Photo: Raffaele Poblete
A KTM 390 Adventure is a thrilling guess, even though it may seem like a rather far shot. Still, with the biggest motorcycle manufacturers using the same platform to deliver multiple bike models to cover for various niches, seeing KTM surfacing such a machine is only half a surprising move.
The picture above is a rendering of Raffaele Poblete, and it offers some decent hints as to how the 390 Duke-derived new adventure bike might look like. The overall lines are obviously borrowed from the 1190 Adventure, and I guess they would look just fine when scaled down a bit. Even more, with less bulky plastic shrouds, the 390 Adventure would look even svelter and this is exceptionally good for such a bike.
Even more, KTM could indeed use a noticeably bigger fuel tank for the adventure version of their 390 machine, and score massive points with a 400-500 km (250-310 mi) range. However, the cast wheels definitely have to go away, as they are not the best choice for rough roads, by far. Remember the sad story on the quality of BMW’s cast wheels?
While KTM could use the Duke frame, better ground clearance could be obtained by using taller suspensions and possibly a bigger front wheel. The rear shock should definitely be replaced with an easily adjustable one, making coping with the weight of the luggage a matter easy to take care of.
A mid-sized touring windscreen is not a real problem, while designing some sturdy engine guards and pannier mounts should not be a hard task, either. Add in a tough skid plate and a more plush seat to make day-long riding less fatiguing and we might have a really kick-ass middleweight adventure bike. Plus dual sport tires and a decent price, and they would sell like hot cakes both in Europe and North America!
Photo via dueruote.
Even more, KTM could indeed use a noticeably bigger fuel tank for the adventure version of their 390 machine, and score massive points with a 400-500 km (250-310 mi) range. However, the cast wheels definitely have to go away, as they are not the best choice for rough roads, by far. Remember the sad story on the quality of BMW’s cast wheels?
While KTM could use the Duke frame, better ground clearance could be obtained by using taller suspensions and possibly a bigger front wheel. The rear shock should definitely be replaced with an easily adjustable one, making coping with the weight of the luggage a matter easy to take care of.
A mid-sized touring windscreen is not a real problem, while designing some sturdy engine guards and pannier mounts should not be a hard task, either. Add in a tough skid plate and a more plush seat to make day-long riding less fatiguing and we might have a really kick-ass middleweight adventure bike. Plus dual sport tires and a decent price, and they would sell like hot cakes both in Europe and North America!
Photo via dueruote.
Google News