KTM 390 Adventure: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
The A2 bike with the most dedicated accessories we carry, and that's no accident
Eighteen accessories for a 373 cc bike, nearly all with part numbers developed specifically for it: more than several twin-cylinder models in the same range have. The reason is sales volume, which convinced manufacturers to develop products for it instead of leaving it to universal accessories.
- In summaryLightweight, A2 license, and dedicated accessories already available.
- Do firstBarkbusters handguard kit, auxiliary light mounts, tank stickers.
- WarningFrom 2025, the handguard kit changes: BHG-146, not BHG-084.
- SharedThe BHG-084 also fits the Royal Enfield Himalayan and Yamaha XT660R.
- BrandsBarkbusters, DENALI, Eazi-Grip, LOBOO.
Who it's recommended for
It's the right bike if
- You have an A2 license or want a bike that is manageable at 172 kg, drops included
- You're learning to ride on dirt and want to make mistakes on a bike that is inexpensive to repair
- You travel solo on medium-length trips, with soft luggage and without racks
- You want dedicated rather than universal accessories: this bike has more than several twin-cylinder models
- You're willing to check the model year before ordering, because the 2025 restyling changed the main part numbers
Look elsewhere if
- You often travel two-up and loaded: 44 horsepower is not much uphill or on the highway
- You do a lot of highway riding: the single-cylinder vibrates at high constant speeds
- You're under 1.70 meters: an 855 mm seat is tall for this engine size
- Looking for crash bars or luggage racks: they are not in the catalog for this model
- Buy accessories without checking the year: the BHG-084 and BHG-146 handguards are not interchangeable
In short: it's the bike for learning off-road riding and traveling solo, not for long trips with two people. If you want to stay light but with more engine, look at the 690 Enduro; if long-distance travel is your main use, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 is the natural next step, with an equally extensive accessories catalog.
Technical specifications
| Engine | 373 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
|---|---|
| Power | 44 hp at 9,000 rpm, A2-approved |
| Torque | 37 Nm at 7,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain final drive |
| Chassis | Steel trellis frame, adjustable WP APEX fork |
| Wheels | 19-inch front, 17-inch rear; 21 and 18 on the R version from 2025 |
| Weight | 172 kg in running order |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 liters |
| Seat height | 855 mm |
| Production | since 2020, renewed in 2025 with the R version |
Pros and cons
Pros
- A2 license and 172 kg: manageable for beginners
- Adjustable WP suspension, rare in this class
- Dedicated rather than universal accessories, more than on many larger bikes
- Low fuel consumption and modest running costs
- True adventure ergonomics, not those of a downsized bike
Cons
- Forty-four horsepower: the limit is noticeable on the highway and with two people
- 855 mm seat height, tall for a bike of this displacement
- The single-cylinder engine vibrates at high constant speeds
- Crash bars and pannier racks not catalogued for this model
- Accessory codes changed with the 2025 facelift
What to install, in order of priority
On a bike used to learn off-road riding, protecting your hands and levers comes first. And the first thing to check is the year.
- 1
Barkbusters BHG-084 handguard kit, through 2024For the early-year 390 Adventure, shared with the Royal Enfield Himalayan and Yamaha XT660R. The bar and shell are chosen separately. - 2
Barkbusters BHG-146 handguard kit, from 2025For the new generation, shared with the 390 Enduro R and SMC R. It is not interchangeable with the BHG-084: check the registration year. - 3
Dedicated auxiliary light mountsThey use the 390's mounting points: no straps, no vibration. - 4
SoundBomb horn mountOn a small bike in traffic, being heard matters more than on a maxi bike. The bracket gives it a place without drilling. - 5
Anti-slip tank padsStanding on the footpegs, your knees hold the bike: the grip helps and protects the paint. This is the code for models from 2020; for the new generation, use the one from 2025, shared with the 125 and 390 SMC R and Enduro R. - 6
GPS navigator mount12 or 22 mm bar, suitable for the 390 and 790 Adventure and the Norden 901. It holds the navigator firmly instead of hanging it from the handlebars, where it vibrates and can come loose. - 7
19 mm handlebar risersBlack or silver, for the KTM Adventure range. If you are learning to ride standing up, raising the handlebars is the modification you feel most. - 8
2.5-3.5-liter tank bagThe right size for a lightweight bike: documents and phone without weighing down the front end. It must be used with the mounting ring. - 9
46-liter IPX7 rear bagAttaches to the seat without frames: on a 44-hp bike, it is the lightest luggage solution and does not make the bike wider. - 10
Folding mirrorsThey fold back before the trail and do not break at the stem: on a bike for learning, low-speed falls are part of the deal. With the adapters, you can fit any model.
The catalog is completed by the PIKE TRACKER aluminum top case, the other tank bag sizes up to 10 liters, and the motorcycle cover.
See all accessories for the 390 AdventureCompatibility table
The 2025 facelift changed the main codes: the year is the first thing to check.
| Accessory | 2020-2024 | From 2025 onward | Other models |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHG-084 handguard kit | yes | no | Himalayan, XT660R |
| BHG-146 handguard kit | no | yes | 390 Enduro R, SMC R |
| Tank stickers | 2020 code | 2025 code | 125-390 SMC R |
| DENALI spotlight mounts | yes | to be checked | no |
| SoundBomb horn mount | yes | to be checked | no |
| GPS navigator mount | yes | yes | 790 Adventure, Norden 901 |
| 19 mm handlebar risers | yes | yes | KTM Adventure range |
| Tank bags and soft luggage | yes | yes | universal |
Brands with dedicated accessories
BarkbustersHandguardsTwo separate kits: BHG-084 up to 2024 and BHG-146 from 2025 onward, to be paired with the bar and shell.
DENALILightingSpotlight mounts and SoundBomb horn mount developed around the 390’s mounting points.
Eazi-GripTank gripNon-slip stickers with separate codes for the 2020 generation and the one from 2025 onward.
LOBOOErgonomics and luggageGPS navigator mount, handlebar risers, tank bags, aluminum top case, and mirrors.
Frequently asked questions
Which handguard kit does my 390 need?
It depends on the year. Up to 2024, it is the BHG-084, which also fits the Royal Enfield Himalayan and Yamaha XT660R. From 2025, the BHG-146 is required, shared with the 390 Enduro R and SMC R. The two are not interchangeable.
What changed with the 2025 facelift?
Chassis, bodywork, and wheels: the R version has 21- and 18-inch wheels instead of 19- and 17-inch wheels. Consequently, the handguard and tank sticker codes change, while the risers and GPS mount remain the same.
Do you have crash bars or pannier racks for the 390?
No, they are not listed for this model. The available accessories cover hand protection, lighting, tank grip, ergonomics, and luggage that mounts without frames.
Why does it have more dedicated accessories than larger bikes?
Because it sells well. Manufacturers develop dedicated parts where there is a market, and there is a market for the 390 Adventure: it’s one of the best-selling A2 bikes in Europe. On some niche twin-cylinder bikes, you find much less at the same price as the motorcycle.
Is it good for traveling?
For medium-length stages and riding solo, yes, with soft luggage. Two-up and fully loaded, the 44 horsepower becomes the limiting factor, especially uphill and on the highway.
Is it suitable for those starting off-road riding?
Yes, it’s one of the best: lightweight, with adjustable suspension and inexpensive to repair in case of a fall. Handguards with a through bar are the first purchase to make.