KTM has recently unveiled its newest KTM 350 Adventure, released about a month ago. The motorcycle’s base is mainly the KTM 390 Adventure, but it features a slightly smaller engine and power configuration. Its aim was to bring in buyers who liked the power and excitement of the KTM 390 but just didn’t like the price tags and taxation burden. Consequently, the KTM 350 Adventure looks like a more affordable option while still having plenty of the features and character of the larger brother.
In this article, we will explore what sets the KTM 350 Adventure apart, as well as its strengths and weaknesses.
At first glance, the KTM 350 looks like the hardcore adventurer’s bike, the KTM 390. A large windscreen, LED headlamps, DRLs, and a prominent beak in the style of adventure riding are positioned at the front. In terms of tire profile, it is equipped with 17-inch rear and 19-inch front alloy wheels clad in tubeless Apollo Trample XR tires that are perfect for touring at highway speed and light off-roading. With a height of 825 mm and a ground clearance of 228 mm, the KTM 350 Adventure provides a commanding riding position yet easy access for all riders. The 14.5 L fuel tank further enhances its long-distance touring abilities.
Powering the motorcycle is a 349cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing around 40 PS and 33.5 Nm of torque. The numbers might be a tad lower from the 390s, but the engine seems to be cleaner and less scary. The power delivery has been refined to suit a smoother ride in normal riding, and KTM has tuned down the rest of the specifications to match the power decreases. The riders with experience of the older 390 will immediately recognize that the aggressive throttle response has been reduced, and the riding experience is that of a controlled and confident 390.
The feature list is still top-notch on a motorcycle. KTM’s suite of features includes ride-by-wire controls, traction control, ride modes, cruise control, a bidirectional quickshifter, and a pithy 5-inch bonded glass TFT screen. There are 3 riding modes (Street, Rain, and Off-Road), which riders can alternate, and several settings are customizable to fit riders’ preferences. The motorbike’s advanced tech elements and cruise control make it one of the most high-tech bikes in its class.
The Adventure is well-behaved on the road. The WP Apex 43 mm front suspension and offset rear monoshock are tuned well to soak up potholes, broken roads, and railway crossings without unsettling the rider. The suspension is fixed but has a stock setup, which gives the rider a good balance between comfort and being hotter than touring mode. The quickshifter is noteworthy for its clutchless shifting experience, providing a smoother gear change in both directions and adding an extra level of enjoyment to the riding experience.
The brake is controlled using a 4-piston caliper with the front disc of 320 mm and the rear disc of 240 mm. Switchable ABS provides the rider the option of turning OFF-ROAD mode to a strategy where rear-wheel assistance is not used when riding on slippery surfaces. The braking performance is satisfactory, but the reviewer felt this could be improved somewhat by having a marginally sharper bite for more aggressive braking situations.
The only place in which there might be a difference in opinion is refinement. When compared with previous KTM Adventure models, there are mild vibrations at 4,000 to 5,000 rpm. These shakes are felt in the footpegs, handlebars, and seat area, especially when driving around on highways. But they’re not serious enough to put them off, and the majority of riders will eventually grow used to them.
The Apollo Trample XR tires are excellent on the road and have a great grip in dry weather and on the mild trails. But riders need to be careful in wet weather when the block pattern is really on display because it can cause unease when cornering aggressively on wet roads. The mileage is anticipated to be 22 to 30 kmpl, and it is expected to increase if the riding style is more aggressive.
My Final Word:
This new KTM 390 Adventure isn’t a radical rethink but rather a logical progression. KTM has kept all the aspects that made the Adventure successful and added a slew of features to make the ride extra stimulating. Easy, quick, comfortable, and versatile to this day. Those willing to get out for an adventure ride that doesn’t require an O-wing to take them on weekend jaunts will have much to admire here.
For more advanced riders of the KTM, the decreased rudeness of the old 390 might be apparent. This may well be the most well-rounded and easy-to-use KTM Adventure so far for those easy on the adventure who are still looking to get something new under their belt.
