A motorcycle built for that great road trip

It goes from 0 to 60 kph in 2.6 seconds—that is less time than it takes to sneeze—and from 0 to 100kph in 6.2 seconds

- Rishad Saam Mehta

The KTM 390 Adventure was one of the most awaited launches of the year, and finally made its debut in February. Ever since whispers of its imminent arrival were heard, there was considerable excitement in the brotherhood of bikers.

The old KTM 390 was a much-loved motorcycle during its five years of existence. The new 390, priced at 3.68 lakh, is certainly not the same motorcycle with a makeover. This one looks as tall as the old one, but that's deceptive. "With the new 830mm saddle height, I don't have to skip from one foot to the other to balance the bike while stationary as I had to previously (the old one had an 855mm saddle). While stationary on the new motorcycle both my feet are flat on the ground at the same time," said a friend, who is 5 feet 5 inches tall.

To shoehorn a 390cc motor into a motorcycle with a 21-inch front wheel set-up, have ground clearance of 237mm and a low saddle, all within 180kg, is a feat of engineering. For shorter riders, this is a bike that instills confidence to attempt off-road riding.

The 390 Adventure is pitched against the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Both are contenders for that great road trip that adventure riders in India aspire to—the Ladakh and Zanskar circuit, which involves a mix of smooth tarmac, dirt trails, broken roads and water crossings. It is for bad roads and water that the generous 237mm of ground clearance matters as does the fact that the underbelly exhaust, baffles and internal chambers have been optimized to stop water from going into the exhaust.

To keep things in perspective, the RE Himalayan has a saddle height of 825mm and its ground clearance is 230mm.