A honest, straightforward user review is always welcome. Pleas ekeep uploading your updates with the bike. And yes, we would love to see your travel videos like a vlog with little reviews of how the bike performed during the trip. Also, please upload any modifications for improving the bike's performance if you will be doing any. Edit: If possible can you also use other bikes occasionally for trips so that you can give an opinion onthat bike compared to your ktm.
Thanks for being so honest. I took the test ride of the 21 model , the test ride bike was having false neutrals, and vibrations on footpeg was persistent throughout the rev range. I wish the bike was smoother and had better low end torque. Loved you content, would like to see more travel content 👍
Thank you so much for your time and appreciation, helps a lot in the starting stages. I will definitely post travel content. Test ride bikes are roughly handled in most cases, but I think that must be the best kept bike in a showroom, as it's a easy decision for customer; which might turn painful for them.
@@wheelsontarmac no, not yet but "we don't ride spec sheet" is what most reviewers say and IMHO we actually do ride spec sheet. Vstrom is 2.32 lakhs in my area, why will I pay that much for a poorly built offroader and not pay a bit more and go for a proper adv. I am a gixxer 150 owner, Suzuki engines are a gem but it's not an offroader engine.
@@art_seer Hi Shrikant, I made a first ride review of the VStrom. Link: ua-cam.com/video/nmxlI173BxE/v-deo.html The off road capabilities are nothing short of disappointing, they missed a fantastic opportunity.
Yes sir last month i have purchased this beautiful bike ♥️when maintaining speed 80-90 around @5000rpm iam getting 40-42kmpl mileage, when iam exceed speed of 100-110km @6000rpm iam getting mileage of 30-35kmpl, really very comfortable bike of crusing in Highway i have done three long rides and covered 2000km till now very smooth but only one problem i faced is coolant level gets down very fast, I'm using Xp95 petrol and can feel difference between normal and Xp95 is far better than speed petrol , try this petrol sir really you can see difference
I will definitely try out the fuel. Thanks for the tip. You can fill the coolant on your own. Mix half part water and half part coolant. You can ask the service center if they can top it up for free as well. Some might do it.
Hi, can you provide some inputs on these concerns that I have? 1. How is the pillion comfort? I will be riding with a pillion often so I need to know if she can be kept happy while covering long distances. 2. Did the suspension adjustment help in any way to make the ride comfortable? Did you make any adjustments to the preload? How much of a difference does it make? 3. Does the suspension behave differently (good or bad) when riding with a pillion? Does the ride improve or does it get worse?
Hi Chinmay, first of all thank you for watching. Yes I can provide some inputs. 1. Pillion comfort is really good on the bike and you can easily go for long hauls. The seat is flat which helps a lot, my wife finds it comfortable and doesn't mind long hauls. She did have to get used to getting down from the bike, especially after the luggage rack was added. 2. I did not adjust the suspension as I found it to be okay on most of the conditions. For off road it is not unsettling and for on road, the default preload gives ample confidence to take corners (after getting used to the bike of course). I think one point to the softer side can help in bad roads. 3. Suspension does not have much of a difference, but it definitely gets a bit softer in a good way with the additional weight; but only by a tiny bit. For comparison in the Gixxer 155; I always felt the suspension to be way better and more plush with a pillion - compared to that this is quite minuscule. I hope this was helpful to you.
@@wheelsontarmac Hey thanks for explaining that to me in detail! When I went to the dealership to test ride the 250, they didn’t have it. Instead they asked me that I can get the feel of the bike by testing the 390 which has the same mechanicals as the 250. When I rode the 390 adventure I found it to be a bit stiffer but the seat for the rider was the best. It was the perfect blend of space and comfort. I couldn’t get any response on the pillion seat because my pillion wasn’t available that day. So I had to ask you. Also the test ride was a very short one so I couldn’t deduce the comfort level entirely. Thank you for sharing your experience! This has been helpful. Cheers!
Just need one more input please : How's the low end / initial torque with pillion and luggages?? Will it give enough power with both pillion and luggages in bumper to bumper traffic ??
@@jagannaath3814 It is definitely sufficient, but requires revving. It's not hard to get used to it. Just ensure that you're not applying the throttle too much as engine can come alive all of a sudden at 5k rpm (the idle itself is above 2k rpm).
Simple and crispy explanation. I was in the middle of booking payment for adv 250 and randomly checked the YT reviews over this bike. Fortunately I found yours and I made the payment. Thank you. and god bless you man.
Hi, found your review to be the most genuine one. Great job. I am planning to buy ktm adv but confused beteeen 250 and 390. After riding 250 for couple of months now, do you think it's worth spending additional 1 lac to get 390. Or 250 does the job. My use would be one or two long distance rides in a month mostly in the mountains- Himachal, Uttarakhand, sometimes to Ladakh. All will be with pillion rider. Also, for city driving mostly on the weekends.
Hi Navdeep, thank you so much for the appreciation, I promise keep up that value always. Thank you for your time. I saw your comment today morning itself, but I wanted to test the bike once again in a tricky condition (to be precise, beach sand) before I provided my inputs. I did check it out today evening and this is what I feel. 1. I highly recommend renting out The Himalayan, the 250 Adventure and the 390 Adventure if you get it, if its not possible do go for multiple test rides. 2. I have never been to the places you have mentioned, so I can only understand the conditions based on videos I have seen, it is with this intend that I went for a hard surface off road and sandy terrain. My observation is that, the lack of initial torque is a real bummer in these conditions. If you are experienced in off-roading, it won't be an issue; if not this is a sticky situation that I found out today - since there is a lack of torque, I had to feather the clutch and rev the engine. That will get the job done, but not with ease (once again if you're up for the challenge to master it it would be fun, else a major pain), I am certain that the 390 will have this problem too. Coming back to the sticky situation - I feel that once the tyres find traction, there is a good chance that the bike can dart off given that you rev the engine hard; the engine does come alive all of a sudden once it crosses 6000 rpm. In case of the Himalayan, it just chugs along in these situations (sand could be a similar story). But generally speaking as an amateur off road enthusiast, I did not feel lack of confidence, rather mild irritation at times. 3. Long distance rides on tarmac, bumpy roads and broken roads are a breeze even with the pillion, they do find it very comfortable, the seat is flat and the posture is quite relaxed too. You might definitely have to add a better wind protector, because when you're on the highway and cruising above 70, you can get wind blast, sitting further back can help a little, but its not a solution. 4. In city you will have to work your gears for sure, anything below 15 to 17kmph and you HAVE to be in 1st gear or stall, so expect a lot of gear shifting for both the 250 and the 390. The engine does get warm, but not uncomfortably so. 5. Coming to the 1 Lakh question, I personally don't feel it is worth it, other than the capability to go faster and reach speeds faster, the rest is the same story. The only thing that is worth in the 390 would be maintaining speeds above 100kmph, it's not that the 250 can't do it, but due to a higher capacity, it would be smoother, otherwise it would be wise to save that money and spend it on some accessories. I hope this was helpful, if you have any further queries big or small, do let me know. On a related note, I'm trying to get a long test ride on the 390, so far my stints with the 390 have been short.
Hi there.. I found this video to be very informative. Please help me with the average service cost of this bike in near future. And what is the city mileage ?? Your views will be really appreciated. I am actually confused.
Hi, thank you so much. Average cost will be in the higher 2000 range & close to 3k, so it is a bit expensive. I recently did a pure city fuel economy test and I got only 24kmpl. But, I think my in gear revvs were high, so I'm in the process of testing it again with a more milder riding style. Hope this helps.
