Ever since KTM introduced the 390 Adventure, it has been a go-to choice for riders looking for a lightweight, capable, and affordable adventure bike. Now, with the 2025 model hitting the market, I had to get my hands on it and see if KTM has managed to improve an already solid machine. So, after a week of riding it on highways, twisties, and even some gnarly off-road trails, here’s my detailed take on the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure.

First Impressions: A Familiar But Sharper Look

The moment I laid eyes on the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure, I could tell that KTM had made some subtle but effective changes. The overall silhouette remains the same, but the new color schemes and graphics give it a fresh, aggressive look.

The redesigned LED headlamp now features a sharper design, providing better illumination while maintaining that signature KTM styling.

The bike still features the robust steel trellis frame, but KTM claims it has been slightly tweaked for better weight distribution. Sitting on the bike, the ergonomics feel just right—tall but manageable, with a comfortable seat height of 855mm.

The handlebar positioning ensures a relaxed riding posture, whether you’re standing up on the pegs off-road or cruising on the highway.

Engine and Performance: More Refined Than Ever

At the heart of the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure is the same 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. But here’s the interesting part, KTM has made some refinements to improve throttle response and overall rideability. The updated fuel mapping makes the bike feel smoother, especially at lower RPMs, and the power delivery is more linear.

With 43 horsepower and 37 Nm of torque, the bike feels lively and responsive. On the highway, it easily cruises at 100-120 km/h, and there’s still enough grunt left for overtakes.

The six-speed gearbox, paired with a slipper clutch and quickshifter (now standard on both variants), makes gear shifts crisp and effortless. I noticed that KTM has slightly improved the cooling system, which means less engine heat when riding in traffic.

Suspension & Handling: Ready for Anything

One of the biggest upgrades for the 2025 model is the addition of fully adjustable WP Apex suspension. This is a game-changer for adventure riders who want to fine-tune their setup based on terrain.

I played around with the compression and rebound settings, and the difference was noticeable—softer settings made highway cruising buttery smooth, while a stiffer setup helped tackle rough trails with confidence.

The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels remain, wrapped in dual-purpose Metzeler Tourance tires. These offer excellent grip on pavement while still being decent for mild off-roading. For those planning serious dirt riding, KTM is also offering an optional spoked wheel variant this year, which is a welcome addition.

Braking and Safety Features: Top-Notch Confidence

KTM has retained the ByBre braking setup, with a 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc, both equipped with Bosch dual-channel ABS.

However, the braking performance feels slightly more refined, offering better bite and feedback. The inclusion of off-road ABS (which deactivates ABS at the rear wheel) ensures that you can slide and control the bike better on dirt.

KTM’s traction control system (MTC) and cornering ABS are present as well, and they work seamlessly. The traction control isn’t overly intrusive, but it does step in when needed, especially on slippery roads.

Electronics & Features: Loaded With Tech

KTM has always been generous when it comes to tech, and the 2025 model is no different. The 5-inch TFT display now comes with an improved UI, making navigation through menus even easier. The Bluetooth connectivity works flawlessly, allowing me to control calls, music, and even get turn-by-turn navigation via the KTM My Ride app.

One of the coolest additions this year is the new ride modes—Street, Off-Road, and a new Rally mode, which allows more rear-wheel slip for better off-road performance.

The traction control and ABS settings are now stored even after switching off the ignition, a small but crucial improvement over the previous models.

Fuel Efficiency & Touring Capability

With a 14.5L fuel tank, the 390 Adventure remains a great choice for long-distance riders. I managed to get around 28-30 km/l on mixed riding conditions, which translates to a decent range of over 400 km per tank.

Comfort-wise, the seat is slightly redesigned with better padding, making long hours in the saddle more bearable. The windscreen is adjustable now, offering better wind protection on highways. However, taller riders might still find themselves looking for a taller aftermarket windscreen.

Verdict

Absolutely! The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure takes an already capable bike and refines it further. The improved suspension, better throttle response, additional ride modes, and retained affordability make it a solid choice for adventure enthusiasts.

For riders looking for a lightweight ADV that can handle daily commutes, weekend touring, and even some serious off-roading, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure is one of the best options in its segment.

KTM has once again proved why they dominate the adventure category, and I can’t wait to take this machine on even more adventures!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure: