KTM 390 Adventure with spokes improves the vehicle’s on-road and off-road capabilities
The KTM 390 Adventure has, in many ways, proven itself to be an extremely versatile and powerful motorcycle since its launch. However, since that time, a small but significant group of customers have been asking for a variant with spokes and adjustable suspension for a long time. Especially the latter as it is already available with the international edition KTM 390 Adventure. Well, the prayers of these hardcore off-roaders, if you will, have been answered and a day with this “SW or Spoke Wheel” variant told us about its possibilities.
KTM 390 Adventure SW: new bits
Let’s get to the main changes, shall we? The 390 Adventure SW, as the name suggests, has spoked wheels, where the rim is made of aluminum while the spokes are made of steel. KTM says this helps control the weight of the wheel while also benefiting from the impact absorption of the steel spokes. The wheels are wrapped in tubular Metzeler Tourance tyres.
The other welcome addition is the adjustable suspension at both ends. You get 30 settings for each compression and rebound in the fork while the single shock has 20 rebound adjustments in addition to the usual preload settings. That allows one to set up the suspension to handle a variety of road conditions as well as for off-road driving. However, what I really like about the adjustment mechanism is how easy it is to work. The knobs at the top of the fork don’t require any tools, and that makes life easy when you want to make roadside adjustments.
KTM 390 Adventure SW: How does it run?
We started the day off on the tarmac, with the front suspension set to medium (15 clicks) while the monoshock was set one notch above the factory setting for a weight of 91kg. (with gears) mine. The recovery is also set to be moderate.
During the first few kilometers on uneven terrain, I could feel the difference in ride quality compared to the 390 Adventure X with the non-adjustable fork we rode the day before. The suspension of the spokes version does a better job of handling the aforementioned uneven terrain and keeps the bike stable while also ensuring that the rider doesn’t tip over. When the roads had some damage and a few potholes popped up, a few spins of the press on the front fork made the journey smoother. On the other hand, when we were on the fast, flowing and smooth roads of the Tamhini Ghat, the addition of shock absorbers for a firmer suspension would allow this ADV to have sportier dynamics. But the real test of the spokes and adjustable suspension was when we raced up and down the trails at Prodirt Adventure park in Talegaon, Maharashtra.
From cycling on muddy trails to big jumps and quirky river crossings, the bike tackles it all. Hitting a few rocks while driving fast on the trail won’t cause a mild heart attack as I’m safe knowing that spokes are more resistant to large impacts than susceptible alloy wheels bent more or the same. situation.
Overall, the difference that the adjustable suspension makes is huge and that would turn one in favor of this 390 ADV variant.
KTM 390 Adventure SW: should buy?
Priced at Rs 3.6 lakh (former showroom, Delhi), this 390 Adventure variant sits at the top of the range and should be on the radar of those serious about off-road driving. Adjustable suspension and sturdy spokes wheels help give the bike more ability when it comes to off-roading. That said, the downside to tubular wheels is that they are very difficult to repair punctures. Having to remove the wheel and remove the tire to get into the inner tube is a rather time-consuming and labor-intensive job. Alternatively, imagine being stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire and unable to reach a puncture repairman or kit.
So I recommend getting the spokes rims for the 390 Adventure if you’re a professional off-roader and ready to deal with the hassle of tube tires in case you have a puncture or have tools and ants. repair knowledge. one, when there’s no puncture shop within miles of sight.
As for me, I don’t like off-road driving and prefer to ride on tarmac. Unfortunately, KTM does not sell the alloy wheel variant with adjustable suspension. So for me, it makes sense to buy the standard 390 Adventure and invest in an upgrade to the adjustable suspension when KTM offers them.
