2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE R (& X)
An 890 Adventure R mini-me?
Hot on the heels of the KTM 390 Enduro R, comes the 390 Adventure R (and X – a more road-oriented option). The Adventure R has much the same spec as the Enduro R – this is common platform engineering – but added to the mix, most significantly is a rally type fairing and larger – dare we say long range? – fuel tank as befits adventure over trail.
How is it different to the 390 Enduro R? Here are the salient differences:
- ‘Rally-inspired’ instrument tower and screen
- Five-inch TFT dashboard
- 14-litre fuel tank (Enduro R – 9-litre)
- Stepped design means a lower seat height 870mm (Enduro R – 890mm)
- Mitas Enduro Trail E07+ tyres (Enduro R – Metzeler Karoo 4)
- Bigger 320mm front disc with radial caliper (Enduro R – 285mm)
- Cornering traction control & cruise control
- Price: £6699 (Enduro R: £5699
New information included in the 390 Adventure R press pack reveals the claimed fuel consumption for the new engine: 3.4l/100km (about 82 mpg). What that means in range is around 250 miles for the Adventure model and around 165 miles for the Enduro R with its smaller 9-litre tank. That’s about standard for the market sector.
The motor should be a cracker. Earlier 390 motors have been great units with plenty of character and revvy when you want them to be, good on the motorways for 70-80mph cruising and offering decent fuel consumption. The new motor pumps 45hp (that’s 33kW in Euro speak) and handsomely meets Euro 5+ emitting just 79g CO2/km. Fast and clean!
As we expected, there’s a fair price premium over that for the Enduro R, with the Adventure R priced at £6699 – a grand more than £5699 of the Enduro R. Incidentally, that’s also £1000 more than the CF Moto 450 MT, arguably the Adventure R’s closest rival. The single cylinder KTM is taller (by two inches), more powerful (by two kW) and lighter (by 10kg) than its twin-cylinder Chinese step-sibling. The 30mm longer WP Apex suspension may make a difference to the dynamic as well. It’ll be interesting to see how they compare…
The X model – we haven’t forgotten – is the road-oriented version of the 390 Adventure, which is instantly recognisable by the 19”/17” cast wheels. It also has shorter lower-spec suspension, which makes for a (near CF Moto matching) seat height of 820mm. The, er, downgrades (shall we call them that?) have one benefit, a cheaper price tag: £5399.
Availability is said to be from late March for the Adventure R, with the X following in the autumn.
For those who love maximum detail – and if you’re looking to buy one these, this is important – let’s checkout KTM’s tech briefing…
Here’s KTM’s rundown on the spec:
BODYWORK AND GRAPHICS
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE lineup takes its design cues directly from the Rally machines. It boasts a slim and compact body profile, a rally-inspired instrument tower, a compact 14 litre metal fuel tank, LED lights front and rear and hardy fairings. The new KTM 390 ADVENTURE lineup boasts an entirely new rally-inspired KTM CTG with resilient inmould graphics and a textured seat material with a unique ADVENTURE grip profile.
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS
A new two-piece steel trellis frame design is based on the Gen three platform shared with the smallercapacity DUKE, ENDURO R and SMC R models but features a different steering head angle, triple clamps, subframe mounts and rigidity profile, specifically engineered for offroad use with improved handling, control and stability.
The new frame is also designed to provide greater clearance for the radiator and the footpeg location hasbeen optimised to better suit the riding style and requirements of longer spells in the saddle, both on and offroad.
The new KTM 390 ADVENTURE lineup offers two different seat heights: 870 mm on the R variant, with theX model offering a lower option at 825 mm.
SUBFRAME
The new subframe sports a sleek, offroad-inspired bolt-on steel trellis design. This unique design contributes to a strong and sturdy build. The subframe was specifically crafted to offer a one-piece seat while allowing for long-stroke suspension. It is also stylish, functional and thoughtfully designed for purpose.
SWINGARM
The new offroad-ready, gravity die-cast swingarm on the KTM 390 ADVENTURE models is shared with the KTM 390 ENDURO R and KTM 390 SMC R.
SUSPENSION
Each model in the KTM 390 ADVENTURE lineup features its own unique suspension set up, tuned and specced to best suit each model’s requirements. While both models make use of a WP APEX fork and offcentre WP APEX shock, there are key differences between each.
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R features WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge forks with 230 mm of travel. The forks are adjustable for compression and rebound in 30-click steps, making adjustment easy. At the rear, the WP APEX Separate piston shock absorber also boasts 230 mm of travel. The rebound is adjustable by 20 clicks and a tool is required for preload adjustment.
The 390 ADVENTURE X features a non-adjustable WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge fork with 200 mm of travel, with a WP APEX Emulsion shock absorber with 200 mm of travel. The preload is adjustable with a tool.
WHEELS AND TYRES
The wheel and tyre setups clearly define the roles of the 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE models.
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R is the most offroad capable in the lineup. It features spoked 21/18 inch wheels with Mitas Enduro Trail E07+ tyres, offering excellent traction and durability for challenging terrain. In contrast, the KTM 390 ADVENTURE X is better suited for road-focused adventures with occasional offroad use. It comes with 19/17 inch cast wheels fitted with Apollo Tramplr XR or MRF Meteor tyres dependent on supply, providing a balance of comfort and performance on the road and capability when riding offroad.
