2022 KTM 390 ADVENTURE: THE UPGRADES

First released mid-way through 2020, KTM’s 390 Adventure was designed to be an agile, entry-level model with both touring and light off-road riding in mind. It used elements of the KTM 390 Duke platform as a base, while incorporating components and performance cues from KTM’s 450 Rally and 790 Adventure models. “The 390 Adventure”, claimed KTM, “was created with off-road capability and impressive road manners as part of the package”; a machine that “is a pure class-leader, combining the most powerful single in the segment with unmatched technology”.

For 2022, the smallest capacity in KTM’s adventure bike range gets some key upgrades and a fresh look – mods that, according to KTM, “bring it closer than ever before to the full range of larger-displacement KTM Adventure machines”.

Here’s a summary of KTM’s recent PR about the upgrades that appear on the 2022-model 390 Adventure, which is due to land in both Aussie and Kiwi dealers in May, 2022…

2022 KTM 390 ADVENTURE – HIGHLIGHTS

• Enhanced electronics as standard & Offroad TC for added adventuring potential.
• Stronger and more resistant wheels for tougher riding.
• 43hp and 37Nm of torque through the latest Euro5 crafted engine.
• Segment-leading electronics including lean-angle sensitive ABS and TC.
• Dakar Rally-proven chassis architecture and settings.
• Removable steel trellis subframe fitted with just four screws.
• WP APEX adjustable suspension for the best response whatever the terrain.
• Dependable BYBRE brakes with 320 and 280mm discs, two-channel ABS.
• 14.5-litre fuel tank for excellent range and possible 400km with one fill.
• Two-part seat and crafted bodywork as part of superlative ergonomics set-up.
• Brand new graphics and fresh look for both 2022 color versions.

ELECTRONICS

Further enhancing its potential to take riders to places far beyond the ordinary paths, the 2022 model’s extensive list of electronic features has been amplified with the addition of Street and Offroad modes for Traction Control. Selecting Offroad from Street will give the KTM a degree of rear wheel slip to enable even easier use of the bike in loose or wet terrain.

The KTM 390 Adventure can be taken and pushed to the extreme and – if the conditions momentarily get the better of the rider – the Offroad TC will remain activated in the event of a brief stall or fall. The additional Traction Control capabilities mean it’s easier to get even more exploratory, allowing the KTM 390 Adventure to consolidate its spot as the segment leader in terms of technology and electronic features.

WHEELS

Allowing riders to reach new extremes, KTM has given the 2022 KTM 390 Adventure a set of even more robust cast wheels. The construction of the components is based around five spokes instead of six and this configuration permits increased stiffness and resistance for the rims.

POWER DELIVERY

Curious and skilled riders can also find all their requirements and juice at the throttle of the 2022 KTM 390 Adventure. To prove the point, KTM enlisted the help of multi-time Baja winner Quinn Cody and world traveller Paolo Cattaneo to provide the ultimate verdict from their own weekend adventure here.

Enviable power is provided by the state-of-the-art, single cylinder, four-stroke Euro5 motor gunning 43hp and 37Nm of torque. Additionally, the frame is based on the knowledge collected from millions of race kilometres for the right blend of flex, stability and control in straight-line performance.

HANDLING

The bike’s famed agility is combined with the carefully considered ergonomics that place the rider right in the heart of the bike’s movements. The 2022 KTM 390 Adventure can be steered like an off-roader as much as it can flip into cruise mode for longer highway stretches, and the new look through the colors and graphics mean that the aesthetic is as sharp as the attributes.

AESTHETICS

For 2022, the visual identity of the KTM 390 Adventure is bringing it even closer to the race-winning machines in the dunes and deserts around the globe. Available in two distinct color versions, both options highlight the sharp lines of KTM’s ultra-versatile adventurer.

The full current range of KTM PowerParts allows the 2022 KTM 390 Adventure to be compatible for customisation or to be beefed up for even more resistance away from the beaten tracks.

The 2022 KTM 390 Adventure will be landing at authorised KTM dealers in Australia and New Zealand starting May, 2022. Prices were yet to be announced by KTM Australia when this piece was published, but to give you a price tag ballpark, the RRP and Ride Away pricing for the 2021-model 390 Adventure was $8770 and $9970, respectively. Click here for more information.