[hikozaru]

Originally Posted by b16h22

But it won't be as cheap as the Duke due to our market dynamics and product placements. Probably going to be 3-3.4L. It is just an intuition.

I really hope not as they are trying to introduce a new genre of motorcycling to India for the first time. Smaller tanks, lack of bar end weights as standard, the smaller dash, weaker rear subframe and god forbid the 401 tubed rims are going to be a harder sell for more money. I badger the Mekhri circle folks about the SMC R every time I go there, but fans like me cannot afford to toss our dukes and get the SMC R even if we like it a lot.

[Sebring]

I did a quick walk-around of the 2025 KTM 390. The seat has narrowed a bit, need to test ride on the comfort aspect. Pillion wont be comfortable I feel. Front does look taller and imposing.

Mostly, I wanted to test the engine but TD is a week away. So will reserve my comments for then.

[VijayAnand1]

I'm not sure how many of us noticed this, the front brake rotor is from GALFER and the rear is from Bybre. Talking about quality of the components used, KTM has exponentially upped the ante in every possible way, leaving us wanting little to none when we talk about the top variant. The bike sincerely oozes the butch and well-built to last factor. Though I feel the X variant could have been a sweeter proposition if Cruise Control was an addition, as KTM themselves market it as a tourer.

Said and done, make no bones about it, this is any day worth the extra and better than the REH450. Barring the Hanle Black, park any other colored REH450 next to this and suddenly the REH450 would feel like a decades old bike, at least, personally I feel so.

Only litmus-test to be known for this KTM is the niggle free motor-factor, though this is still the third-gen new motor in a new frame, I hope she's niggle free and KTM worked on the vendor issues especially when it comes to parts quality in the initial batches.

I hope the 4 years of hardwork that too bring this puppy to fruition wouldn't go to vain by nagging little pestering issues.

Good work KTM, good work!

Cheers!
VJ

[surjaonwheelz]

Hello Riders,

I found the Bikewale review quite balanced. It's nice to read an article instead of watching their video review in today's day and age!

Excerpts from the review article,

However, if we had to nitpick, we'd say the new 390 Adventure lacks the excitement and fervour typically associated with KTMs. Its front end isn't the sharpest or the most communicative. There is no marked torque surge in the mid-range to rouse your senses. And the occasions when you step off the bike all happy, content, and elated will be few and far between. Again, as we have said previously, the 390 Adventure is not slow or boring, it’s just not KTM-level exciting.

They continue to add,

However, this character bodes well when riding off-road. The linear throttle response is a boon here, making it easier and manageable to slide the bike or tackle mild obstacles. The light and progressive clutch, along with the crawl feature - which keeps the rpms high even at idle to help prevent stalling - makes riding the slow and technical stuff a breeze. It also makes walking the bike easier in case the terrain ever gets too tight or challenging to ride.

So KTM made an un-KTM Adv 390 to appeal to a larger audience same as RE did with their Sherpa 450 engine. KTM used throttle maps and sproketing to achieve the Adv 390 rideability and differentiate it from the Duke 390.

KTM missed the pillion comfort and rear luggage rack trick this time. The Himmy even with its non adjustable suspension setup is like the Duster of motorbikes (magic carpet ride) and a pillion is always welcomed on the Himmy!

This also serves the EU purpose of KTM where this lightweight Adv 390 is seen as an recreational bike and is mostly enjoyed solo.

I've rode along test mules of the Adv 390 in and around Pune. It seemed do high speeds effortlessly. But it was looking better in the rear view mirrors, as soon as it passed by, it had no presence due to the slim rear profile!

I feel, though the Adv 390 and Himmy cater to the same category they have distinct characters. One might like one over the other as per his/her preferences which is good!

According to me, KTM's hands are full and don't expect anymore variants in the near future (2025)! Choose between the X and the S (Std) which are available now.

The more the merrier!

Happy riding,
surjaonwheelz

[RPRIME95]

Originally Posted by surjaonwheelz

So KTM made an un-KTM Adv 390 to appeal to a larger audience same as RE did with their Sherpa 450 engine. KTM used throttle maps and sproketing to achieve the Adv 390 rideability and differentiate it from the Duke 390.

Fits my bill perfectly. I don't like KTM-level flashiness, a bit ironic statement considering a ride a Racing Red RR310 so my mind is set on a white 390 Adv X. Waiting for one review and test rides to finalize.

Originally Posted by VijayAnand1

The bike sincerely oozes the butch and well-built to last factor. Though I feel the X variant could have been a sweeter proposition if Cruise Control was an addition, as KTM themselves market it as a tourer.

Yeah, this is a sore point. Cruise Control is not needed per se, but it would have been very nice to have it as standard. If KTM figures out a way to retrofit this in the future or drops an upgraded version, I might consider a swap

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by surjaonwheelz

This also serves the EU purpose of KTM where this lightweight Adv 390 is seen as an recreational bike and is mostly enjoyed solo.

Plus they had to engineer this platform for an enduro and sm as well. I've been gong through the international dual sport forums and they are really looking forward to the R and Enduro. KTM managed to price it incredibly well in those markets. And with the pricing of the DR-Z4s being quite a bit more than than they were expecting, Enduro has a lot of interest. I guess KTM made a compromise between being light + agile and being a full-blown travel ADV when creating this new platform.

[Mr.Ogre]

Originally Posted by hikozaru

And this is why people like me are wary of reviews by media outlets.

