Upcoming Bikes

KTM 390 Adventure R

Dec 2025

About KTM 390 Adventure R

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KTM 390 Adventure R: The Ultimate Lightweight Rally Machine is Coming to Conquer

Unleash the Beast: Everything We Know About the Highly Anticipated 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R

The world of adventure motorcycling is about to be shaken to its core. For years, riders have dreamt of a lightweight, highly capable, and technologically advanced machine that truly embodies the spirit of rally racing. That dream is set to become a reality with the expected arrival of the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R. This isn't just an iteration of the already popular 390 Adventure; it is a dedicated, stripped-down, and hard-core off-road weapon designed to punch well above its weight class.

Anticipation is at an all-time high for this machine, which is tentatively expected to launch in India around December 2025. It promises to be the lightest, most capable adventure-tourer in the sub-500cc segment, bringing top-shelf components and rally-inspired geometry to the masses. Get ready to ditch the tarmac and explore the unknown, because the 390 Adventure R is built to conquer the wildest trails imaginable.

The Heart of the Adventure: Engine and Performance

At the core of the KTM 390 Adventure R lies the latest generation of KTM's venerable single-cylinder engine, now enlarged and thoroughly refined.

A New Era of Power: The 399cc LC4c Engine

The 2025 390 Adventure R is expected to be powered by the all-new 398.7 cc LC4c, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This engine is a significant evolution from the previous 373 cc unit, focusing on delivering a smoother, more accessible power delivery while still maintaining KTM's signature punch.

Specification	Value
Engine Type	Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Displacement	398.7 cc
Max Power	45 PS (approx. 44.2 bhp) at 8500 rpm
Max Torque	39 Nm at 6500 rpm
Transmission	6-speed
Clutch	PASC Anti-hopping Slipper Clutch

This new engine tune, combined with an expected lighter overall wet weight of approximately 176 kg (388 lbs), ensures a class-leading power-to-weight ratio. The power is delivered through a six-speed gearbox that benefits from an improved quickshifter (an optional or standard feature, likely standard on the R variant) for seamless shifts both on and off-road. For those tricky off-road sections, a slightly shorter final drive ratio is also anticipated compared to the standard 390 Adventure, helping to provide better low-end tractability.

Rally-Ready Chassis and Suspension

Where the 390 Adventure R truly separates itself from its standard sibling and most competitors is in its chassis and suspension setup. This is where KTM's "Ready to Race" DNA is most apparent, echoing the capabilities of its larger, Dakar-winning rally bikes.

The Long-Travel WP APEX Suspension

The "R" in the name stands for rally-inspired hardware. The bike is expected to feature fully adjustable, high-spec WP APEX suspension at both ends.

Front Suspension: 43 mm WP APEX open cartridge fork, fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping.
Rear Suspension: WP APEX separate piston monoshock, adjustable for preload and rebound.

Crucially, the suspension travel is expected to be a generous 230 mm (9.1 inches) both front and rear. This massive travel is almost unheard of in this segment and is the key to the bike's extreme off-road potential, allowing it to soak up jumps and high-speed hits with confidence.

Off-Road Geometry

The long-travel suspension inherently raises the bike, resulting in a substantial ground clearance, anticipated to be around 260 mm or more. This figure is a game-changer, ensuring the underbelly clears almost any obstacle on the trail. This focus on off-road capability, however, translates to a tall seat height, expected to be around 885 mm, which might pose a challenge for shorter riders.

The bike will roll on a true off-road wheel combination: a 21-inch front spoke wheel and an 18-inch rear spoke wheel. These spoked wheels are essential for off-road durability, and rumors suggest they will be tubeless, adding convenience and practicality. The 21/18-inch combination provides optimal stability and obstacle-clearing ability in the dirt.

Next-Level Electronics and Features

KTM has always been a leader in motorcycle electronics, and the 390 Adventure R is packed with sophisticated rider aids that make it safer and easier to ride both on and off the road.

Advanced Rider Aids

The bike is expected to feature a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which enables lean-angle sensitive rider aids:

Cornering ABS and Offroad ABS: The system intelligently manages braking even when cornering. The dedicated Offroad ABS mode is a highlight, deactivating ABS on the rear wheel (allowing the rider to lock the rear tire for steering control) while offering minimal intervention on the front.
Cornering MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control): Lean-angle sensitive traction control to prevent wheel spin in corners.
Riding Modes: At least three distinct riding modes are expected: Street, Rain, and Off-road. Each mode is designed to tailor throttle response and the level of intervention from the MTC and ABS systems to suit the conditions.

