KTM 390 Adventure S vs Base 350cc: Adjustable Forks, Tubeless Wheels Compared

The mid-capacity adventure segment in India just got a significant shake-up. With the introduction of the new sub-350cc KTM 390 Adventure, KTM is leveraging the GST 2.0 tax reset to offer a more accessible entry point into its adventure family. By reducing the engine stroke

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Vikram Singh May 8, 2026 – 4:25 PM
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KTM 390 Adventure S vs Base 350cc: Adjustable Forks, Tubeless Wheels Compared - Ktm 390 Adventure S (1) | TIMESBULL

Ktm 390 Adventure S (1)

The mid-capacity adventure segment in India just got a significant shake-up. With the introduction of the new sub-350cc KTM 390 Adventure, KTM is leveraging the GST 2.0 tax reset to offer a more accessible entry point into its adventure family. By reducing the engine stroke to qualify for the 18% tax bracket (down from the 40% ultra-luxury bracket for bikes above 350cc), KTM has managed to slice over ₹60,000 off the entry price.
The 2026 lineup now features a multi-tiered strategy. The new 349cc 390 Adventure serves as the value-for-money king, while the 399cc 390 Adventure X and the premium 390 Adventure S cater to those who demand peak performance and specialized hardware. We’ve analyzed the power drops, the tax benefits, and the equipment lists to bring you the ultimate breakdown.

Design & Build Quality

Despite the price gap, the sub-350cc 390 Adventure uses the exact same split trellis frame and WP Apex suspension hardware as the more expensive variants. KTM hasn’t “cheapened” the chassis to meet the tax bracket.
  • Suspension: WP Apex USD forks (200mm travel) and rear monoshock (205mm travel).
  • Dimensions: 830mm seat height and a rugged 230mm ground clearance remain standard.
  • Weight: All models in this comparison tip the scales at an identical 181kg (kerb).
  • Wheels: 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels across the board.
KTM 390 Adventure S vs Base 350cc: Adjustable Forks, Tubeless Wheels Compared - Ktm 390 Adventure S (2) | TIMESBULL
Ktm 390 Adventure S (2)

GST 2.0 Section

Why the Engine Size Matters:
  • The Tax Break: Under India’s GST 2.0 norms (effective 2026), bikes up to 350cc attract 18% tax, while those above 350cc jump to a massive 40%.
  • The Savings: This tax shift is the primary reason the 349cc model is priced at ₹2.81 Lakh, whereas the 399cc “X” variant jumps to ₹3.43 Lakh.
  • The Strategy: KTM is following the path blazed by Triumph with its 400cc-to-350cc domestic conversions to keep high-performance bikes affordable for the Indian mass market.

Performance

The downsizing was achieved solely by reducing the stroke (from 64mm to 56.15mm), which means the engine retains its high-revving character but loses some of the “thump” and mid-range torque of the larger 399cc unit.
Specification
390 Adventure (New)
390 Adventure X / S
Engine Capacity
 349.3 cc
398.6 cc
Bore x Stroke
 89mm x 56.15mm 89mm x 64mm
Peak Power
 41.5 hp @ 8,600 rpm
46.0 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Peak Torque
 33.5 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
39.0 Nm @ 6,500 rpm

Standard Kit

Unlike the “X” variants of the past which stripped away electronics, the new 350cc 390 Adventure comes fully loaded with a TFT display, bi-directional quickshifter, and cornering ABS as standard.
  • Electronics: Ride-by-wire throttle, Slipper clutch, and MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control).
  • Braking: 320mm front disc and 240mm rear disc with Supermoto ABS mode.
  • Clutch: Power Assist and Slipper Clutch (PASC) for light lever action.

Pricing & Variants (India)

  • Availability: Both models are being sold concurrently to cater to different budget and performance needs.
  • KTM 390 Adventure (349cc): ₹2,81,120 (Ex-showroom)
  • KTM 390 Adventure X (399cc): ₹3,43,000 (Ex-showroom)
  • KTM 390 Adventure S (399cc): ₹3,96,000 (Ex-showroom)
  • Note: The Adventure S includes tubeless spoke wheels and fully adjustable suspension.
KTM 390 Adventure S vs Base 350cc: Adjustable Forks, Tubeless Wheels Compared - Ktm 390 Adventure S | TIMESBULL
Ktm 390 Adventure S

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros
Cons
Massive Value: ₹62k cheaper than the 399cc variant.
Torque Loss: 5.5 Nm less torque for hill climbs/pillion.
Full Electronics: TFT and Quickshifter are retained.
Highway Cruising: Smaller engine may feel busier at 120km/h+.
Tax Efficiency: Benefits from the lower 18% GST slab.
Visual Clues: Almost identical to the “X” model; lacks “RS” flair.
Lightweight: Identical kerb weight to the bigger model.
Subtle Detailing: Graphics are the only way to tell them apart.

Which 390 Adventure to Buy?

  • Buy the new 349cc KTM 390 Adventure if you are a value-conscious rider who wants the full KTM technology suite and premium hardware without the “luxury tax” penalty. It is the perfect all-rounder for 90% of Indian riding conditions.
  • Buy the 399cc 390 Adventure X or S if you frequently tour with a pillion and heavy luggage, where the extra 5.5 Nm of torque becomes vital for highway overtakes and steep mountain passes.

Technical Specifications (Quick Reference)

Specification
Details
Transmission
 6-speed with Quickshifter+
Ground Clearance
 230 mm
Seat Height
 830 mm
Fuel Tank
 14.5 Litres
Instrument Cluster
 5-inch Color TFT with Bluetooth

FAQs: People Also Ask

The mid-capacity adventure segment in India just got a significant shake-up. With the introduction of the new sub-350cc KTM 390 Adventure, KTM is leveraging the GST 2.0 tax reset to offer a more accessible entry point into its adventure family. By reducing the engine stroke…

The 2026 lineup now features a multi-tiered strategy. The new 349cc 390 Adventure serves as the value-for-money king, while the 399cc 390 Adventure X and the premium 390 Adventure S cater to those who demand peak performance and specialized hardware. We've analyzed the power drops,…

Despite the price gap, the sub-350cc 390 Adventure uses the exact same split trellis frame and WP Apex suspension hardware as the more expensive variants. KTM hasn't "cheapened" the chassis to meet the tax bracket.

The Tax Break: Under India's GST 2.0 norms (effective 2026), bikes up to 350cc attract 18% tax, while those above 350cc jump to a massive 40%.

The mid-capacity adventure segment in India just got a significant shake-up. With the introduction of the new sub-350cc KTM 390 Adventure, KTM is leveraging the GST 2.0 tax reset to offer a more accessible entry point into its adventure family. By reducing the engine stroke…

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About the Author

Vikram Singh

My name is Vikram Singh, and for the past 8 years, I have dedicated my career to the art of professional English content writing. As a core member of the Timesbull editorial team, I have evolved alongside the digital landscape, transforming from a passionate writer into a seasoned content architect who understands the delicate balance between data-driven SEO and the power of a human voice. Throughout my nearly decade-long journey, I have specialized in creating high-impact narratives that do more than just fill a page—they provide value. My expertise lies in taking complex subjects, whether in the fast-moving tech world, the intricate financial sector, or the competitive automobile industry, and translating them into clear, engaging, and highly readable content. My philosophy is simple: write for the reader first, and the search engines will follow. At Timesbull, I take pride in maintaining 100% originality and a signature "human touch" in every piece I produce. My 8 years of experience have taught me that true quality comes from meticulous research and a deep understanding of audience psychology. I don’t just write articles; I build bridges of information that help my readers make informed decisions in an increasingly noisy digital world.

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