I have recently tested out the BMW G 310 GS and it was a great first-time experience in terms of adventure bike riding. Ever since then, I was itching to try out another adventure bike. Now I get to ride another bike in the same class, a bike known for its power and unique styling. Here is my review of the KTM 390 Adventure.
As from what I expected from an adventure bike, it is tall, and its handlebar is very wide. The seating position works great in all conditions. The KTM 390 Adventure looks different, maybe largely due to its signature beautiful, out-of-this-world-looking headlight. The paint job, build quality, switches, all up to the side mirrors are all exquisite. It’s also got Continental tires, 19 inches in the front and 17 at the rear, giving the bike a more adventurous style. Though one thing I would’ve absolutely loved is if it had. a taller windscreen, similar to what the Duke 790 Adventure has, as it would’ve lessened the amount of air that hits my head and upper body at higher speeds.
Being the tall bike that it is, it wasn’t that much of a challenge to me as I am 5’11″, but I could imagine riders below 5’8 struggling with the bike due to its wide seat and high seating position. Here is a photo of me beside the 390 Adventure.
Like what I said, from my knowledge, it’s known for its power, simply because it carries out the same engine that the Duke 390 has, and well, that motorbike is likewise known for its power and acceleration. It has a DOHC, single-cylinder, four-stroke, 373 cc engine capable of 43 hp at 9000 rpm and 37 Nm of torque at 7000 rpm. During my time with the bike, I’ve tried it on various road conditions and terrain, and I can say that it is really capable off-road, yet it still excels on the street. I did not have the chance to test out its top speed, but what I did was test its acceleration. With a rider weight of 75 kg, I achieved 0-60 kph at 3.167 seconds and 0-100km/h at 6.30 seconds. Very, very impressive. In terms of fuel efficiency, with my somewhat aggressive riding style, I got about 19 km/l. Not bad either considering the amount of performance it has.
The riding experience is very impressive too. Shifting gears is a breeze and it even comes with a bi-directional quick shifter option. Riding through the city with the traffic is not as easy as what I experienced with the G 310 GS, but it could do the job too. On longer rides, with the riding position you are in, the bike is very comfortable. The engine gets hot, but not the unbearable kind of hot. The saddle is not also the softest, but because of how wide it is you could find yourself being comfortable with it too. I was actually shocked at how “easy” it was in the twisties, that I couldn’t explain how. The bike just surprised me in many different ways.
Of course, being an adventure bike, the KTM 390 Adventure has a long-travel suspension, and it did not disappoint. Its WP Apex suspension did its job in an excellent manner, as it absorbs whatever bumps I’ve come across. Plus, it’s even hand-adjustable. In terms of stopping power, I can feel the similarity that it has when I tested out the Husqvarna Svartpilen, with ByBre 320 mm disc up front and 230 in the rear that comes with Bosch two-channel ABS. When planning to go off the road, there is an option to turn off the rear ABS.
It’s already 2021, and as expected, the bike comes with handy features. Aside from the Dual Channel ABS and its Bi-Directional quick shifter, it also comes with traction control with 2 modes: Rain and Road. You can also pair your mobile phone through Bluetooth in its TFT display. It even comes with a mounting point for GPS below the windshield. Again, even though its windshield is adjustable, I just think it is still too short.
All in all, my experience with the bike has been amazing. I can say that KTM 390 Adventure is also an excellent first adventure bike, but you can also get it as your first highway legal bike. It’s got more than enough power, unique styling, and it’s made by a world-renowned brand like KTM. As long as you can handle the bike, the 390 Adventure is definitely worth your money.
Elijah’s Likes 
- Amazing Acceleration.
- Nice Brakes and Suspension
- TFT Display is top-notch
Elijah’s Nitpicks 
- Wish it had a taller windscreen
Pricing and Rating
Design: ★★★★☆
Features: ★★★★★
Safety: ★★★★★
Acceleration: ★★★★★
Handling: ★★★★☆
Fuel Efficiency: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Value for Money: ★★★★☆
Price: P309,000*
Overall: 4.4 out of 5
*Pricing is correct and accurate as of this article’s time of writing.
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