KTM 390 Adventure Is Back, With Spoked Wheels

Check out those new rims! Photo: KTM

Since its introduction, the KTM 390 Adventure has used cast wheels. Those are convenient (no tubes required) and cheap, but not ideal for a motorcycle that's being ridden hard off-road, as the rims are more easily damaged than old-school spoked rims.

For 2023, KTM's giving the 390 Adventure a set of spoked rims, then! Just guessing, but we’d expect this also means the long-rumored Rally version of this bike, with jacked-up suspension and spoked rims, is not coming at this point.

The 390's 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels both are shod with Continental TKC70 tires from the factory. Other than the rwheels and graphics, it appears that the 390 ADV is unchanged for next season—Ed.

Press release

MURRIETA, Calif. – The full KTM ADVENTURE family has all the performance, capability and segment-leading features a rider will ever need. Sometimes, however, riders just want the most effective way to get from ‘A to B’ on an inviting, confidence-inspiring platform. Naturally, as a true adventure machine, it must also never stop tempting them to explore alternative paths. This is where the sheer usability, superb power and incredibly light handling of the 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE comes to the forefront.

This compact and highly advanced package is one of the most versatile in the KTM range. The 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE is not only about epic outings but also the ‘every day’ ride. Want that serviceable and dependable machine for the commute but also something that can handle a lively offroad blast? No problem. Desire a bike that can still put out the torque and motor performance for a longer weekend ride-out with friends? Easy. Need a modern, developed, race-derived all-rounder to discover the delights of a trail for the first time? Look no further.

For 2023, KTM has not only splashed the KTM 390 ADVENTURE with a sharp, fresh look but has also beefed-up its offroad capability even more. The bike now has tough yet light spoked wheels (19" front and 17" rear) with black anodized aluminum rims so unplanned meetings with roots and stones out on the trail will not bring the journey to a swift halt. The 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE undoubtedly warrants this upgrade considering the offroad-capability engineered into the motorcycle, and it emphasizes that ‘adventure’ really can be part of the daily routine.

At the heart of the machine is the impressively compact 4-stroke 373 cc single-cylinder engine using twin overhead camshafts, four values, a balancer shaft, PASC slipper clutch and electronic FI for smooth and uninterrupted momentum. Two catalytic converters ensure the system breathes within emission targets while the fuel tank (sized for a 3.8-gal / 14.5-liter fill) vapor design also boosts the eco-friendliness.

The 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE may have smaller dimensions and specs compared to some of its big brothers, but it does not lack features essential to adventuring. Ride-by-wire, Motorcycle Traction Control, Cornering ABS, OFFROAD mode (more rear wheel slip) and linked OFFROAD ABS (disengaged on the rear, reduced on the front) are feathered by the 46 mm throttle body and the slipper clutch while being administered through the 5" color TFT-display and intuitive handlebar switchgear.

Light weight and unbeatable agility is partly supplied by a chassis that takes its design cues from KTM's work at the sharp end of rally competition. The KTM 390 ADVENTURE's 2023 color also comes from this racing background. The steel trellis design and subframe construction achieves a satisfying blend of both feel, flex and long-term comfort; even the exhaust system is optimized for prime centralization. WP Suspension APEX hardware is adjustable for compression, rebound and preload and achieves that rare chemistry of tactile grip with the road and confidence-inspiring efficiency for the dirt.

Add bodywork that has been angled to protect zones of the bike and position the rider into full-control stance, a two-tier seat (that can be easily removed to reveal storage space and even swapped out for other models in the KTM PowerParts collection), LED lights, a windshield with two positions and wide ‘all-day’ footpegs, Brembo BYBRE brakes (320 front and 230 mm rear discs with four-piston calipers on the front) and the 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE is complete. Live adventurously.

2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE highlights// New tougher aluminum spoked wheels for enhanced offroad potential and all-round topline performance ensured by the CONTINENTAL TKC70 tires// Brand new 2023 color and graphics scheme for fresh, vibrant READY TO RACE look// Dependable 373 cc 4-stroke single-cylinder engine pumping big power out of a compact build// Lightweight and reassuring steel trellis chassis with adjustable WP APEX 43 mm forks and shock// Bosch electronics helping to inform the latest generation of Motorcycle Traction Control and Cornering ABS systems// 379 lbs (172kg) fully fueled, 3.8-gal (14.5-liter) tank// Wide selection of KTM PowerParts including accessories, aftermarket components, aesthetic touches, riding gear and more

Look for the 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE beginning this March at your authorized KTM dealership.