Let’s get one thing out of the way: the last-gen KTM 390 Adventure X was confused. It was soft on the road and razor-sharp off it—trying to be everything and not quite nailing either. But this time around? KTM’s back with a rethought version, and the new 390 Adventure X might just be the smartest ADV buy under 3 lakhs.
What’s New with the 2025 Adventure X?
KTM’s idea with the X is clear: make adventure motorcycling more accessible. The goal? A simpler, more affordable machine for the not-so-hardcore wanderer. And to hit that price point, KTM made some bold changes:
- A 19-inch alloy wheel up front replaces the older 21-inch spoked setup.
- Adjustable suspension is gone—now it’s non-adjustable up front, and preload-only in the rear.
- The cornering aids are history. No cornering ABS, no traction control, no ride modes. It’s just you, your right wrist, and a basic ABS on/off switch.
- Brakes now use organic pads instead of the sintered units from the standard 390 Adventure.
Despite all this, seat height drops by just 5mm and ground clearance by only 9mm. And in return? The X is priced a full ₹80,000 cheaper than the ADV S. That’s a serious chunk of change—especially in India, where value is king.
The Ride: What You Lose, What You Gain
The powertrain remains untouched. You still get the familiar 373cc LC4C single-cylinder engine, churning out 46 PS and 39 Nm—identical to its pricier sibling. There’s no choice in throttle maps or riding modes here. It’s just one map, and surprisingly, it’s the progressive, linear one. Not exactly wild-child KTM vibes, but it works.
That linear delivery makes the X incredibly friendly to ride. And when paired with the new wheel combo—19-inch front and 17-inch rear—the city manners improve drastically. U-turns, filtering through traffic, crawling through jams—it all feels smoother and more manageable than the 21/17 setup on the ADV S.
On the highway, the X feels slightly more nervous at high speeds, but never sketchy. The suspension setup, though non-adjustable, is spot on. It strikes a sweet balance between comfort and feedback, giving you confidence even when the road gets sketchy.
And don’t worry about the lack of traction control. The bike’s throttle is forgiving, and when you do manage to kick the rear out, it happens gradually—more fun than fear.
The only weak link? The organic brake pads. They fade under pressure and lack bite. It’s not a dealbreaker, but I’d suggest swapping them for sintered ones during the first service.
Ergonomics and Everyday Use
Seating remains mostly unchanged from the ADV S—upright, comfortable, and long-haul friendly. Taller riders (6-feet and up) might feel a bit cramped in the legs, but for most Indians, the fit is dialed in perfectly.
The X shines as a daily ride. It’s light on its feet in traffic, easier to manage at low speeds, and has enough grunt to keep things fun when the road opens up.
Off-Road Cred? Sort Of.
This is where the X hits its limits. It’s okay for soft-roading, trail runs, and gravel exploration—but it doesn’t hold a candle to the full-fat 390 Adventure when the terrain turns tough. The lack of spoked wheels and limited suspension adjustment keeps it in the “light adventure” zone.
If your weekends are full of gnarly off-road ambitions, pony up for the ADV S. But if you’re mostly sticking to tarmac with occasional diversions into dirt, the X does just fine.
X vs. Himalayan 450: The Big Showdown
At ₹2.9 lakh ex-showroom, the 390 Adventure X is just ₹5,000 more than the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. The Himalayan offers slightly better suspension and a smoother ride over broken roads. But it makes less power, and frankly, it doesn’t match the KTM’s zing.
If you’re looking for excitement on two wheels, the X gets the nod. It’s lighter, more agile, and delivers that KTM rush—just a little more civilized this time.
Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
If you want a reliable, fun, and capable machine to commute during the week and road trip on weekends, the 390 Adventure X is a no-brainer. Save the ₹80K you’d spend on the ADV S and spend it on fuel, gear, or a cross-country ride instead.
But if you’re the kind of rider who’s constantly chasing trails and pushing boundaries, the top-spec 390 Adventure—or even the Himalayan—might be a better fit.
Still, for the average Indian rider with a craving for adventure and a head for value, the new 390 Adventure X is pure gold.
