Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
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rather than avoiding them, the KTM is the better tool for the job. The Kawasaki takes the oppo- site approach. It's heavier, lower to the ground and not nearly as capable when the terrain gets ugly, but it's smoother, more comfortable and easier to live with overall, especially when put- ting in the long miles. Its parallel- twin engine is friendly and nearly vibration-free, its suspension works exceptionally well on pavement, and its comfortable seat and relaxed nature make it the bike we'd rather be on for a 300-mile day with plenty of high- ways and sightseeing on tap. For newer ADV riders, the Kawasaki might also be the less intimidating introduction to the category. It's predictable, uncomplicated and doesn't overwhelm you with electron- ics or aggressive performance. The KTM requires a little more commitment but rewards that commitment with considerably more capability when the riding gets serious and technical. So, despite being separated by just $200, having similar engine displacements and billing them- selves as "entry-level" adventure bikes, choosing between these two really isn't about which motorcycle is better. It's about where you want to ride. If dirt is the priority and pavement is just what connects the trails, consid- er the orange (KTM). If pavement and long days in the saddle are the priority and dirt roads are part of the adventure, consider the green apple (Kawasaki). Green apples or oranges? Both are very tasty with the right meal. CN P106 RIDE COMPARISON I 2026 KTM 390 ADVENTURE R VS. KAWASAKI KLE500 SE ABS 2026 KAWASAKI KLE500 SE ABS ($7499) Engine Liquid-cooled, parallel-twin Valvetrain DOHC, 4-valve Displacement 451cc Bore x Stroke 70.0 x 58.6mm Compression Ratio 11.3:1 Horsepower 51 hp @ 10,000 rpm Torque 31.7 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm Fueling DFI, 32mm throttle bodies Transmission 6-speed Final Drive Chain Frame High-tensile-steel trellis Front Suspension 43mm inverted fork Rear Suspension Uni-Trak, preload adjustable Front-Wheel Travel 8.3 in. Rear-Wheel Travel 7.7 in. Front Brake 300mm disc, 2-piston caliper, ABS Rear Brake 230mm disc, 2-piston caliper, ABS Front Tire 90/90-21 in. Rear Tire 140/70-17 in. Wheelbase 61.2 in. Rake/Trail 28.0° / 4.1 in. Seat Height 34.3 in. Ground Clearance 7.3 in. Fuel Capacity 4.2 gal. Weight (curb, claimed)430 lbs. (50-state) 2026 KTM 390 ADVENTURE R ($7699) Engine Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder Valvetrain DOHC, 4-valve Displacement 398.7cc Bore x Stroke 89.0 x 64.0mm Compression Ratio 12.6:1 Horsepower 44.4 hp Torque 28.8 lb-ft Fueling Bosch EFI, ride-by-wire Transmission 6-speed Final Drive Chain Frame Steel trellis Front Suspension 43mm WP Apex open-cartridge fork, compression/ rebound adjustable Rear Suspension WP Apex Split Piston shock, preload/rebound adjustable Front-Wheel Travel 9.1 in. Rear-Wheel Travel 9.1 in. Front Brake 320mm disc, 2-piston ByBre caliper, ABS Rear Brake 240mm disc, 1-piston ByBre caliper, ABS Front Tire 90/90-21 in. Rear Tire 140/80-18 in. Wheelbase 58.3 in. Rake/Trail 27.1° / 4.3 in. Seat Height 34.3 in. Ground Clearance 10.7 in. Fuel Capacity 3.7 gal. Weight (curb, claimed) 388 lbs. (50-state)