After years of rumours and speculations, KTM’s much-anticipated motorcycle, the 390 Adventure, has been finally launched in India. The company has introduced it with a rather impressive price tag of Rs 2.99 lakhs. Considering the overall package that the 390 ADV is, that price tag is profoundly attractive. However, there are five other contenders in the market which are also worth considering.
Similar to the KTM 390 Adventure, the BMW G 310 R is yet another premium offering in this segment. While it may not take you off the beaten path as efficiently as the former, the G 310 R manages to impress on the tarmac with its punchy performance and nimble handling. The 313cc, single-cylinder engine makes 33bhp and 28Nm and clings on to a tubular steel trellis frame with USD forks and a monoshock. Priced at Rs 2.99 lakhs, it is an entry-level offering from BMW.
Competing against the G 310 R in this segment is the Benelli TNT 300 which carries a price tag identical to the BMW. At Rs 2.99 lakhs, you get a sweet-sounding machine with a 300cc, parallel-twin motor which produces 37.7bhp and 26.5Nm. It is also known to offer fairly comfortable ergonomics along with a friendly character for making it a great touring companion. With upside down forks and dual disc brakes up front, the TNT 300 is also a compelling proposition in terms of hardware.
If you want the parallel-twin howl of the TNT 300 but in a sportier package, Benelli also has the 302R. Packing the same motor as its naked sibling along with majorly similar cycle parts, the 302R looks like a 600cc supersport, courtesy of its burly dimensions. Also, it offers enough comfort to be ideal for your weekend rides, without hurting your back at the end of it.
The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is also a fully-faired motorcycle powered by a smooth and refined 296cc, parallel-twin motor. It is suitable for treading slow in traffic as well as for gunning it around the mountains, thanks to its tractable powerplant. Also, its low kerb weight and agile handling dynamics make the Ninja 300 a fun-to-ride motorcycle. As for the pricing, it can be bought at the same price as its aforementioned Italian rival.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
Retro-inspired café racers have their own charm and the only one you buy at this price point in India is the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. While it boasts of breath-taking looks, the Continental GT’s major USP is the 648cc, parallel-twin engine which is extremely refined and torquey and is good for 47bhp and 52Nm. With prices starting at 2.71 lakhs, it is the largest displacement motorcycle around this price range.
(All prices are ex-showroom)