Saw your video. Good explanation about core details, loved it. I am planning to go for 250 jumping from a decision of Dominar 400. Also am not a regular bike rider, so lack of experience is a concern for me. Can you help me out which of these is best for me (Dominar 400 or ADV 250). Am 5’8” tall weighing around 80kg. Hoping to hear from you soon👋🏻
Hi Shyam, first of all thank you so much for your appreciation, it means a lot to me. Coming to the dilemma you’re facing; considering your height, the 800mm seat on the Dominar would definitely be friendly, if you choose the KTM, an additional 55mm of seat height is added, which won’t be an issue while you’re on the move and while you stop in traffic, you can sit forwards and lean to one side while stopping, the trouble is when you’re on the saddle and you want to waddle with your feet say from an inclined parking spot. Even with planted feet, at times I find it difficult. Coming to engine refinement, I must say that the Dominar is more refined, KTM does vibrate, sometimes irritably so if you’re not in the sweet spot of the rev band, which ideally is not possible always. Since you’re not so experienced, you will need more time getting used to the KTM due to unnecessary tall gearing and lack of initial torque (never let lack of experience come in the way of confidence as you’ll get used to it soon). Considering these I would personally recommend the Dominar 400. I would like to know whether you took test rides of both, if not do it twice or thrice (if you’re in and around Kollam or Trivandrum in Kerala, let me know) to know about the bike. Further, what will be your use case scenario on a daily basis and on weekends?
@@wheelsontarmac Thanks for the awesome explanation. I live in ernakulam but that doesnt mean am always riding through traffic, as am near to aluva the roads are pretty good and with less traffic. Main priority for me is good riding comfort and pillion comfort when doing long distance or even short distance. I have test ridden Dominar almost a year ago because i work abroad i couldnt find time to test ride ADV 250 in the given time. I find it nice to ride Dominar.
I think Dominar would suit then... But to put your dilemma to rest, you can try the KTM. Otherwise it's possible that you might keep wondering whether you made the right move.
Hello! Nice video. I am interested to own this bike, however, i just have the concern with the cruising speed. Being a 250cc, is it possible to cruise effortlessly at 110? Does it stress the bike at this speed, if i want to constantly cruise? Look forward to your answer. Thanks!
Hi, thank you for your compliment. It is possible to do that but not so comfortably. It does stop fast and all, but the buzzy engine is felt on the footpegs mainly and due to that there's a feeling of the bike being pushed beyond capability. I honestly am not sure how long it can cruise constantly at that speed. 95/96 was the point till I felt comfortable for constant speed. The mirrors will need replacement too. It's not the vibes that vibrate the mirror, but the wind, coz for me personally; above 85, the right mirror is slightly blurry, whereas left mirror is clear. I could have felt uncomfortable because, I don't cruise on those speeds on two wheeler mainly because of: 1. Anyone or anything can jump in front at any time on our roads. 2. Some bikers suddenly see it as a race, when that happens I usually stop and let them go. I don't want to stop at everyone who shows no sense. 3. Many roads that I frequent don't feel safe for 100 plus on two wheeler. 4. Related to point 1: I have had more than 25 issues (roughly) of people, vehicles, dogs & cows jumping in front of bike. So, my point in short is; I think till 100 it feels comfortable for me personally and beyond that it could be my unsettling thoughts. Hope the reply was useful:)
Plz let me know about the back suspension.. few days before my bike suddenly fell into a gutter while the front suspension took the fall neatly but the back one felt very bad it gave me a sudden hit..
@@almeshv.a4170 I recently went for a off road terrain, not trails, I had a pillion when I tackled a bad patch of non-tarred road and I could feel the bottom bash plate hitting the ground. But I think your situation is different. The rear suspension of the KTM 250 and 390 is set quite hard for more drive-ability on the road and in corners. You can try setting it softer so that you won't feel it on your body.
A review done by a gentle rider infact a gentle handler of KTM. These bikes are generally pushed above their limits. U have given a wonderful review in ua usual way of riding. Except for the quality of the plastics the main aesthetics are awesome. The fitment part is to done by the dealer. 30 PS power is really good and a mileage of 40- 42 kmpl is excellent.
Hi, thank you so much for your insights into the matter and for your appreciation. Unless I'm comfortable and only when I'm sure the roads are near empty do I push the bike, even the car. May be my days of adrenaline rushed riding on the road is over.. ha ha .. There's more to than pushing the limits on road. I want our country to have numerous race tracks so that the youth can test out their skills and push the bikes to the extreme there.
Thank you for your comment and view, and thank you for your insight. First of all, when I took delivery of the KTM, Suzuki did not even announce the Vstrom 250. I was waiting for long for something from Suzuki as I still own the Gixxer and I love the engine. But personally I would have stuck to the KTM for two reasons 1. I wanted a tall seat height that can accommodate me in a relaxed manner. With the Vstrom 250's relatively lower seat height and relatively taller set footpegs, I will be cramped on the bike, I have never felt my legs so relaxed on any other bike so far. 2. I wanted long suspension travel as I have to tackle extremely bad roads on a regular basis. I'm not a fan of modifying suspension later on. Coming to your inputs, I cannot honestly comment on the same, because I don't know how it feels for long hauls and how much fuel economy it can provide. If you're planning to buy one and booked, I would love it if you could share the bike for a test run and go for a ride together. Meanwhile I will try my best to at least get a test ride from a Suzuki showroom.
I recently bought ktm adv 250 and I am having few concerns: 1. Gear shifting is not smooth and makes sound when shifting 2. Engine is not so smooth and I could feel somekind of vibration or its not so refined. Hoping this would be sorted aft 1st service
First of all thank you for your comment and congratulations on the new bike. To address your queries: 1. Did you try shifting fast using less clutch? Otherwise it does feel hard. Try it out, if not get it checked. It does require some getting used to. 2. Sadly the engine is not so smooth it does have that KTM buzz. Initially I felt it to be smoother than now. Try to keep it in the 4k rpm revv band in each gear. And assuming you're in breaking in stage, don't revv beyond 5.5 k and keep varying speeds. Wish you the very best. Happy riding. I would like to know which bike you were riding before?
Hi, Thanks for the video I bought the bike yesterday. While going on low gears i feel heating on thigh part. Is it reduced ster first service. And did you add any accessories?
Hi, it is common especially if you're in lower gears riding through traffic. Do you feel it's uncomfortably warm though? If so you need to get it checked. Sadly there is no change in heating levels after first or second service.
Fans kick in only in city traffic and they just get the work done in 10-20 sec max and no abs problem whatsoever, completed 1 year on adv 250 this month 12K+ kms
First of all, thanks a ton Soundar :) I have never had fan noise issues other than what Abhijit has mentioned in the comment. Only in heavy traffic and sometimes after you ride in traffic and take a pause it kicks in. It's not the same as the Duke's.
Thank you so much, it means a lot :) Yes it definitely is high compared to Suzuki. The thing is KTM 250 Adv still fills a void, Suzuki could have been a little less lazy with the VStrom and easily stole the show.
Hi, no the RPM won't be locked. You can use the entire revv band but it's not advisable while breaking in. Regarding gear shifts try using less clutch and shift fast, it'll go smoothly.
Many complain abt hard suspension. Tell something abt that..I m also not offroader..I like to take good highway..So is it good ..Will I enjoy.I cannot take Himalyan becoz of Tube Tyre.
By default, the rear monoshock is hard. But you can easily change it to smoother one. On road and small broken roads, the default suspension is not hard. In highway you will enjoy the 250 for sure.
Nice video. Are you able to differentiate between cluster shown fuel economy to tank full to tank full economy. I see a difference of over 7 to 8 kms between the odo shown economy and actual tank full to tank full method. This was after many 1000 kms of testing. Another issue which I see on odo is the trip meter which gets stuck at 999 and does not zero down automatically. Do you see this issue on your odometer?
Hi Surendra, thank you so much. I feel the same too; however I am yet to properly test the fuel economy too. My tank is almost empty now, so I'm thinking of a proper fuel economy test. Yes, the trip meter supports till 999 and does not get reversed automatically. It requires manual intervention. In many vehicles I have seen this (in my car it went till 9999 for trip meter and get stuck there). I think many manufacturers avoid auto reset because those who use trip meters usually reset it before a journey.
Suspension is a bit on the stiffer side for the rear mono-shock. But this can be of help in the highways as the bike doesn't jump around while braking. On broken patches, I would have liked it to be smoother.
It works like on road, there are no specific issues I faced on inclines, even with very steep ones. Heating is what you can expect while riding on the road. It mostly heats in traffic when there is less airflow around the engine.
