The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R was previewed at EICMA 2024.
Unlike other manufacturers, the “R” moniker for KTM denotes adventure variants with more off-road capabilities and higher specifications. For example, the 790 and 890 Adventure R, 1290 Super Adventure R. In fact, most of us journos have been asking about the R-spec 390 Adventure since its launched in 2019. So, it is finally here.
However, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R is 99% new compared to the current bike.
Highlights
- Firstly, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R has a new look, and surprisingly different from spyshots.
- A pair of stacked round LEDs are flanked by LED DRLs like on the 990 Duke, while the 5-inch TFT screen in housed in a tall tower and larger windscreen.
- KTM says the new bike will share the updated 390 Duke’s LC4 engine, which displaces 399cc, and produces 44hp and 39Nm, although these figures will be different for the 390 Adventure R’s.
- The new engine has a longer 64mm stroke, while leaving the bore at 89mm, thus moving peak torque at 1,000 RPM lower.
- Up front are fully-adjustable WP Apex forks with 230mm travel, compared to just 170mm for the standard bike.
- At the back is a WP Apex monoshock with also 230mm of travel compared to 177mm. It is adjustable for rebound and preload.
- A new and redesigned gravity-cast swingarm complete the rear suspension.
- The wheels are 21-inches front and 18-inches rear, compared to the 19/18 combo on the standard Adventre.
- There is a new frame and subframe, and although it appears to be similar to the 2024 390 Duke’s, there is an additional bracing for off-road duties.
- Weirdly, the Akrapovic muffler is low-slung which will raise concerns for water crossings, but it allows for the rider to mount soft luggage without having to worry about exhaust heat.
- There are of course ride modes Rain, Street, and Rally. The Rally mode allows the rear ABS to be deactivated. However, there is no mention of adjustable traction control levels like that of the 790/890 Adventure R.
KTM did not state when the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R will be available for sale and how much it will be. We hope to be able to test it during the international media launch, like we did when the 790 Adventure and its R variant in 2019.
