Applying a single powerplant to a range of models—all manufacturers do it, and KTM is one of the best at it. The Austrian firm has done this with the LC8, LC8c, and LC4 engines. But with the 390 platform, KTM has taken it to another level, packaging the LC4c engine into five different bikes, delivering a lightweight product line more exciting than any other manufacturer. The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R, 390 Adventure X, 390 Enduro R, and 390 SMC R are based on the 390 Duke platform, which was all new in 2024. KTM’s RC 390 is still on the older 373cc platform.KTM first introduced the 390 Adventure in 2020, a road-focused lightweight ADV with an emphasis on approachability. And while the new Aventure R is more hardcore and expensive, the new 390 Adventure X ($5899) is an updated replacement for the original 390 Adventure, maintaining the same attributes that attracted initial customers. The new 390 Adventure R is a steppingstone to the 890 Adventure R, an adventure bike designed for superior off-road performance.

The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R enters a rising lightweight adventure bike class competing against the tried-and-true Honda NX500 (formerly CB500X, $7399), the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 ($5799), and the CFMoto Ibex 450 ($6499). Each manufacturer has its own riff on the class. The Honda is the most road focused, the KTM is the most off-road focused, and the CFMoto and Royal Enfield fall somewhere in between. The one thing they all have in common? Approachability and affordability.

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R EngineThe all-new KTM 390 Adventure R utilizes the same LC4c engine in the Duke 390, Enduro R, Adventure X, and SMC R, but with dedicated mapping. It’s a 399cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine with a six-speed transmission, slipper/assist clutch, and chain final drive to a 48-tooth rear sprocket. It produces a claimed 44 hp at 8500 rpm and 28.8 lb.-ft. of torque at 7000 rpm. A 46mm throttle body delivers air and fuel to a 89mm bore by 64mm stroke that is then squeezed into the combustion chamber with a 12.6:1 compression ratio. Our test unit was fitted with an optional bidirectional quickshifter.

The 2024 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, which utilizes the same LC4c engine as the 390 Adventure R, produced 38.9 hp and 23.9 lb.-ft. of torque on the Cycle World dyno. We expect to see similar numbers when we get the 390 Adventure R on our dyno.

KTM’s LC4c engine is zippy and quick-revving, seemingly tuned for sporty enthusiasts. It makes its best power in the mid to top end of the rev range; keeping the engine spun up and on the boil produces the best results. A lack of snappy low-end torque requires carefully managing the revs, slipping the clutch, and working the gearbox in tight off-road terrain. On twisty backroads, the 390 Adventure R rewards running the engine up to the rev limiter before grabbing a shift. Tall gearing allows the engine to comfortably cruise at highway speeds without sacrificing passing power. The optional quickshifter provides seamless gear changes, and the slipper clutch encourages aggressive riders to charge corner entries.

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R ElectronicsA major separator between the Enduro R and the Adventure R is the electronics package. The Adventure R receives a more extensive electronics suite with a 3D IMU providing lean-sensitive rider aids. The package includes three ride modes (Street, Off-road, and Rain), adjustable traction control, switchable ABS, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Navigating through the 5-inch TFT display is intuitive, and the switch gear provides a great tactile feel. Each ride mode has preset parameters, but riders can also independently adjust throttle response, ABS intervention, and traction control. Unlike the 390 Enduro R, ABS cannot be fully disabled at the front wheel. Riders have the choice between street ABS or off-road ABS at the front wheel. Rear ABS can be fully disabled. Soon, cruise control will be available as an optional accessory.

On loose, dusty mountain trails, front off-road ABS intervention is mostly unnoticeable. Riders can heavily apply the front brake before any kickback is felt in the lever. Only when shedding speed quickly in deep sand or loose gravel does the system trigger prematurely.Off-road traction control encourages riders to slide corners and break the rear tire loose with confidence.

