Is the KTM 390 Adventure X a better daily commuter than naked street bikes in the same price range?
As an entry-level adventure bike, the KTM 390 Adventure X has caught the eye as a possible daily commuter. Some riders have considered the bike over traditional naked street bikes in the same price bracket for its upright riding position and decent fuel efficiency and its ability to handle rough roads. But its taller stance, adventure tires and overall size compared to more compact street bikes has led some to question whether it's really a daily urban use bike. They talk about how maneuverable it is in traffic, how comfortable it is over speed bumps and potholes, how fuel efficient it is in stop-and-go traffic, and how practical is its adnture-focused design is in an urban setting. The question is: Is the 390 Adventure X the better option for someone who wants a do-it-all bike that is up to the task of daily commutes and weekend adventuring?
I love my X for daily commuting. In traffic, it has great visibility in the upright position, and it soaks up potholes like they're not even there.
Pure commuting is overkill. The 390 Duke would be a much more nimble, easier-to-park-in-tight-spots naked bike.
If you’re commuting in any way over bad roads, or you ever need to go over a curb, the X is perfect. It’s like the two-wheeled SUV for the city.
I started commuting on the X after switching from a naked bike. On longer rides, the wind protection and comfier ergonomics make a huge difference.
In the city it's thirstier than a pure street bike. But all that adventure capability comes at a price, namely some efficiency.
The X is so versatile it’s great for commuting. I use mine as my daily grind bike but can also take off for a weekend trip without changing bikes.
It’s just a bit too tall for stop-and-go traffic. After a while, constantly tiptoeing at lights gets tiring.
It’s very easy to carry luggage as a commuter. I have no problem going grocery shopping or carrying work gear.
The steering is a little slower than a street bike, thanks to the 19-inch front wheel, which can be annoying if you're doing quick urban maneuvers.
It’s the perfect commuter for me. It's comfortable, can take any road condition, and I don't worry about scraping the bottom on steep driveways or speed bumps.
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