If there was one thing that was a clear holdup to KTM's small but mighty 390 Adventure dominating the lightweight dual-sport/adventure segment, it was the bike's cast alloy wheels. Now finally in 2023, KTM will offer the 390 Adventure with a set of durable spoked wheels to bring more desirability to off-road riders.
KTM originally launched the 390 Adventure for the 2020 model year, a full 7 years after the 390 Duke was launched, but the little ADV has already seen two important updates in its lifespan - one to its electronics package which saw the traction system control tweaked, and the other being 2023's addition of spoked wheels as factory equipment. The latter was previously an $1800 option.
KTM says the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure warranted this upgrade considering the strengths of the rest of the motorcycle, and to emphasize that ‘adventure’ really can be part of the daily routine.
This more daily rider focus is reflected in that while the larger 890 and 1290 Adventure models utilise a 21-inch front wheel matched to an 18-inch rear, the 2023 390 Adventure still uses a 19-inch and 17-inch combo.
With KTM Adventure fans having a somewhat rough-and-tumble reputation for taking their bikes on challenging terrain, the new aluminium spoked wheels should offer extra offroad potential straight out of the crate, with the main limiting factors for the 390 Adventure off-road now being the factory-fitted Continental TKC70 tyres and its 200mm of ground clearance, both of which remain unchanged from the 2022 model.
At its centre is KTM's 4-stroke 373cc single-cylinder engine which uses twin overhead camshafts, four values, a balancer shaft and electronic fuel injection for smooth power to the beat of 44hp and 37Nm of torque at 7000rpm. Two catalytic converters ensure the system breathes within Euro5 emission targets while the fuel tank (sized for a 14.5-litre fill) vapour design also boosts the eco-friendliness. That last one should mean you can park it inside the house without petrol fumes.
Visually the 2023 390 Adventure looks the part with its bright orange trellis frame and adjustable WP suspension, while electronically the bike still leads the segment with a ride-by-wire throttle, switchable cornering ABS and Motorcycle Traction Control from BOSCH, an off-road mode and a full-colour 5-inch TFT display.
As always KTM is also offering a comprehensive list of official KTM Power Parts alongside the new bike including seats, exhausts, luggage and even a quick-shifter.
The first shipment of the updated KTM 390 Adventure is expected to arrive in New Zealand KTM dealers from April 2023 with pricing currently set at $11,899 plus on-road costs for the spoked wheel version while the standard bike will retail at $10,799.