KTM

Image for illustration only. Credit – Motorrad OnlineWhile semi-automatic gearboxes for motorcycles are nothing new, the one KTM is developing is far simpler and more cost effectiveEven when the shift to electric is inevitable, OEMs continue to invest in developing newer technologies for their ICE-based motorcycles. A recent example involves KTM that is developing an automatic gearbox for its 1301cc LC8 V-twin engine. This engine is in use with most of KTM’s touring-oriented motorcycles such as KTM 1290 Super Adventure S/R and KTM 1290 Super Duke GT. New versions of these bikes for 2024 or 2025 are also under development.While the responsiveness and sense of control associated with a manual gearbox is always desirable, an automatic gearbox has its own set of benefits. For example, users can focus more on riding and avoid the possibility of stalling. An automatic gearbox is also useful when negotiating heavy traffic.KTM automatic gearbox patent leaksKTM automatic gearbox – How it works?With its automatic gearbox, KTM will be looking to improve competencies against rivals. For example, Honda already has a DCT system. The company has sold more than 2 lakh motorcycles in Europe, which are equipped with the DCT gearbox. However, Honda’s DCT system is quite complex. It has advanced electronic and hydraulic systems and the clutch and shifter cannot be used in conventional manner. KTM’s automatic gearbox is much simpler in comparison.KTM automatic gearbox comprises a centrifugal clutch that connects the engine and transmission. This is different from the SCS (Smart Clutch System) being used by MV Agusta. KTM automatic gearbox engages at rev range higher than idle, allowing users to start and stop without having to use the clutch lever. While riding, gearshifts can be achieved without disengaging the clutch with the use of an up-and-down quickshifter and blipper system.KTM automatic gearbox patent leaksSolution to prevent the bike from rolling on a slopePatent application filed by KTM reveals a solution to a common problem associated with centrifugal clutch. When parked on a slope with gear engaged, the motorcycle will start rolling. This is because the centrifugal clutch is set to disengaged state by default, disconnecting the engine from the transmission. This is just the opposite of what happens with a normal, manual clutch.KTM automatic gearbox patent leaksA solution to this problem is having a separate parking brake. OEMs like MV Agusta are already using this solution. However, KTM has developed a different solution altogether. KTM has developed a unique locking system that is placed inside the gearbox itself. It stops the bike from turning, which prevents the rolling away of the bike off its side stand.An L-shaped pawl is used to control the turning of the transmission. The pawl is controlled by the shift drum that will engage the pawl only when the user selects ‘Park’. This stops the transmission from turning.One of the key supporting components of KTM’s automatic gearbox is an electric actuator. This is used to move the shift drum. With an electric actuator, the working can be controlled by the bike’s electronics. It could be manual via dedicated buttons or fully automatic. The parking lock is designed as such that it is automatically disengaged when a gear is selected.Source More

Image – TARIK ADVAfter launching KTM 390 ADV X and ADV Y variants, KTM Has now launched 390 ADV Spoke Wheel variant in IndiaAs part of its 2023 update, KTM 390 Adventure gets a new spoke wheel (SW) variant. While most of the features are the same as that of standard variant, 390 Adventure SW variant gets exclusive wire-spoke wheels. It will appeal to folks who want a more dynamic look and feel for their bike, a mix of retro and contemporary aesthetics. For this update, KTM 390 ADV will cost you Rs 3.6 lakh ex-sh, which is about Rs 22k more than the standard KTM 390 ADV.This new variant also gets fully adjustable suspension. The WP APEX suspension hardware is fully adjustable for compression, rebound and preload. This achieves that rare chemistry of tactile grip with the road and confidence-inspiring efficiency for the dirt.Damping at the front USD forks is of 30 clicks each for compression and rebound. The rear mono-shock is adjustable by 20 clicks for a rebound while retaining 10-step preload adjustability. This enables the rider to customize their ride quality, handling, and comfort as per their individual preferences and laden weight.KTM 390 Adventure spoke wheel variantWhile the standard variant with alloy wheels has a dominating street presence, 390 Adventure spoke wheel variant has a springy feel to it. The former is pure machine whereas spoke wheels ensure friendlier vibes for the bike. SW variant also gets a new colour scheme with orange shaded body work and trellis frame. KTM’s racing livery further enhances the bike’s look and feel.2023 KTM 390 ADV spoke wheel variant India LaunchThere are also the functional aspects, wherein spoke wheels have better capabilities across off-road tracks. Spoke wheels are also easy to repair in comparison to alloy wheels. KTM 390 Adventure SW variant has black-anodized aluminium rims that house the thickish wire spokes. The rims measure 19-inch at front and 17-inch at rear.390 Adventure spoke wheel variant specsApart from the spoke wheels and updated colour theme, there are no other major changes to KTM 390 Adventure SW variant. Powering the bike is the 373cc, single cylinder motor that churns out 44 hp of max power and 37 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Braking duties are performed by 320 mm disc at front and 230 mm disc at rear. Dual channel ABS with cornering function is offered as standard.Other key highlights of 390 Adventure include traction control, riding modes, ride-by-wire tech and quickshifter+. The bike has a 5-inch TFT screen that displays a range of information. Functionalities are the same as that of 2022 model.The display can be paired with the user’s smartphone via Bluetooth using KTM My Ride app. It can be used to access a range of functions including navigation. In India, KTM 390 Adventure will continue to rival the likes of BMW G310GS and upcoming Himalayan 450 and Hero XPulse 400. More

KTM 390 Adventure V Variant Launch SoonAfter launching the X variant, KTM has now launched V variant of the 390 Adventure – It gets the same engine
With a high ground clearance, ADVs offer a lot of versatility. They can trundle along on a beaten path and even full-on off-roading sessions shouldn’t be an issue. But, high ground clearance is often directly proportional to a tall seat height.
