KTM 390 Adventure X Test 2026 - The Underrated All-Rounder

As every year, this February and March, we've once again escaped the cold temperatures and salted roads of Austria by heading to Spain. Our away garage near Barcelona shortens the winter and gives us an early opportunity to properly test the season's new motorcycles. Among the array of exciting models, including the BMW R 1300 RS, KTM 1390 Super Adventure R, Stark Varg SM, and Triumph Street Triple X, the KTM 390 Adventure X also joins the lineup. Although it's been on the market since 2025, last year all eyes were on its sharp R sibling, including ours during the KTM 390 Adventure R test, and we never got around to testing the X. It's high time to change that.

The KTM 390 Adventure X sits in the shadow of its more aggressively marketed sibling, the Adventure R. While the latter is celebrated as the new A2 off-road hopeful, the X version almost seems like a silent companion in the lineup. Yet, it's precisely the more realistic choice for many riders. The approach is clear: less extreme, more everyday use. Street-oriented tires with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear, shorter suspension travel at 200 millimeters, and a non-adjustable suspension system clearly indicate the direction it's heading. Details like the lower handlebars and simple LC display further emphasize this orientation. For the Adventure X, you only need to shell out €6,399 (AT price), while the R version starts at €7,799. At the same time, the foundation remains identical: a single-cylinder engine from the 390 Duke, a new frame, and a platform that is deliberately designed to remain versatile. The seat height of 825 millimeters immediately underscores the emphasis on accessibility. Even shorter riders can stand comfortably, which is a real advantage in everyday use and maneuvering.

In an urban setting, the 390 Adventure X really showcases its strengths. The lower seat height provides security during slow maneuvers, weaving through traffic, or navigating uneven parking lots. Beginners, in particular, benefit greatly as the bike remains controllable at all times. This is supported by the light clutch, which offers precise modulation. The engine is deliberately subdued in the lower rev range. Following a recall and ECU adjustment in 2025, the single-cylinder now feels a bit more confident at low RPMs, but its character remains unchanged. It's gentle and almost too tame at the bottom, but noticeably livelier at the top. To accelerate spontaneously, one must be proactive with gear changes. In the wrong gear, not much happens. This is where the optional quickshifter comes in handy, working smoothly even at low RPMs and making frequent upshifts in city traffic easier. The steering lock is solid, though not class-leading, and the LC display does its job, albeit with a more functional than modern aesthetic.

Once you hit the open road, the character of the KTM 390 Adventure X becomes more defined. The engine demands revs and only starts to deliver noticeable power from around 5,500 to 6,000 RPM. Below this, it feels almost lethargic, but above, it comes alive. In practice, this means that if you want to ride dynamically, you need to be proactive with gear selection. Meanwhile, the X version benefits from its road-oriented geometry. The smaller front wheel and shorter suspension travel make it noticeably more agile than the R. It turns in easily, its approximately 180 kilograms willingly lean into corners, and the Adventure X provides a solid feel for the front wheel. The suspension itself is a pleasant surprise. Despite the lack of adjustability, it strikes a good balance between comfort and stability. It smooths out bumps effectively without making the bike feel too soft or causing it to wallow. This is where the tuning shows it has been well executed.

The braking system, however, is less convincing. The Bybre brakes are tuned quite softly overall. The bite point feels vague, the lever travel is long, and it requires noticeable effort to build up real stopping power. For stronger braking maneuvers, the rear brake is also needed. Especially during sporty riding, there’s a lack of clarity and feedback. Durability also remains a question, particularly on longer descents. Within the overall concept, this is acceptable since the Adventure X isn't aiming to be an aggressive sport machine. Nonetheless, a bit more precision would have been desirable here.

On the touring front, the KTM presents a surprisingly solid package. The windscreen works well for average-sized riders, though taller riders may experience airflow hitting at head height, causing turbulence. However, the fairing effectively shields the torso. The range is also impressive. With a consumption of about 3.5 liters in everyday use and a 14-liter tank, realistic distances of 400 kilometers are achievable. The suspension remains comfortable over longer distances, smoothing out bumps efficiently. The seat feels pleasant at first but shows signs of weakness during extended use and might give a bit over time. On the positive side, the payload capacity of around 200 kg allows for two-up riding, positioning the bike as a compact touring machine.

In light off-road conditions, the 390 Adventure X surprises more than you might initially expect. Despite its clear street orientation, it performs remarkably well on gravel. Its agility and low weight work to its advantage. Even experienced riders can enjoy it, as long as expectations remain realistic. For simple gravel paths, small excursions, and casual off-road sessions, the concept is more than sufficient. Limitations are mainly seen in standing ergonomics, as the handlebars are relatively low, and the engine lacks some torque at low revs when crawling along a trail. Nevertheless, the suspension provides ample feedback and stability, as long as you stay within its intended use. The wheels and tires ultimately define the limits but are perfectly adequate for typical usage.

In the end, a very clear picture emerges. The KTM 390 Adventure X is not a stripped-down compromise but a deliberately differently positioned motorcycle. It carries on the legacy of the original 390 Adventure, targeting riders who are mostly road-oriented, appreciate easy handling, and only occasionally venture off-road. This is where it excels convincingly. It is accessible, versatile, and in many everyday situations easier to ride than the much more extreme R version. For those not specifically aiming for off-road riding, this offers a more well-rounded package.