When I first saw the teaser images of the new KTM 390 Adventure R, all I could think about were the grand adventures I could take it on. All the single-track I could rail, the muddle puddles I could conquer, and the vast open landscape the west has in great excess. All I could think about was how this little adventure bike could take me to the far-flung places I love.
And then KTM imploded, it failed to debut the bike as originally planned at EICMA, and I was getting concerned that I'd never get the chance to take this baby adventurer out for a proper rip. But I should've remembered that we were always going to get the new 390 Adventure R. Why? Because despite its badging, it isn't actually a KTM.
While I can talk about how we're more than likely not getting the new 990 RC R next year because it's supposed to be built in Mattighofen by KTM and that place is a shit-show at present, the 390s are actually Indian. Specifically, they're built in cooperation with Bajaj, the same Bajaj that's currently one of the three main interested parties to purchase the brand outright. And the bikes are built in India, not Austria and aren't in any way part of the ongoing insolvency hearings.
So, yeah, we're getting these bikes and getting them soon. Bajaj, I mean KTM, also stated that the new 390 Adventure will start at a supremely reasonable $5,899. So that's even more good news!
For 2025, there'll be two 390 Adventure models, the X, and the R. As you might expect, the X is the more tame version of the 390 Adventures, with the R representing the go-anywhere philosophy of the brand. It's for the hardcore dirt riders and adventurers, so it's absolutely the one I want. Like the other 390s, it's centered around the LC4c 399cc single with a PASC slipper clutch, quick shifter, and ride-by-wire. There's a two-piece frame with a bolt-on rear subframe for easy fixes, and WP Apex shocks both front and rear. The 390 Adventure R, however, gets fully adjustable units, while the X gets only pre-load adjustment.
The X also comes with road-focused tires and a shorter seat height at 32.4 inches. As for the R, you get Mitas Enduro Trail E07+ tires and a 34.2-inch seat height designed for more off-road scenarios. Both also get a number of selectable ride modes, launch control, and BYBRE brakes that were designed in conjunction with Brembo. Likewise, KTM will offer cruise control, but that'll require additional hardware as an option.
According to KTM, "Both machines take their design cues directly from the Rally ranks, with each model boasting a slim and compact body profile, a rally-inspired instrument tower, a compact 3.69 gallon (14 L) metal fuel tank, LED lights at each end, and hardy fairings."
As for price, as mentioned above, the 390 Adventure X will start at a supremely reasonable $5,899, while the far more adventure off-road-focused 390 Adventure R will start at an equally good $6,999. That's only a grand off my favorite motorcycle of last year, the dual-sport Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
Which would I have though? Well, I'm not sure. I legit can't stop thinking about the Himalayan 450, but the 390 Adventure R has better suspension and tires. Maybe I should get both for a very interesting and highly scientific test of the two.
Two motorcycles enter, one leaves. Both, however, will be available for purchase this April, so we only have to wait a few more months before they're at dealerships. That said, it's still a long ways away for KTM's present situation...
