KTM maintained that the 390 Adventure is on
schedule for its 2019 launch. Now, one of the most awaited motorcycles of the year
has finally been spotted in India for the first time, and the images were
shared by IAB reader Gaurav. The test mule of the adventure tourer was snagged
in Pune, and it appears to be almost ready for production.
The motorcycle isn’t very different from the test
mule spotted in Europe earlier this year. However, unlike that model, the
Indian 390 Adventure is equipped with wire-spokes. Similar to its higher
displacement adventure motorcycles, KTM is expected to launch the 390 Adventure
in two variants. One would feature mild off-roading capabilities and come
equipped with alloy wheels while the other will be a hard-core off-roader with
wire-spoke wheels.
The alloy wheel version will offer the convenience of tubeless
tyres while the spoke-wheel variant will cater to anyone who wishes to take the
beaten path. The Indian test mule sports 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear
wheel, both wrapped in dual-purpose, knobby tyres.
The styling of both motorcycles would be largely
identical. At the front would be a full LED headlight with a split style design
that was previously seen on the 390 Duke. LED blinkers accompany the LED
headlamp while on top is a compact windscreen that should offer some solace
against windblasts. Comfort-enhancing extensions on the sides of the headlight
to deflect the wind from the rider further. KTM may offer a taller windscreen
as an optional accessory.
Behind the windscreen is a TFT display that will be
identical to the unit that was seen on the 390 Duke. We may also see integrated
navigation on the display. Apart from offering a plethora of readouts, the TFT
screen comes with smartphone integration via Bluetooth that enables the rider
to control calls and music on the go. The motorcycle features the same
switchgear as that seen on the 390 Duke.
Sides reveal an exhaust that is noticeably different
from the unit on the 390 Duke and should offer a sportier sound. The swingarm
looks identical to the one seen on the KTM’s RC and Duke range. A crash guard
is installed to offer protection to the body panels while the engine gets a
belly pan that appears to be a plastic unit. The off-road spec model should get
a metal unit. A LED tail light, accompanied by LED blinkers, number plate
illuminator and a reflector form the rear design.
The nucleus of the mechanical specifications would
be the 373.2cc motor that powers the 390 Duke. The unit on the 390 Adventure
will get a different tune for better low- and mid-range power. The adventure
spec model may also come with a larger rear sprocket. For reference, the
373.2cc, single-cylinder, DOHC, 4-Valve, liquid-cooled engine on the Duke
delivers 43.5 hp of power at 9,500 RPM and 35 Nm of peak torque at 7,250 rpm. The engine will be paired to a
six-speed gearbox and feature a slip/assist clutch. Electronic aids would most
likely include switchable dual-channel ABS and ride-by-wire system.
