Building on recent praise for the KTM 390 Adventure R, such as Motorcycle.com's review of its off-road prowess, Autocar India outlines the perfect adventure (ADV) motorcycle. It balances features from the KTM 890 Adventure R and 390 Adventure R, based on test rides, for an off-road-capable bike suited to Indian conditions—including a mid-size twin-cylinder engine and lightweight design.
Autocar India's opinion piece envisions the ideal adventure motorcycle, informed by test rides of the KTM 890 Adventure R and 390 Adventure R (full reviews upcoming). This follows international acclaim like Motorcycle.com's recent testing where the 390 Adventure R excelled among small-displacement rivals.
The proposed ADV bridges these models. From the 890 Adventure R: Dakar-style low-slung fuel tanks for stability, premium suspension, and twin-cylinder smoothness—though its 105hp is too much for off-road, causing tire wear. The author prefers twins over singles for their character.
From the lighter 390 Adventure R (183kg, 32kg less than 890), it draws off-road agility. Ideal specs: 450-500cc twin making 50-60hp (detuned for export A2 licenses), underslung 16-18L tank for 170-180kg fueled weight (feasible per BMW/TVS F 450 GS), 21/18-inch tubeless wheels, and 230-240mm suspension travel. Indian riders prioritize full off-road capability.
No major makers offer this yet; Chinese FB Mondial Mud 452 is closest. More options are hoped for.