Yes, I agree with you. A lot of people including me have given up on official reviews long time back. They are mostly mouthpiece for the manufacturer. They obviously cannot write anything negative against the manufacturers for fear of getting blacklisted. This is exactly why I stopped buying Overdrive, Autocar and similar magazines long time back.

If you have noticed, in almost every comparison video, they will never explicitly pickup a winner, and will try to be as diplomatic as possible.

This is why things like first day review, walk around etc. do not matter much. It is the actual user experience that matters, and this is where TeamBHP stands out.

[TurboTrailblazr]

For someone who isn’t considering the S variant at all, does it make sense to buy the Adv 250 instead of 390 Adv X, with the expectations of:

• A smoother engine?
• Less heat
• Better mileage

[RPRIME95]

Originally Posted by TurboTrailblazr

For someone who isn’t considering the S variant at all, does it make sense to buy the Adv 250 instead of 390 Adv X

It depends on your riding history and usage. If you currently ride a sub-200cc bike, then the 250 Adv makes a lot of sense for stepping into the touring world.

This has to match your intended usage. If you're planning very long tours, get the 390X. The extra power will help. Otherwise, the 250Adv is a very good choice.

[Shonith]

Originally Posted by TurboTrailblazr

For someone who isn’t considering the S variant at all, does it make sense to buy the Adv 250 instead of 390 Adv X, with the expectations of:

• A smoother engine?
• Less heat
• Better mileage

If budget is not a constraint i would suggest getting the 390. 250 in the ktm line up is very docile and lacks the power required for high speed overtakes on the highway. 250 is a fantastic city bike, fun and easy to ride. One could easily cruise at 90~110 on the highway. Anything more and you have to keep the revs above 8000, Which becomes a bit of a task. Above 8000 there is buzz on the handle bars, foot pegs which keeps increasing as the revs climb.

With pillion and luggage you would be able to cruise at 80~100 Anything more and you have to rev above 8k.

Refinement levels are definitely better than the 390 till 7k. 390 vibrates a bit till about 6k after that its smooth till the red line.

Heat dissipation is better on the newer ktms thanks to the curved radiator and the 2 fans. Heat is something you can get used to.

Mileage on the 250 is just slightly better than the 390. I would say its about 3 to 5kmpl more depending on the riding.

I feel the H450 is a much better product than the 250 adv and also the adv x. It’s just that RE has screwed up with the chassis breaking again, their service is a hit or a miss. And some niggles that come with RE bikes. Not all RE bikes are bad one may get a good bike with 0 issues. Ktm on the other hand are fairly reliable and trouble free.

[Ketan]

Originally Posted by TheHelix0202

No fair! I do wish they started deliveries down south sooner. My dealer has no idea when my bike will come!

I think the motorcycles have already arrived. KA RTO is still going through the process of adding this motorcycle to the database so that the registration is possible. It looks like they should be ready in another week or even earlier.
This I have come to know while enquiring with a couple of dealers around.
I'm on the fence and waiting to hear some actual user, owner experiences, go for a test ride to get the feel while I take a call to book.
I'll be registering it in the nearby TN town in case if I go ahead with this and seems they are ready to register but don't have motorcycle in stock.

[TurboTrailblazr]

Originally Posted by Shonith

If budget is not a constraint i would suggest getting the 390.

Budget is not a concern. Only the heat and engine refinement.

Originally Posted by Shonith

I feel the H450 is a much better product than the 250 adv and also the adv x. It’s just that RE has screwed up with the chassis breaking again, their service is a hit or a miss. And some niggles that come with RE bikes. Not all RE bikes are bad one may get a good bike with 0 issues. Ktm on the other hand are fairly reliable and trouble free.

I rode my friend's Classic 350 for about six months in 2013 while owning a Unicorn. Initially, I enjoyed the Classic for its presence, but I quickly grew bored due to the vibrations beyond 50-60 km/h and its poor weight distribution. Since then, I’ve never really liked REs, so the H450 isn’t in consideration.

[TurboTrailblazr]

Originally Posted by RPRIME95

It depends on your riding history and usage. If you currently ride a sub-200cc bike, then the 250 Adv makes a lot of sense for stepping into the touring world.

This has to match your intended usage. If you're planning very long tours, get the 390X. The extra power will help. Otherwise, the 250Adv is a very good choice.

I currently ride a 2013 Unicorn and plan to keep my next bike for at least 10 years.

[Ratan Prabhu]

Originally Posted by TurboTrailblazr

For someone who isn’t considering the S variant at all, does it make sense to buy the Adv 250 instead of 390 Adv X, with the expectations of:
A smoother engine?
Less heat
Better mileage

.

Originally Posted by TurboTrailblazr

Budget is not a concern. Only the heat and engine refinement.
I’ve never really liked REs, so the H450 isn’t in consideration.

.

Originally Posted by TurboTrailblazr

I currently ride a 2013 Unicorn and plan to keep my next bike for at least 10 years.

The new 250cc KTM engine is very smooth. So yes, for your requirement, Adv250 makes more sense. Adv390x is super VFM but since smooth engine is your primary requirement, you won't be happy with it.

[RPRIME95]

Originally Posted by TurboTrailblazr

I currently ride a 2013 Unicorn and plan to keep my next bike for at least 10 years.

Get the 390X if on a budget. The best bet is the Standard 390 Adv. If you're okay with tubeless spoked wheels.