Connectivity and Cockpit

The cockpit will be dominated by a new, full-color 5-inch TFT display, designed to be bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight. This unit will offer Bluetooth connectivity via the KTMconnect app, providing features like turn-by-turn navigation, music controls, and call alerts.

In a move that is a huge boon for long-distance touring, the 390 Adventure R is also expected to feature Cruise Control as standard, a premium feature previously unheard of in this displacement segment. This makes the long stretches of highway needed to reach your off-road playground much less strenuous.

We at BikeCarHubbelieve that the introduction of such high-end features in the sub-500cc segment is a clear indication of KTM’s commitment to setting new standards for the lightweight ADV category.

Expected Launch Timeline and Price in India

The anticipation for the 390 Adventure R is immense, especially in a market like India, which has a massive appetite for accessible adventure bikes.

Expected Launch Timeline

The global launch of the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R is already underway in certain markets, and the Indian launch is tentatively expected to happen in December 2025. It’s important to note that this date is an estimation, and final confirmation will only come directly from KTM India.

Expected Prices (Ex-Showroom, India)

Given the extensive list of top-shelf components—the new 399cc engine, fully adjustable WP suspension with extreme travel, spoked wheels, cruise control, and advanced electronics package—the 390 Adventure R will undoubtedly be positioned as the premium offering in the 390 Adventure lineup.

The estimated ex-showroom price in India is expected to fall in the range of ₹ 3,80,000 to ₹ 4,00,000. While this is a premium price point, it reflects the high-level specification and true off-road focus of the machine, making it a compelling value proposition for serious off-road enthusiasts looking for a lightweight, rally-capable bike.

Competitors Comparison: KTM 390 Adventure R vs. Rivals

The 390 Adventure R enters a competitive field, though its specific high-end off-road focus puts it in a niche above many current segment rivals. Its main competitors are other sub-500cc ADVs and lightweight dual-sport machines.

Here is a comparison of the expected specifications against key competitors in the Indian market:

Feature	KTM 390 Adventure R (Expected)	Royal Enfield Himalayan 450	Triumph Scrambler 400 X	BMW G 310 GS
Engine Displacement	398.7 cc	452 cc	398.15 cc	313 cc
Max Power	45 PS (44.2 bhp)	40.02 PS (39.5 bhp)	40 PS (39.5 bhp)	34 PS (33.5 bhp)
Max Torque	39 Nm	40 Nm	37.5 Nm	28 Nm
Front Suspension Travel	230 mm (Fully Adjustable WP APEX)	200 mm (USD, Non-Adjustable)	150 mm (USD, Non-Adjustable)	180 mm (USD, Non-Adjustable)
Rear Suspension Travel	230 mm (Adjustable WP APEX)	200 mm (Adjustable Monoshock)	150 mm (Adjustable Monoshock)	180 mm (Adjustable Monoshock)
Ground Clearance	260 mm	230 mm	195 mm	220 mm
Front Wheel Size	21-inch Spoke	21-inch Spoke	19-inch Cast	19-inch Cast
Kerb Weight	176 kg (388 lbs)	196 kg	185 kg	169.5 kg
Cruise Control	Yes (Expected Standard)	No	No	No

As the table clearly shows, the 390 Adventure R is positioned as the segment's undisputed leader in terms of dedicated off-road hardware. Its combination of lowest weight, highest power, maximum suspension travel, and the 21/18-inch spoked wheel setup is designed purely for the dirt, making it the closest thing to a rally-spec machine in this class.

Specifications & Features Comparison Table (KTM 390 Adventure R vs. 390 Adventure Standard)

To truly appreciate the "R" model, it’s helpful to see how it differs from the standard 390 Adventure, which is already a highly capable machine. This comparison highlights the specialized focus of the upcoming model.

