KTM 390 Adventure review after a Goa-Bombay ride by a Gen-1 owner

I have ridden the bike back home from Goa to Mumbai, some negatives, since most want to only consider that.

BHPian parrys recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

I have ridden the bike back home from Goa to Mumbai, some negatives, since most want to only consider that and then claim this is exactly the reason why they are not buying the bike.

PS: I have been a very happy owner of the Gen 1, 1st lot KTM 390 ADV for over 4 years.

1. Vibrations are felt around the 6000 RPM mark, especially in lower gears.
2. Windscreen is a bit tall and creates a visible obstruction for few, when on trails.
3. Seats are decent in terms of padding, but visibly look slimmer than the old bike. The brand claims no change in size, but eyes don’t believe so.
4. Knuckle guards look bad, the aesthetics.
5. Healthy pillions could feel the XL size grab rails are poking them.
6. Apollo tyres are good, but no match to the Metzelers.
7. Tail lamp is too small.
8. With the longer wheelbase & 21″ front, the bike isn’t as sharp in handling.
9. Colour combination is weird. Orange bike has more white, white bike has more orange.
10. Front fork adjustment with gloves, on the fly, very tricky.
11. Rear pre-load adjustment, will need effort.

What I loved:

1. Quickshifter – flawless. No failed attempt ever.
2. Cruise control – worked every single time. It works coupled with the quickshifter too.
3. Speedometer height is ideal. Easy to read even under top sun.
4. The front dome, the rally tower, does not shake around and vibrate at low RPMs and on rough terrain, like the old model did.
5. Ride quality is superb. I did Goa to Mumbai in a trip ride time of 7 hour 47 minutes. 600 Kms. Did not have to sit on a pillow once home.
6. Great acceleration, as expected from KTM. Ride mode custom settings allow for tuning as per rider preference.
7. Switch cubes can be used easily even with gloves.
8. Lower seat height gives more confidence, especially to shorter riders, and also overall when sitting and riding on a trail. Easy reach to the ground.
9. Headlight is great. Was riding for almost 70-100 kms in dense fog before sunrise, no issue whatsoever.
10. Stopping power is no concern. More suspension travel = more dive, but still in control.
11. Not a single part failed or malfunctioned, these were the first lot production bikes.
12. Finally the front turn indicators can be replaced easily, the dome need not be removed. Was stupidly installed on the old bike.
13. Does not tip too much on the side stand, the weight is easy to manage too.
14. Crawl function is superb. Works on tarmac and on trails.
15. Very stable on high speeds. Was doing silly speeds with plenty confidence.

KTM 390 Adventure > Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.

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