This becomes unappealing for shorter riders, who resort to tip-toeing. Riding such bikes is not recommended, especially on loose surfaces and soft ground, as it could be dangerous. KTM 390 Adventure is getting a solution for this. KTM has launched a new low seat-height variant denoted by ‘V’ that will address this shortcoming.
Low Seat-Height ‘V’ Variant – New KTM 390 Adventure V
The launch of 390 ADV X has been a solid effort from KTM to attract a wider range of audience. It made the motorcycle affordable by almost Rs 60k. With the 390 ADV V variant, KTM aims make the bike accessible to shorter riders
In the image we can see a 5′ 9″ guy tip-toeing on a regular 390 Adventure and flat-footing on a 390 Adventure V. In the new 390 ADV V variant, KTM is offering both front and rear suspensions from 390 Duke to achieve a lower seat height and a new low-profile seat as well. This means, the suspension travel will be 142mm front and 150 mm rear with V variant as opposed to 177 mm and 170 mm on standard variant.
KTM 390 Adventure V Variant
Thanks to this, seat height of KTM 390 ADV has been reduced from 855 mm to 830 mm. KTM 390 Adventure V is priced at Rs 3.38 lakh, which is same as the standard KTM 390 ADV. Apart from the suspension setup, there is no other change. All other features, tech remain same.
As of now, KTM offers two Adventure motorcycles based on 390 and 250 series platforms. Both of them share their design, body panels, and seating position. KTM 390 Adventure and 250 Adventure get 190mm of ground clearance, which leads to a rather high seat height of 855 mm. Similar changes to KTM 390 Adventure V are likely to trickle down to 250 Adventure in the future.
Numbers On Papers Vs Real Experiences
KTM’s high seat height might be because these platforms were not designed from scratch to be ADVs. If we take the Royal Enfield Himalayan for example, it has a much higher 220 mm ground clearance and despite that, boasts a seat height of just 800 mm. This is one of the main driving factors for Himalayan.
Seat height on paper doesn’t completely translate to flat-foot ability in real life. Royal Enfield Himalayan’s 800mm seat height is not any friendlier over Hero Xpulse’s 825mm of seat height. This is because Himalayan has a much wider seat base. Now legs have to go sideways and then down to flat-foot, instead of just down. Narrow seat will ensure that a lower seat height number on paper translates into real-life convenience. Apart from seat ht, design of the seat also plays an important role in how comfortable the motorcycle will be.
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New KTM 390 Adventure X – Delivery StartsNew affordable 390 Adventure X will help target a wider audience base and also improve competencies against rivals like BMW G310GS
KTM 390 Adventure is one of the best machines to explore the great outdoors. However, being the costliest KTM in India, it used to be out of reach of many enthusiasts. The new affordable 390 Adventure X variant is more accessible at Rs 2.80 lakh, which is 58k cheaper than the standard variant.
KTM 390 Adventure X is cheaper than both 390 Duke and RC 390, which are priced at Rs 2,96,230 and Rs 3,16,070, respectively. As 390 Adventure X is probably the most versatile among the three, it can generate higher demand than earlier. Also, the price gap with 250 Adventure is now just around 35k, which presents a good upgrade opportunity.
KTM 390 Adventure X Delivery Starts – First Look Walkaround
Delivery of the KTM 390 Adventure X variant has now started. First batch owners have started taking the delivery. Speaking about the changes / missing features of 390X Adv, it does not get traction control, quickshifter and cornering ABS. It also misses out on the Metzeler tyres, and gets MRF tyres instead.