Excellent review....i have question regarding purchasing about adv 250. I have two bike options 1) should I buy new that cost 2.88 lakh in Maharashtra 2) or should I buy second hand that cost 1.90 and 4000 km running only with scratches condition 2021 model. Should I save 1 lakh or go for new one
Thank you so much :) If you're convinced that the bike is good (if not ask some mechanic you or your friends might know to come check it for you) and won't cause any issues I see no reason to spend an extra lakh for the new one. Save it and use it for accessories and funding your travels. And if you're concerned about any of the scratches ask the owner how it happened. Also check it thoroughly by riding it alone, with a pillion, check for abnormal vibrations, balance of the bike, steering issues, abnormal heating and so on.
Hello thanks for the video. I have confusion between ktm adv250, himalayan and meteor 350 for touring snd occassional city rides. Please help me out. Thanks!
Hi, you're welcome. Will you be touring predominantly or would there be off-road rides as well? What's your height? And would this be your only motorcycle and would you be commuting on a daily basis on the motorcycle you choose?
@@wheelsontarmac i will be using this bike for touring and casual city rides and not for daily commuting. This will be my only bike and i won’t be using it to go to office as i have private cab. My height is 5.9
Here's my suggestion buddy. Kindly take test rides of all motorcycles you've shortlisted and if someone you know has these bikes do take them for at least a 50km run. I think the Meteor looks like a good proposition, however if you want to cruise above 90 constantly the Adv 250 would be better. I'm not considering the Himalayan coz it's more capable off the road than on the road. I would also recommend checking out the Adventure 390 X if you wish to cruise in higher speeds. The KTM Adv 250 is really good for touring, but I'm personally not so satisfied with the engine refinement long term. The load carrying capacity is good, and it will run without issues generally; however at rare occasions there is a problem with engine lethargy. Sometimes the engine feels like it's out of power. Coming to customisation for luggage carrying it's really easy for Adv 250 as there are plenty of options now. Hope this helps in some way. Please note that I've never ridden the Meteor 350.
@@wheelsontarmac thanks a lot for ur suggestion! I have ridden meteor 350 and really liked how easy it is to ride. I will be riding ktm adv next week. The height is okay for me but since i havent ridden it im unable to decide. Hows the plastic quality of the ktm adv when compared to metal in RE? Heard from my friend that accessories provided by RE is not upto the mark. Meteor is a slow machine and ktm is faster right?
Hi,I have 2 questions,one is does the engine strain if we constantly tour at 90 to 100 speed and second one is does this bike has vibration issues which would make touring discomfort?
If you constantly travel at 90 to 100 range it won't strain the engine (given that you are breaking in properly). Vibrations will be present at that speeds on hanlebars and mainly on foot pegs. It's of buzzy kind vibrations, so it's not irritating & there are no vibrations felt on the seat.
Yes vibrations are there but they are minimal, and at 6th gear, you hardly feel them, as my adv 250 just completed a year i don't have any major issues with it,KTM Aftersales is one of the best.
Thank you so much :). The next service comes at 7500km or 180 days (from date of purchase) and then at 15,000 kilometres or 330 days(from date of purchase). Service cost during free service without add-ons can cost close to 1800. After free service I'm sure it'll be above 2000
Hello sir, great review, i had this doubt i am 5' ft 6 inch tall and i tour (every weekend) a lot and i want to buy a bike which is reliable for daily use as well as touring, which bike do you suggest? I often do a soft roading in some scenario as road conditions is bad in my area. (I am in the hilly areas of northeast)
Hi David, thank you for your view and comment. I recommend that you do a test ride of both Himalayan and Xpulse 4V. The seat height of Xpulse is more than the himalayan but it's a lighter bike and suited for your conditions. I have shortlisted RE and Hero on the assumption that, both those companies have good service network in the NorthEast. Yezdi Adventure is a good choice as well but check the service network first. Also I ruled out Suzuki V Strom 250 because suspension travel is much lesser than the competition. During my Meghalaya travel I rented the BS4 himalayan and I did not have any issues with it. I don't recommend KTM since the seat is too high and torque is less and gearing is high; not so ideal for inclined broker terrains. And if you're okay with scrambler type build check the Himalayan scram 411.
@@wheelsontarmac yes i am willing to buy the xpulse 200 4v. But in our area i need to wait for around 3 months to arrive. Hope i could ride it soon. Thank you so much for your concern.
@@davidlbawlte8198 That's too long a wait time, you might be eagerly waiting. You're welcome David. I think the XPulse is definitely a great choice for your use case.
The instructions in the manual (on the KTM app are vague, they say not to go beyond 7500rpm; but I felt it to be too high). I personally did not go beyond 4000 rpm in each gear in most occasions. At the same time I did not ride constantly in a certain rpm as well. The maximum I went would have been 5500 rpm. I am planning to make a video about that... I will prioritize the same.
Hey, I purchased mine on 15 May 2022, and I have got myself the Racing Blue color. I never have once faced the engine starting issue. I only have once got false gears from 2 till 4th gear 😅 Enjoyed your video!
It requires getting used to the vibrations and the rough nature of the engine. Then there is cold start issue. It's definitely adaptable, but I won't call the engine refined by any means.
@@shravansp24 I will check with my local service center and get back to you. If they're stating the same, let's try and find out as many people as possible (who has the same issue) and report to KTM India.
@@shravansp24 Hi, I had a word with the local service center regarding this, prior to that, I rode their test 390 Adv, I felt the same problem. The service personnel told they'll check their bike. When I asked whether others are reporting this issue, he said no and recommended checking the tyre air pressure and to check for any flat spots on the right side of the tyre. I was not convinced with the reply to be honest, but I wanted to convey what they told.
Hi brother it will not move while riding. Only if you move it like I displayed in the video, it moves otherwise it's not an issue at all. It's just that the overall fit and finish could have been better.
I think you will enjoy the Scram 411 in the city a lot more than the KTM. In the highway, if you can fix a wind sheild, you're sorted. It would have sufficient suspension for some broken roads as well. The Adventure 250 is a pain to manage in the city with the lack of initial torque and tall gearing. Have you gone for a test ride? If not I highly recommend doing that, most test rides have a designated route but not time limit; so you can go to and fro for some time.
@@wheelsontarmac I've test ridden the Scram 411 and Adv 390 but not the Adv 250 as it was not available for the test ride in my location so they asked me to try the Adv 390 as both are same in terms of body work. So I don't have any idea about the power delivery of the Adv 250, on the other side Scram 411 was very fun to ride, it's initial feels so good. Last thing which bike (Scarm & Adv 250) Will perform better in uphill riding !?
@@rohithnd25 I think due to initial torque, the Scram would chug along, but with the KTM you need to work with the accelerator & clutch more than the Scram or Himalayan.
Try to keep it within 5k rpm in each gear. The manual says 7k, but that's a bit too much in my opinion. But vary the speeds and, don't go for highway runs unless otherwise necessary.
I just preferred the orange because it felt better for me personally, may be because KTM is still associated with their orange colour. It is almost similar to look at in the picture and for real. If you have a showroom nearby, go for a test ride. All the best.
@@pv5musiq670 Having one is essential, when it's raining, the splash comes underneath the sides of thighs from the back. Same when you ride in mud. I think if we take the 390 Dukes hugger and extend the frame in a workshop, it will suit. I'm yet to do that.
Hi brother thanks for reaching out, one more person has raised the same issue from Bangalore. I had a word with local KTM dealer they have told me now 2 months waiting period is normal for 250Adv, however if they're not responding to your queries you can email or contact KTM India customer care.
Bhai many thanks, I'll try to reach out to them and understand the delay. I am planning to go ladakh on August end hence I need the bike, hopefully they will deliver.
Hi Kartik, even i booked ADV 250 its been 2 month one week. They are just telling no update from KTM. Even i have called them and sent email as well no update.
Yesterday i again has word with them, now its 2-2 and half month waiting period. We can just wait for now as we need the bike and there is alternative 😂😂
Sorry for the bad quality of video in the beginning and in some parts. While editing I couldn't find any clarity issue. Hope you will find the video useful.
Nice video bro❤️, happy to hear that you're also from kollam. And thanks for the honest review, hope to see more contents and travel vlogs with your adv 250. Subbed ❤️. Ride safe😊.
Nice video. Kudos! I heard KTM generally uses good quality of materials but it was surprising to see the filmsy panels and its gaps. 1. Is it really bad or do you think will it last long? 2. How comfortable it is for tall riders. I am 6ft. I know it has got seat height of 855mm. I wanted to know whether it has got comfy ergonomics with its riding triangle. 3. How is the service. 4. I have dilemma between Honda cb 350 and KTM 250 Adv.
