The Indian mid-weight ADV segment has never been more exciting, and KTM just raised the bar with the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X. As an affordable, no-frills variant of the popular 390 Adventure, this motorcycle retains core performance elements while shedding premium electronics to deliver one of the most value-packed adventure bikes under ₹3 lakh.
In this KTM 390 Adventure X full review, we’ll break down its ride quality, engine specs, off-road capability, and why it might just be the best entry-level ADV bike for riders in 2025.
Table of Contents
What’s New in the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X?
While KTM hasn’t made drastic changes to the Adventure X for 2025, subtle refinements make it more appealing:
- Improved radiator guard design
- New color options and graphics scheme
- Enhanced ECU tuning for better low-end response
- Minor ergonomic tweaks to seat padding and handlebar angle
Most importantly, it continues to exclude high-end electronics like traction control and TFT screen, keeping the price competitive.
Design and Build: Rugged, Minimalist, Purposeful
True to KTM’s off-road heritage, the 2025 390 Adventure X carries the rugged styling of its elder siblings. With an upright stance, high ground clearance, and purposeful lines, this bike is ready for trails, highways, and city traffic alike.
Key Design Elements:
- 14.5-litre fuel tank with extended range
- All-LED lighting with sharp DRLs
- Tough bash plate and underbelly protection
- Minimalist LCD instrument cluster (no TFT)
Despite its stripped-down nature, the Adventure X looks every bit a KTM—aggressive, athletic, and trail-worthy.
Engine and Performance: Pure KTM DNA
At the heart of the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X lies the tried-and-tested 373cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that also powers the Duke 390.
Engine Specs:
- Power: 43.5 PS @ 9000 RPM
- Torque: 37 Nm @ 7000 RPM
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox
- Cooling: Liquid-cooled with updated radiator design
The engine continues to be a high-revving unit, delivering explosive performance once you cross 5,000 RPM. Despite lacking ride-by-wire, the throttle is responsive and predictable—ideal for both tarmac and trail adventures.
Ride and Handling: Built for Indian Roads and Trails
This bike handles bad roads like a champ. Whether it’s gravel, potholes, or loose soil, the long-travel suspension and ADV geometry offer excellent ride confidence.
On-road Ride:
- Feels stable at triple-digit speeds
- Nimble in city traffic despite ADV posture
- Tall handlebar allows upright, fatigue-free touring
Off-road Ride:
- Excellent ground clearance (200mm)
- Dual-purpose MRF tyres offer decent grip
- Comfortable standing position on pegs
KTM has nailed the ergonomics for Indian riders who love weekend trails but also ride to work during the week.
Suspension and Braking Setup
Suspension:
- Front: WP Apex 43mm USD forks (170mm travel)
- Rear: WP Apex mono-shock with preload adjustability (177mm travel)
Brakes:
- Front: 320mm disc with radial caliper
- Rear: 230mm disc
- ABS: Dual-channel Bosch ABS (with off-road mode)
The suspension setup is tuned for mild to moderate off-road use, and the frame absorbs terrain impacts confidently. The ABS-offroad mode is a significant inclusion that lets you lock the rear wheel when needed.
Features and Tech: Simple but Smart
While the X variant skips the premium gadgetry of its elder sibling, it still includes what matters:
Available Features:
- LCD display with gear indicator and trip info
- Dual-channel ABS with off-road mode
- Halogen indicators
- USB charging port (optional)
- Slipper clutch and assist clutch for smoother downshifts
What you don’t get:
- Traction control
- Quick shifter
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Cornering ABS
- TFT color display
These exclusions help keep the bike affordable without compromising core ADV capability.
Price, Value, and Who Should Buy It
Ex-showroom price (2025): ₹2.89 lakh
For what it offers, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X is exceptional value. You’re getting KTM’s performance DNA, off-road hardware, and daily usability—without the premium electronics that many riders don’t need.
Ideal for:
- Budget-conscious ADV buyers
- First-time adventure bike owners
- Tourers who value mechanical simplicity
- Commuters looking for a rugged ride
KTM 390 Adventure X vs Rivals
| Bike | Price (Ex-showroom) | Engine | Electronics | USP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 390 Adventure X | ₹2.89 lakh | 373cc | ABS only | Best power-to-price ratio |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | ₹2.85 lakh | 452cc | TFT, ride modes | Torquey and versatile |
| BMW G 310 GS | ₹3.30 lakh | 313cc | ABS, ride-by-wire | Brand value |
| Yezdi Adventure | ₹2.16 lakh | 334cc | Basic features | Retro styling |
The Adventure X shines with its balance of performance, weight, and price—offering modern mechanicals without overengineering.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Proven KTM engine with thrilling performance
- High ground clearance and long-travel suspension
- Value-packed pricing for a 390cc ADV
- Dual-channel ABS with off-road mode
- Lightweight for an ADV (177 kg kerb)
❌ Cons:
- No ride-by-wire or traction control
- Basic display (no navigation)
- Windscreen is non-adjustable
- Pillion comfort is average
FAQs About the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X
Q1: Is the 390 Adventure X suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s ideal for new riders entering the ADV space thanks to its predictable power delivery and upright stance.
Q2: Can it be used for long-distance touring?
Absolutely. With its comfortable riding triangle, big fuel tank, and torquey engine, it’s built for long hauls.
Q3: Does the X variant support tubeless tyres?
Yes, it comes with alloy wheels and tubeless tyres—perfect for touring and puncture management.
Q4: How different is it from the standard 390 Adventure?
The X variant lacks ride-by-wire, traction control, cornering ABS, and a TFT screen. Mechanically, they’re nearly identical.
Final Verdict
The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X is a back-to-basics, no-nonsense adventure bike that brings serious performance without serious pricing. It’s a perfect fit for Indian riders looking for reliability, thrill, and adventure-readiness in a package that won’t break the bank.
If you’re willing to trade a few electronics for rock-solid mechanicals and real-world usability, this might be the best ADV under ₹3 lakh in 2025.
