KTM 390 Adventure SW
2024 KTM 390 Adventure SW: spoked-wheel A2 adventure bike, 44 hp, 159 kg, €8,199, no longer sold new. Full specs, press reviews, recalls and rivals.
At a glance
The KTM 390 Adventure SW is the spoked-wheel (19- and 17-inch) version of the first-generation 390 Adventure: a 373 cc, 44 hp A2-compliant single, 159 kg without fuel, adjustable WP APEX suspension, cornering ABS and traction control. It is no longer in KTM France's range, where the 2026 390 Adventure R replaces it; this page covers its last model year, 2024, listed at €8,199, €500 more than the cast-wheel version. Reviewers praise its versatility, suspension and equipment, but criticise a tall, firm seat, vibrations, limited wind protection and an engine that needs to be revved.
World press review
Meta-score
7 sources
Press ratings
Review of the cast-wheel version: the most capable, best-equipped and most engaging bike in its class despite compromises inherited from the 390 Duke; firm, tall seat, traction control too intrusive off-road.
Review of the US spoked-wheel version: an excellent urban and easy-trail bike, spokes more forgiving on rocks; not a dirt bike, Offroad settings to change one by one, handlebars slightly low when standing.
Review of the cast-wheel version: versatile, excellent value for money, high-end electronics, good protection; a little compact for tall riders, ground clearance limiting on difficult off-road terrain.
Review of the cast-wheel version: surprisingly versatile between road and dirt, quality chassis and suspension, latest-generation electronics; high price, optional quickshifter, awkward side stand off-road, handlebars too low.
Review of the cast-wheel version: easy, versatile, comfortable and frugal, quality suspension; cast wheels ill-suited to off-road, slightly high price, tall seat, standing position uncomfortable for tall riders.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
Only one review covers the SW version: Ultimate Motorcycling’s, in 2023, on the US spoked-wheel model, without a numeric score. The other reviews cover the cast-wheel version of the same generation, identical apart from the wheels: MCN (2020, 4/5), Caradisiac (2020, 17.4/20), Bennetts BikeSocial (2020), Le Repaire des Motards (2020), 1000PS (2022) and Moto Magazine (2022). The average score of 84/100 is therefore calculated from the MCN and Caradisiac scores, given to the cast-wheel version.
What reviewers like: remarkable versatility between road and trail (MCN, Le Repaire des Motards, Moto Magazine, 1000PS), quality WP suspension, better than the competition’s (BikeSocial, Le Repaire des Motards, Moto Magazine), electronics rare in the class (BikeSocial, 1000PS, Le Repaire des Motards), excellent value for money (1000PS), an easy bike and the most fun in its segment (Caradisiac), comfortable and frugal (Moto Magazine). BikeSocial rates it the most capable and best-equipped bike in its class. Ultimate Motorcycling praises the spoked wheels, more forgiving on rocks, and its qualities as an urban bike.
What they criticise: vibrations, limited wind protection on long rides and a firm seat (MCN, BikeSocial), a tall seat (Moto Magazine, BikeSocial), handlebars too low for standing (Le Repaire des Motards, Ultimate Motorcycling), ground clearance limiting on difficult off-road terrain (1000PS), traction control too intrusive off-road (BikeSocial), Offroad settings to change one by one (Ultimate Motorcycling), a single that must be kept above 6,000 rpm (Caradisiac), a high price and an optional quickshifter (Le Repaire des Motards). In 2022, Moto Magazine regretted the cast wheels off-road: precisely what the SW fixes.
Key quotes
"Being a KTM, it's also not afraid to get its hands dirty - capable of tackling a light trail when the mood takes you, but slightly let down by its road bike ergonomics."
"KTM’s ‘global’ adventure bike may not be perfect, but it is the most capable, best equipped, highest quality, and most engaging motorcycle in its class, and by some distance."
