2023 KTM 390 Adventure: The Same Compact Adventurer
Despite its compactness and affordable price, KTM 390 Adventure is a fully capable race-derived machine with an impressive electronics package. For 2023, KTM has given the 390 Adventure a facelift and new tires—because it doesn’t need much else.
The most striking update are the new graphics. The black-and-orange colorway is brighter than the previous model year’s more subdued, dark paint scheme. KTM has titled the graphics Ready to Race, and they certainly live up to the name.
KTM has more than vivid colors in stock, though. The 390 Adventure also receives new wheels.
The new black anodized aluminum spoked wheels are still the same size, with 19 inches in the front and 17 in the back. They’re lighter and tougher than the cast alloy wheels introduced in 2022 with the goal to improve the bike’s off-roading characteristics.
Otherwise, the 390 Adventure remains much the same. There’s no need to reimagine a perfectly well-performing wheel (the actual new wheels aside).
At the heart of the bike sits the same compact 373cc, liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine with twin overhead camshafts. It has all the goodies we’re used to, from ride-by-wire throttle to an optional quickshifter.
Helping the new wheels on rutted trails is a 43mm WP Apex fork with compression and rebound damping, offering 6.7 inches of travel. In the back, a WP Apex shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping performs its duties with 6.9 inches of travel.
KTM hasn’t touched the electronics package. That’s good news because the 390 Adventure packs impressive rider aids considering its low price point.
The bike comes with two ride modes—Street and Off-road—with varying degrees of traction control. It also boasts cornering-ABS with an Off-road ABS function to deactivate ABS in the rear and reduce its effects in the front for rougher riding.
You can control the electronic goodies with the full-color 5-inch TFT display. The display is mounted ahead of the tapered aluminum handlebar.
Brembo ByBre brakes bring the 390 Adventure to a halt. In the front, a single 320mm disc with four-piston calipers handles stopping duties, accompanied by a single 230mm disc in the rear.
Altogether, the 390 Adventure is—as it was before—a capable compact motorcycle that’s a particularly good fit for new adventure riders. But even more experienced riders can enjoy this small bike both on and off the pavement.
The 2023 KTM 390 Adventure has an MSRP of $7,399.