Middleweight adventure machines
There has been a surge in popularity, globally, for smaller displacement adventure bikes that have slightly more features than a dual purpose machine. These are bikes that have benefitted from trickle down tech that has filtered down from the larger halo model machine that the brands have become well known for.
Related: KTM 390 Duke (2024) Review
The case of today's comparison, is the KTM 390 Adventure that gets its features from the larger 890 Adventure and the Honda Africa twin's smaller brother, the CRF300 Rally, that made a name for itself in offroad racing around the world.
What is the best beginner motorcycle for new riders in South Africa?
Specifications
| KTM 390 Adventure R | Honda CRF300R Rally | |
| Engine | 398cc four-stroke single cylinder liquid cooled | 286cc four-stroke single cylinder liquid cooled |
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential PASC slipper clutch | 6 speed sequential |
| Power figures | 33kW / 39Nm | 21kW / 26Nm |
| Top speed | 153km/h | 140km/h |
| Frame Construction | Powder-coated steel trellis | Steel semi-double-cradle |
| Suspension Front | WP Apex 43, 230mm travel | 43mm telescopic upsidedown 260mm travel |
| Suspension Rear | WP Apex split piston 230mm travel | Pro-Link single piston 250mm travel |
| Brakes Front | 320mm Floating disk, Bybre radial callipers with two pistons ABS | 256mm x 3.5mm disc with two-piston caliper ABS |
| Brakes Rear | 240mm ByBre, single-piston, floating calliper, brake disc ABS | 220 mm x 4.5mm disc with single piston caliper ABS |
| Tyres | 90/90-21" (F) | 80/100-21" (F) |
| Quickshifter | Yes | No |
| Fuel Tank | 14l | 12.8l |
| Fuel Consumption | 3.4l/100km | 3.1l/100km |
| Weight | 165kg | 153kg |
| Seat Height | 870mm | 885mm |
| Tech | TFT screen | LCD screen |
| Comprehensive Rider Aids | 3 ride modes, street, rain and offroad, switchable ABS and traction control | ABS |
| Price | R 137 999 | R 109 199 |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years |
Verdict
The KTM does have a significant amount of features that set it apart from the Honda; however, the Honda has proven offroad credentials that can be seen in the better ground clearance, seat height and suspension travel. The KTM may be better equipped don paper but all that fancy tech wont help you conquer a sand dune at race pace!
