While Austrian brand KTM is synonymous with class-leading adventure and super naked machines over a variety of capacities ranging from 390 singles to the latest 1390 V-twins, its smallest adventure, the 390, first introduced in 2020, has been oddly less convincing – until now.
That original was a sort of ‘pseudo’ adventure, based on the then 390 Duke naked and very much aimed primarily at A2 class novices. It stood out for its 19/17” cast alloy wheels, fairly minimal adventure bike features and accessible 855mm seat height. And the result, despite its punchy 373cc single (producing 44bhp) and typically nimble, fine handling chassis, failed to sparkle in the way a true KTM Adventure should.
At the end of 2025, however, that bike was replaced with not one, but two new 390 Adventures – the more entry-level 390 Adventure X, still with 19/17” wheels and a more basic spec, starting at £5399, and, as tested here, the more hardcore, off-road capable 390 Adventure R. In this spec it is now truly the bike it always promised to be.
Although derived from the old Adventure 390, both the new X and R are effectively new bikes, sharing at their hearts the latest, updated LC4c engine which is now both Euro5+ compliant and enlarged slightly from 371 to 399cc. That said, performance is little different (there’s an extra, claimed 0.3bhp which no-one will notice) and that’s no bad thing. KTM’s single has always been one of the punchiest and effective in the A2 class, it also comes with three modes (Rain, Street and Off-road) and, for this style of adventure bike, is almost perfect off-road while still having enough performance on asphalt to be both unintimidating yet entertaining.
The R’s handling impresses just as much. On road, although by definition compromised slightly by its tall gait, big wheels and semi-off road Mitas knobbly tyres, it’s still light, nimble, surprisingly confidence-inspiring and capable. While, off-road, it’s even better still, with its new 21/19” wire wheels and uprated, quality suspension and a dedicated riding mode making it truly dirt capable, probably more so, in fact, than any other A2 adventure bike we can think of – with one proviso: BMW’s equally new F 450 GS twin has also just landed and while we expect the German to run the KTM close in the dirt, it’s more enduro rather than true adventure style.
Having turned up the off-road quotient on its 390 Adventure we half expected the R to be so extreme, intimidating (to novices at least) and single-minded it’d also represent a step backwards in terms of comfort and versatility. Not so. Although its bigger wheels and different suspension means the R’s 870mm seat is significantly taller than the X’s 825mm, it’s so slim and light that it wasn’t a problem for 6’3” (190cm) me (although admittedly shorter riders may prefer the X version). On top of that the all-round proportions feel ‘just right’, the seat, although slightly narrow and firm, was no less comfortable than many bikes of this type, ergonomics are also good and the new, bigger screen blunts the windblast when cruising on M-ways.
It’s also surprisingly and impressively versatile. Although off-road focused, one consequence of the longer suspension, bigger wheels etc is to turn the previously ‘dinky’ 390 Adventure into a credible-feeling, full-size bike – yet one which is still ultra-light and manageable. Although no two-up tourer, the R is more than capable of motorway miles, its height, slimness and nimble handling make it a doddle around town, it’s sufficiently secure handling and perky performance make it fun on A and B-roads and, as mentioned, it’s also probably the best off-road A2 adventure bike you can buy.
The equipment levels on the new 390 Adventure R have also been improved. Along with the new, alloy-rimmed, pukka off-road wire wheels, there’s uprated adjustable WP Apex suspension and new bodywork including, in R trim, a proper raised front mudguard and, perhaps more impressively of all, a slick, quality-looking new 4.2” colour TFT dash. Our test bike also had the optional quickshifter, which worked well.
Overall, equipment levels may not be as lavish as a full-size, 1200cc adventure bike with heated and adjustable everything, there’s no adjustable screen, for example, but for the type of bike (and at the price) it is it has everything you need, feels quality and sufficient. It makes most other bikes of this type, whether from Enfield or China, seem crude, confused and unconvincing.
As the time of testing the new KTM 390 Adventure R costs £6119 which is pretty good value (BMW’s new F450GS, for example, starts at £6990) but also leaves us with slightly mixed feelings.
For one, the R’s £6199 is £800 more than the Adventure 390 X which many may feel has identical performance and more manageability, even without as much off-road prowess.
But the flip side of that is that, even at £6199, the R is also actually cheaper than all bar one variant of Royal Enfield’s Himalayan 450, which has less performance and off-road ability, and is arguably far cruder. It’s also cheaper than Triumph’s latest and most off-road capable 400, the £6545 Scrambler 400 XC and is almost certainly the most off-road capable and arguably versatile Adventure style 400 of all. In that sense, it’s a bargain (but you still might prefer the X!)
KTM 390 Adventure R specification
Price: £6,199
Engine: 398.7cc single, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 44.3bhp (33kW) @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 39Nm (28.7lb-ft) @ 7,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, chain
Frame: Tubular steel trellis
Suspension: (F) WP 43mm ‘Apex’ USD telescopic forks, compression and rebound adjust (R) WP ‘Apex’ preload and rebound adjustable monoshock.
Wheels: Alloy rimmed wires, (F) 21” (R) 18”
Tyres: Mitas Enduro Trail (F) 90/80 x 21, (R) 140/80 x 18
Brakes: (F) 320mm disc, ByBre two-piston caliper, (R) 240mm disc, ByBre single piston caliper, ABS
Weight: 165kg (wet)
Wheelbase: 1481mm
Seat height: 870mm
Fuel tank: 14 litres
Service intervals: 6000 miles/12 months
Warranty: 48 months unlimited mileage
Contact: www.ktm.com
Words: Phil West
Photos: KTM
