When you think of adventure motorcycles, three things come to mind - an imposing stance, long travel suspension, and bash-proof spoked wheels. Ever since its arrival in 2019, the KTM 390 Adventure has met the first two aspects quite well, skipping on the third one. But for 2023, the trifecta is finally complete, as KTM has introduced spoked wheels on the 390 Adventure, so it can munch on rough roads better.
KTM 390 Adventure Updated For 2023
Yes, you read that right. After years of begging, the 390 Adventure bids adieu to its cast alloy wheels and switches to a set of black-anodized spoke wheels made from aluminum. The new wheels continue to wear Continental TKC70 rubber at both ends and measure 19/17 inches (F/R). As good as this is, we believe a 21/17-inch setup would’ve further bumped up the 390’s off-road credibility, but hey, we’re not complaining. In addition to the spoke wheels, the 390 Adventure now comes wrapped in a new ‘KTM Racing Livery’ complete with black and orange graphics on the bodywork. An orange finish on the trellis chassis tops this off. Sadly, if you aren’t a fan of this finish, you’ll just have to suck it up, as there’s no other color option (at least in America).
Elsewhere, the 2023 390 Adventure continues to offer the same kit as the 2022 iteration. So the ADV employs a 373cc, single-cylinder engine that thrusts out 43 horsepower (32kW). The power is monitored by a switchable traction control system, while a cornering ABS watches your back in hairy situations. Both aids seem even more crucial now, considering the spoke wheels will take you to all kinds of rough terrain. Also, a handy feature will be the connectivity-enabled TFT instrument cluster–retained from the 2022 model.
Similarly, the 390 Adventure rides on adjustable 43mm upside-down forks (6.7 inches of travel) and monoshock (7 inches of travel), both from WP. The tall suspension allows for 7.9 inches of ground clearance but results in an 32.7 inch seat height–not too bad for shorter riders (at least in comparison to other ADVs). Short or not, you’ll surely appreciate the motorcycle’s low 380-pound claimed curb weight, though. Couple the accessible weight with the 320/230 mm disc brakes (F/R) and you’re looking at good braking prowess as well.
2023 KTM 390 Adventure Pricing
KTM has priced the 2023 390 Adventure at $7,399, a $600 bump over the 2022 model. The sad part is the non-spoke variant is no longer listed on KTM’s American website, which means this is the only option if you’re considering the 390 ADV. For reference, the British website lists both the alloy and spoke wheel variants, where the former is $724 cheaper. Anyway, even after the price increase, the 390 Adventure continues to rival the BMW G 310 GS, Kawasaki Versys X300, and the Honda CB500X. The KTM is the most expensive in this lot, but also promises the best blend of features, performance, and off-road ability.