cc, single-cyl, liquid-cooled |
| Power | 43.5hp at 9,000rpm | 43.5hp at 9,000rpm | 34hp at 9,250rpm | 30hp at 9,000rpm |
| Torque | 37 Nm at 7,000rpm | 37 Nm at 7,000rpm | 28 Nm at 7,500rpm | 24 Nm at 7,500rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed |
Since all bikes here are powered by a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, it is, unsurprisingly, the KTM 390 Adventure duo that is the most powerful in this quartet. The displacement of the engines dictates the output figures; so the BMW G 310 GS is less powerful than the 390s, but more so than the 250 Adventure, due to the similiar engine configurations.
KTM 390 Adventure X vs rivals: weight and dimensions
| Weight and dimensions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 390 ADV X | 390 ADV | G 310 GS | 250 ADV | |
| Kerb weight | 177 kg | 177 kg | 175 kg | 175 kg |
| Seat height | 855mm | 855mm | 835mm | 855mm |
| Wheelbase | 1430mm | 1430mm | 1420mm | 1430mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.5 litres | 14.5 litres | 11.5 litres | 14.5 litres |
| Ground clearance | 200mm | 200mm | 220mm | 200mm |
Except for the 2kg weight difference between the 250 Adventure and the 390 Adventure models, the small-capacity dirt-capable KTMs are identical in all aspects, including the rather tall 855mm perch. If that puts you off, the baby GS has a relatively more amenable 835mm seat height (but weighs the same as the 250 ADV), which can be further reduced to 820mm with an optional low seat.
Conversely, if you feel like you need the perch on your G 310 GS to be taller, the Bavarian bikemaker will sell you an optional higher seat, which raises the seat height to 850mm. If you’re dead set on having a small-capacity KTM Adventure bike, but find the seat height intimidating, click here to find out how that could change.
KTM 390 Adventure X vs rivals: suspension and brakes
| Suspension and brakes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 390 ADV X | 390 ADV | G 310 GS | 250 ADV | |
| Suspension (f) | 43mm USD Big Piston fork | 43mm USD Open cartridge fork | 41mm USD fork | 43mm USD fork |
| Suspension (r) | Preload-adjustable monoshock | Preload-adjustable monoshock | Preload-adjustable monoshock | Monoshock |
| Brakes (f) | 320mm disc | 320mm disc | 300mm disc | 320mm disc |
| Brakes (r) | 230mm disc | 230mm disc | 240mm disc | 230mm disc |
| Tyres (f) | 100/90-19 | 100/90-19 | 110/80-R19 | 100/90-19 |
| Tyres (r) | 130/80-17 | 130/80-17 | 150/70-R17 | 130/80-17 |
While on paper, the front fork units on both 390 Adventure models appear to be similar, the internals are different. We have been told that despite the disparity in componentry, both have been tuned to offer ‘a similar kind of ride’. The BMW G 310 GS has a slimmer front fork, but, in our experience, it offers a cushier ride than the KTMs, which can feel a little harsh. This is also helped by the fact that it has more travel at either end compared to the small-capacity KTM adventure bikes. It is also the only bike here to feature radial tyres at both ends. While both the KTM 390s run on Metzeler tyres, the 250 ADV comes on MRF units.
KTM 390 Adventure X vs rivals: features
The absence of electronic rider aids like cornering ABS, traction control and the bi-directional quickshifter, and the TFT dash being replaced by a simpler LCD unit on the 390 Adventure X are the chief differentiators between the two 390 Adventure models. However, the 390 Adventure X still gets all-LED lighting, a 12V charging socket and switchable ABS, which is perfect for riders who do not feel the need for the aforementioned features. The G 310 GS gets a rear luggage rack and all-LED lighting, but gets a rather small LCD dash and even misses out on switchable ABS, which is something that’s found even on the 250 Adventure.
KTM 390 Adventure X vs rivals: price
| Price | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 390 ADV X | 390 ADV | G 310 GS | 250 ADV | |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 2,80,652 | Rs 3,38,746 | Rs 3,20,000 | Rs 2,46,651 |
At Rs 2.8 lakh, the KMT 390 Adventure X is priced even lower than the 390 Duke and represents a good VFM proposition in the sub-400cc ADV bike segment. Its sub-Rs 3 lakh pricing puts it closer to the smaller 250 Adventure than the G 310 GS or the 390 Adventure, creating competition within KTM’s own line-up. The BMW G 310 GS, which has so far been in a price bracket that comfortably undercut the 390 Adventure, will also see renewed competition from the Austrian marque.
Also See:
BMW G 310 GS vs KTM 390 Adventure comparison