Latest news with #390Adventure
NDTV
12-08-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
In Conversation With Manik Nangia; KTM Service On Wheels
KTM India recently started its Service on Wheels (SOW) on the Manali-Leh Circuit. The idea is to provide service support to KTM owners riding in the mountains, headed from Manali to Leh, considered a pilgrimage for motorcyclists. Specifically, the roving service centre will cover the Manali-Keylong-Jispa-Sarchu route. We spoke to Manik Nangia, President, Pro-Biking At Bajaj Auto on KTM's new customer-centric initiative and here's how the company is planning to look after KTM owners heading from Manali to Leh in the near future. Q1. With the advent of adventure bikes, like the KTM 390 ADV and the KTM 390 Enduro R, how do you see the riding landscape of India changing since the last couple of years with the advent of these motorcycles? I think it's going to change phenomenally. It's already changing and it's going to change phenomenally. In the last 3-5 years, the premium motorcycles that are specialised for specific segments of riding like the adventure, the enduro, the racing motorcycles, all of them have seen, this category put together has seen tremendous amount of growth. Twice the speed of the overall motorcycle industry. And my view is that the reason for it is as more and more people who are affluent are realizing that there is a large world out there along with nature. There is a large world to be explored in the spirit of motorcycling. More and more capable motorcycles that can traverse multiple terrains are being preferred over generally the street motorcycles. Q2. Even within KTM, there has been a significant uptick in terms of people adopting Adventure motorcycles. In the last 4-5 months, we have seen a significant number of new buyers picking up the 390 Adventure, 390 Adventure X and even the Enduro R for that matter. How does it bode for the company? Adventure motorcycles, we have seen a large uptick. We updated the old 390 Adventure. We introduced a completely new range. This time, this was built specifically on a new platform that had a serious lift-up from the old version. They were just not face-ups or face-lifts. They were actually in technology terms, in terms of adjustable suspension, in terms of the cruise control, in terms of tubeless spokes. All of these things put together, I think the value proposition was so well received by customers, which is why you see the uptick in sales in Adventure. In at least three out of the top eight metros, we are the highest selling Adventure motorcycle stand-alone. Q3. How often does KTM engage in community building initiatives, say over the course of a year? for the last 10-11 years now, we have been running a program on rides and community management. We call it ProX. It is the firm belief of the company and also my personal view that we, our job is to focus on the culture of motorcycling. If we focus on the culture of motorcycling, the motorcycle sales itself will grow because we have a product that is so brilliant and superior to everything else available in the market. The fact that we have now been running it for 10 years plus, we called it ProXP. It does a variety of events. There are local events that are, you know, breakfast rides, morning trails, etc., which we call urban escapes. There are specialised adventure academies where we train people on how to use an adventure motorcycle and how to cross different kinds of terrain. There is an adventure experience where we get people to come to an off-roading kind of place and leverage what they brought and get mastery over their motorcycle. There are adventure trails that we do, sometimes a day-long trail, sometimes an overnight stay, etc. All put together, we touch approximately, we touch more than 20,000 customers each year with more than 1,800 or so rides organised by us. Q4. Could you tell us more about the new specially designed service van for KTM riders, especially on tough terrain. You know, we realise that a lot of our customers actually go to Ladakh, you know, Manali, Sarchu, Leh, and each of these are not very easy terrains. Now, while our motorcycles are built so beautifully that there is hardly any need for breakdown support. And that is, I am not talking about my feeling, I am talking about empirical evidence. But, over a period of the last 2-3 years, we were hearing from our customers that it will be a big reassurance for them if we were present there with a van and we could get to them if they needed help. So, we said, why not? We have a fully equipped mobile service station with 2 lift folks, 1 supervisor, 1 mechanic, and a driver. So, it is a crew of three and the idea is for it to be mobile across that region so that, you know that most riders go in groups in these areas. So, wherever a group wants the van to come and if they need help, whether it is very small or it is a major thing, the van is almost as equipped as a big service centre in a metro town. Q5. And will the van also have provisions for basic first-aid? The van will also have things that usually, if the weather turns inclement, that you need, you know, like a few winter jackets along with basic first aid, water and a few things to clean your vehicle very quickly when you are in a pit stop. It will have everything.
