Power gain
+123bhp
50bhp LC4 thumper → 173bhp 1390 V-twin. 30 years of KTM going from "hardcore singles for serious dirt riders" to "most powerful ADV bike money can buy."
Engine config
Single → V-twin
1996 KTM ADV was a single-cylinder thumper. By 2006 it was a 942cc V-twin. Today it's a 1350cc V-twin pushing 170bhp. Different category of bike entirely.
Weight gain
+91kg
158kg dry → 249kg wet. The biggest weight gain of any 30-year arc here. The LC4 was a properly off-road tool; the 1390 is a heavyweight tourer that can also do dirt.
Real cost change
+£5.7k
£5,800 in 1996 ≈ £11,600 today. The 2026 1390 SAR is £18,749. Steep premium — but for a completely different category of bike than the LC4 was.
Rider aids count
0 → 10
1996: zero. 2026: cornering ABS, MTC traction, slide control, wheelie control, hill hold, ride modes, adaptive cruise control, semi-active suspension, launch control, off-road ABS.
Off-road credibility
Pure dirt → Adv tourer
The original LC4 was for pure off-road riders. The 1390 is for sport-touring with occasional gravel. KTM say 'Ready to Race' — but the bike's gotten heavier every generation. The new 990 Adventure exists for real dirt.
Cheapest way in
£2k
A clean LC4 Adventure 640 today. The KTM that proved adventure bikes could be lightweight. Carbs, no electronics, real off-road ergonomics. Hardcore.
