The prospect of an affordable Scrambler does catch us by the heartbeat as KTM appears to have another contender to define a brand new segment
KTM India has recently confirmed the launch of 390 Adventure as a response to the soon-arriving BMW G310 GS. Going by the Austrian brand’s aggressive strategy, it is expected to undercut the pricing of its German rival and come packed with features. It will take its design inspiration from the flagship 1290 Super Adventure and its vast motorsport expertise will come in handy in developing the motorcycle.
Test prototypes of the 390 Adventure were spotted way back in 2016 for the first time and the subsequent mules did prove that the development was well underway. KTM, in recent years, has been offering high-end technologies in all of its mainstream models in its global fleet. The 390 siblings we have in India are no exceptions as they are the most tech-brimmed in their respective segments. The 390 Adventure has all the ingredients to kick start a new segment with possible high level of driver assistant technologies at around Rs. Rs. 2.8-2.9 lakh price range.
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When the Duke 390 received its substantial update early last year, only few had expected the market entry of its 250 sibling. KTM does have the ability to surprise everyone and on a profound note, the 390 Adventure could spawn a number of other variants as well including a hardcore off-roader and a scrambler. The prospect of an affordable Scrambler does catch us by the heartbeat as KTM appears to have another contender to define a brand new segment.
Spotted on the outskirts of KTM’s proving ground in Mattighofen, Austria last year the 390 Scrambler was in its early stages of testing and had pre-production parts fitted on to it. However, the idea of an affordable Scrambler will work the treat for KTM and we will have to wait and see if the variant makes its way into India. It will share components and powertrain with the regular Duke 390 that is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 43 bhp and 37 Nm peak torque.
Also Read: Official! KTM 390 Adventure Confirmed To Launch Next Year In India
The spy shots suggested that the front end with tall fenders replicated that of the 390 Adventure. The Scrambler featured long travel front forks with fork shrouds, sharp body extensions and large diameter spoke wheel bringing a compact profile. While the long travel suspension will help in tackling unpaved roads, the sleek profile will likely ensure light construction and potential to be used on regular traffic conditions with ease.
Since they were early prototypes, changes could be made to make it an authentic Scrambler capable of crunching miles. The KTM 390 Adventure and its expected variants could debut later this year at 2018 INTERMOT in October or the EICMA show in Italy the following month. KTM may just introduce the regular dual-purpose variant of the 390 Adventure initially in India as the confirmed launch is speculated to happen in the first half of 2019.
Also Read: New KTM Duke 200 To Get Major Updates; Expected Unveil At EICMA
Following the customers’ response, KTM could expand the Adv range and it could include a Scrambler. With KTM-owned Husqvarna’s Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401s spied testing in India already, we could be in for an interesting year ahead from KTM. What are your thoughts on a 390 Scrambler for India and will it be another success story?
Image Source: Motorradonline.de