Wheels Guru

Training, Travels, Racing – Motorcycles and Cars

KTM 390 Adventure R Revealed!

KTM has pulled the wraps off its much-awaited KTM 390 Adventure R, and in a time when the Austrian brand is fighting for its economic survival, they’ve come out fighting.

Here’s how KTM kicks off this new model announcement:

“The KTM 390 Adventure R is the most off-road capable middleweight adventure bike in its segment. Yes, it’s a bold claim, but with a 399cc powerplant, true rally-inspired design, 230mm adjustable suspension, and a 21/18 inch wheelset, this new addition to the KTM R stable simply rewrites the rulebook.”

And KTM then adds: “This motorcycle is designed and developed in Austria and assembled in India.”

Which is kind of important to reassure customers, for while the production lines in Austria might be idle right now as the company goes through its 90-day self-administration ‘pit stop’, partner brand Bajaj in India is cranking out production, with the 390 Adventure R set to arrive in Australia in July. Meanwhile, it’s 390 Enduro R cousin is set to arrive on North American showroom floors in April 2025.

North American pricing? it’s coming soon. Real soon — so stay tuned!

Vital specs of the new Ktm 390 Adventure R

  • Latest generation 399cc LC4c engine producing 33kW power and 39Nm torque.
  • Cornering MTC, Cornering ABS and OffRoad ABS.
  • Switchable OffRoad Mode allows rear wheel slip and activates OffRoad ABS to allow locking up the rear wheel.
  • Full-colour H50 five-inch TFT display.
  • KTM Connect connects to your smartphone to make calls, listen to music and use the optional turn-by-turn navigation app via the TFT display.
  • LED lighting.
  • Two-piece trellis frame design.
  • 43mm WP APEX fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping and 230mm wheel travel.
  • WP APEX seperate piston shock with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload and 230mm wheel travel.
  • 21 inch front and 18 inch rear wheels.
  • Rally inspired windscreen and bodywork.
  • Two position adjustable footpegs.
  • 14 litre fuel tank.
  • Ground clearance —272mm.
  • Seat height —870mm.
  • Claimed weight without fuel —165kg.

If KTM North America and India can price the Ktm 390 Adventure R — and the 390 Enduro R — competitively, they might just be the bikes to help drive new ADV customers back into KTM dealerships and play a vital role in turning the Austrian brand’s fortunes around.