Thank you so much for your compliment and support. To answer your queries: 1. I think it will last even though it's flimsy but not for super long period. 2. You will love it since you're 6. I'm 180, just 3cms shy of 6 and I have planted feet on both sides and the riding ergonomics couldn't be better. There's plenty of room to shift backwards and sit in a chair like posture to cruise smoothly in the highways. Riding triangle is good, if you want a more engaging ride you can sit more towards the front. 3. So far it has been good for me. I think it depends from service center to service center too. They've done a good job so far. 4. I did have that too, if you're like me meaning you're tired of cramped legs and yearn for a high saddle for relaxed ride, want to take if off the road, but not super hard core (I honestly don't feel the alloys can take bashing of extreme off roads continuously). Plus if you don't mind the tall gearing and the slightly not so refined engine then the KTM is for you. But if you want a nice city bike and occasional highway rides with a smooth engine, CB 350. Hope it's helpful:)
@@wheelsontarmac - On 4th point- I am purchasing bike for touring and city rides. Both CB 350 and KTM 250 are versatile in nature though both offers in their own style. But as you said, I wanted comfy riding triangle on long rides, just can't have cramps on my lower thighs after a long trip. It does not solve the purpose. I don't mind gruff nature of the engine as long as it gives the power. With gearing even cb 350 is tall and low powered. Though i am not a hardcore off roader but it is good to have a feature of switching off rear abs. With tall seating, dohc setup, oil cooled and option of switching off rear abs keeps KTM nose ahead of Honda Cb 350. Perhaps Honda is believed to be offering great after sales service via Honda big wing along superior quality bike as a whole. Afterall this is a trade-off. It is helpful thanks a lot for explaining it in detail. Appreciate it! Cheers!
@@Force711 You're welcome. If the service team is good, KTM does a decent job too in service department. But it's not guaranteed in all centres. Yes, even though it's gruff, there is no lack of power when you're in the right gear.
First of all sorry for the late response. I honestly can't comment on it because the last Bajaj I rode was an old Pulsar in 2018 (which was 4 years old at that time) and it did have some issues (mostly since it was not well kept); but I didn't feel the engine to be bad.
If you're buying a brand new bike, I would say the 250 Adv. However you can get the 390 for almost the same price as a new 250 in the second hand market; in that case, the 390 would be sensible.
I honestly don't feel it's worth paying that much extra; but if you are constantly going above 100kph and maintaining it, the 390's engine will feel smoother. The rest of the features are not worth the extra money you're paying. This is my thought. However, the general consensus by the big names in the auto review industry is to buy the 390 over the 250. But I have not understood why. If I can get a test ride of the new 390, I will make an impressions video for sure.
Hi, have you test rode other bikes too. Many are checking the new Suzuki Vstrom 250, may be give it a try too; I still couldn't try it out. If you take this you won't regret it, but since touring covers cities as well, you might find the gearing of the KTM to be irritating at times. For long hauls, you can just sit and glide through, enjoying the view
@@NsOneRider Good that you have went for test ride brother. Do check other bikes too and take an informed decision. Don't book anything right away, my suggestion is to try, wait for a month to curb the initial enthusiasm and try again so that you will have a clearer head, to make informed choice.
I suggest you to go for a test ride. Few things to keep in mind if you're over 5' 11", the Suzuki might feel cramped since footpegs are high set and seat height is lower. Another thing is the considerably lower suspension travel. I think (I have not driven or seen a Vstrom 250), the Suzuki will be more road focused and the engine might be smoother than the KTM. KTM must correct the tall gearing on the ADV 250. What is your use case scenario and would you enjoy off-roading?
170 is okay for this bike I think, you can sit a bit forward where the seat is leaner and lean in to one side slightly for planted feet. Have a test ride.
If you would like to support me: buymeacoffee.com/wheelsontarmac
A honest, straightforward user review is always welcome. Pleas ekeep uploading your updates with the bike. And yes, we would love to see your travel videos like a vlog with little reviews of how the bike performed during the trip. Also, please upload any modifications for improving the bike's performance if you will be doing any.
Edit: If possible can you also use other bikes occasionally for trips so that you can give an opinion onthat bike compared to your ktm.
Thank you so much for the constant support. And thanks a ton for the suggestions. If and whenever I get other bikes, I will definitely do that 👍🏼
Thanks for being so honest.
I took the test ride of the 21 model , the test ride bike was having false neutrals, and vibrations on footpeg was persistent throughout the rev range. I wish the bike was smoother and had better low end torque. Loved you content, would like to see more travel content 👍
Thank you so much for your time and appreciation, helps a lot in the starting stages. I will definitely post travel content. Test ride bikes are roughly handled in most cases, but I think that must be the best kept bike in a showroom, as it's a easy decision for customer; which might turn painful for them.
@@wheelsontarmac suspension travel is something that is stopping me from buying vstrom 250 too.
@@art_seer Suzuki could have nailed it with a longer suspension. Could you get a test ride for the Vstrom 250?
@@wheelsontarmac no, not yet but "we don't ride spec sheet" is what most reviewers say and IMHO we actually do ride spec sheet. Vstrom is 2.32 lakhs in my area, why will I pay that much for a poorly built offroader and not pay a bit more and go for a proper adv. I am a gixxer 150 owner, Suzuki engines are a gem but it's not an offroader engine.
@@art_seer Hi Shrikant, I made a first ride review of the VStrom. Link: ua-cam.com/video/nmxlI173BxE/v-deo.html The off road capabilities are nothing short of disappointing, they missed a fantastic opportunity.
Bro seriously they way u did this video is amazing..U can grow in UA-cam..
Thanks a ton for your appreciation and support. Means a lot in these starting stages. 👍🏼
Yes sir last month i have purchased this beautiful bike ♥️when maintaining speed 80-90 around @5000rpm iam getting 40-42kmpl mileage, when iam exceed speed of 100-110km @6000rpm iam getting mileage of 30-35kmpl, really very comfortable bike of crusing in Highway i have done three long rides and covered 2000km till now very smooth but only one problem i faced is coolant level gets down very fast, I'm using Xp95 petrol and can feel difference between normal and Xp95 is far better than speed petrol , try this petrol sir really you can see difference
@respect animals did u feel any bussyness post 6000 rpm ..what's a sweetspart crusing speed and could it possible to ride 6000 to 8000 rpm ..?
Sir @6000-7000rpm is good crusing speed when crossing @8000 bike stain more and we can feel discomfort, so @5000-7000rpm is best for this bike
@@respectanimals202 so the comfortable crusing will be able to do in 100 to 110 right
I will definitely try out the fuel. Thanks for the tip. You can fill the coolant on your own. Mix half part water and half part coolant. You can ask the service center if they can top it up for free as well. Some might do it.
@@wheelsontarmac thank you sir, sir if possible let's plan for adv 250 bikers meet up
I appreciate the way you presented your video. Instantly subscribed! ❤️
Thank you so much. Welcome to the channel, I have to make the channel active again. Thanks again for your support.
Hi, can you provide some inputs on these concerns that I have?
1. How is the pillion comfort? I will be riding with a pillion often so I need to know if she can be kept happy while covering long distances.
2. Did the suspension adjustment help in any way to make the ride comfortable? Did you make any adjustments to the preload? How much of a difference does it make?
3. Does the suspension behave differently (good or bad) when riding with a pillion? Does the ride improve or does it get worse?
Hi Chinmay, first of all thank you for watching. Yes I can provide some inputs.
1. Pillion comfort is really good on the bike and you can easily go for long hauls. The seat is flat which helps a lot, my wife finds it comfortable and doesn't mind long hauls. She did have to get used to getting down from the bike, especially after the luggage rack was added.
2. I did not adjust the suspension as I found it to be okay on most of the conditions. For off road it is not unsettling and for on road, the default preload gives ample confidence to take corners (after getting used to the bike of course). I think one point to the softer side can help in bad roads.
3. Suspension does not have much of a difference, but it definitely gets a bit softer in a good way with the additional weight; but only by a tiny bit. For comparison in the Gixxer 155; I always felt the suspension to be way better and more plush with a pillion - compared to that this is quite minuscule.