Features that have been retained include dual-channel ABS. There is an option to switch off ABS on the rear wheel, which will be useful in off-road environments. It gets an LCD screen from the ADV 250, in place of the colour-TFT display available with the standard ADV 390 variant. Also missing is the adjustable brake lever.
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There are no other changes to KTM 390 Adventure X. The bike continues with the aggressive LED headlamp, compact windshield, sleek turn signals, sporty rear-view mirrors, sculpted fuel tank, alloy wheels, rugged engine guard, split seat design and compact upswept exhaust. Colour options for KTM 390 Adventure X include Orange and Dark Galvano.
KTM 390 Adv X gets LCD display from KTM 250 ADV
Riding ergonomics are the same as the standard variant, featuring a wide handlebar and centrally mounted foot pegs. The scooped rider seat improves balance and handling and is also suitable for shorter riders. The bike has customizable foot pegs, wherein the rubber inserts can be removed for better grip on off-road tracks. The bike’s ergonomics are suited for both on-road and off-road environments.
KTM 390 Adventure X performance, specs
There are no changes to the engine either. The bike is powered by a 373.2 cc, liquid cooled motor that churns out 42.9 bhp of max power and 37 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. KTM 390 Adventure X has a lightweight, yet rugged trellis frame, integrated with WP Apex USD forks at front and a monoshock unit at rear. Suspension travel is 170 mm and 177 mm, respectively. Braking duties are performed by 320 mm and 230 mm disc at front and rear, respectively.
KTM 390 Adv X gets MRF Tyres
As KTM 390 Adventure X retains all the core mechanicals, it presents the best value-for-money one can get in this segment. It is more powerful than the BMW G310GS and yet around 40k cheaper. Folks planning to invest in Royal Enfield Himalayan can also consider KTM 390 Adventure X as an upgrade option. The price gap with Himalayan stands reduced to 65k. More

KTM India Sales Mar 2023KTM sales more than doubled YoY both in domestic market and exports in March 2023 – It was MoM exports that declined
KTM India has registered strong sales in March 2023. Total sales (domestic + exports) improved by 63.07 percent YoY to 11,952 units in March 2023 from 7,289 units sold in March 2022. It was a de-growth of 17.62 percent MoM from 14,509 units sold in Feb 2023.
KTM sales increased 71.27 percent YoY and 7.55 percent MoM in domestic markets. Sales in March 2023 stood at 6,284 units, up from 3,669 units sold in March 2022 and from 5,843 units sold in Feb 2023. The month of March 2023 saw the company introduce a new variant of the KTM 390 Adventure called 390 Adventure X. It is below the Standard trim, missing out on several features that are available on the standard model and priced at Rs 2.8 lakh (ex-showroom).
KTM India Domestic sales Breakup March 2023
KTM’s 200 series (Duke + RC) saw maximum sales in domestic markets with 2,915 units sold in the past month, up 50.03 percent over 1,943 units sold in March 2022. This was a 972 unit volume growth with the KTM 200 commanding a 46.39 percent share. MoM sales however, dipped 10.42 percent from 3,254 units sold in Feb 2023.
A 11.44 percent YoY and 3.94 percent MoM sales of KTM 250 (Duke + ADV) have been reported in March 2023. Sales in March 2023 stood at 1,715 units, up from 1,539 sold in March 2022. Feb sales had been at 1,650 units. Share percent stood at 27.29 in the past month.
KTM Domestic Sales March 2023
In 3rd place was the KTM 390 series (Duke + RC + ADV) which has seen the maximum YoY growth. Sales stood at 1,208 units in March 2023, up 120700 percent from just 1 unit sold in March 2022. It was also a 92.05 percent MoM growth from 629 units in Feb 2023. Sales of the KTM 125 (Duke + RC) also increased by 139.78 percent to 446 units in March 2023 from 186 units sold in March 2022 while MoM growth was at 43.87 percent over 310 units sold in Feb 2023.
KTM India Exports Breakup March 2023
Total exports on the other hand, saw a 56.57 percent YoY growth but fell 34.59 percent on a MoM basis. Exports which had been at 3,620 units in March 2022 improved to 5,668 units in March 2023. It had been higher at 8,666 units in Feb 2023. In export markets, it was the KTM 390 that commanded the most attention. Sales improved by 84.07 percent to 2,496 units in March 2023 from 1,356 units sold in March 2022 with a 44.04 percent share. MoM sales fell by 50.63 percent from 5,056 units sold in Feb 2023.
KTM 200 series (Duke + RC) was next on the export list with a 104.80 percent YoY growth and 4.32 percent MoM growth to 1,450 units shipped in March 2023. This was as against 708 units and 1,390 units exported in March 2022 and Feb 2022 respectively.