"Flex from the wire spokes provides some grace when riding over rough roads and rocks, so you’re less likely to dent a rim—and you don’t have to replace the entire wheel if you do."
"The little 390 Adventure can be seen as the ultimate all-rounder in its class and as a true value-for-money champion."
"A genuine offshoot of the 790, the KTM 390 Adventure is a truly and surprisingly versatile motorcycle. The ease with which it moves naturally from road to dirt is remarkable."
"In short, it is plucky, it is comfortable, it is easy, it is frugal and it has range. Isn't that the very definition of a true traveller?"
"this light and comfortable bike strikes us as the most attractive because it is versatile, practical, […] while being by far the most fun in its segment!"
Pros
- Lively 44 hp single, A2-compliant
- Spoked wheels and Continental TKC 70 tyres, more at home on trails
- Adjustable WP APEX suspension, praised by reviewers
- Cornering ABS and traction control, Offroad mode
- Light: 159 kg without fuel
- Claimed range of 400 km
Cons
- Tall (855 mm) and firm seat
- Vibrations and limited wind protection on long rides
- Low handlebars for standing, limited ground clearance on difficult off-road terrain
- Engine needs revs, little pull at moderate revs
- Quickshifter, cruise control and Bluetooth optional
- No longer sold new in France
Our review
Is the 390 Adventure SW still on sale?
No. In the 390 class, KTM France’s Adventure range now only offers the second-generation 2026 390 Adventure R and X. There is no 2025 SW: the 2024 is the last one sold in France, and its page is still reachable on the KTM France website without being listed in the range. Its de facto replacement is the 390 Adventure R, which keeps spoked wheels, while the 390 Adventure X succeeds the cast-wheel version. This page covers the 2024 model year.
How much did it cost?
The last recommended retail price listed by KTM France for the 2024 390 Adventure SW is €8,199 including VAT, excluding registration costs, in a single orange colourway. The cast-wheel version cost €7,699, in orange and black or grey and white. The 2023 SW was listed at €7,950. In the UK, the 2024 SW cost £6,999; in the United States, where only the spoked-wheel version was offered in 2024, it cost $7,599 plus $575 freight. The owner’s manual lists the Quickshifter+, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity (KTM MY RIDE) as options.
What does the SW version change?
Introduced in 2023, the SW (for “spoked wheels”) stands out with spoked wheels on black anodized aluminium rims, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear, fitted with Continental TKC 70 tyres, and an orange livery inspired by KTM’s rally bikes. The engine, chassis and electronics are identical to those of the cast-wheel version. KTM quotes 159 kg without fuel for the SW, against 161 kg for the cast-wheel version, a figure also given in the owner’s manual shared by both bikes. KTM sources contradict each other on the tyre fitment: the French SW page mentions inner tubes, the manual tubeless tyres. The 2024 model year only brought new colours.
How good is the engine?
The 373.2 cc single (89 x 60 mm), derived from the 390 Duke’s, makes 44 hp at 9,000 rpm and 37 Nm at 7,000 rpm, making it A2-compliant without restriction. Euro 5 homologated, it has a balancer shaft, Bosch fuel injection with ride-by-wire, a slipper clutch and a 6-speed gearbox. Reviewers find it lively and playful, but it needs to be kept above 6,000 rpm to give its best (Caradisiac) and is a little breathless at the moderate revs used on trails (MCN). MCN also notes vibrations through the bars and pegs at cruising speed.
How does it ride?
The steel trellis frame has a subframe bolted on with four screws. The WP APEX suspension is adjustable: the 43 mm upside-down fork for compression and rebound, with 170 mm of travel, the shock for preload and rebound, with 177 mm. Ground clearance is 200 mm. Braking combines a 320 mm front disc gripped by a radial four-piston caliper and a 230 mm rear disc. BikeSocial finds the suspension far better than the competition’s. On trails, Ultimate Motorcycling appreciates the flex of the spokes, which reduces the risk of denting a rim, while pointing out that it is not a dirt bike; 1000PS finds that ground clearance limits its use on difficult tracks.