I hope this was helpful to you.
@@wheelsontarmac Hey thanks for explaining that to me in detail! When I went to the dealership to test ride the 250, they didn’t have it. Instead they asked me that I can get the feel of the bike by testing the 390 which has the same mechanicals as the 250.
When I rode the 390 adventure I found it to be a bit stiffer but the seat for the rider was the best. It was the perfect blend of space and comfort. I couldn’t get any response on the pillion seat because my pillion wasn’t available that day. So I had to ask you. Also the test ride was a very short one so I couldn’t deduce the comfort level entirely.
Thank you for sharing your experience! This has been helpful.
Cheers!
Just need one more input please :
How's the low end / initial torque with pillion and luggages??
Will it give enough power with both pillion and luggages in bumper to bumper traffic ??
@@jagannaath3814 It is definitely sufficient, but requires revving. It's not hard to get used to it. Just ensure that you're not applying the throttle too much as engine can come alive all of a sudden at 5k rpm (the idle itself is above 2k rpm).
@@wheelsontarmac Thanks a lot bro
Nice and informative video... 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you again 🙏
Simple and crispy explanation. I was in the middle of booking payment for adv 250 and randomly checked the YT reviews over this bike. Fortunately I found yours and I made the payment. Thank you. and god bless you man.
That's a huge compliment ☺️ thank you so much and same to you:)
How is the bike ??
Hi Sai, hope you've watched the video. I mention my experience of the bike.
@@wheelsontarmac yes brother, clear🙏🙏. Hope I will receive the bike by next month here in Vijayawada, then I will give my feedback to you👍🙏
@@Vijayawada_adventure_rider what's the on Road price??
Nice ride video. Appreciate your honest feedback. Happy Riding ✨
Thank you so much Roshan :) Happy riding to you too
Very good review
To the point and without over editing and music. Keep it that way
Thank you so much. I'm planning to do an FAQ video on KTM 250 Adventure, if you have any particular queries, please let me know in the comments.
Hi, found your review to be the most genuine one. Great job.
I am planning to buy ktm adv but confused beteeen 250 and 390. After riding 250 for couple of months now, do you think it's worth spending additional 1 lac to get 390. Or 250 does the job. My use would be one or two long distance rides in a month mostly in the mountains- Himachal, Uttarakhand, sometimes to Ladakh. All will be with pillion rider. Also, for city driving mostly on the weekends.
Hi Navdeep, thank you so much for the appreciation, I promise keep up that value always. Thank you for your time.
I saw your comment today morning itself, but I wanted to test the bike once again in a tricky condition (to be precise, beach sand) before I provided my inputs. I did check it out today evening and this is what I feel.
1. I highly recommend renting out The Himalayan, the 250 Adventure and the 390 Adventure if you get it, if its not possible do go for multiple test rides.
2. I have never been to the places you have mentioned, so I can only understand the conditions based on videos I have seen, it is with this intend that I went for a hard surface off road and sandy terrain. My observation is that, the lack of initial torque is a real bummer in these conditions. If you are experienced in off-roading, it won't be an issue; if not this is a sticky situation that I found out today - since there is a lack of torque, I had to feather the clutch and rev the engine. That will get the job done, but not with ease (once again if you're up for the challenge to master it it would be fun, else a major pain), I am certain that the 390 will have this problem too. Coming back to the sticky situation - I feel that once the tyres find traction, there is a good chance that the bike can dart off given that you rev the engine hard; the engine does come alive all of a sudden once it crosses 6000 rpm. In case of the Himalayan, it just chugs along in these situations (sand could be a similar story). But generally speaking as an amateur off road enthusiast, I did not feel lack of confidence, rather mild irritation at times.
3. Long distance rides on tarmac, bumpy roads and broken roads are a breeze even with the pillion, they do find it very comfortable, the seat is flat and the posture is quite relaxed too. You might definitely have to add a better wind protector, because when you're on the highway and cruising above 70, you can get wind blast, sitting further back can help a little, but its not a solution.
4. In city you will have to work your gears for sure, anything below 15 to 17kmph and you HAVE to be in 1st gear or stall, so expect a lot of gear shifting for both the 250 and the 390. The engine does get warm, but not uncomfortably so.
5. Coming to the 1 Lakh question, I personally don't feel it is worth it, other than the capability to go faster and reach speeds faster, the rest is the same story. The only thing that is worth in the 390 would be maintaining speeds above 100kmph, it's not that the 250 can't do it, but due to a higher capacity, it would be smoother, otherwise it would be wise to save that money and spend it on some accessories.
I hope this was helpful, if you have any further queries big or small, do let me know. On a related note, I'm trying to get a long test ride on the 390, so far my stints with the 390 have been short.
Hi Navdeep, I rode the 390 today; I would say save your money and buy the 250 Adventure if you're going with KTM.
Fantastic commentary!
Thanks a ton. I'm really glad you enjoyed it :)
Lost it when you said "breed of riders with chappals & thigh flaunting shorts need to worry"... Lol 😁
Ha ha thanks a ton... I think at least once in our life, all Indians do it. Thank you so much for the comment and view. :)
Hi there.. I found this video to be very informative. Please help me with the average service cost of this bike in near future. And what is the city mileage ?? Your views will be really appreciated. I am actually confused.
Hi, thank you so much.
Average cost will be in the higher 2000 range & close to 3k, so it is a bit expensive. I recently did a pure city fuel economy test and I got only 24kmpl. But, I think my in gear revvs were high, so I'm in the process of testing it again with a more milder riding style. Hope this helps.
Saw your video. Good explanation about core details, loved it. I am planning to go for 250 jumping from a decision of Dominar 400. Also am not a regular bike rider, so lack of experience is a concern for me. Can you help me out which of these is best for me (Dominar 400 or ADV 250). Am 5’8” tall weighing around 80kg.
Hoping to hear from you soon👋🏻
Hi Shyam, first of all thank you so much for your appreciation, it means a lot to me. Coming to the dilemma you’re facing; considering your height, the 800mm seat on the Dominar would definitely be friendly, if you choose the KTM, an additional 55mm of seat height is added, which won’t be an issue while you’re on the move and while you stop in traffic, you can sit forwards and lean to one side while stopping, the trouble is when you’re on the saddle and you want to waddle with your feet say from an inclined parking spot. Even with planted feet, at times I find it difficult. Coming to engine refinement, I must say that the Dominar is more refined, KTM does vibrate, sometimes irritably so if you’re not in the sweet spot of the rev band, which ideally is not possible always. Since you’re not so experienced, you will need more time getting used to the KTM due to unnecessary tall gearing and lack of initial torque (never let lack of experience come in the way of confidence as you’ll get used to it soon). Considering these I would personally recommend the Dominar 400.
I would like to know whether you took test rides of both, if not do it twice or thrice (if you’re in and around Kollam or Trivandrum in Kerala, let me know) to know about the bike.
Further, what will be your use case scenario on a daily basis and on weekends?
@@wheelsontarmac Thanks for the awesome explanation. I live in ernakulam but that doesnt mean am always riding through traffic, as am near to aluva the roads are pretty good and with less traffic. Main priority for me is good riding comfort and pillion comfort when doing long distance or even short distance. I have test ridden Dominar almost a year ago because i work abroad i couldnt find time to test ride ADV 250 in the given time. I find it nice to ride Dominar.
I think Dominar would suit then... But to put your dilemma to rest, you can try the KTM. Otherwise it's possible that you might keep wondering whether you made the right move.
Can't fix the buzz from front fearing .
Otherwise everything is fine . Got 44 kmpl at the peak .32 at lowest .
Yes, we just have to take it for what it is. Those are some amazing figures. Nowadays my range is 24kmpl to 40kmpl.
Keep up...good info given in a serene manner
Thanks a lot Nikhil :)
Nice presentation bro. Loved it 💕
Thank you so much brother 😊
Hello! Nice video. I am interested to own this bike, however, i just have the concern with the cruising speed. Being a 250cc, is it possible to cruise effortlessly at 110? Does it stress the bike at this speed, if i want to constantly cruise? Look forward to your answer. Thanks!
