KTM Duke 390 ADV adventure motorcycle: First picture SURFACES

Here’s the first picture of the upcoming KTM Duke 390-based ADV motorcycle. The spyshot indicates a production ready model that seems to be heavily based on the Duke 390. The KTM ADV 390 will be launched in India during early 2018, and confirmation has come in right from the head of KTM India.

The test mule indicates that the KTM ADV 390 will ride on on-off road tyres, shod on spoked wheels. The fairing is much taller than the Duke 390, and should afford much better wind protection at high speeds. There are other ADV elements such as knuckle guards and a raised handlebar. Ergonomics seem upright.

Other key differences are likely to be in the suspension department. The upside down front forks of the KTM ADV 390 are expected to get higher travel. The same is likely to be the case with the monoshock at the rear. It’ll be nice to have adjustable cartridges up front, but the aftermarket may be left to handle this bit.

As for mechanicals, the KTM ADV 390 will use the Duke 390’s chassis and engine. What this means is, it’ll be powered by the 373cc, single cylinder four stroke engine that makes 44 Bhp and 37 Nm. The liquid cooled and fuel injected motor gets a four valve, twin cam head and is paired to a 6 speed manual gearbox with a slipper clutch. On the KTM ADV 390, the gear ratios could be tweaked for better low-end grunt, and a more relaxed top-end suited for adventure touring, a departure from the KTM Duke 390’s frenetic power delivery that urges riders to rev high and ride hard.

The KTM ADV 390 is likely to be very affordable, slotting well under Rs. 3 lakhs. However, the KTM ADV 390 will be the most expensive motorcycle that the Austrian brand sells in India. It’ll be built at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan factory with heavy localization and will take on the likes of the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the upcoming BMW GS 310R.

Via Bennetts