Second-gen KTM 390 Duke owner test rides the 2025 390 Adventure X

Test rode the 390 ADV X recently at the Hoskerehalli showroom for about 20 minutes in B roads and subroads. Do consider this, and my comparison points as the 2017 Duke 390 and the 1st gen 390 ADV

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Test rode the 390 ADV X today at the Hoskerehalli showroom for about 20 minutes in B roads and subroads. The bike showed 17 km on the ODO but I suspect its done atleast 200 km and hasnt yet completed its first service the way it rode. Do consider this, and my comparison points as the 2017 Duke 390 and the 1st gen 390 ADV.

1. The bike will not feel like an upgrade in power to those owning the previous 390s or anything in the 300-400 class. It is decently fast, but not aggressive like the former. I own the Duke 390 Gen 2 and could immediately say this wasnt the upgrade I would do, atleast for the immediate future, as I noted in November 2023. The 2023 Duke 390 was the inspiration for me to get my preloved Duke .

2. I saw a lot of comments about the vibes and rattles, and they indeed are true. 4000 - 5500 rpm has even the mirrors become blurry, though you dont feel them on the pegs or handlebar. The executive said it might be due to some bolts on the rear and the crash guard being loose, but I am suspect about this. I jumped a speedbreaker and the "thattt!" sound from the rear had me taken aback, enough to pull over and see if anything had fallen off. The 1st gen 390 ADV was buzzy, yes. But not to the extent of blurry mirrors. The fueling was atrocious - sudden jerks in the 2nd gear, do not know if this was due to the 33 degree heat outside. It was in reserve but had a displayed range of 140km.

3. Riding posture, very comfortable. The handlebar was just right for my height (172 cm with boots), the screen causes no buffetting onto the helmet. The seat is firm yet nice, but narrow for heavily built bikers like me which causes butt cheek pain but no carpet burn sort of feeling on long days. My bikes seat feels like a stone 2 hours into the ride, this will not. Clear TFT display with colours and with the black background very pleasing to the eye. Pillions - a big no. I could imagine the smirk on anyones face looking at that tiny seat.

4. Very nimble on the move, feels like a horse rather than the stallion-ish appearance of the earlier gen ADV even when parked side to side. This feels lighter though 5 kg heavier (177 vs 182). I do not really bother about seat height or weight of the bike until it is so unwieldy to the point of causing pains at the lightest movements. 830 mm seat height, feels the same like my 390. You sit into the bike, thanks to that adequately sized screen in front of you. Nice switchgear carried over from the Gen 3 Duke. The mirrors though large require some getting used to - dont know if its just me, I wasnt at ease even after my 20 minutes. Back on my Duke and those felt immediately at home.

5. Now to the main point - riding it! Fire her up and she starts off smooth. The clutch is light but those with short fingers will require the clutch lever to be closer. The engine is smooth except that 4000-5000 rpm mark, but tractable for city range and is not snatchy (though the quickshifter is). Post 5000 is where it wakes up. The sporty snarl, the quick acceleration to 9000 rpm and butter smooth quickshifter is worth one test ride to see why this bike will eat into the sales of the Himalayan 450. Even with the 21 inch front, the handling is magic - doesnt feel lethargic, except in heavy traffic. I cant wait to take this bike to the twisties. The suspension is well calibrated at factory and doesnt require tweaking for most conditions, not that this can. Stops nicely, though the sintered pads bite is missed. Nosedive though present is not as much as the 450 though. The Apollo Tramplr tyres feel very grippy, even on gravel. Dont miss the Metzelers much.

Conclusion - The upgrade that most people will like, especially solo tourers from the RE Meteor/Hunter camp who want a powerful, comfortable ADV for touring and dont care much about the electronics (I never missed TC/cornering TC/ABS etc, quickshifter and ABS is more than enough). The electric orange and size provide a good appearance overall.

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