Hi, thank you for your compliment. It is possible to do that but not so comfortably. It does stop fast and all, but the buzzy engine is felt on the footpegs mainly and due to that there's a feeling of the bike being pushed beyond capability. I honestly am not sure how long it can cruise constantly at that speed. 95/96 was the point till I felt comfortable for constant speed. The mirrors will need replacement too. It's not the vibes that vibrate the mirror, but the wind, coz for me personally; above 85, the right mirror is slightly blurry, whereas left mirror is clear.
I could have felt uncomfortable because, I don't cruise on those speeds on two wheeler mainly because of:
1. Anyone or anything can jump in front at any time on our roads.
2. Some bikers suddenly see it as a race, when that happens I usually stop and let them go. I don't want to stop at everyone who shows no sense.
3. Many roads that I frequent don't feel safe for 100 plus on two wheeler.
4. Related to point 1: I have had more than 25 issues (roughly) of people, vehicles, dogs & cows jumping in front of bike.
So, my point in short is; I think till 100 it feels comfortable for me personally and beyond that it could be my unsettling thoughts.
Hope the reply was useful:)
Neatly explained.. keep going
Thank you so much Almesh for the support. It means a lot to me. 😀
Plz let me know about the back suspension.. few days before my bike suddenly fell into a gutter while the front suspension took the fall neatly but the back one felt very bad it gave me a sudden hit..
@@almeshv.a4170 I recently went for a off road terrain, not trails, I had a pillion when I tackled a bad patch of non-tarred road and I could feel the bottom bash plate hitting the ground. But I think your situation is different. The rear suspension of the KTM 250 and 390 is set quite hard for more drive-ability on the road and in corners. You can try setting it softer so that you won't feel it on your body.
Hello, nice informative video. I have a question, can this bike do a 1000km a day ride, from Mumbai to Bangalore?
Thank you for your appreciation 🙏 Yes I do believe it can pull that off. 👍🏼
A review done by a gentle rider infact a gentle handler of KTM. These bikes are generally pushed above their limits. U have given a wonderful review in ua usual way of riding. Except for the quality of the plastics the main aesthetics are awesome. The fitment part is to done by the dealer. 30 PS power is really good and a mileage of 40- 42 kmpl is excellent.
Hi, thank you so much for your insights into the matter and for your appreciation. Unless I'm comfortable and only when I'm sure the roads are near empty do I push the bike, even the car. May be my days of adrenaline rushed riding on the road is over.. ha ha .. There's more to than pushing the limits on road. I want our country to have numerous race tracks so that the youth can test out their skills and push the bikes to the extreme there.
Suzuki V-storm SX 250 makes much sense for exploring long miles.where Rider & pillion comfort with enough power & efficiency matters a lot
Thank you for your comment and view, and thank you for your insight. First of all, when I took delivery of the KTM, Suzuki did not even announce the Vstrom 250. I was waiting for long for something from Suzuki as I still own the Gixxer and I love the engine. But personally I would have stuck to the KTM for two reasons 1. I wanted a tall seat height that can accommodate me in a relaxed manner. With the Vstrom 250's relatively lower seat height and relatively taller set footpegs, I will be cramped on the bike, I have never felt my legs so relaxed on any other bike so far.
2. I wanted long suspension travel as I have to tackle extremely bad roads on a regular basis. I'm not a fan of modifying suspension later on.
Coming to your inputs, I cannot honestly comment on the same, because I don't know how it feels for long hauls and how much fuel economy it can provide.
If you're planning to buy one and booked, I would love it if you could share the bike for a test run and go for a ride together. Meanwhile I will try my best to at least get a test ride from a Suzuki showroom.
Hi I made a first ride review of the VStrom SX 250. If you would like to watch, here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/nmxlI173BxE/v-deo.html
I recently bought ktm adv 250 and I am having few concerns:
1. Gear shifting is not smooth and makes sound when shifting
2. Engine is not so smooth and I could feel somekind of vibration or its not so refined.
Hoping this would be sorted aft 1st service
First of all thank you for your comment and congratulations on the new bike. To address your queries:
1. Did you try shifting fast using less clutch? Otherwise it does feel hard. Try it out, if not get it checked. It does require some getting used to.
2. Sadly the engine is not so smooth it does have that KTM buzz. Initially I felt it to be smoother than now. Try to keep it in the 4k rpm revv band in each gear. And assuming you're in breaking in stage, don't revv beyond 5.5 k and keep varying speeds.
Wish you the very best. Happy riding.
I would like to know which bike you were riding before?
Thank you bro 👍 let me try it
Hi, how did it go?
Yes bro, just completed 700 kms sometimes I am felling not much smoothness in lower rpm, hoping it would resolved after the first service
Sorry to say that smoothness in lower rpm won't be resolved. Sweet spot of the bike is 3.8k to 4.2k rpm in the relatively lower revv bands
Very informative and nice video 👍
Thank you so much for the appreciation :)
Hi,
Thanks for the video
I bought the bike yesterday. While going on low gears i feel heating on thigh part. Is it reduced ster first service. And did you add any accessories?
Hi, it is common especially if you're in lower gears riding through traffic. Do you feel it's uncomfortably warm though? If so you need to get it checked.
Sadly there is no change in heating levels after first or second service.
I've added top box rack, saddle stays and gps mount as accessories as on date.
Hi bro, nice review. is there any fan noise ? beacause duke 250 has too much noise and is there any abs problems?
Fans kick in only in city traffic and they just get the work done in 10-20 sec max and no abs problem whatsoever, completed 1 year on adv 250 this month 12K+ kms
First of all, thanks a ton Soundar :) I have never had fan noise issues other than what Abhijit has mentioned in the comment. Only in heavy traffic and sometimes after you ride in traffic and take a pause it kicks in. It's not the same as the Duke's.
Very good, unbiased and practical review. Thanks!. One query : Do you think ktm service cost is high ?, because Suzuki will not charge that much.
Thank you so much, it means a lot :) Yes it definitely is high compared to Suzuki. The thing is KTM 250 Adv still fills a void, Suzuki could have been a little less lazy with the VStrom and easily stole the show.
Hi bro, I have purchased this bike 2weeks back, Will the rpm be locked until first service ? And I'm also feeling that gear is bit hard.
Hi, no the RPM won't be locked. You can use the entire revv band but it's not advisable while breaking in.
Regarding gear shifts try using less clutch and shift fast, it'll go smoothly.
Many complain abt hard suspension. Tell something abt that..I m also not offroader..I like to take good highway..So is it good ..Will I enjoy.I cannot take Himalyan becoz of Tube Tyre.
By default, the rear monoshock is hard. But you can easily change it to smoother one. On road and small broken roads, the default suspension is not hard. In highway you will enjoy the 250 for sure.
Nice video. Are you able to differentiate between cluster shown fuel economy to tank full to tank full economy. I see a difference of over 7 to 8 kms between the odo shown economy and actual tank full to tank full method. This was after many 1000 kms of testing. Another issue which I see on odo is the trip meter which gets stuck at 999 and does not zero down automatically. Do you see this issue on your odometer?
Hi Surendra, thank you so much. I feel the same too; however I am yet to properly test the fuel economy too. My tank is almost empty now, so I'm thinking of a proper fuel economy test. Yes, the trip meter supports till 999 and does not get reversed automatically. It requires manual intervention. In many vehicles I have seen this (in my car it went till 9999 for trip meter and get stuck there). I think many manufacturers avoid auto reset because those who use trip meters usually reset it before a journey.
I have checked it finally and made a video about it. Check out Fuel Economy test here: ua-cam.com/video/ie7RYK8XdAQ/v-deo.html
How is the suspension?
Suspension is a bit on the stiffer side for the rear mono-shock. But this can be of help in the highways as the bike doesn't jump around while braking. On broken patches, I would have liked it to be smoother.
the video bitrate is the issue.. try 6000 and above.. you're bitrate is like 3000 or 400ish.. great video btw
Thank you so much for your tip. I will definitely try it out 😊 and thank you for your compliment :)
Thanks again, I did see a major improvement after I increased bit rate while rendering.
How is the bike on ghat section. On steep inclines. And is there any engine heating issue??
It works like on road, there are no specific issues I faced on inclines, even with very steep ones. Heating is what you can expect while riding on the road. It mostly heats in traffic when there is less airflow around the engine.
