I recently wrapped up a refreshing yet demanding ride covering Munnar – Vagamon – Chalakudy – Valparai, a route that offers everything from fast highways to broken hill roads and light off-road stretches. The KTM 390 Adventure once again proved why it’s such a popular choice among touring enthusiasts, but like any long ride, it also highlighted a few areas that deserve attention. Here are my observations and learnings from the trip, which might help fellow riders planning similar journeys.
Crash Slider: Persistent Niggles
One of the recurring irritants during this ride was related to the left-hand side crash slider. This slider was replaced recently at the service center, but unfortunately, the bolt used for mounting is non-standard. Ever since the replacement, I’ve been dealing with a sharp metallic vibration noise, especially noticeable at certain RPMs. On smooth roads, it fades into the background, but on rough patches or broken surfaces, the shrill sound becomes quite annoying.
This is something I plan to get addressed in the upcoming service. While there are several non-OE crash guard options available in the market, I’ve personally been quite satisfied with KTM’s stock crash guard design in terms of protection and integration with the bike. Because of that, I’m really hoping KTM comes up with an updated or revised version that addresses these minor but irritating fitment issues. For now, it’s a reminder that even small hardware changes can impact long-distance comfort.
Dirtsack Rackless Luggage System: Impressive and Practical
This trip gave me extended time with the Dirtsack rackless luggage system, and I must say, it has turned out to be one of the most convenient luggage setups I’ve ever used. The overall harness design is simple, intuitive, and extremely well thought out for touring.
The C-hooks on the 30L tail bag did come loose occasionally during off-road sections, but that’s not a deal-breaker. The hook architecture itself is far more stable compared to systems like the Rynox Navigator. A couple of well-placed bungee cords easily solved the issue by keeping the bag tightly secured.
Where this system really shines is on multi-day tours. Once the harness is clipped onto the bike, you can simply slide in the tail bag and waterproof saddle bags every morning. This process is significantly faster than the Navigator system, which requires daily tightening, re-hooking, and adjustments—especially after riding through bad roads.
That said, I did struggle a bit while passing the cinching strap ends through the buckles. It’s not difficult, just something that clearly needs practice. I’m confident that after a few more installs and removals, I’ll be able to do it much faster and more efficiently. Overall, this system strikes a great balance between stability, ease of use, and touring practicality.
GoPro Setup: Still a Work in Progress
For this ride, I used a GoPro Hero 10 mounted using a chin mount on my helmet. While the footage quality itself is excellent, I ran into an unexpected framing issue—the mobile phone mounted as my GPS unit ends up dominating the field of view. This slightly takes away from the immersive riding perspective that chin mounts are usually known for.
I’m currently experimenting with different GoPro settings and angles, especially with an eye on upcoming Gujarat and Arunachal rides. I plan to test Wide and SuperWide modes to see if that improves composition without compromising stability or aesthetics.
I’m quite particular about not having mounts jutting out awkwardly or cluttering the handlebar with additional accessories. For now, the setup works, but it’s not yet perfect. Once I crack a configuration that gives clean, immersive footage without visual distractions, I’ll be sure to share a detailed update.
Final Thoughts
This ride once again reinforced how capable the KTM 390 Adventure is as a lightweight tourer. It’s comfortable, engaging, and versatile enough to handle diverse terrain. Minor issues like vibration from accessories or fine-tuning luggage and camera setups are part of the learning curve—and honestly, part of the fun. Each ride helps dial the bike and gear setup a little closer to perfection.