Lightweight ADV new standard..KTM 390 Adventure R, the last one for cost-effectiveness

Jul 21, 2025

Photo courtesy : carguy(www.carguy.kr)



KTM is introducing various product lines using the 390 platform. Tested Adventure R in Cycle World, followed by Enduro R.Applying a single engine to various models is a widely applied method by all manufacturers to reduce development costs. KTM is one of the best in this field.



KTM, an Austrian company, properly realized this with LC8, LC8c, and LC4 engines.However, KTM introduces a lightweight range that is more interesting than any other manufacturer through its 390 platform.The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R, 390 Adventure X, and 390 Enduro R are completely new 390 Duke platform base compared to 2024.






KTM first introduced the 390 Adventure in 2020.It is a lightweight road adventure bike that values accessibility.While the new Adventure R is more hardcore and expensive, the new 390 Adventure X (8.16 million won) was cost-effective. As an upgraded follow-up model of the existing 390 Adventure, it maintains the features that attracted the attention of existing customers.

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R is a model that has entered the emerging lightweight adventure bike class. It competes with the already validated Honda NX500, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, and CFMoto Ibex 450.






Each manufacturer has its own characteristics in this class.Honda focuses on the road. KTM has a strong off-road capability. CFMoto and Royal Enfield are located in the middle.Accessibility and reasonable price range are what all these models have in common.KTM's new 390 platform uses the updated LC4c engine.



This engine is a 399 cc water-cooled short-term cylinder. Equipped with a six-speed transmission and clutch, it exerts 44 horsepower at 8500 rpm and 4 kg.m. torque at 7000 rpm. It boasts agile, fast rotational speed, and is tuned for drivers who enjoy sporty driving.

Light torque is somewhat lacking in the low-rotation area. Engine rotation speed shall be carefully controlled, clutch shall be slipped and gears operated in narrow off-road terrain.The optional Quixifter is capable of smooth gear change.



Slipper clutch encourages aggressive riders to enter corners more actively.The main difference between Enduro R and Adventure R is electronic devices.Adventure R is equipped with a 3D IMU and has a wider range of electronic devices that identify riders' lean reactions.

This package includes three driving modes (street, off-road, lane), adjustable traction control, switchable ABS, and Bluetooth connectivity.The 5-inch full-color TFT display with an anti-glare coating supports Bluetooth connectivity through the KTM Connect app.



Listening to music, turn-by-turn navigation, and phone reception are typical.Unlike the 390 Enduro R, the front wheel ABS cannot be completely deactivated.Cruise control will be available as an option. On the rugged mountain path, the intervention of off-road ABS is hardly felt.

390 Adventure R shares the same two-piece steel frame, bolt-on subframe, and aluminum casting swing arm as Enduro R.Same frame as 390 Duke, but optimized for off-road riding.



As a suspension component, a 43mm WP Apex fork with compression and rebound adjustment (30 clicks) provides 23cm of travel. The tires are equipped with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels suitable for off-roading.



Mitas Enduro Trail+ tires perform well off-road.Both on-road and off-road, the chassis is gripping, stable, and maneuverable.

When the terrain is relatively flat, the 390 performs as well as a mini rally replica. KTM has invested more time in developing the suspension of Adventure R than Enduro R.



The brake system uses a 320 mm front disc and a dual piston Bybre caliper, a 240 mm rear disc and a single piston Bybre caliper.The initial response of the front brake is very sharp. It is also responsive, allowing riders to exert maximum braking force on the pavement.



Adventure R's high windscreen and rally-style tower reveal off-road performance at once.The slim body and narrow seats offer ergonomic design like dual sports.Adventure R's terraced seats are narrower than Enduro's. The seat height is about 96.6 cm.

The height-adjustable windscreen and front pairing provide sufficient protection from bad weather.When driving on the highway, it is perfectly protected from the wind based on the height of 165 cm.The solo seat is comfortable and has good support and grip.



Thanks to Adventure R's slim seat profile, the legs are narrow among ADVs. It is narrower than the R, which is a dual sports model, the 390 Enduro R.The wide aluminum tapered handlebar is coupled with a 52mm riser with three-step adjustment. It provides sufficient leverage and stable control when driving off-road.

Footpeg is sleek and supportive to suit off-road riding. It can be adjusted to increase the ride height. Then, is KTM 390 Adventure R the most performing lightweight ADV.



KTM's 390 Adventure R differentiates itself with off-road performance that is better than any other lightweight adventure bike.Sporty engines, long-travel suspensions, and agile chassis provide a thrilling yet unburdened experience.



Small, easy to handle, affordable, and unchanged in performance and functionality.The new KTM 390 Adventure R is more than just an introductory low-cost adventure bike model.It is the first lightweight adventure bike to truly challenge the performance and function of expensive middleweight models.



Editor Song Moon-cheol mc.song@carguy.kr





This article was translated by Naver AI translator.