Among the many adventure models, if you really want to "adventure" in various conditions, both on and off, I think this is better than the liter class. This is not an entry-level model, but rather a choice for people with a clear vision. A nicely balanced motorcycle that covers everything from street to long distances, available now for $1209.10 off!
Test Ride and Text: Noah Seren
Photography: Tomonobu Fuchimoto
Cooperation: KTM JAPAN https://www.ktm.com/ja Clothing
Cooperation: Arai Helmet https://www.arai.co.jp/jpn/top.html, Alpinestars https://www.instagram.com/alpinestarsjapan/
Balanced 400cc class Recently, the 400cc class has suddenly become popular with the entry of overseas manufacturers and the revival of the Suzuki DR-Z, but the only adventure models that are good enough are the Honda NX and this 390 Adventure. When you think of adventure, many people probably think of large-displacement motorcycles that can travel all over the world, and since these days they are high-tech machines fully equipped with electronic controls as the flagship models of each company, mid-range adventures may not have much appeal.
However, if you are going on a truly long-distance adventure, these mid-range models seem more realistic than huge liter-class models. This is especially true in Japan, where there are few scenes with endless straight roads or scenes where heavy loads or tandem riding require great power.
It has an easy-to-access size, a weight that is easy to deal with if it falls over, and a sense of "it can be managed" even on rough terrain, while also having power that sets it apart from light motorcycles on the highway or when riding tandem. I have been saying for a long time that 400cc is realistic and just right, but I think that adventure models are exactly "just right in the 400cc class"...or rather, they are realistic.
Ready to Race
The main purpose of the adventure model is touring, so you would think that the performance of the motorcycle would be important, but the 390 Adventure has the words "Ready to Race" written on it, which is a copy of KTM. As the copy says, the 390 unit, which is KTM's famous machine, was very fun to ride on the adventure model (not to mention the Race model). It is very compliant at low rpm and in the slightly opened throttle range, which is often used for stop-and-go city riding, and is characterized by a smoothness that you would not expect from a 373cc single. It doesn't have the feeling of a single engine coming out with a bang, and although it doesn't go as far as a twin, it has the smoothness of a 1.5-cylinder engine (?), so you don't feel rushed or have to worry about clutch engagement.
Thanks to its compliant practical range, you can control the large body at will, and I felt that it was very easy to use in the city. No matter how grand the adventure, the starting point is the street. If you don't make a good impression here, it's no good. But that's not all with the Ready to Race KTM. When you use the high RPM range, there's little friction and it goes straight into a lively power band. The sense of power at this point is far more reliable than the company's 250, and at the same time, the lightness is something that the 690 series doesn't have, making it feel truly "exquisite." If you ride in a way that keeps the RPM range high, you forget that it's an adventure and you become immersed in the sport, which is a typical KTM touch that I was impressed with.
19-inch Spoke Wheels
The 390 Adventure uses spoke wheels designed for off-road riding, with the front wheels being the standard 19-inch wheels for adventure models. The front half of the body is quite voluminous, along with the frame-mounted headlight area and the prominent tank shroud. This visual sensation is also reflected in the ride, and there is a strong feeling that the front end is firmly attached to the ground.
When approaching a corner, unlike the light and sharp feel of its sister model, the 390 DUKE, the front wheel starts turning on the rails with a sense of reliability that seems to say, "I will never leave the road surface." Despite the block pattern, the grip is high, and the weight on the front wheel is directly connected to the turning force, making it easy to maintain a deep banking angle while opening the throttle, even in large corners with long banking. Until now, the lightness and ease unique to the 390 had been impressive, but at this point, I felt a high level of stability, and was able to see the unique flavor of adventure that is different from the DUKE. With this, you should be able to enjoy any winding road at a good pace regardless of the road conditions.
I also rode on some off-road roads. With wide handlebars and a tank shape that takes standing riding into consideration, I had no problem opening the throttle when riding on flat dirt. More than anything, compared to larger-displacement adventure motorcycles, there was less tension when making U-turns and the motorcycle's easy foot reach gave me confidence, and I realized I could tackle even slight dirt roads without hesitation. I was once again reminded that a 400cc class adventure model might be the best solution.
I was very impressed with the width and quality of the pillion seat. Even for a tall rider like me, the seat doesn't feel cramped, and the grips are great to hold on to. The 390 Adventure has little vibration and a quiet exhaust sound, so I'm sure your partner will love it too. I hope you enjoy pillion touring.