What electronics?
The two-channel ABS is cornering-optimised in Road mode, and Offroad mode limits it to the front wheel. The MTC traction control is lean-sensitive and can be switched off. Two riding modes, Street and Offroad, set how much rear-wheel slip is allowed. The 5-inch colour TFT dash adjusts its brightness automatically and includes a shift light; lighting is full LED. BikeSocial finds the traction control too intrusive off-road, and Ultimate Motorcycling regrets having to adjust each Offroad setting separately.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
KTM publishes no homologated fuel consumption for the 2024 model year, only CO2 emissions of 78 g/km, and quotes a 400 km range from the 14.5-litre tank. MCN recorded 62 mpg (about 4.6 L/100 km) in brisk riding on the cast-wheel version. The manual calls for an oil change every 7,500 km or every year and a valve clearance check every 15,000 km. The manufacturer’s warranty is 2 years.
Recalls
In North America, 2022-2024 390 Adventure models are subject to a recall (NHTSA 25V598000): water can enter the electronic throttle control and cause a loss of drive power. No recall was found in Europe.
Who is it for?
The 390 Adventure SW suits A2 licence holders and riders looking for a light, well-suspended adventure bike at ease on easy trails, with spoked wheels more forgiving than cast ones. Its 855 mm seat does, however, call for a certain height. New, its place is now taken by the 2026 390 Adventure R.
Specifications
| Displacement | 373 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 44 hp @ 9,000 rpm |
| Torque | 37 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
| Weight | 159 kg without fuel (SW version; 161 kg for the cast-wheel version and in the shared owner's manual) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3.61 |
| Seat height | 855 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14.5 L |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 7,500 km or 1 year — Valves and spark plug: 15,000 km (KTM owner's manual) |
| Engine type | 373.2 cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves (rocker arms), balancer shaft, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, slipper clutch |
| License | A2 |
| MSRP | €8,199 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 89 x 60 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 12,54:1 |
| Fuel system | Bosch electronic fuel injection, 46 mm throttle body, ride-by-wire |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves operated by rocker arms, chain-driven |
| Max power RPM | 9000 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 7000 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5 |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Tubular steel trellis frame (epoxy-coated), steel trellis subframe bolted on (4 screws) |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 26.5 ° |
| Trail | 98 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1430 mm |
| Ground clearance | 200 mm |
| Front suspension | 43 mm WP APEX upside-down fork, adjustable for compression and rebound, 170 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | WP APEX monoshock, adjustable for preload and rebound, 177 mm travel |
| Front brake | 320 mm disc, fixed radial four-piston caliper (Bybre) |
| Rear brake | 230 mm disc, floating single-piston caliper |
| Front tire | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 130/80-17 |
| ABS system | Two-channel cornering ABS (Road mode); Offroad mode with ABS on the front wheel only |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Street, Offroad |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Quickshifter+ optional |
| Cruise control | No (Cruise control optional according to the owner's manual) |
| Dashboard | 5-inch colour TFT, automatic brightness |
| Connectivity | KTM MY RIDE (Bluetooth) optional according to the manual; turn-by-turn navigation optional |
| Other features | Lean-sensitive traction control (MTC), can be switched off, Cornering ABS with Offroad mode, Ride-by-wire throttle, Full LED lighting, Shift light, 12 V accessory socket |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Adventure: upright, wide handlebars |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | Two-position screen, hand guards |
| Max total weight | 375 kg |
