Contemplating a switch from your trusty FZ25 to the mighty KTM 390 Adventure X (ADV X)? This comprehensive review, written from a real rider’s perspective on Indian roads, will help you navigate that decision. Buckle up for a breakdown of the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between, all in easy-to-understand conversational English.
The Weekend Warrior Test
To truly understand the ADV X’s capabilities, I rented one in Bangalore for a weekend adventure. The route? A challenging 150km loop encompassing city madness, open highways, twisty ghats, and hairpins – a perfect test for any motorcycle. Let’s see how the ADV X fared.
Throne Fit for a King (and Queen):
The first impression? The seating! It’s a revelation compared to the FZ25, and even a friend’s V-Strom 250. Upright and comfortable, it feels like a throne, offering excellent ergonomics for long rides.
Carving Corners Like a Boss:
Hitting the ghats, the ADV X transformed. The handling was phenomenal. Balanced and eager to lean, it tackled corners with the agility of a taller Duke. This bike begs to be pushed through twisties!
Unleash the Beast (Hold on Tight!):
The power? Hold onto your helmet! After 5,000 RPM, the surge is exhilarating, almost like a superbike. New riders beware – it can be overwhelming, but oh-so-addictive!
Sticking to the Road (Mostly):
The stock tires on the X performed well, contrary to popular belief. They held grip during hard acceleration, even with 10,000 kilometers on the clock.
Attention Seeker with a Mean Streak:
Let’s talk looks. The ADV X cuts a striking figure on the road, resembling a low-flying fighter jet. It turns heads – a guy even called it a “fancy ride,” and a kid requested a wheelie (not recommended!). The bright orange paint job definitely adds to the drama.
Now, Let’s Talk About the Not-So-Good Stuff
The Persistent Buzzkill:
There’s no escaping it – the engine buzz is real, and it’s present throughout the rev range. Compared to the refinement of Japanese bikes, it takes getting used to. Switching from the ADV X to the V-Strom on the Nandi Hills run felt like night and day. The V-Strom offered a smoother, more relaxed ride, perfect for soaking in the scenery. While the ADV X is undeniably more fun on twisty roads, after a long day, the V-Strom might be your savior.
City Battles: Not Its Forte
The ADV X isn’t the most city-friendly machine. The heat management isn’t great, making stop-go traffic a sweaty affair. While manageable, it’s not ideal for daily commutes. To escape the discomfort, you’ll need to keep the engine in the powerband, actively seeking gaps in traffic and accelerating briskly. Relaxed cruising isn’t an option, at least not comfortably.
Suspension Woes (Especially on the X):
The X’s suspension left me wanting more. It’s stiff, especially at the rear. The front isn’t terrible, but it can’t compete with the new Himalayan. The Rally version, which I briefly tested, boasts a significantly better setup.
Gear Up or Get Rattled:
The ADV X demands a specific riding style. Lugging it in a higher gear results in front-end judder, urging you to downshift. This can get tiring and affect fuel efficiency. The key? Keep it in the powerband for a smoother ride.
Fuel Efficiency: A Tale of Two Worlds:
City mileage is a concern. My 200km mixed-condition ride resulted in a fuel consumption of 8 liters (reserve-to-reserve method). Highway mileage, however, is decent when ridden sensibly. The fuel range indicator kept climbing as I maintained a steady 90-100 kmph pace.
The Symphony (or Cacophony?):
The exhaust note? Not a fan. It emits a peculiar growl under hard acceleration, and the overall sound lacks refinement. It might become bothersome on long rides. My FZ25 sounds like a nightingale in comparison!
Things Left Untested:
High-speed runs were off-limits due to a 110 kmph speed cap on the rental bike (with a hefty Rs. 500 penalty for exceeding it). Additionally, the test bike lacked accessories, which could potentially worsen the NVH .