In the KTM description, it says, "There is no road that the 390 Adventure cannot ride on," and that is exactly what it is. Whether it's in the city, on mountain passes, on long-distance touring, or on dirt roads, this motorcycle has a high average score that will not make you think, "Let's give up on this one." In addition, it is practical, with a wide pillion seat that is rare in this class and a tail shape that makes it easy to load luggage. Even though it is an adventure model, you will surely be satisfied if you use it for your daily commute. As someone who values a certain level of practicality even for hobby motorcycles, I was convinced that "this is truly a super all-rounder!" And here is good news for those who feel the same way. KTM is holding a "Rider Support Campaign" until June 30th, and you can purchase the current model at a great price. There are discounts set for each model, but the 390 Adventure is a chance to purchase it for $4829.70, which is about $1209.10 off. The reason behind this is that new models such as the Motard SMCR, Enduro R, and Adventure R will be added to the 390 series this autumn, but even so, it is an incredible bargain when you consider the appeal and overall performance of the current models.
The 390 Adventure has high performance as a long-distance touring motorcycle, is easy to use in normal ranges but has the lively KTM feel at high rpm, and is lightweight so it is easy to use on a daily basis. We highly recommend it to greedy yet realistic riders who want to enjoy their motorcycle life in many ways with a well-balanced motorcycle.
Compared to the slim rear end, the front end has a 19-inch wheel with a strong presence, and the tank shroud gives the impression that the mass is concentrated at the front, and this impression is also seen when riding. The weight is well distributed around the front end, giving the motorcycle excellent cornering ability. The riding position is extremely natural and upright, and even though I am tall, I didn't feel any discomfort with the relationship between the seat, footpegs, handlebars, and windscreen. It is quite large compared to its compact sibling, the 390 DUKE, but compared to the huge liter-class adventure motorcycles, it can be handled with a lot more confidence. *Rider's height: 186cm
The latest 390DUKE has a 398.7cc engine, but the 390Adventure inherits the mature 373cc unit. Although it loses to the new model in terms of power, the 373cc unit has the advantage in terms of smoothness and less vibration, so it is probably the better choice for an adventure. Its duality of ease of handling in the normal range and KTM-like liveliness at high revs is also appealing.
The 19-inch front wheels are fitted with a 320mm single disc, and combined with the radial-mount BYBRE caliper, the braking power is high. The WP inverted forks have no adjustment mechanism, but they likely contribute greatly to the motorcycle's high road-holding ability. Both front and rear tires are tube-type.
The rear is a 17-inch tire made by Continental. The swingarm has KTM-like internal reinforcement on the outside, and the linkless rear suspension also has preload and damping adjustment. The footpegs are covered with rubber for comfort, but there is little vibration to begin with.
The windscreen may seem small for an adventure motorcycle, but the mounting position of the light unit is quite high, so it actually provides better wind protection than you would expect. The headlight unit is mounted on the frame, which makes it easy to handle, but it is also distinctive that the headlight unit is not connected to the tank shroud. I also thought about how easy it would be to reach in when installing things like an ETC or heated grips, which would make it easier to maintain. The genuine accessory "Power Parts" also offers a spoiler that can be added to the top of the windscreen.
The seat is wide on the rider's side and has a good surface area for the pillion rider, which leaves a good impression. The grab bar installed on the side of the pillion rider seat will come in handy not only when riding pillion, but also for loading and securing luggage. The seat is surprisingly hard, but it is wide, so it supports the hips over a wide area, and it felt comfortable even on long rides. The seat height is 855mm, but the initial sinking of the suspension is large, and the foot grounding is much better than that number suggests.
●390 ADVENTURE SW Main Specifications
■Engine Type: Water-cooled 4-stroke Single Cylinder DOHC 4-valve
■Engine Displacement: 373.2 cm3
■Bore x Stroke: 89.0 x 60.0 mm
■Maximum Power: 32 kW (44 PS) / 9,000 rpm
■Maximum Torque: 37 Nm / 7,000 rpm
■Overall Length x Width x Height: – x – x – mm
■Wheelbase: 1,430 mm
■Ground Clearance: 200 mm
■Seat Height: 855 mm
■Vehicle Weight (dry): 158 kg
■Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 L
■Transmission Type: Constant Mesh 6-speed Return
■Tires (Front/Rear): 100/90-19, 130/80-17
■Brakes (Front/Rear): Hydraulic Disc / Hydraulic Disc
■Suspension (Front/Rear): Telescopic / Swingarm
■Body Color: Orange
■Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (Including 10% Consumption Tax): $6220.17
See KTM Moto Index Page
See KTM 390 ADVENTURE SW Parts & Accessories Page
Original Source [ WEB Mr.Bike ]
