I have participated in the international media test ride of the KTM 390 ADVENTURE in the Spanish Canary Islands, so I would like to make a preliminary report.
The most authentic and strongest in its class!
This is the latest in the adventure segment, which is KTM's specialty, and the smallest engine displacement model currently available. The engine based on the 390 DUKE, which is also popular in Japan, is a lightweight and compact liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 373cc with the same maximum output of 44ps / 9000rpm. The frame is also the same with a trellis structure made of steel pipe scaffold-like. The undercarriage is WP suspension in the front and rear (The front is an inverted front fork, and rear is a direct press single shock. Stroke amount is 170mm / 170mm respectively.) and a combination of front and rear 19/17 inch cast wheels equipped with BYBRE single brake disc. The design and concept follow the traditional flow of the KTM ADVENTURE Series, which has been a part of the Dakar Rally, and boasts the strongest performance and power-to-weight ratio in its class in the adventure segment, along with a lightweight body weighing 16kg.
The ease of maneuverability is the best!
With the impression that the 790 ADVENTURE (STD specification of cast wheel) is made a little compact, the size at first glance seems like you can be able to handle it. The maneuverability is light and easy to handle, which is the best for an adventure. The seat height of 855mm is not low, but the tiptoe of both feet would be able to reach even in the average Japanese physique. It was larger than the Japanese 250cc trail model, but with a shorter wheelbase of 1430mm and enough steering angle, this level is sufficient to be able to U-turn even on a one-lane winding road.
It's long, but it's light and good at cornering.
The engine of the 390 DUKE has full of spirit with a beat sense. Along with a pleasant single-cylinder sound, it's also fun to have plenty of throbbing in the mid rev range at around 6000rpm, and it also has a gentle acceleration that blows up to 10,000rpm at once when cornering. The handling is mild compared to the 390 DUKE, but it is the most nimble and good at city riding as an adventure. I felt that my long legs were slightly fluffy when I started riding, but as I got used to it, I realized that the gap absorption was good. Since the damper adjustment mechanism is attached both front and rear, it becomes firm and stable when tightened up a little, and I could feel the original capacity of the adventure. When I synchronized the rhythm of weight transfer according to the stroke of my long legs for tight cornering, and I can able to do cornering with remarkable lightness. This is a pleasure that a big engine displacement machine does not have.
Thanks to the STD cornering ABS and MTC (traction control), there is a great deal of spiritual capacity and a great sense of fulfillment that allows the rider to use the brakes and accelerator more aggressively. The quick shifter (up & down correspondence) is optional, but it is much easier to have a quick shifter, especially because it greatly prevents shift mistakes when entering the corner. The STD slipper clutch and the safety features that support the rider are substantial points.
It runs better on off-road than it looks.
I also travel on off-road like a forest road, but the riding performance is also quite good. At first, I didn't have high expectations for the KTM, as it has 19-inch front wheels and cast wheels, but that's where the KTM as expected. On the flat off-road, I can ride with the accelerator's full throttling, and if there's a slight gap, the front and rear suspensions can handle it. If you pay attention to speeding and line taking even there is also a rubbish field where the collapsed volcanic rocks, you will be able to overcome through it thanks to the well-balanced, light body and the 200mm ground clearance. By the way, the off-road ABS and MTC deactivation settings in the mode function are even more reassuring on the off-road, and the Continental on-and-off tires (TKC70) are even better than its look.
KTM boasts it all about the DNA of the Dakar Rally. The 390 ADVENTURE takes the ease and nimbleness of the on-road experience and brings its agility to the off-road. As per the "ADVENTURE MORE" concept, this is a fun machine that brings adventure touring more accessible.
See KTM Moto Index Page
See Accessories for KTM 390 ADVENTURE
See Accessories for KTM 390DUKE
See Accessories for KTM 790 ADVENTURE
