With so many rumors of all sorts incoming from all directions, it may be that there is some form of truth behind the claims that KTM is working on an Adventure model based on the 390 Duke platform. We’ve reported in late July about the initial 390 Adventure rumors, but new renderings have since surfaced… and make such a bike less of a dreamy hypothesis, and more of an upcoming (sort of) certitude.
Fact is that the newly rendered 390 Adventure machine seems to sport a different frame from that of the naked version, and some say that this makes sense. Since the 390 Duke is a street bike, engineered for city slicing and fast hauls on paved roads, it would be natural to see KTM designing and manufacturing a new, more off-road-oriented frame to accommodate the 373cc lump.
The new chassis will also have to receive new suspensions with longer travel and better compliance with rough roads. If KTM really makes this bike (and we hope they do), we’re most likely see it rolling with true off-road-worthy wire spoked wheels, instead of the cast alloy ones which seem to plague the segment lately (an editorial on this matter is expected next week).
Solid luggage-carrying capabilities, a generous fuel tank (16 liters or 4.2 US gal rumored), possibly a bigger ACG to support extra touring gear might also be on the menu for the 390 Adventure, while a comprehensive palette of extras will surely be in stock, too.
With just under 43 horsepower at their disposal, rider should really enjoy riding this bike, especially since it is rumored to have a dry weight around 124 kg (274 lb). Plus, if you take a good look at the rendered machine, the swingarm is derived from that of the 990 Adventure, and not a 390 Duke-inspired one.
And if KTM manages to deliver the bike with a decent price on the western markets, we might see it selling like hot cakes, as there’s scarcely any direct competition in the segment.
The new chassis will also have to receive new suspensions with longer travel and better compliance with rough roads. If KTM really makes this bike (and we hope they do), we’re most likely see it rolling with true off-road-worthy wire spoked wheels, instead of the cast alloy ones which seem to plague the segment lately (an editorial on this matter is expected next week).
Solid luggage-carrying capabilities, a generous fuel tank (16 liters or 4.2 US gal rumored), possibly a bigger ACG to support extra touring gear might also be on the menu for the 390 Adventure, while a comprehensive palette of extras will surely be in stock, too.
With just under 43 horsepower at their disposal, rider should really enjoy riding this bike, especially since it is rumored to have a dry weight around 124 kg (274 lb). Plus, if you take a good look at the rendered machine, the swingarm is derived from that of the 990 Adventure, and not a 390 Duke-inspired one.
And if KTM manages to deliver the bike with a decent price on the western markets, we might see it selling like hot cakes, as there’s scarcely any direct competition in the segment.
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