Feature	KTM 390 Adventure R (Expected)	KTM 390 Adventure (2025 Standard)
Engine	398.7 cc LC4c	398.63 cc LC4c
Max Power	45 PS	46 PS
Front Suspension	43 mm WP APEX, Fully Adjustable	43 mm WP APEX, Adjustable Preload & Rebound
Suspension Travel (F/R)	230 mm / 230 mm	200 mm / 205 mm
Front Wheel	21-inch Spoke Wheel	19-inch Spoke Wheel
Rear Wheel	18-inch Spoke Wheel	17-inch Spoke Wheel
Ground Clearance	260 mm	237 mm
Seat Height	885 mm	830 mm
TFT Display	5-inch Full Color TFT	5-inch Full Color TFT
Electronics	Cornering ABS, Offroad ABS, Cornering MTC, Ride Modes	Cornering ABS, Offroad ABS, Cornering MTC, Ride Modes
Cruise Control	Expected Standard	Expected Standard

The differences in wheel size, suspension travel, and adjustability confirm that the 390 Adventure R is engineered for a single purpose: maximum off-road performance. While the standard 390 Adventure is a fantastic all-rounder, the 'R' model sheds the compromises, making it a true enthusiast's choice for aggressive trail riding and rallying.

Riding Experience: Built for the Trail

What does all this high-end hardware translate to in the saddle? The 390 Adventure R is built to feel agile and manageable, especially in challenging terrain. The narrow rally-inspired bodywork and redesigned rider triangle (the relationship between the handlebars, footpegs, and seat) provide a more commanding and comfortable standing position, essential for true off-roading.

The combination of the larger 21-inch front wheel and the massive suspension travel will allow the bike to simply steamroll over obstacles like logs, rocks, and ruts that would slow down or stop other bikes in its class. Despite its incredible dirt capability, KTM's engineering ensures it remains composed on the highway. The relatively light weight will also make it easier for riders to pick up after a fall, a practical benefit for solo adventurers.

For those considering a long-term purchase, the presence of the advanced 399 cc engine platform suggests a focus on durability and reliability, leveraging KTM's extensive experience in the highly demanding rally world.

Conclusion: The New Benchmark is Set

The arrival of the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R in late 2025 is poised to be one of the most significant events in the lightweight adventure motorcycling segment. KTM has seemingly listened directly to the enthusiast community, delivering a bike that offers uncompromising off-road capability without the penalty of excessive weight or complexity. For the rider who dreams of genuine rally performance, who demands the best suspension, and who seeks a lightweight ADV that can truly go anywhere, the 390 Adventure R is the machine that will redefine expectations. Keep an eye on BikeCarHub for the final launch details and a full in-depth review as soon as this powerhouse hits the streets and trails!

FAQs about the KTM 390 Adventure R

No.	Question	Answer
1	When is the KTM 390 Adventure R expected to launch in India?	The KTM 390 Adventure R is tentatively expected to launch in India in December 2025.
2	What is the expected price range for the 390 Adventure R?	The estimated ex-showroom price for the 390 Adventure R in India is between ₹3,80,000 to ₹4,00,000, positioning it as the premium model in the 390 Adventure family.
3	What is the key difference between the 390 Adventure R and the standard 390 Adventure?	The primary difference is the focus on off-road hardware: the 'R' gets 230 mm of fully adjustable WP APEX suspension travel and 21-inch front / 18-inch rear spoke wheels, resulting in significantly higher ground clearance and better off-road capability.
4	Does the 390 Adventure R feature Cruise Control?	Yes, it is expected to feature Cruise Control as a standard feature, making it a highly capable machine for long-distance highway touring.
5	What engine powers the new 390 Adventure R?	It is powered by the latest generation 398.7 cc LC4c, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, producing approximately 45 PS and 39 Nm of torque.
6	What is the seat height of the KTM 390 Adventure R?	Due to the long-travel suspension, the seat height is quite tall, expected to be around 885 mm.
7	What is the ground clearance of the motorcycle?	The ground clearance is a massive figure, expected to be around 260 mm or more, crucial for aggressive off-road riding.
8	Does the 390 Adventure R have lean-angle sensitive electronics?	Yes, thanks to a 6-axis IMU, it is expected to feature Cornering ABS, Cornering MTC, and dedicated Offroad ABS/Ride Modes.
9	What type of wheels does the 'R' model use?	The bike uses a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheel setup, which are generally more durable for off-roading than cast wheels. They are rumored to be tubeless.
10	Who is the main competitor for the KTM 390 Adventure R?	Its direct competitors in the sub-500cc ADV segment include the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the BMW G 310 GS, though the 'R' model’s high-spec off-road components place it in a more premium, hard-core niche.