2024 KTM 390 Adventure
Still no “R” …and so we wait.
First introduced in 2020 the KTM 390 adventure has created a strong cult following thanks to a strong motor, modest price point and a surprising amount of go anywhere ability. Nevertheless, the faithful have long pined for a more off-road focused version of this venerable adventure bike. Recent rumors had the adventure R version of the 390 hitting the market in 2024, so the largely unchanged 390 adventure is obviously met with some disappointment among the faithful.
Low and compact enough to be beginner friendly, yet capable enough on major roadways for long-range adventures. The 390 remains a well equiped little adventure bike. As with last years model the 2024 KTM 390 Adventure is equipped with a 373.2 cc single cylinder motor producing 43.5hp @ 9000 rpms, lean sensitive ABS, adjustable compression and rebound, 3.8 gallon fuel tank, for a claimed 248 mile range, a bright TFT display which combines with the KTM Connect app to connect your phone for messages, phone calls, and navigation.
For 2024 the 390 adventure comes with updated graphics but no other significant updates over the 2023 390 adventure. This year you have your choice of traditional black and orange or the new grey and while livery.
There was a hope:
Similar to the 790 and 890 R models, the 390 adventure R model was anticipated to come equipped with longer legs, more ground clearance and bigger more off-road capable wheels, of the 18 and 21 inch variety.
This is the S version:
While the 390 is a great little ADV bike, it is road focused in the same way that the 890 adventure S is more road oriented compared with the R version. On the road the 390 power plant is strong enough to tackle any road you need to travel and the advanced suspension does a great job of instilling confidence.
Thrashing the little Katoom off-road is fun, but if you are an experienced off-road rider you will quickly find it’s limits. As a capable starting platform, the 390 makes you wonder just how incredibly fun this bike could be as an R version.
The under $10,000 adventure bike landscape is getting increasingly competitive. In 2023 KTM made the decision to eliminate future plans for a 490 adventure, which adds more pressure for KTM to improve the 390. With new offerings on the horizon in 2024 like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, it’s becoming more obvious that KTM cannot afford to rest on their success in this segment.
Still a solid adventure bike at a great price, the KTM 390 adventure remains a great choice for adventure travellers on a budget, starting out, or shorter in stature. For the rest of us, there is always next year.