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R Chassis The 390 Adventure R shares the same two-piece steel trellis frame, bolt-on subframe, and cast aluminum swingarm as the Enduro R. This is the same frame as the 390 Duke, but it’s been optimized for off-road riding. KTM beefed up the ADV’s frame to increase durability and provide specific flex character in the dirt. Suspension components include a 43mm inverted open-cartridge WP Apex fork with compression and rebound adjustment (30 clicks) that offers 9.1 inches of travel. At the rear is a WP Apex off-center linkless shock with rebound (20 clicks) and preload adjustment that moves the rear wheel through 9.1 inches of travel.

KTM equipped the Adventure R with proper off-road wheel sizes: a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear, wrapped in Mitas Enduro Trail+ tube-type tires. The 60/40 street-bias tire is flexible, providing sufficient traction in all conditions. In the sand, the tires struggle for hookup and track forward. On loose fire roads, the tires squirm a little bit at a lean angle, but are not too limiting. On the pavement, they are quiet and provide excellent edge grip.

On- and off-road, the chassis is planted, stable, and maneuverable. Hustling through corners, the bike doesn’t flex or wallow. As the trail opens up, the bike can run a spirited pace without coming unglued. Charging fire roads and two-track at highway speeds, the 390 Adventure R remains relaxed and composed. When the terrain is relatively smooth, the 390 performs like a mini rally replica.

KTM admittedly spent more time developing the suspension settings on the Adventure R compared to the Enduro R. And we can tell. Ironically, the ADV has more open valving than the Enduro R, but on the trail, the ADV offered more holdup and better damping control. We bottomed out the suspension less on the ADV than the Enduro R despite riding similar terrain at a similar pace. But just like the Enduro R, jumping to flat or charging through a set of whoops will quickly find the limits of the suspension.

The ByBre braking components provide more than enough stopping power for a lightweight adventure bike. The brake system utilizes a 320mm front disc with a dual-piston ByBre caliper and a 240mm rear disc with a single-piston ByBre caliper. The front brake’s initial bite is extremely sharp and responsive, allowing riders to achieve maximum braking potential on the pavement. Even with off-road ABS active at the front wheel, we were able to get the rear wheel to lift. Equally, the rear brake is just as responsive. Locking up the back wheel only requires a quick stab on the pedal.

2025 KTM Adventure R Styling and Ergonomics The Adventure R’s tall windscreen and rally-style tower immediately hint at the bike’s off-road ability. Slim bodywork with in-mold graphics and a narrow seat provides dual-sport-like ergonomics. The stepped seat on the Adventure R is narrower than the Enduro’s, contributing to a lower standover height and seat height of 34.3 inches. Fuel capacity is increased to 3.7 gallons over the Enduro R’s 2.4-gallon tank.

The rider triangle is neutral, upright, and comfortable. The tall, nonadjustable windscreen and front fairing provide plenty of protection from the elements. At highway speeds, my 5-foot-8 stature is completely protected from the wind. A small rush of air barely meets the top of my helmet and is free from any buffeting. The solo seat is comfortable, supportive, and grippy, and due to the Adventure R’s slim seat profile, it’s remarkably narrower between the legs for an ADV. It’s even narrower than its dual sport sibling, the 390 Enduro R.

A wide aluminum tapered handlebar is complemented by a three-position-adjustable 52mm riser that provides plenty of leverage for muscling the bike off-road and offers a comfortable reach to the controls when standing off-road. The footpegs are sharp and supportive for off-road riding and can be adjusted to increase ground clearance.

Is the KTM 390 Adventure R the Most Capable Lightweight ADV? KTM’s 390 Adventure R offers more off-road capabilities than any other lightweight adventure bike. The sporty engine, long-travel suspension, and nimble chassis deliver a product that is exciting but not overwhelming. It’s small, manageable, and affordable, without sacrificing performance and features. The new KTM 390 Adventure R is so much more than an affordable entry into adventure bike riding. It’s the first lightweight ADV to truly challenge the performance, features, and capabilities of more expensive middleweight offerings. KTM’s 390 Adventure R shifts our perception. Maybe less really is more.

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R Specs