14th September 2025, Kathmandu
In the competitive world of adventure motorcycles, the KTM 390 Adventure has long been a benchmark for performance and features.
KTM 390 Adventure X Review
Its more accessible sibling, the KTM 390 Adventure X, recently received a significant update, making it an even more compelling option for riders seeking a premium single-cylinder adventure bike without breaking the bank.
With a modest price hike, the updated 390 Adventure X now boasts an impressive feature list, borrowing heavily from its more expensive counterpart. Priced at just above the Rs 3 lakh mark, this motorcycle presents a formidable challenge to its rivals.
But is it the perfect bike for you? Let’s dive into the three main reasons to buy and the two reasons you might want to skip the KTM 390 Adventure X.
3 Reasons You Should Consider the KTM 390 Adventure X
1. Unmatched Seating and Touring Comfort
For any rider considering a motorcycle for long-distance touring, comfort is paramount. The new KTM 390 Adventure X excels in this department.
It offers a spacious and well-designed seating position that allows for hours of comfortable riding. The suspension, while not adjustable like the standard 390 Adventure’s, is surprisingly plush and absorbs road imperfections with ease, contributing to a smooth ride even on rough Indian roads.
Furthermore, the effective windscreen provides excellent wind protection at highway speeds, reducing rider fatigue on long journeys.
Another significant advantage, especially for newer or shorter riders, is its weight. Tipping the scales at 181kg, the 390 Adventure X is a full 15kg lighter than the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
This, combined with its well-balanced chassis, makes it noticeably less top-heavy and far easier to manage in slow-moving traffic or while maneuvering off-road. The light weight and agile handling contribute to a more confidence-inspiring ride for a wide range of riders.
2. A Feature List That Rivals Premium Bikes
The latest update has transformed the 390 Adventure X from a stripped-down variant into a tech-laden machine. For a small price increase of just Rs 12,000, bringing its ex-showroom price to Rs 3.03 lakh, the bike now includes a host of premium features.
These include multiple riding modes (Street and Off-road), cruise control, and cornering ABS. These features, previously exclusive to higher-end bikes, enhance safety and convenience significantly.
The bike also retains its brilliant TFT display and a bi-directional quickshifter, which allows for seamless up and downshifts without the clutch, making city commuting and spirited riding a joy.
Unless your specific riding needs require the spoked wheels, a larger 21-inch front wheel, or the fully adjustable suspension of the standard 390 Adventure, the X variant provides an incredible value proposition.
The extensive feature set ensures that you get a near-premium experience without the premium price tag.
3. Strong, Rev-Happy Performance
Underneath its sharp bodywork, the KTM 390 Adventure X is powered by a potent 399cc liquid-cooled engine.
This motor delivers a healthy 46hp and 39Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful bikes in its class. In our tests, the bike managed a 0-100kph sprint in just 6.04 seconds, a testament to its strong performance.
While the low-end torque is a bit weak, the engine truly comes alive in the mid-range and top-end, delivering a thrilling and engaging riding experience.
What’s impressive is that despite its high-revving nature, the engine is tuned differently from the manic KTM 390 Duke. It’s more manageable and can be ridden at a sedate pace without much fuss, making it suitable for both aggressive riding and relaxed cruising.
This versatility is a major plus, as it caters to a wider audience of riders who might not want the overly aggressive nature of a street-focused KTM.
2 Reasons to Skip the KTM 390 Adventure X
1. Extensive and Potentially Rattling Bodywork
One of the more common complaints with KTMs, and the 390 Adventure is no exception, is the presence of extensive body panels.
While these contribute to its aggressive and adventurous look, they can be a source of minor buzzes and rattles, especially when riding over rough and broken roads.
This is a minor but persistent issue that riders may have to learn to live with. Furthermore, the pigmented plastic panels, while looking authentic, are prone to staining and can be difficult to keep clean.
The large windscreen, while functional on the highway, can be intrusive and block a rider’s view during technical off-road riding. It also restricts airflow in slow-moving city traffic, which can lead to a stuffy feeling in hot climates.
2. The Single-Cylinder Refinement Conundrum
KTM’s single-cylinder engines have historically been known for their raw and unrefined nature, characterized by audible engine clatter. While the new 399cc engine is smoother than the older 373cc mill, it still isn’t the last word in refinement.
Riders accustomed to or expecting a silky-smooth ride from a twin-cylinder engine might find the 390 Adventure X’s vibrations and clatter a little disappointing.
If a smooth, vibration-free ride is a top priority for you, it might be worth extending your budget for a twin-cylinder adventure motorcycle.
Conclusion: Is the KTM 390 Adventure X the Right Bike for You?
Despite these minor drawbacks, the KTM 390 Adventure X offers an incredible amount of value for its price. It provides a thrilling and capable package with a feature list that is hard to match in its segment.
It’s an ideal choice for riders looking for a powerful, comfortable, and tech-laden bike for both touring and occasional off-road adventures.
If you can overlook the minor bodywork rattles and the characteristic single-cylinder engine clatter, the 390 Adventure X is arguably one of the best adventure motorcycles available under the Rs 3.5 lakh mark today.
It truly offers a lot of bang for your buck and cements its position as a top contender in the adventure bike segment.
For more: KTM 390 Adventure X Review