KTM developing another 390 "ADV" model

The current KTM 390 Adventure without its bodywork. Image credit: KTM

If you thought that KTM already has a bike for each category and displacement, think again. It looks like Team Orange may be working on another bike for its lineup, or perhaps they are just working on upgrades for the popular 390 Adventure.

Spy shots are making their way around the internet showing a small, single-cylinder dirt bike-ish machine. The photos were reportedly taken outside the KTM factory with the rider wearing a KTM branded helmet.

From the photos, it looks like KTM may be thinking about a “more off-road worthy” version of its 390 Adventure model. While the 390 Adventure has proven quite capable, KTM is well known for its racing and off-road chops. This machine looks like KTM may be moving towards something more like a 390 Enduro.

Whatever the machine turns out to be, it looks that it is getting some pretty extensive changes. Interestingly, some outlets claim that the bike uses the same frame as the current 390 Adventure. Others say that frame is significantly different. We’re in the latter category and see significant and quite apparent changes.

From the pics, you can see the bike uses a rather rough-looking frame. There’s no protective finish on it, just steel and oxidization. It looks very “prototype-ish” and is clearly not an off-the-production line item.

The first glaring difference is the addition of a wider and larger, distinctive “V” shaped bracket securing the engine to the frame. It may just be a temporary mounting point and never make it to production, but it’s there. It’s worthwhile noting that the engine appears to sit lower in the frame (at least you can see more of it) than on the 390 Adventure, and perhaps that wider, longer “V” shaped bracket is necessary because of its new position.

The current KTM 390 Adventure without its bodywork. Image credit: KTM

Next, if you look at the upper tubing on both bikes, you can see that the current 390 Adventure uses a thicker upper tube compared to the prototype seen here. On the prototype machine, both tubes seem to be of equal thicknesses. And, the space between the tubes seems to be narrower, potentially in a bid to increase the frame’s stiffness.

Then there’s what looks to be an all-new swingarm. It appears to be made out of billet aluminum and has a more banana-shaped aspect. In addition, it is much larger and more robust than the swingarm that currently resides at the rear of KTM’s 390 Adventure.

You can also readily see that the rear shock mounting position has changed. The current 390 Adventure has a relatively upright shock position. However, the new machine’s shock is angled at a more horizontal angle.

The bike’s exhaust is also different. It appears to mount higher than the stock 390 Adventure’s setup, and the exhaust can is also smaller. That said, this is an early prototype and changes as small as exhaust often change.

In any event, it’s clear that KTM wants this machine to be highly capable off-road. Note the change in the wheelset—the prototype machine now rides on what appears to be a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel. They appear to be DID DirtStar spoked units shod with very knobby tires. This is quite a departure from the KTM 390 Adventure, which comes stock with road-biased tires and cast wheels.

If this bike truly is a KTM prototype for a plate-ready motorcycle, it could represent very exciting news for those looking for a more dirt-capable bike, one that can be ridden on more technical terrain while at the same time offering some of the comforts of larger bikes that many riders feel is essential for longer, more travel-oriented rides.

But it is still very early. We don’t know if this machine is a one-off test mule to test a single component or system, or something being used as a test mule for an entirely new bike. If this machine is an example of something to come, the names 390 Adventure and 390 Enduro both have a nice ring to them.

What do you think of this prototype machine? Do you have an interest in a more dirt-oriented and focused but more travel-capable version of KTM’s 390 Adventure? Let us know in the comments below.