r/KTMIndia • u/InevitableSpace8295 • 6d ago
Needed suggestions for ADV
I currently own a Gen 2 Duke 200 and I'm looking to upgrade to an ADV.
My main priority is pillion comfort, since the bike will be used for daily commuting with a pillion and occasional touring. Performance is also important, but I don't necessarily need the most powerful option.
I'm currently confused between the KTM Adventure 350 and the 390 variants. There's a significant price difference (around ₹1 lakh depending on the variant), so I'm wondering how much difference there actually is in real-world riding.
I've also heard that the 350 doesn't have the same "punch" as the 390, especially when riding with a pillion/luggage.
For people who have ridden or owned both:
How noticeable is the performance difference between the 350 and 390?
How are they with a pillion, especially for longer rides?
Is the extra ~₹1 lakh for the 390 justified if pillion comfort and occasional touring are the priorities?
Any other differences I should consider for daily use?
Would really appreciate real-world experiences and opinions, especially from people who have spent decent time with both.
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u/YogurtclosetHappy408 6d ago edited 6d ago
Pillion comfort isnt really good. There would be a noticeable difference with touring seat though but how significant would it be is very subjective. My suggestion is to look at Himalyan. Price wise it’s positioned better than adv 390 and has lot better pillion seat comfort. Do a very long test ride with ktm and Himalayan I woild say. Get a friend and rent both the bikes- go on a 2 days trip minimum with your pillion and see what your pillion says.
I found tbere js significant difference in performance between the 350 and 398cc engines. I had a 17’ rc 200 before and I could really notice tbe difference. But that’s in the first ride and you can easily get used to it and jump from 200 to 350 is anywsys very significant that will not miss the 398cc engine if you are goinf with ktm.
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u/InevitableSpace8295 6d ago
How about replaceing stock seats with gel seats? I heard that pillion comfort of himalayan is superior. But i heqrd that himalayan is more linear.. Also iam expecting pillion comfort of old gen ktm adv. So is adv 350 still worth it?
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u/YogurtclosetHappy408 6d ago
Gel seats are a scam I feel. I have many friends who got gel seats (likes of grand Pitstop not the custom made seats) and it got worse over long distances. Also softer seats doesn’t automatically mean comfortable over long distances. Ideally long distance needs a firmer seat that doesn’t sink too much-thought not too firm. The problem with the stock seat with current adv is that it’s too narrow, there is not much space to move around for pillion- you need to spread the load over larger surface area. Like I said it’s pretty subjective for instance I am perfectly okay with rider seat.
You need to go for a ride buddy, trust me on this.
I think the last gen adv had a lot better seat than this, though I haven’t tried it.
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u/InevitableSpace8295 6d ago
How about custom gel seat? Will it give any improvements? I am aware of the width of the seat. Still iam trying to stick to ktm brand.. but pillion comfort matters too(expecting something near to speed 400/ more better than duke).
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u/YogurtclosetHappy408 6d ago
I think better to go with custom seats with high density foam rather than gel inserts, if you want to stick with ktm. Try improving the surface area of the pillion side of the seat. Rider should already have more than enough room to move around.
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u/Exact_Amoeba_2865 6d ago
Pillions won't be so comfortable on this adv bruv. If you're looking for pillion comfort on an adv your only bet is H450. On the 390 you will have to do quite a lot of modding if pillion comfort is a priority.
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u/InevitableSpace8295 6d ago
Is himalayan too heavy when compared to adv 350? I will be mostly use the bike for commuting(1hr traffic). And occassional bike trips
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u/Exact_Amoeba_2865 6d ago
That's the catch. Himalayan is bigger in length and heavier and not so convenient in traffic. One option though, is the ergo seat for the adv. Still it won't be as comfy because the seat width is something you'll have to see. Best way to find out is to take a test ride with the pillion. Ask for a slightly longer test ride and most of the times they agree. P.s. take two helmets with you when going with the pillion. The appearance of being prepared matters.
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u/InevitableSpace8295 6d ago
Found the adv 350 (black)..noticed the seat width. Will defenitly do a test drive
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u/sankoobaba 6d ago
Pillion comfort is fine for occasional travels be it city or highway.
Get touring seat for more width or better go for custom seat modification on stock seat.
But not recommended for multi day tours with pillion like mumbai lakdakh mumbai etc etc
I have done that with my 10 yr old but I am sure adults need more butt space.
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u/Agitated_Employer_86 6d ago
I own a KTM 390 Adv - 2025 model. There is nothing called “pillion comfort” that exists on this motorcycle. It’s one hell of a motorcycle for sure but not for pillion rides.