St. Hippolyte, QC — KTM 's latest 390 Adventure vibrates at altitude, has a seat that only a dominatrix might appreciate, and runs on cast aluminum rims apparently inadequate for serious dirt donking given its off-road appearance. What I'm saying is that the little Katoom doesn't stand out particularly in the increasingly crowded junior adventure section, individually defined. The first thing you note when stepping aboard is that, unlike so many budget bikes, the 390 Adventure is full-size. The seat height is an adult-like 855 mm, the seat-to-peg distance is enough to fit even tall riders and the reach to the big, dirtbike-like handlebar looks like it would be for some other adventure touring ride. Nevertheless, on the one hand, that full-size status will prove a roadblock for some newcomers looking for something a little more authentic than the CB500X from Honda. On the other hand, its fairly range seating location means that the 390 won't be outgrown easily. Che...
Given that hybrids are no longer strictly designed for optimum fuel economy, there is one for any requirement – from everyday commuting to fun at the weekend. Keep on reading to get the full story about hybrid vehicles, and whether they're right for you. WHAT MACK A HYBRID CAR? A hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine to an electric motor and a battery (usually a lithium-ion or a metal-hydride nickel). Hybrid vehicles can cover short distances by electricity in some driving conditions. We can also float on the highway by shutting off the engine briefly when the driver lifts off the accelerator. Like non-hybrid vehicles, there is a wide variety of hybrids, from efficiency-focused commuter cars and high-performance SUVs. There are two types of hybrid powertrains available: a regular hybrid, and a hybrid plug-in — or PHEV. Premium hybrids such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight use the gas engine for propulsion and battery charging. Plug-in ...