Ever since it made its debut in late 2019, the KTM 390 Adventure has been one of the most well-rounded packages in the sub-500cc adventure bike category in India. There was one aspect, though, that has left many customers wanting, right since its launch, and now, for 2023, the Austrian marque has come up with an answer. It comes in the form of wire spoke wheels. In addition to this, there have been a few cosmetic tweaks as well.
- Wire-spoke rims same sizes as alloys, but not tubeless
- New colour option, blacked-out treatment for 2023 model
2023 KTM 390 Adventure: what’s new?
The big news here is the addition of wire-spoke rims which give the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure that extra off-road capability that its customers have been clamoring for since day one. While off-roading, if one encounters a large obstacle, cast alloy rims can get bent or even crack, if there’s a significant enough impact. The aluminium wire-spoke rims are far stronger than the cast alloy ones and are less prone to getting bent and thus, are the ideal choice for off-road riding.
The wire-spoke rims aren’t tubeless but are the same sizes as the cast rims (19/17-inch) and are finished in black. In addition to the tubed wire-spoke rims that have been added for 2023, there are a couple of cosmetic updates. For starters, the main frame is now finished in the instantly recognizable KTM orange, the exhaust header pipe is now finished in black and the graphics on the body panels are different as well. Except for the addition of spoked rims, the bike remains unchanged mechanically. The 390 Adventure will continue to be offered in the same colour schemes that are available currently in addition to the new orange colour option.
Given the growing popularity of off-road riding in the country, not to mention our abysmal roads, wire-spoke rims would be ideal for the more serious Indian customers, and so we do expect this version to launch here at some point in the future. Overseas, the bike also comes equipped with adjustable WP APEX suspension at both ends, while here in India the bike only gets rebound and preload adjustability at the rear. We hope KTM can put the India-spec version on par with overseas markets by offering adjustable suspension as well.
Do you think the KTM should launch the 390 Adventure with wire-spoke rims and adjustable suspension in India? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also See:
Zontes 350T ADV vs KTM 390 Adventure comparison: Adventurous aspirations
Bajaj-KTM partnership crosses 1 million unit production milestone
from Autocar Indiahttps://cdni.autocarindia.com/ExtraImages/20230201111712_KTM%20390%20ADV%202.jpg
