Do you like having a bike that can go anywhere, tackle a huge variety of terrain, and not give you too much grief about it? But do you also feel like having large cc engines and superbike rivalling horsepower is passé? Or perhaps you are a beginner to riding and don’t feel comfortable on a larger, heavier bike yet. In that case, the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure may be the ride for you.
Technically for 2023, it’s being marketed as the KTM 390 Adventure SW. What does the new SW suffix pertain to, you may ask? Spoked Wheels. That’s right. KTM’s big update for this year, big enough to change the name of the bike? New wheels. On top of that, KTM has one other update for this ‘23 model – The bike has gotten a brand-new colour scheme! KTM orange with black accents… so not exactly reinventing the (spoked) wheel with that update either. To be fair, though, the off-road-ready wheels are a nice touch for adventure enthusiasts. The 390 Adventure has only been on the market since 2020, so it isn’t quite due for a full overhaul just yet, and the existing package is a strong one at its price point.
This European adventure bike contains the very same 373cc single-cylinder engine that can be found elsewhere in the KTM family with the 390 Duke and RC 390. Producing a claimed 43 hp and 27 lb-ft of torque, this bike should have enough power to get you through whatever obstacle you throw at it.
Obviously, as a member of the adventure class, this bike’s primary goal isn’t speed, and that’s why the 379 lb machine comes equipped with features like off-road tuned WP Apex suspension and some knobby Continental TK70s wrapped around the spoked wheels. The bike also gets KTM’s excellent “offroad mode”, which tolerates some rear-wheel slippage to help riders clear low traction environments. Offroad mode also engages offroad ABS, which shuts off the assistance in the rear while keeping the front end in check.
Other standard features include an adjustable-height windshield, a full TFT display, an LED headlight, and a 3.8 (14.5) gallon fuel tank which KTM says is capable of doing 248 miles ( 400 KM) between fill-ups
The 2023 KTM 390 Adventure starts at $7,399 USD / $8,099 CAD.
On this page:we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc., so you can read up on the new 2023 KTM 390 Adventure in one place.
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE might seem small in stature, but twist the throttle and you’ll awaken eager horses ready to gallop toward the horizon. Merge that with a robust 6-speed sequential gearbox, optional QUICKSHIFTER +, and carefully tuned gear ratios, and the KTM 390 ADVENTURE quickly charges along with a smooth, uninhibited power spread for any terrain.
Fuel Tank
What’s an adventure without fuel range? The KTM 390 ADVENTURE boasts a 3.8-gal (14.5-liter) fuel capacity and exceptional fuel economy. This means 248 mile (400 km) jaunts into the faraway outdoors are easily achievable. What’s more, the fuel tank represents a central element of the design and engineering, offering excellent ergonomics for riders of all sizes without sacrificing offroad handling.
Cornering ABS
Not to be outdone on the tarmac, the KTM 390 ADVENTURE effortlessly carves through mountain roads, thanks in part to its low center of gravity, nimble handling, and 19″ front wheel. This also means you can grab a handful of brakes with total confidence thanks thigh-tech Cornering ABS unit. This allows riders to use full braking power mid-corner by continuously monitoring and evaluating the current dynamic state of the motorcycle, enhancing safety and stability during braking.
Frame
KTM 390 ADVENTURE features an ultra-lightweight, yet extremely stable trellis frame – just like the multi-championship winning KTM 450 RALLY. It provides the backbone to the KTM 390 ADVENTURE and is a major element that accounts for its nimble handling, and forgiving the balance of flex and stiffness. This, combined with a wheelbase of 1430 mm and a 63.5-degree steering head angle, means it was built to tackle the dirtiest of trails in the great outdoors.
ERGONOMICS
Let’s be clear about it – the KTM 390 ADVENTURE is all about hitting the tough stuff. It is designed to be an adventure machine, from its Rally-style windscreen, right down to its offroad-focused footpegs. All-day riding comfort, supreme offroad agility, and unmatched rider involvement make the KTM 390 ADVENTURE a class leader when it comes to taking the path less traveled in complete control.
Seat
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE features a two-part seat that provides unmatched comfort and rider control. Being narrower in the front than the rear, it not only provides easy accessibility for shorter riders but also better control on difficult terrain. The seat can be easily removed for access to the airbox and a small storage compartment underneath, with the KTM PowerParts team, having also specifically developed different seats to match individual customer needs from comfort to riding style.
Wheels
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE boasts heavy-duty spoked wheels at each end, making it extremely ready to tackle the toughest of dirt trails. No more worries about cracked or chipped rims, these tube-type spoked setups perfectly compliment the offroad-orientated tires to provide unmatched confidence when charging off into the wilderness.
Offroad Mode
When the tar road ends and the dirt track begins, KTM 390 ADVENTURE riders can simply switch to OFFROAD MODE. This allows a certain rear-wheel slip, meaning muddy puddles or thick sand is easily navigated. More so, in OFFROAD MODE, OFFROAD ABS is also activated, meaning you can pull your best Chris Birch impressions locking up the rear wheel to slide into corners. OFFROAD MODE also maintains its settings in the event of stalling the engine or switching off your machine, meaning you’re ready to go as soon as the engine fires up.
Reworked Suspension
With many years of development in the toughest terrain, the KTM 390 ADVENTURE boasts WP APEX suspension at each wheel. This results in a best-in-class handling package that is ready to tackle any adventure. Not only that, but the cutting-edge WP APEX shock absorber provides tailored performance ideal for traveling long distances in tough conditions. Thanks to an adjustable spring preload and rebound damping, it can also be fine-tuned to suit the rider, conditions, and nature of adventure.
2023 KTM 390 Adventure Photos
2023 KTM 390 Adventure Videos
First Ride: 2023 KTM 390 Adventure by Moto Rider World:
2023 KTM 390 Adventure – Meet My New Bike! by KSSTUDIOS:
