Overview
Performance And Engine
The KTM 390 Adventure S has a liquid-cooled, DOHC 398.63cc single-cylinder engine that makes 46 PS at 8500 rpm and 39 Nm at 6500 rpm. With a 12.71:1 compression ratio, 89mm bore, and 64mm stroke, it offers strong mid-range power. This BS6 Phase 2 engine is stronger than before, adding 3 PS and 2 Nm, thanks to a better airbox, new cylinder head, and an underbelly exhaust that helps balance weight and control heat. The ride-by-wire throttle gives smooth fueling in all modes. The bike can climb 22° slopes, which helps on steep Indian roads, and has 320mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes for solid stopping power. The engine mapping cuts down vibrations above 6000 rpm, but some riders feel a buzz below 5000 rpm in city traffic.
The bike comes with a smooth 6-speed manual gearbox and a chain drive to the rear wheel. It has an assist-and-slipper clutch that makes the lever lighter and helps avoid wheel lock during hard downshifts. The Quickshifter+ lets you change gears up or down without the clutch, making it easier to ride on highways or rough trails. The gearbox follows the standard 1-down, 5-up pattern and matches well with the engine’s wide torque, so you can shift smoothly from low to high speeds.
The KTM 390 Adventure S can reach a top speed of about 155-160 kmph and cruises easily at 110-120 kmph on Indian highways, helped by cruise control and its aerodynamic fairing. Real-world tests show it stays stable at high speeds, and features like traction control and cornering ABS add safety during overtakes or windy weather.
Mileage And Fuel Efficiency
ARAI gives the KTM 390 Adventure S a mileage of 30 kmpl, tested under controlled conditions. This is possible because of its efficient EFI system, 14.5L fuel tank, and light 182kg weight. With these features and engine improvements like less friction and better fuel injection, the bike can theoretically go up to 435 km on a full tank.
Indian riders say the KTM 390 Adventure S gives an average real-world mileage of 27 kmpl, with city and highway use ranging from 26 to 28 kmpl for those who have ridden up to 5000 km. In heavy city traffic like Delhi or Bangalore, mileage drops to 18-25 kmpl because of frequent stops and low speeds. On highways, riders get 27-35 kmpl at steady speeds of 80-100 kmph. Carrying a passenger, using Offroad mode, or riding in windy Kerala hills can lower mileage to 24 kmpl, but using Street mode carefully can raise it to 30 kmpl. One rider reported 24 kmpl over 15,000 km.
Features And Technology
The KTM 390 Adventure S comes with high-end features for Indian riders who want a versatile adventure bike. KTM India highlights its advanced electronics and suspension, which are designed for Indian roads and trails.
- Rally-inspired design: Exceptional agility for standing and seated riding, narrower bodywork for better leg grip during off-road manoeuvres, and updated fairing with underbelly exhaust for improved weight distribution and aerodynamics.
- Lower seat height: 830 mm saddle for easier access, accommodating riders of various heights in Indian traffic and trails, paired with 237 mm ground clearance for rough terrains.
- 21”/17” tubeless spoke wheels: Front 100/90-21 and rear 130/80-17 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, enabling puncture repairs without tools and superior off-road traction on Indian roads.
- Fully adjustable WP suspension: 200 mm front travel (Xplor USD forks) and 205 mm rear (Xplor shock), compression/rebound/preload adjustable for highways, ghats, or dirt paths.
- Three ride modes: MTC-controlled Street for daily roads, Rain for wet traction, Offroad for loose surfaces, optimising power delivery and electronics for diverse Indian conditions.
- Cornering ABS and Off-road ABS: Switchable rear ABS for wheel lock-free braking on trails, with front cornering sensor for confident stops in corners.
- Cornering MTC (Traction Control): Adjustable levels via ride modes, preventing wheelspin on slippery Kerala monsoons or sandy dunes.
- Quickshifter+: Bidirectional for clutchless up/down shifts, seamless gear changes during aggressive riding or overtakes on NH highways.
- Cruise control: Maintains set speed on long tours, reducing fatigue for endurance rides across India.
- 5-inch TFT display: Full-colour with smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, and telemetry like lap times for tech-savvy users.
- Assist and slipper clutch: Lighter lever pull and smoother downshifts, minimising rear hop in panic braking scenarios common in Indian traffic.
- 14.5 L fuel tank: Extended range for remote adventures, with easy-fill cap and efficiency-focused EFI system compliant with BS6 Phase 2.
- LED lighting: Projector headlamp with DRL, position lamps, and compact tail for visibility in low-light rural rides.
- 320 mm front / 240 mm rear disc brakes: J.Juan callipers with Brembo master cylinder for progressive bite and modulation.
- Colours: Electronic Orange and Ceramic White, premium finishes with rally graphics for standout presence in Indian showrooms.
Build Quality
The KTM 390 Adventure S has a new split trellis frame that is light but strong, with a steel subframe for better stability at high speeds and on rough Indian roads. At 182 kg, it uses durable parts like a powder-coated frame and a sump guard to protect from rocks. The underbelly exhaust helps balance the bike by keeping the weight centered.