These differences highlight the prowess and purpose of the KTM 390 ADVENTURE R and its target audience of offroad adventure enthusiasts, and the versatility of the KTM 390 ADVENTURE X, making it a great choice for those who want a balance between road comfort and go anywhere capability.
BRAKES
Both 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE models are equipped with Bybre brakes. The 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE
R is fitted with a 320 mm floating brake disc, while the 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE X features a 320mm disc with floating calipers. Both models come with a new two-piston caliper up front. This updated setup includes larger discs for improved heat dissipation, enhanced resistance to brake fading, and a longer lifespan for the brake pads. The rear brake system features a 240 mm brake disc paired with a new single piston caliper to handle stopping and sliding duties effectively.
All models also have new brake lever and pump combinations, with improved tolerances and ergonomics being the key objectives. The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R features adjustable brake levers as standard.
OFFROAD ABS
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE lineup comes with a selectable offroad ABS mode. When offroad ABS mode has been engaged, it remains engaged after the ignition as been switched off. This mode allows the locking of the rear wheel, granting advanced riders full control and the opportunity to make the most of offroad adventures.
ENGINE
The 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE models are powered by a new generation of lightweight and compact single-cylinder engines dubbed the LC4c – ‘c’ for compact – which debuted in the most recent KTM 390 DUKE. Building on experience gained with the previous generation of small single-cylinder engines, these powerplants have been completely redesigned, with newly optimised cylinder heads and gearboxes ready for EURO 5.2 compliance. This new engine platform also brings new service intervals, with the initial service required at 1,000 km, followed by regular services every 10,000 km thereafter.
CYLINDER HEAD
This new LC4c powerplant features a larger valve cover with a smaller cylinder head, reducing the weight at the upper end of the engine. A new thermostat position – mounted directly into the cylinder head – improves thermal monitoring and provides more stable running temperatures under different riding conditions.
FUEL INJECTION
New injectors are now angled directly into the inlet valves to reduce build-up in the inlet channel. These new injectors also provide a finer fuel spray, resulting in more efficient combustion and fewer emissions.
NEW AIRBOX
A new airbox has been specifically optimised allowing the engine to sit higher, increasing ground clearance and providing a more offroad focused rider triangle.
EXHAUST
A unique stainless steel exhaust design means the system fitted to both KTM 390 ADVENTURE models does not need an end muffler, resulting in a two kg total weight saving.
The new exhaust is equipped with a Double Catalyzer to comply with Euro 5+ regulations and features active control, whereby the ECU adjusts the fuel mixture for optimal detonation and ensures optimal temperature to reduce emissions.
GEARBOX AND CLUTCH
Improved gear guidance reduces shift forces within the gearbox. This is achieved by replacing the previous five mm guides at the fork pins with six mm guides, along with other small optimisations. The shift drum shape has been optimised for easier shifting between the 5th and 6th gears, resulting in smoother movements of the gears along the shafts. The shift lever travel has also been reduced, resulting in quicker and more responsive action. Both models now feature a power-assist slipper clutch, with optimised gears on the clutch basket and flywheel reducing weight and making clutch control easier. An optional Quickshifter+ system is also available.
TECH
Setting the benchmark for the smaller displacement Adventure segment, the 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE lineup boasts real-world technological advancements that enhance both the riding experience and rider safety.
RIDE MODES
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE models feature selectable ride modes, including an OFFROAD MODE. The default setting is STREET, with RAIN MODE providing a less aggressive throttle response and tailored traction control. However, for riders looking for more control or to slide the rear wheel into corners, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) can also be turned off completely. The 2025 line-up also includes an ‘always on’ feature. This means that whichever ride mode is in use when the motorcycle is turned off will remain engaged upon start up.
CORNERING MOTORCYCLE TRACTION CONTROL
The 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE R is fitted with cornering MTC, which uses the input from the 3D sensor to adapt in cornering situations. The MTC can also be turned off completely. The 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE X has no cornering MTC. LED LIGHTS All 2025 models feature rally-inspired LED lights, which provide excellent visibility during the day and illumination at night. The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R models have unique LED positioning lights.
NEW DASHBOARD AND SWITCHGEAR
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE lineup is equipped with a new five inch dashboard – TFT on the ADVENTURE R model and LCD on ADVENTURE X model – made from bonded glass and featuring a polarisation coating to reduce glare and improve readability in bright conditions. This ensures riders can quickly and easily see all relevant information, such as speed, fuel level and gear indicator.
All new generation ADVENTURE models will also be equipped with connectivity functions, such as a music player via the KTM app, the ability to answer incoming calls and turn-by-turn navigation.
The new dashboards are navigated via completely redesigned switchgear with optimised ergonomics and illuminated switches. This allows riders to control various motorcycle functions, such as lights, indicators, ride modes and interact with different connectivity features.
Lastly, a new connectivity unit connects the motorcycle to the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth. It enables the rider to access features such as turn-by-turn navigation, music library directly from the dashboard, call in and out and Remote Control Mode, which allows the rider to control their phone via the switch cubes.
KTM POWERPARTS
To further enhance the new 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE lineup, a comprehensive range of KTM PowerParts is specifically engineered to provide performance, style, protection and comfort.
KTM POWERWEAR
The latest collection is developed with the ADVENTURE rider in mind. Its bold design makes it stand out from the crowd.