The 390 Adventure SW offers an adventure riding position, upright behind wide handlebars, with a two-part seat at 855 mm, narrower at the front to make it easier to reach the ground according to KTM. BikeSocial (1.74 m) and MCN can barely touch the ground on tiptoes, the seat’s width adding to its height; BikeSocial mentions a 25 mm lowering kit offered by KTM. Caradisiac finds it easy in town at 1.65 m and not cramped at 1.90 m, while 1000PS finds it a little compact for tall riders. Standing up, the bars feel low (Ultimate Motorcycling, Le Repaire des Motards), but the wide rubber-insert footpegs are appreciated. The screen has two positions and hand guards are standard; MCN finds the protection lacking on long rides and the seat firm. The gross vehicle weight rating is 375 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
≈ 4.6 L/100 km in brisk riding (MCN: 62 UK mpg, review of the same-generation cast-wheel version)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~400 km (range claimed by KTM, 14.5 L tank)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 7,500 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 15,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 15,000 km |
| Chain | Tension checked at 1,000 km then at every service (7,500 km); 520 X-Ring chain, sprockets checked at every service (manual) |
Warranty
2 years / Mileage not specified (2-year manufacturer's warranty)
KTM’s 2024 owner’s manual specifies a first service at 1,000 km, then an oil change with filter and strainers every 7,500 km or every 12 months, and air filter replacement every 7,500 km. Valve clearance is checked and the spark plug replaced every 15,000 km. Brake fluid is changed every 24 months and coolant every 48 months. The 520 X-Ring chain tension is checked at 1,000 km and then at every service, along with the chain, rear sprocket and front sprocket. Specific to the SW, the spokes are retightened at 1,000 km and their tension checked every 7,500 km. KTM gives no average service cost. The manufacturer’s warranty is 2 years; the Premium Manufacturer’s Warranty of up to 4 years only applies from the 2025 model year.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 390 Adventure SW | €8,199 | 44 hp @ 9,000 rpm | 159 kg without fuel (SW version; 161 kg for the cast-wheel version and in the shared owner's manual) |
| KTM 390 Adventure R2026 | €7,199 | 45 hp | 165 kg (without fuel) |
| Honda NX5002026 | €6,799 | 47.5 hp | 196 kg (kerb) |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 4502026 | €5,890 | 40 hp | 196 kg (kerb, 90% fuel and oil) |
| CFMOTO 450MT2026 | €5,999 | 42 hp | 175 kg (dry) |
| Triumph Scrambler 400 X2027 | €6,645 | 40 hp | 179 kg (kerb, 90% fuel) |
Generations
Compare →- 390 Adventure (1re génération)2020 – 2024
373 cc · 44 hp · 37 Nm · 159 kg (without fuel)
KTM's first 390 adventure bike, derived from the 390 Duke: TFT dash, cornering ABS and traction control, adjustable WP APEX suspension; Street and Offroad modes in 2022, spoked-wheel SW version in 2023 (weight: 2024 SW).
- 390 Adventure X / R (2e génération)2025 – today
399 cc · 45 hp · 39 Nm · 165 kg (without fuel)
New 398.7 cc LC4c single (Euro 5+), new frame; range split into the road-biased X (19/17 cast wheels) and the off-road R (21/18 spoked wheels), which effectively replaces the SW.
Compare with this generation →
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 390 Adventure (1re génération)2020 – 2024 KTM's first 390 adventure bike, derived from the 390 Duke: TFT dash, cornering ABS and traction control, adjustable WP APEX suspension; Street and Offroad modes in 2022, spoked-wheel SW version in 2023 (weight: 2024 SW). | 373 cc | 44 hp | 37 Nm | 159 kg without fuel |
| 390 Adventure X / R (2e génération)2025 – today New 398.7 cc LC4c single (Euro 5+), new frame; range split into the road-biased X (19/17 cast wheels) and the off-road R (21/18 spoked wheels), which effectively replaces the SW. Compare with this generation → | 399 cc | 45 hp | 39 Nm | 165 kg without fuel |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
North America only (no recall found in Europe): water can enter the electronic throttle control and cause it to fail, resulting in loss of drive power; free inspection and replacement of the throttle control (2022-2024 390 Adventure)
Voir le rappel →