Excellent review....i have question regarding purchasing about adv 250. I have two bike options
1) should I buy new that cost 2.88 lakh in Maharashtra
2) or should I buy second hand that cost 1.90 and 4000 km running only with scratches condition 2021 model.
Should I save 1 lakh or go for new one
Thank you so much :) If you're convinced that the bike is good (if not ask some mechanic you or your friends might know to come check it for you) and won't cause any issues I see no reason to spend an extra lakh for the new one. Save it and use it for accessories and funding your travels.
And if you're concerned about any of the scratches ask the owner how it happened. Also check it thoroughly by riding it alone, with a pillion, check for abnormal vibrations, balance of the bike, steering issues, abnormal heating and so on.
Thanks you sir it's useful
Hello thanks for the video. I have confusion between ktm adv250, himalayan and meteor 350 for touring snd occassional city rides. Please help me out. Thanks!
Hi, you're welcome. Will you be touring predominantly or would there be off-road rides as well? What's your height? And would this be your only motorcycle and would you be commuting on a daily basis on the motorcycle you choose?
@@wheelsontarmac i will be using this bike for touring and casual city rides and not for daily commuting. This will be my only bike and i won’t be using it to go to office as i have private cab. My height is 5.9
Here's my suggestion buddy. Kindly take test rides of all motorcycles you've shortlisted and if someone you know has these bikes do take them for at least a 50km run.
I think the Meteor looks like a good proposition, however if you want to cruise above 90 constantly the Adv 250 would be better. I'm not considering the Himalayan coz it's more capable off the road than on the road. I would also recommend checking out the Adventure 390 X if you wish to cruise in higher speeds.
The KTM Adv 250 is really good for touring, but I'm personally not so satisfied with the engine refinement long term. The load carrying capacity is good, and it will run without issues generally; however at rare occasions there is a problem with engine lethargy. Sometimes the engine feels like it's out of power. Coming to customisation for luggage carrying it's really easy for Adv 250 as there are plenty of options now.
Hope this helps in some way. Please note that I've never ridden the Meteor 350.
@@wheelsontarmac thanks a lot for ur suggestion! I have ridden meteor 350 and really liked how easy it is to ride. I will be riding ktm adv next week. The height is okay for me but since i havent ridden it im unable to decide. Hows the plastic quality of the ktm adv when compared to metal in RE? Heard from my friend that accessories provided by RE is not upto the mark. Meteor is a slow machine and ktm is faster right?
Plastic quality is not good on the 250 Adv. I'm using double sided tape to keep things from falling apart.
Hi,I have 2 questions,one is does the engine strain if we constantly tour at 90 to 100 speed and second one is does this bike has vibration issues which would make touring discomfort?
If you constantly travel at 90 to 100 range it won't strain the engine (given that you are breaking in properly). Vibrations will be present at that speeds on hanlebars and mainly on foot pegs. It's of buzzy kind vibrations, so it's not irritating & there are no vibrations felt on the seat.
Yes vibrations are there but they are minimal, and at 6th gear, you hardly feel them, as my adv 250 just completed a year i don't have any major issues with it,KTM Aftersales is one of the best.
That's amazing to hear. Ride safe and enjoy 👍🏼
Search for this kind of video super 🔥
What about service interval bro after 1k kmpl service and cost
Thank you so much :). The next service comes at 7500km or 180 days (from date of purchase) and then at 15,000 kilometres or 330 days(from date of purchase). Service cost during free service without add-ons can cost close to 1800. After free service I'm sure it'll be above 2000
Hello sir, great review, i had this doubt i am 5' ft 6 inch tall and i tour (every weekend) a lot and i want to buy a bike which is reliable for daily use as well as touring, which bike do you suggest? I often do a soft roading in some scenario as road conditions is bad in my area. (I am in the hilly areas of northeast)
Hi David, thank you for your view and comment. I recommend that you do a test ride of both Himalayan and Xpulse 4V. The seat height of Xpulse is more than the himalayan but it's a lighter bike and suited for your conditions. I have shortlisted RE and Hero on the assumption that, both those companies have good service network in the NorthEast. Yezdi Adventure is a good choice as well but check the service network first. Also I ruled out Suzuki V Strom 250 because suspension travel is much lesser than the competition.
During my Meghalaya travel I rented the BS4 himalayan and I did not have any issues with it. I don't recommend KTM since the seat is too high and torque is less and gearing is high; not so ideal for inclined broker terrains.
And if you're okay with scrambler type build check the Himalayan scram 411.
@@wheelsontarmac thank you so much
@@davidlbawlte8198 Hi David, any updates on your search for a bike?
@@wheelsontarmac yes i am willing to buy the xpulse 200 4v. But in our area i need to wait for around 3 months to arrive. Hope i could ride it soon. Thank you so much for your concern.
@@davidlbawlte8198 That's too long a wait time, you might be eagerly waiting. You're welcome David. I think the XPulse is definitely a great choice for your use case.
How to break in Adv250? Which is the sweet spot of the motorbike
The instructions in the manual (on the KTM app are vague, they say not to go beyond 7500rpm; but I felt it to be too high). I personally did not go beyond 4000 rpm in each gear in most occasions. At the same time I did not ride constantly in a certain rpm as well. The maximum I went would have been 5500 rpm. I am planning to make a video about that... I will prioritize the same.
Hey, I purchased mine on 15 May 2022, and I have got myself the Racing Blue color. I never have once faced the engine starting issue. I only have once got false gears from 2 till 4th gear 😅
Enjoyed your video!
Thank you so much. All the best and ride safe. I sticked to the orange because that was how I always remembered KTM from it's inception in India.
How is the bike performing now ? Is it worth for money?
It requires getting used to the vibrations and the rough nature of the engine. Then there is cold start issue. It's definitely adaptable, but I won't call the engine refined by any means.
Keep it up bro😀
Thanks a ton brother 😊😊 Happy to post more with this much support ☺️
Do you have any pulling issues when you leave the handlebar? My motorcycle veers to the right if I let my hands go off the handlebar
No, I don't have that issue. Get it checked as soon as possible. Did you drop the bike or something? It's not normal.
@@wheelsontarmac no, never dropped it, never put it in potholes. Heard many KTM and Bajajs has this issue and svc is not acknowledging
@@shravansp24 I will check with my local service center and get back to you. If they're stating the same, let's try and find out as many people as possible (who has the same issue) and report to KTM India.
@@wheelsontarmac sure
@@shravansp24 Hi, I had a word with the local service center regarding this, prior to that, I rode their test 390 Adv, I felt the same problem.
The service personnel told they'll check their bike. When I asked whether others are reporting this issue, he said no and recommended checking the tyre air pressure and to check for any flat spots on the right side of the tyre. I was not convinced with the reply to be honest, but I wanted to convey what they told.
Bro, is the switch gear unit shakes alot ?or manageable on the move ? I'm planning to get one, this is my only concern.
Hi brother it will not move while riding. Only if you move it like I displayed in the video, it moves otherwise it's not an issue at all. It's just that the overall fit and finish could have been better.
@@wheelsontarmac Bro I'm confused between Adv 250 & Scram 411, ur suggestion ? I primarily ride on city & highways, I don't do off-roads.
I think you will enjoy the Scram 411 in the city a lot more than the KTM. In the highway, if you can fix a wind sheild, you're sorted. It would have sufficient suspension for some broken roads as well. The Adventure 250 is a pain to manage in the city with the lack of initial torque and tall gearing.
Have you gone for a test ride? If not I highly recommend doing that, most test rides have a designated route but not time limit; so you can go to and fro for some time.
@@wheelsontarmac I've test ridden the Scram 411 and Adv 390 but not the Adv 250 as it was not available for the test ride in my location so they asked me to try the Adv 390 as both are same in terms of body work. So I don't have any idea about the power delivery of the Adv 250, on the other side Scram 411 was very fun to ride, it's initial feels so good.
Last thing which bike (Scarm & Adv 250)
Will perform better in uphill riding !?
@@rohithnd25 I think due to initial torque, the Scram would chug along, but with the KTM you need to work with the accelerator & clutch more than the Scram or Himalayan.
hi i too have same mechine i have noticed silencer colour change near at oxigen sensor how to maintain it.
