Is it worth waiting for the KTM 390 Adventure?
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KTM fans and even hardcore riders who like to take a motorcycle off the road have been waiting for this motorcycle since ages. I still remember very clearly that there was a rumor about KTM launching the KTM 390 Adventure version by using it’s potent 390cc engine when they had introduced the Duke 390 in the Indian market in 2013. No one knew that this rumor would one day become a reality.
Fast forward this to 2018, just after the launch of the BMW 310 twins, KTM announced that they will be introducing the KTM 390 Adventure in the Indian market in 2019. This news spread like a wildfire, which made the motorcyclists go into a tizzy. KTM is a dominant player in the market when it comes to manufacturing bikes which can take on any kind of terrain and they have already mastered the world’s toughest cross-country race known as Dakar rally over the years. So, a low capacity adventure bike in their stable for the Indian market is a very enticing proposition.
KTM 390 Adventure has been launched globally on 5 November 2019 at an international motorcycle show called EICMA held in Milan. This was the most anticipated product, in this world-famous motor show. The KTM officials have surprised us with this beautiful package loaded with features and a purpose. The official launch of this bike in India will be facilitated by KTM at India Bike Week (IBW) 2019 to be held in the 1st week of December in Goa.
Although, the bike is packed with performance and features, there are doubts which will need to be clarified by KTM during India launch in early December 2019.
Price is the biggest factor for the price-sensitive Indian market. KTM is not known for discounting because they stand firm on the value which they provide in their products. The speculative figure is INR 3 lacs (ex-showroom) but no one is sure how will they price the bike!
Uncertainty also looms over the features provided in the KTM 390 Adventure global launch. Will KTM strip down a few features to make the product cost-effective to grasp the initial traction from the frugal Indian market?
Will it be suitable for the short riders?
How is the power delivery in the lower rev range since it’s an adventure bike? Has KTM tweaked it according to the genre of the motorcycle?
Will KTM introduce a high spec variant with spoke wheels, similar to the Adventure 790 R?
A person who is looking to tour for long distances without being bogged down by breakdowns and less power delivery on-off the highway. This is not meant for the mass market and will be positioned for the adventure riding lovers because this breed is developing at a rapid pace in India. From what initial impressions say is that the pricing of this bike vis-à-vis competition i.e. BMW GS 310 R and Royal Enfield Himalayan, will be somewhere in the midway of the price range, making it slightly exclusive and affordable as well.
This article is authored by Adhip Varma, who is an avid motorcycle rider. You can follow him on his Instagram account
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