Sometimes riders just want the most cost-effective way to get about, with a motorcycle that can do justice to both paved and unformed paths. This is the domain of the KTM 390 Adventure, updated for 2023 with new style, wheels and colours.
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The dual purpose machine is designed to handle the daily commute and occasional off-road blasting, along with extended weekend rides when need be. Moreover, it has the safety items you’d want and expect as standard.
For 2023 the 390 Adventure takes on a fresh look with more off-road credibility thanks to new black anodized lightweight aluminum rims and spoked wheels (19” front and 17” rear). Tyres are Continental TKC70s.
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Its compact 373cc single-cylinder engine uses twin overhead camshafts, four valves, a balancer shaft and electronic fuel injection, creating 33kW at 9000rpm, and 37Nm of torque at 7000rpm. With twin cats it also meets Euro5 emission standards. A 14.5L fuel tank ensures plenty of riding range.
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Special features include ride-by-wire throttle, TC, cornering ABS, a dedicated off-road mode (allows more rear wheel slip) and linked off-road ABS (disengaged on the rear, reduced on the front). There’s also a slipper clutch and five-inch colour TFT screen.
Other items include a steel trellis frame and subframe, and fully adjustable WP Apex suspension that’s optimised for both road and dirt duties. There’s also a two-tier seat, LED lights, a two-position windshield, and a 320mm front disc with four-piston radial-mount caliper.
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The bike weighs in at 172kg ready to race/ride, while its 830mm seat height makes it practical for a range of different rider heights.
New paint and graphics round out the updates for the 390 Adventure.
The spoked wheel edition will be on sale in May this year, while a version with cast wheels will continue to be available. The smallest KTM ADV will come with orange and black or blue and orange paint schemes.
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