2020 KTM 390 Adventure MC Commute Review

KTM Adventure bikes have been sought after by adventure motorcyclists and thrill seekers across the globe. Now the Austrian brand expands its 2020 model lineup by offering its lightest and most affordable ADV bike in the 390 Adventure ($6,199).

Keen readers will already know the 390 is anything but entry-level as reported in the 2020 KTM 390 Adventure first ride and “The KTM 390 Adventure Has Arrived” preview article. In this report we dive into its capability as a work week commuter.

With an asking price of just over six grand, the 390 Adventure is a value-conscious machine that opens up the doors of motorcycle ownership. Yet despite its price, it’s loaded with big-bike-like features, including IMU-powered traction control, ABS, a 5-inch color TFT display, and bright LED headlamps—features typically reserved for motorcycles that cost twice the price.

Related: MC Commute

Endowed with a broad supportive seat, the generous passenger accommodations can double as flat storage space with mounting points for bungees, etc. The ergonomics are properly arranged for this 6-foot-tall rider making for a cozy riding position. In typical KTM fashion, the 390 Adventure is loaded with adjustment, from the height of the handlebar to the position of the hand and foot controls. The windscreen also can be moved up or down with tools.

Nearly 7 inches of suspension travel afford a pleasing ride over rough pavement. Yet when the road gets twisty the chassis has enough support to satisfy more hard-charging-type riding maneuvers. The OE-fitted 50/50 on-road/off-road-style Continental TKC 70 tires work well on pavement, but they do feel a tad squirmy than a traditional road tire. We wouldn’t deem this a knock based on the tire’s versatility however.

The 373cc single doles out nearly 40 hp of muscle at the business end of the rear tire—an impressive stat considering its displacement and single-cylinder configuration. It is enough to outrun all but the most extreme lead foot drivers. Our testbike was fitted with KTM’s optional electronic quickshifter (price not yet announced) from the PowerParts catalog. This makes the bike feel more peppy and adds a degree of chassis stability when downshifting at lean.

The engine drinks from a generously sized 3.8-gallon fuel tank. We recorded a 42 mpg average during mostly fast-paced riding. Despite the engine being fitted with a counterbalancer it still delivers a fair degree of vibration through the controls. Though, to be fair, the updated fuel mapping did quell vibration slightly since the last time we rode this powertrain in the 390 Duke.

If you couldn’t tell, we really dig the 390 Adventure. Not only is it a capable ADV rig, it performs well as a work week commuter and is well worth its $6,199 asking price.

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR

Jacket: REV’IT Hudson

Gloves: REV’IT Abbey Road

Pant: Alpinestars Copper 2 Denim

Boots: Alpinestars Oscar Monty