Later this year, KTM is expected to launch a new, entry level adventure motorcycle globally. This motorcycle also be launched in India, where it will be produced. New spyshots of the motorcycle have surfaced, and these reveal new details. The new ADV motorcycle from KTM will be based on the Duke 390 platform, but with significant changes to make it suitable for the new role it’s aimed at. While the engine, gearbox and most of the frame is expected to be carried over from the Duke 390, all these components will see revisions in order to suit off roading.
Spyshots courtesy ThrustZone
From the spyshots, it’s easy to make out that the KTM Duke 390 based ADV motorcycle will run alloy wheels. It’s safe to expect tubeless tyres to be on offer as well. The latest spyshots also reveal that the motorcycle will get mounting points for panniers as well as top box. What remains to be seen is whether KTM offers panniers and a top box as official accessories. There’s a good chance of this happening given the fact that these accessories are one of the most bought items by ADV motorcycle owners who intend to go touring.
From the new spyshots, it’s clear that the KTM Duke 390 ADV will feature a tall front fairing that offers quite a bit of wind protection, an engine cowl and also larger seats. The ergonomics – in this case the handlebar-footpeg geometry – also seems more relaxed than those on the Duke 390, and this should facilitate longer riding hours. The motorcycle could also get a bigger tank capacity, again designed to allow for longer distances before a refuel. All in all, the bike seems built for adventure.
We expect the 373cc, four stroke single cylinder engine of the Duke 390 to be a milder state of tune, with focus on low end and mid range punch. Also, the 6 speed gearbox with slipper clutch could get revised ratios, with a taller sixth gear for more relaxed cruising. Also, there’s talk about KTM developing an R version of the Duke 390 ADV, which will get more off-roading chops that includes steel rimmed wheels and tubeless tyres, and many other features meant to make the bike a better performer off the road.
The ADV motorcycle segment in India is hotting up, and the launch of the KTM Duke 390-based machine should really make the segment take off in a big way. The Duke 390 is already a very popular motorcycle in the 2-3 lakh rupee segment, and the ADV version is also expected to sit in the same segment. However, a higher price tag that is a few tens of thousands more than the Duke 390’s price is expected. Expect the Duke 390 ADV to hit KTM showrooms across the country by the end of this year.