NDTV
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
KTM 390 Adventure X To Be Replaced By 390 Adventure Plus: Report
KTM India launched the latest generation of the 390 Adventure along with the 390 Adventure X in February 2025. After a few months of being on sale, reports have surfaced claiming that the Austrian manufacturer is planning a revamp for the 390 Adventure lineup. It suggests that the 390 Adventure X will be discontinued in India to be replaced by the 390 Adventure Plus. The new variant with the "Plus" suffix in its name will add more features to the motorcycle. The report from Bikewale suggests that KTM has already stopped accepting bookings for the 390 Adventure X across the nation. This comes before any official announcement of the introduction of the 390 Adventure Plus variant. However, the official India website of the manufacturer still has the 390 Adventure X listed on it for a price of Rs 2.91 lakh (ex-showroom). Coming back to the KTM 390 Adventure Plus, it will come with an IMU-based electronics package, which will be borrowed from the standard 390 Adventure. The list of features will also include switchable cornering ABS, switchable cornering traction control, and cruise control. Mechanically, it will be the same as the Adventure X. The KTM 390 Adventure Plus is unlikely to get an adjustable suspension setup. It will continue to have the same standard setup that it has now. The braking system will continue to be the same with the bike riding on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels. It will continue to have the road-biased characteristics of the outgoing bike, but it will still be capable of going off-road. With the addition of features, the bike will get a hike in its price, and based on the report, it will be launched in a few weeks in the country.
Mint
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 vs KTM 390 Adventure: Which ADV should you buy?
Kawasaki has made a bold move in the adventure touring space with the relaunch of its 2025 Versys-X 300, signaling its renewed focus on the small-capacity ADV segment. However, the Japanese brand's return pits it squarely against the KTM 390 Adventure, a motorcycle that's become a one of the most popular motorcycle in the category. With both machines closely matched in price, it's time to see how they stack up against each other in terms of hardware, features, and on-paper performance. At the core of any motorcycle lies its engine, and this is where the Versys and KTM take two distinct paths. The Versys-X 300 employs a 296 cc parallel-twin engine, producing 38.8 bhp and 26 Nm of torque. Its twin-cylinder configuration ensures smoother power delivery and better refinement—ideal for riders who spend more time on highways or touring long distances. On the other hand, the KTM 390 Adventure packs a punchier 398.6 cc single-cylinder motor, generating a robust 45.3 bhp and 39 Nm. This gives it a significant edge in terms of raw output, especially when tackling steep climbs or rapid overtakes. The KTM also features advanced touches like ride-by-wire throttle and a quick shifter, offering more responsive performance and smoother gear transitions. Adventure motorcycles need rugged hardware to tackle the unpredictable, and KTM has clearly gone all out. The 390 Adventure comes equipped with a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheel setup, both shod with tubeless tyres—ideal for touring. Supporting this setup is a fully adjustable WP suspension system, offering precise tuning to the rider. In contrast, the Versys-X 300 is slightly more road-biased with a 19-inch front wheel and tube-type tyres. Its suspension setup includes non-adjustable telescopic forks and a basic monoshock at the rear. Brake-wise, the KTM again leads with larger disc brakes and switchable ABS, while the Versys offers only the basics in comparison. When it comes to dimensions, on paper, the KTM 390 Adventure is the more off-road capable machine. It boasts longer suspension travel—205 mm up front and 210 mm at the rear—resulting in a ground clearance of 237 mm. This makes it ideal for rough, rocky trails. However, this off-road prowess comes at the cost of practicality, with a taller seat height of 830 mm, which may be a challenge for shorter riders. The Versys-X 300, by comparison, offers a more accessible seat height of 815 mm, and its ground clearance of 180 mm is more suited to tarmac and light trails. Despite being a bit more road-focused, it has a weight advantage, tipping the scales at 179 kg, which is 3 kg lighter than the KTM. Tech-savvy riders will find the KTM 390 Adventure loaded with modern features. From switchable ABS and traction control to multiple riding modes, cruise control, cornering aids, and a Bluetooth-enabled TFT display, the Austrian machine pulls no punches in this department. In contrast, Kawasaki has kept things minimalist with the Versys. It offers dual-channel ABS and a semi-digital instrument console, catering more to traditionalists who prefer a no-fuss and a traditional approach. Despite all its high-end tech and superior hardware, the KTM 390 Adventure is priced more competitively at ₹ 3.68 lakh (ex-showroom). Surprisingly, the Versys-X 300 is slightly more expensive at ₹ 3.80 lakh, making it a tough sell for those who weigh performance and features heavily in their buying decision. On paper, the KTM 390 Adventure emerges as the more compelling option. It offers better power, more advanced technology, superior off-road equipment, and is even more affordable than its Japanese rival. However, the Versys-X 300 may still appeal to riders who prioritize simpler controls, and long-term touring reliability. Ultimately, the true verdict can only be delivered after real-world testing—but for now, KTM seems to have the upper hand in this thrilling ADV face-off.
