Posted on February 24, 2025, by reo r, a Motorcycle Enthusiast & Reviewer with 12+ Years of Riding Experience

The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure has landed in India, promising a refreshed take on adventure biking with a bold design and upgraded features. As a seasoned rider who’s clocked thousands of kilometers testing bikes—from city streets to rugged trails—I recently spent a day riding this machine for 50 km across mixed terrains. Is it worth the hype as the best adventure bike under ₹5 lakhs in India? In this detailed hands-on review, I’ll break down its design, performance, comfort, features, and value to help you decide if it’s your next ride. Let’s hit the road!

Overview: What’s New in the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure?

KTM has given the 390 Adventure a complete makeover for 2025, aiming to blend touring comfort with off-road capability. This isn’t just a facelift—it’s a reimagined bike with a taller stance, smarter tech, and a price that undercuts many rivals. Available in two variants (base and Adventure X) and multiple color options, it’s built to appeal to both casual riders and hardcore adventurers. After my ride, I’m impressed—but there’s more to unpack. Here’s the full scoop.

Design and Build: A Head-Turner with Quirks

Exterior Styling

The design language of the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure is striking, though it’s not for everyone:

• Rally tower windscreen: Towers nearly as high as my 5’6” frame, giving it a commanding road presence that screams adventure-ready.
• Pigmented panels: Colors (white/orange or orange/white) are molded into the panels—not just stickers—so scratches won’t ruin the look.
• Side profile: A sharp drop from the tower to the tank creates a functional but less thrilling silhouette compared to the front.

Build Quality

• Durability: Standard handguards, leg guards, and a spring-loaded stand take the beating if you drop it—no panel damage in my demo laydown.
• Customization: Swap panels or wrap it to match your vibe—white dominates in the orange variant, while black/orange pops in the white one.

The road presence is killer, but the sidelines feel underwhelming. It’s a bike you’ll either love or pass on based on that towering front alone.

Comfort and Ergonomics: Touring Bliss, Off-Road Ready

Rider Comfort

This bike is built for long hauls:

• Seat height: 830mm—taller than my KTM Duke’s 820mm, yet I flat-footed it easily at 5’6”. Riders up to 6’ should feel at home.
• Slim tank: Narrows at the waist for a snug knee grip, whether seated or standing.
• Windscreen: Tall enough to shield my torso, offering clear vision—no extra visor needed, though shorter pillions might peek over it.

Off-Road Ergonomics

• Standing position: Sturdy accessory stand holds up, but you’ll need aftermarket tank grips for better control.
• Seat: Cushy for hours, with space stretching over the tank—perfect for shifting positions on long rides.

Swinging a leg over felt natural, and the comfort was instant. It’s a touring bike that begs for weekend escapes, though standing off-road needs a tweak.

Engine and Performance: Power That Packs a Punch

Engine Specs

• Displacement: 399cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled.
• Power: 46 bhp at 8,500 RPM.
• Torque: 39 Nm at 6,500 RPM—tractable low-end with a punchy mid-range.

Riding Dynamics

• Gearbox: 6-speed with a quickshifter—smoother and more refined than my Duke’s, with extra sprocket teeth (14/46) for torquey pulls.
• Modes: Three customizable options:
  
  • Street: Linear power for highways, stable at 100 kmph.
  • Off-Road: Max power and grip for trails—handled stones like a champ.
  • Rain: Tamed delivery for wet roads, keeping vibes minimal at 3,000 RPM.
• Top speed: Felt rock-solid at 122 kmph, thanks to a 21-inch front wheel and long wheelbase.

On a bumpy trail, the Off-Road mode shone, while Street mode made highway cruising a breeze. Wheelies? Effortless. It’s a performance bike with soul.

Suspension and Handling: Tackling Every Terrain

Suspension Setup

• Front: Fully adjustable long-travel forks—tune it for your weight and style.
• Rear: Adjustable mono-shock—balances comfort and control.

Handling Highlights

• Wheels: 21-inch front, 17-inch rear (alloy on base, spoked option on top variant).
• Terrain test: Soaked up bad roads and water crossings with ease—stable at 80 kmph on trails.
• Cornering: Brilliant feedback from the handlebar at 90 kmph on highways—confidence in every lean.

The spoked wheel variant is the off-road king, but the base alloy setup still impresses. It’s a handling star for mixed adventures.

Features and Tech: Smart and Practical

Instrument Cluster

• Display: Minimalist TFT—gear position, speed, and mode info, with an Off-Road tweak over the Duke 390.
• Controls: Handlebar buttons switch modes on the fly—intuitive and quick.

Standout Features

• Cruise control: Standard on the base model (not Adventure X)—set it at 100 kmph with plus/minus buttons, cancel with a brake tap.
• Switchgear: Hazard button, kill switch, and starter—neatly placed, with a throaty exhaust note to match.
• Quickshifter: Refined shifts up and down, even under cruise control—pure joy.

The cruise control is a touring game-changer, and the tech feels premium for the price.

Practicality: Rider vs. Pillion Experience

For the Rider

• Space: Ample room over the tank—shift positions without cramping.
• Protection: Full bash plate covers the underbody (unlike the Himalayan’s partial one), ready for off-road abuse.

For the Pillion

• Seat: Slim and short—fine for lean riders, but bulkier pillions might squirm.
• Grab rails: Sturdy and versatile—tie down bags or gear with ease.

It’s a rider-first bike, though pillions get decent support for shorter trips.

Pricing and Value: Bang for Your Buck?

Price Breakdown

• Base model: ₹3.67 lakhs (ex-showroom), ~₹4.40 lakhs on-road Mumbai.
• Adventure X: ₹2.97 lakhs (ex-showroom)—no cruise control, spoked wheels, or Off-Road mode.
• Top variant: ~₹4.5 lakhs with all extras.

Market Context

• Competitors: Royal Enfield Himalayan (₹4.8 lakhs), BMW G 310 GS (₹5.5 lakhs).
• Value: At under ₹5 lakhs, it offers touring tech and off-road grit that rivals can’t match at this price.

The base model’s a steal for mixed use; the top-end justifies the splurge for adventure junkies.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros

• Touring comfort with cruise control and a cushy seat.
• Off-road capability with adjustable suspension and modes.
• Value pricing under ₹5 lakhs.

Cons

• Side design lacks pizzazz.
• Pillion space is tight for larger riders.
• Windscreen vision tricky for short pillions.

Early Verdict: A Touring Titan with Off-Road Edge

The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure is a standout—an adventure bike that blends comfort, power, and versatility into a package that’s hard to beat under ₹5 lakhs. The design might split opinions, but the ride quality, cruise control, and quickshifter make it a touring gem, while the Off-Road mode and suspension tackle trails with gusto. I’ll pit it against the Himalayan soon—watch for that showdown! For now, it’s a top pick for riders craving freedom on and off the road.

What do you think—ready to take this KTM for a spin? Share your thoughts below!