KTM 250 Adventure

There was a time when the quarter-litre space in the Indian two-wheeler market was made up of two-three motorcycles. Cut to 2020 and you'll be spoilt for choice with the variety of 250s on sale. From naked to faired motorcycles, a cafe racer, a scrambler and a power cruiser, the list is long. What the segment was missing is an adventure tourer and the new KTM 250 Adventure plugs that void.

About the Reviewer

I am using this beast for just over a month now. The performance, comfort & road practicality is top-notch. I am a little short-sighted about this motorcycle, but the confidence it provides in the city & in highways is just awesome. As per the service & maintenance is concerned it is on a little costlier side. But for this extravagant beast, the price is justified. The only issue I felt is when I was cruising at 130 - 132 kmph it was just a little above 7000 rpm, and the foot pecks were vibrating a bit, which was negligible for me. Overall riding a KTM ADV 250 feels sublime.

About the Reviewer

This bike is going to give you a big bike feel for sure, but it doesn't feel heavy.
let's talk about the looks first.
And when I'm talking about the looks how can I miss the halogen headlamp that's a bit eyesore for me personally, otherwise the bike looks beautiful from each and every angle.
The tall 855mm seat height can be a problem for shorter riders. If you are more than 5"9 go for it. (you can also ask for a low-height seat )
The rider's pov is also beautifully designed,
Looks just like a 390 adv except for that tft display and, to be honest, I can't complain about that because most of the time our eyes are set on the view ahead, not on the meter console. (the console provides enough information like fuel range, riding mode, gear position, odo etc .)
its performance.
Great for daily commutes but once you'll hit the highway it just glides on that tarmac.
I must say, that the 250cc engine from ktm is the most tractable engine in this single-cylinder category.
If you are below 6000 rpm you'll have a smooth ride but after 6000rpm you'll feel that surge of power and that 30ps/24nm will leave a big smile on your face. With a bodyweight of around 92 kgs I was easily able to manage a top speed of 139kmph so if you are a light weight rider going 145+ will be hassle-free for you.
Touring and off-road capabilities.
I feel that most of its buyers will spend their maximum time on tarmac not off road.
Touring on this bike is like surfing through the tides ( pleasant yet a bit bumpy)
The comfortable speed for highway touring on this bike is between 85 to 110 kmph depending on your body weight and riding style.
Anything above that will make you feel like the bike is bouncing a bit.
Those slightly stiff suspensions will give you great handling but don't absorb sharp bumps.
When it comes to offroad this bike gives justice to its name (almost)
But don't expect it to be a slow off-road machine like re himalayan. The low-end torque is not that much so keep the throttle twisted and
It can be pretty fast in off roads if you know how to handle it. Tall stance, off-road pegs, high ground clearance everything helps you to enjoy the adventure factor of this machine.
(personal suggestion- if you are looking for a off-road focused bike better go for 390 adv).
We know that it doesn't ride like 390
But it doesn't bite like 390 either. I'm getting mileage of 25-30kmpl in mixed riding conditions and 32+kmpl on the highways.
The first 3 services will cost you around rs 1500 - 2000 . Later it can go 2500 -3000.
Service intervals are long enough.
Let's see the pros and cons
Pros.
1. Great for touring and mild offroad.
2. Good mileage considering its segment.
3. Great road presence, it is a head-turner.
4. Good mid-range punch
5. Great stability
6. Great on-offroad tyres .
7. Best brakes in its segment
Cons.
1. Weak headlamps for touring.
2. Gets bumpy after 120 kmph
3. A bit pricy
Conclusion - if you are a new rider and considering this as your first do it machine
it won't disappoint you. Go and have a test ride. But if you are an experienced rider who's riding 150-200cc better go with ktm 390 adv or bmw 310 gs .

About the Reviewer