KTM Exports March 2023
The KTM 125cc series saw YoY increase in exports by 18.28 percent to 1,294 units while MoM sales dipped 18 percent. The KTM 250 on the other hand posted a de-growth both in terms of YoY (-7.36 percent) and MoM (-33.33 percent) down to 428 units in the past month. This was against 462 units shipped in March 2022 and 642 units exported in Feb 2023.
KTM Total Sales March 2023
Total sales stood at 11,952 units in March 2023, a 63.97 percent YoY growth from 7,289 units sold in March 2022. MoM sales dipped 17.62 percent. Every model on the list has posted a MoM de-growth in terms of total sales brought down due to a dip in export figures. It was the KTM 200 series that topped the total sales list with 4,365 units sold in March 2023 up 64.65 percent over 2,651 units sold in March 2022. It was a 6.01 percent MoM de-growth from 4,644 units sold in Feb 2023.
KTM Total (Sales + Exports) March 2023
KTM 390 sales also grew by 172.96 percent YoY to 3,704 units in March 2023 but fell 34.85 percent MoM. KTM 250 series saw a 7.10 percent YoY growth to 2,143 units in the past month but fell 6.50 percent MoM from 2,292 units sold in Feb 2023. YoY growth in total sales were also seen for the 125 series up 35.94 percent YoY to 1,740 units from 1,280 units sold in March 2022 while MoM sales dipped 7.84 percent over 1,888 units sold in Feb 2023. More

KTM 390 Adventure X gets the same 373cc engine, developing close to 43 bhp of power and 37 Nm of torqueKTM 390 Adventure X launched – Rs 58k more affordable than existing ADV 390Team Orange has introduced a new variant of its popular 390 Adventure model. It is called 390 Adventure X and sits below the Standard model in pricing and equipment. The Austrian brand has cut some corners to achieve this lower pricing. The high-performance single-cylinder engine doesn’t get any revisions.KTM 390 Adventure X – Less Features For Less MoneyThe new variant costs Rs. 2.8 lakh (ex-sh). This is an introductory price and is likely to change in the future. As opposed to Rs. 3.38 lakh for standard model with all the bells and whistles, 390 Adventure X costs Rs. 58,000 less (all prices ex-sh). Making it a tempting proposition for potential buyers.KTM PricesPricing is the most interesting factor in this development. KTM 390 Adventure X now costs Rs. 2.8 lakh (introductory, ex-sh). 390 Adventure X is now Rs. 58,000 less than standard model and Rs. 36,000 more than KTM 250 Adventure priced at Rs. 2.44 lakh. Bringing 250 Adventure to the equation lends new perspectives regarding this new lower-spec KTM 390 Adventure X.The company has not cut corners where it matters the most. Potential buyers can rejoice. The 373.27cc single-cylinder engine is untouched. It still makes 42.9 bhp of power at 9000 RPM and 37 Nm of torque at 7000 RPM. The 6-speed gearbox and primary cycle parts are carried over.Omissions to achieve a lower price point come in its equipment list. KTM 390 Adventure X is devoid of a slew of electronic aids. These include Traction Control System, Cornering ABS and a quick shifter. Dual-channel ABS (switchable rear) is retained with the newer model.LED lighting all-around, USD front forks, ride-by-wire, slipper and assist clutch, 320mm front with 4-pot caliper and 230 mm rear with 1-pot caliper brake setup, tubeless tyres, 19” front and 17” alloy wheel setup and 200 mm ground clearance are carried over. KTM 390 Adventure X may not get a TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity as seen on the regular 390 ADV. It could instead get a display unit from KTM 250 ADV.Value For Money Variant In KTM’s 390 LineupKTM 390 Adventure X will broaden the horizon for the brand, drawing in more buyers. A lower entry-level price point makes it a VFM proposition, considering everything it packs. It is currently the least expensive KTM offering with a 373cc engine. 390 Adventure X has a slew of rivals falling in similar ethos. Zontes 350T costs Rs. 3.67 lakh and BMW G 310 GS costs Rs. 3.2 lakh (all prices ex-sh, Delhi)Royal Enfield Himalayan and Yezdi Adventure cost less and pose better value. Pound-to-pound, both these vehicles are less performant than KTM 390 Adventure X. Colour options are Orange and Dark Galvano. Spoke Wheel Edition and Low Seat-Height Editions are likely to launch at a later date.Many prospective buyers will find the new lower-spec variant of 390 Adventure a tempting proposition. It is not sure whether KTM will implement a similar strategy with Duke and RC lineups. In contrast, 390 Duke costs Rs. 2.96 lakh and RC 390 costs Rs. 3.16 lakh (all prices ex-sh, Delhi). More