Hi, could you explain where exactly? Is it near the engine? I don't know about the Oxygen sensor.
How much speed should i maintain before first service
Try to keep it within 5k rpm in each gear. The manual says 7k, but that's a bit too much in my opinion. But vary the speeds and, don't go for highway runs unless otherwise necessary.
Thanks
Great 👍
Thank you 👍🏼
Very sincere review and good attempt bro..wat was the onroad price ?
Thank you so much for your support. It was 2.98L on road when I took delivery in late March.
Nice one bro ❤️
Thank you so much for your support:)
Why did u chose this color any specific reasons? And hows it comparing to pic nd seeing it live
I just preferred the orange because it felt better for me personally, may be because KTM is still associated with their orange colour. It is almost similar to look at in the picture and for real. If you have a showroom nearby, go for a test ride. All the best.
@@wheelsontarmac does it need a tyre hugger or mudguard at the back? Does water comes up to the pillion?
@@pv5musiq670 Having one is essential, when it's raining, the splash comes underneath the sides of thighs from the back. Same when you ride in mud. I think if we take the 390 Dukes hugger and extend the frame in a workshop, it will suit. I'm yet to do that.
@@wheelsontarmac thanks ✨
@@pv5musiq670 No worries 👍🏼 happy to help 😊
Bro, I had booked two months ago here in Blore but I have received zero update on delivery. You can assist me with anything??
Hi brother thanks for reaching out, one more person has raised the same issue from Bangalore. I had a word with local KTM dealer they have told me now 2 months waiting period is normal for 250Adv, however if they're not responding to your queries you can email or contact KTM India customer care.
www.ktm.com/en-in/contact.html - please use the link for contact
Bhai many thanks, I'll try to reach out to them and understand the delay. I am planning to go ladakh on August end hence I need the bike, hopefully they will deliver.
Hi Kartik, even i booked ADV 250 its been 2 month one week. They are just telling no update from KTM. Even i have called them and sent email as well no update.
Yesterday i again has word with them, now its 2-2 and half month waiting period. We can just wait for now as we need the bike and there is alternative 😂😂
Sorry for the bad quality of video in the beginning and in some parts. While editing I couldn't find any clarity issue. Hope you will find the video useful.
Nice video bro❤️, happy to hear that you're also from kollam. And thanks for the honest review, hope to see more contents and travel vlogs with your adv 250. Subbed ❤️. Ride safe😊.
@@joshuajohnson9332 Thank you so much for the massive. I promise to continue creating honest content. Ride safe :)
Doesn't matter..you explained in detail
@@Magnum697 Thank you so much. It means a lot :)
Nice video. Kudos! I heard KTM generally uses good quality of materials but it was surprising to see the filmsy panels and its gaps.
1. Is it really bad or do you think will it last long?
2. How comfortable it is for tall riders. I am 6ft. I know it has got seat height of 855mm. I wanted to know whether it has got comfy ergonomics with its riding triangle.
3. How is the service.
4. I have dilemma between Honda cb 350 and KTM 250 Adv.
Thank you so much for your compliment and support. To answer your queries:
1. I think it will last even though it's flimsy but not for super long period.
2. You will love it since you're 6. I'm 180, just 3cms shy of 6 and I have planted feet on both sides and the riding ergonomics couldn't be better. There's plenty of room to shift backwards and sit in a chair like posture to cruise smoothly in the highways. Riding triangle is good, if you want a more engaging ride you can sit more towards the front.
3. So far it has been good for me. I think it depends from service center to service center too. They've done a good job so far.
4. I did have that too, if you're like me meaning you're tired of cramped legs and yearn for a high saddle for relaxed ride, want to take if off the road, but not super hard core (I honestly don't feel the alloys can take bashing of extreme off roads continuously). Plus if you don't mind the tall gearing and the slightly not so refined engine then the KTM is for you. But if you want a nice city bike and occasional highway rides with a smooth engine, CB 350.
Hope it's helpful:)
@@wheelsontarmac - On 4th point- I am purchasing bike for touring and city rides. Both CB 350 and KTM 250 are versatile in nature though both offers in their own style. But as you said, I wanted comfy riding triangle on long rides, just can't have cramps on my lower thighs after a long trip. It does not solve the purpose. I don't mind gruff nature of the engine as long as it gives the power. With gearing even cb 350 is tall and low powered. Though i am not a hardcore off roader but it is good to have a feature of switching off rear abs. With tall seating, dohc setup, oil cooled and option of switching off rear abs keeps KTM nose ahead of Honda Cb 350. Perhaps Honda is believed to be offering great after sales service via Honda big wing along superior quality bike as a whole. Afterall this is a trade-off.
It is helpful thanks a lot for explaining it in detail. Appreciate it! Cheers!
@@Force711 You're welcome. If the service team is good, KTM does a decent job too in service department. But it's not guaranteed in all centres.
Yes, even though it's gruff, there is no lack of power when you're in the right gear.
@@wheelsontarmac Bro is Bajaj has more reliable & refined engine than KTM ??
First of all sorry for the late response. I honestly can't comment on it because the last Bajaj I rode was an old Pulsar in 2018 (which was 4 years old at that time) and it did have some issues (mostly since it was not well kept); but I didn't feel the engine to be bad.
Which is good? 390 adv or 250 adv?
If you're buying a brand new bike, I would say the 250 Adv. However you can get the 390 for almost the same price as a new 250 in the second hand market; in that case, the 390 would be sensible.
Do you think the 390 adventure is worth the extra money over this?
I honestly don't feel it's worth paying that much extra; but if you are constantly going above 100kph and maintaining it, the 390's engine will feel smoother. The rest of the features are not worth the extra money you're paying. This is my thought.
However, the general consensus by the big names in the auto review industry is to buy the 390 over the 250. But I have not understood why.
If I can get a test ride of the new 390, I will make an impressions video for sure.
@@wheelsontarmac thank you brother for your reply. Your video is very genuine
@@vinayakaiyar3055 Thanks again brother :)
Going to take this bro, should i? For touring pourpose
Hi, have you test rode other bikes too. Many are checking the new Suzuki Vstrom 250, may be give it a try too; I still couldn't try it out. If you take this you won't regret it, but since touring covers cities as well, you might find the gearing of the KTM to be irritating at times. For long hauls, you can just sit and glide through, enjoying the view
@@wheelsontarmac yes i agree with u about the gear shifting issue, taken a test ride
@@NsOneRider Good that you have went for test ride brother. Do check other bikes too and take an informed decision. Don't book anything right away, my suggestion is to try, wait for a month to curb the initial enthusiasm and try again so that you will have a clearer head, to make informed choice.
Do you think it's better to go for adv250 over vstorm 250?
I suggest you to go for a test ride. Few things to keep in mind if you're over 5' 11", the Suzuki might feel cramped since footpegs are high set and seat height is lower. Another thing is the considerably lower suspension travel. I think (I have not driven or seen a Vstrom 250), the Suzuki will be more road focused and the engine might be smoother than the KTM. KTM must correct the tall gearing on the ADV 250.
What is your use case scenario and would you enjoy off-roading?
Hi Shaarod, I made a first ride review of the vstrom 250; if you would like to have a look, here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/nmxlI173BxE/v-deo.html
❤❤❤❤
Thank you :)
How much average mileage u got....?
As mentioned in the video it's 41kmpl
Check out Fuel Economy test here: ua-cam.com/video/ie7RYK8XdAQ/v-deo.html
On raod price sir?
When I took delivery on March it cost me 2.98 Lakhs. It was almost 3L. But now I think the prices have been hiked.
What is your height?
My height is 180cms
@@wheelsontarmac Im 170 cm 🙄🥲
170 is okay for this bike I think, you can sit a bit forward where the seat is leaner and lean in to one side slightly for planted feet. Have a test ride.
@@wheelsontarmac Ok thank you
you talking is so boring bro. it seems like you are reading notes
Thank you very much for your feedback. I will try to be less boring while reading notes. Appreciate your vehement honesty.
@wheelsontarmac but your points are good though
Tvm❤
Thank you for your view & comment 😃
G8 vlog
Thank you so much for your support 😊
Check out Fuel Economy test here: ua-cam.com/video/ie7RYK8XdAQ/v-deo.html