KTM has recently unveiled the KTM 390 Adventure X, which is a stripped-down version of the 390 Adventure. The price cut of ₹60,000, of course, is due to missing features like the traction control system, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride-by-wire throttle, and a quick-shifter. The Bluetooth-connected coloured TFT display that is offered on the standard 390 Adventure has been swapped with the non-Bluetooth LCD display on the 250 Adventure. All of this makes the 390 Adventure X a more value-for-money proposition that can lock horns with several other competitors. It competes with the BMW G310 GS now, and here is a list of five points on which it excels over the GS.
The KTM 390 Adventure X and the BMW G310 GS have ample power to cruise at decent speeds on the highways in India. However, the KTM 390 Adventure X packs a lot more performance than what the BMW G310 GS offers on the spec sheets. The KTM produces 43bhp of power and 37Nm of torque from the 373cc petrol mill that powers it. On the other hand, the BMW G310 GS produces a peak power of 37bhp of power and 28Nm of torque from its 313cc engine. Comparing both of these bikes based on the power that they generate, the KTM 390 Adventure X comes out to be the clear winner.
The KTM 390 Adventure X and the BMW G310 GS are adventure tourer bikes. As the name implies, adventure tourers are motorcycles that are built for comfortable touring. Although both bikes are road-biased ADVs, they can be useful off-road as well.
The 390 Adventure X comes with a switchable ABS, which is missing on the G 310 GS. The absence of switchable ABS on the G310 GS hampers the off-roading capabilities to a certain extent. Hence, the KTM 390 Adventure X scores more than the G 310 GS in this aspect.
The KTM 390 Adventure X and the BMW G310 GS are considered road-based adventure tourers as they sport 19-inch wheels at the front and not the 21-inch ones that are considered to be better for off-roading. The stability of the bikes is an important factor when it comes to highway cruising, as both of the bikes can easily cruise at triple-digit speeds all day long. The suspensions play a major role in determining the stability that the bikes provide at high speeds.
The 390 Adventure X ships with 43mm WP Apex USD Front Forks, while the G 310 GS comes with 41mm upside-down forks at the front. Both get an adjustable monoshock suspension at the rear. The suspension, along with its tuning, turns out to be a game changer. The KTM comes with a stiffer suspension setup than the BMW and hence stays more stable and inspires more confidence in the rider while cruising. It also has better suspension travel than the BMW. Hence, the KTM 390 Adventure X wins in this aspect as well.
Long-distance cruising means more distance has to be covered between subsequent fuel stops. The mileage and the fuel tank capacity are two important factors that matter when determining the distance between two fuel stops. As per ARAI, the KTM 390 Adventure X gives a mileage of 32.7kmpl whereas the BMW G310 GS gives a mileage of 32.86kmpl. The mileage figures of the bikes are similar, and hence the fuel tank capacity becomes the deciding factor. The BMW comes with 11 litres whereas the KTM comes with a 14.5-litre tank, 3.5 litres more than the competitor. The KTM outshines the BMW again in this regard.
The KTM Adventure 390 X is just a stripped-down version of the 390 Adventure, trading at ₹2.8 lakhs (ex-showroom). The BMW comes at a premium of ₹3.2 lakhs, which is ₹40,000 more than the KTM competitor. Considering that the KTM 390 Adventure X is offered at a lower price point courtesy of the missing features, it still seems to offer more value for money out of the two.