NDTV
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
KTM Halts Production In Austria Again
The troubles don't seem to end for KTM. Barely a month after re-starting production, after a 90-day 'self-administration' period, the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer has stopped production at its Mattighofen plant. Reports suggest that KTM has stopped production until the end of July 2025. New CEO Gottfried Neumeister said that the company had parts and components to manufacture only 4,200 motorcycles but the company hasn't revealed what those 4,200 motorcycles are. With KTM's current financial troubles, the suppliers don't have the confidence that KTM will pay them back and therefore, sourcing parts is becoming a challenge for the company. KTM says that it will be difficult for the company to pay back its creditors 600 million euros before the deadline of May 23, 2025 and this certainly doesn't inspire a lot of confidence in its suppliers. With the production being stopped earlier this year for three months, there were no new parts that were ordered. And now the company faces shortage of components to manufacture motorcycles. Recently, KTM announced that from June 1, 2025, KTM will stop the distribution of CFMoto and its EV sub-brand Zeeho two-wheelers in the countries of Austria, Germany, UK, Spain and Switzerland. KTM was distributing CFMoto & Zeeho two-wheelers in the said countries since 2013. The decision is said to be 'mutual' and the manufacturing agreement between the two companies will continue as before. Also, CFMoto will continue to sell/distribute KTM motorcycles in China. Reports in EU suggest that a new importer will assume the responsibility of distributing CFMoto two-wheelers in the above-mentioned countries from June 2025. In India, since the beginning of 2025, KTM has launched the 390 Adventure along with the 390 Enduro R in February and March, with the KTM 390 SMC R slated for a launch soon. While KTM technically does sell its big bikes here in India, its maximum sales come from its current motorcycle range of up to 400 cc.
NDTV
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
KTM Will Not Sell CFMoto Bikes In Europe Anymore; Here's Why
KTM company announced that from June 1, 2025, KTM will stop the distribution of CFMoto and its EV sub-brand Zeeho two-wheelers in the countries of Austria, Germany, UK, Spain and Switzerland. KTM was distributing CFMoto & Zeeho two-wheelers in the said countries since 2013. The decision is said to be 'mutual' and the manufacturing agreement between the two companies will continue as before. Also, CFMoto will continue to sell/distribute KTM motorcycles in China. Reports in EU suggest that a new importer will assume the responsibility of distributing CFMoto two-wheelers in the above-mentioned countries from June 2025. Post COVID, KTM has been under tremendous pressure, with declining sales, unsold inventory and a massive debt of 2.5 billion euros. KTM was in a deep state of distress for the last few years. While parent company Bajaj Auto did infuse the ailing Pierer Bajaj AG with 50 million euros to stop it from going completely down under, the story of KTM's survival is far from over. The company sold MV Agusta back to its original owners, went into a 90-day self-administration period and laid off a significant number of employees, to reduce its financial burden. Other measures include a planned reduction in manufacturing by up to 25 per cent, and outsourcing manufacturing to India and China. The company's creditors approved a restructuring plan of 750 million euros in March 2025. In India, since the beginning of 2025, KTM has launched the 390 Adventure along with the 390 Enduro R in February and March, with the KTM 390 SMC R in the pipeline for a launch soon. While KTM technically does sell its big bikes here in India, its maximum sales come from its current motorcycle range of up to 400 cc.