The tubeless spoked wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres help prevent punctures, which are common in rural India. Even after tough tests like drops at Aamby Valley, the wheels showed no damage and only minor rattles. The BS6 Phase 2 build from Bajaj-KTM gives steady quality, with top J.Juan brakes, a Brembo master cylinder, and sealed bearings that last in dusty areas. Some early users have noticed minor issues, such as loose panels, after 3000 km.
Handling
The KTM 390 Adventure S is easy to handle, thanks to its 1470 mm wheelbase and low center of gravity, making it feel lighter than its 182 kg weight. It handles city lane changes and heavy Bangalore traffic as well as the Duke 390. The 21-inch front wheel and fully adjustable WP suspension give good feedback, letting you ride confidently through Pune’s curves or on gravel. With 237 mm of ground clearance, it climbs 22° slopes with ease.
Offroad modes and cornering MTC keep the bike steady on wet Kerala roads. The agile frame, called “magical” and “flickable” by riders, makes U-turns and quick moves easy, much like a street bike. Many say it feels lighter than bigger bikes like the Himalayan, and its balanced weight helps it stay stable at both low speeds and high speeds up to 120 kmph.
Comfort
The 830 mm seat height and good padding make the bike comfortable for most Indian riders between 5’6″ and 5’10”, and it’s easy to put your feet down in traffic. The upright riding position, tall handlebar, and forward foot pegs help reduce fatigue on long rides like Pune to Goa. The suspension works well on city bumps and rough highways, and you can adjust it for solo or passenger riding. Cruise control also helps on long trips.
The slimmer tank and improved footpeg rubber help cut down vibrations up to 6000 rpm, though some buzzing is still felt at higher speeds. There’s enough space for a passenger, and grab rails make riding with two people easier. Riders say they can ride comfortably in the city for 1.5 to 2 hours, and the “perfect rider triangle” fits medium-sized people well. The fixed windscreen gives good protection on highways, but the seat can feel hard on very long rides, so a gel pad could help.
Styling
The KTM 390 Adventure showcases a striking design that draws significant inspiration from Dakar rally motorcycles. This rally-inspired aesthetic is evident in several key design elements contributing to form and function. At the front, the bike features a high-mounted beak-style fender, adding to its aggressive appearance and practical purpose in off-road riding. The lighting setup is equally impressive, with vertically stacked LED headlamps surrounded by LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). This configuration enhances visibility and gives the bike a modern and distinctive look.The 390 Adventure’s bodywork is characterized by sharp tank shrouds and a semi-fairing design. These elements improve aerodynamics and enhance the bike’s sleek and dynamic appearance.
The single-piece seat and block-pattern tires further emphasize its adventure touring capabilities. One of the most notable design features is the wheel configuration. The 390 Adventure R variant is fitted with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel setup, a significant departure from previous models.This configuration enhances the bike’s off-road performance and gives it a more purposeful and capable stance. The 390 Adventure’s overall silhouette is lean and aggressive, clearly focusing on functionality. Like the new-generation 390 Duke, the trellis frame is visible and adds to the bike’s robust and adventurous look. The fully adjustable WP front suspension with 230mm travel contributes to the bike’s off-road capabilities and adds to its imposing presence.
Color Options And Variants
KTM offers the 390 Adventure S in two striking shades:
- Electronic Orange
- Ceramic White
Both colour options have rally decals on the tank and side panels, adding to the adventure look and appealing to different tastes. Whether you like the bold orange or the clean white, these colours match the rest of the lineup and keep the style consistent across all variants.
In India, the KTM 390 Adventure S is the mid-level model in the lineup, sitting between the entry and premium versions. It has 21/17-inch tubeless spoke wheels, fully adjustable WP suspension, and advanced electronics like Quickshifter+, cornering ABS/MTC, three ride modes, cruise control, and a 5-inch TFT display. The S is above the base model (which has 19/17-inch alloy wheels and a smaller 349cc engine) and below the X (focused on alloys) and R (built for extreme off-road with taller suspension and unique styling). With its 398.63cc engine, 182 kg weight, and 830 mm seat, the S is a balanced choice for touring and trails, and it’s available at KTM dealers across India.
Value For Money And Pricing
The KTM 390 Adventure S costs ₹ 3,96,744 ex-showroom in Delhi, making it a premium mid-level option in the lineup and available at KTM dealerships across India. This model comes fully loaded with no extra trims, and EMI plans start at ₹13,161 per month, making it easier for urban buyers. Service costs are fair: the first service at 1000 km is ₹2500, then about ₹4000 every 7500 km, with support from over 200 KTM centers nationwide.
The KTM 390 Adventure S offers great value with its 46 PS 399cc engine, fully adjustable WP suspension, cornering ABS/MTC, ride modes, cruise control, and a 5-inch TFT display—features you usually don’t get at this price. Riders like its real-world mileage of 27 kmpl, light 182 kg weight, and strong off-road skills, which make it worth the extra cost over base models and give you BMW-like tech for much less money. You also get a 2-year warranty, a big service network, and good resale value because of KTM’s strong brand in India. It’s a smart choice for touring and trails, beating entry-level ADVs in power and features without a high price.
Key rivals to the KTM 390 Adventure S include the
- BMW G 310 GS
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
- Yezdi Adventure
- Suzuki V-Strom SX
- Triumph Speedmaster 400
- Triumph Scrambler 400X
