KTM 390 Adventure R

KTM 890 ADVENTURE R PRICE & OVERVIEW

PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE

The KTM 390 Adventure R uses a 398.7cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that makes 45 PS at about 8500 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. It focuses on strong low-end power for tough trails and easy overtaking. The BS6 Phase 2B-compliant engine has ride-by-wire throttle for better control, making it responsive in off-road situations on Indian highways and hills. Riders say it revs quickly and accelerates well, handling everything from Ladakh mountain passes to wet monsoon roads.

The 6-speed manual gearbox with chain drive delivers smooth, accurate gear changes, and the bi-directional quickshifter in certain modes lets you shift gears easily during fast riding. Traction control and different riding modes (Street, Offroad, Rally) help manage power on all surfaces, making clutchless shifting easier on tough Indian roads. Riders report that the setup is tough and needs little maintenance, even after thousands of kilometres on rough terrain.

The 390 Adventure R can reach a top speed of 155 kmph on straight roads, and its speed is limited for better stability. The adjustable windscreen helps with wind protection. It easily goes over 120 kmph on highways, and Rally mode lets you use its full power off-road without losing grip. Tests in India show it can cruise steadily at 140 kmph with luggage, making it great for long trips like Delhi to Spiti.

MILEAGE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY

ARAI gives the KTM 390 Adventure R a mileage rating of 30 kmpl, thanks to its efficient liquid-cooling and engine tuning. This is a good figure for its class, and the 14-litre fuel tank helps it cover long distances on various road types.

In real-world use, Indian riders get about 25-32 kmpl, with city and highway riding around Mumbai or Delhi dropping to 26-27 kmpl if riding hard. On highways at a steady 80-100 kmph, owners report 32-35 kmpl after 5000+ km. Off-road, mileage drops to 25 kmpl in sand or on climbs like those in Uttarakhand. Things like how much you carry, which mode you use (Rally mode uses more fuel), and elevation all affect mileage. A full tank usually gives 320-350 km on active rides.

FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY

The KTM 390 Adventure R is the top off-road bike in the middleweight ADV class in India. It comes with rally-level parts like 230mm WP suspension and 21/18-inch spoked wheels, made for serious riders who want to explore places from the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan.

1. Standard Connectivity Unit:Wire-spoked construction with tube-type knobby Mitas Enduro Trail tyres delivers superior dirt traction and stability on Indian off-road trails.
2. Fully adjustable WP Apex suspension: 230mm travel, 48mm USD forks, and a rear monoshock enable 272mm of ground clearance for extreme inclines and obstacles in the Himalayas or deserts.
3. 870mm rally seat height:Low centre of gravity, adjustable windscreen, and off-road footpegs optimise standing/seated ergonomics for long technical sections.​​
4. 5-inch TFT display: Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration, turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, and KTM My Ride app for telemetry tracking.
5. Three MTC ride modes: Street, Offroad, Rally with Cornering MTC, Cornering ABS, Offroad ABS, and switchable rear ABS optimise traction across tarmac, gravel, or mud.
6. Bybre dual-channel ABS:320mm front disc (4-piston calliper) and 265mm rear disc (2-piston) plus traction control and engine brake control for varied conditions.
7. 398.7cc LC4c liquid-cooled engine:44-46 PS, 39 Nm, 6-speed gearbox with bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control, EURO 5.2/BS6 Phase 2B compliance.
8. Powder-coated steel trellis frame:Bolt-on subframe, 62.9° rake, 14L fuel tank, 165kg dry weight (176kg fueled), 520 X-Ring chain for agility.
9. Adventure aids package:Hazard lights, shift light, adjustable handlebars, passenger footrest, engine kill switch, DRLs, and mobile app integration.

BUILD QUALITY

The KTM 390 Adventure R uses a strong powder-coated steel trellis frame with a bolt-on subframe, making it sturdy and easier to fix after a fall. It has tough wire-spoked wheels and Mitas Enduro Trail tyres built for rough Indian trails. The body panels are colored plastic, so they keep looking good even after scratches and don’t show white marks.

Testers did not find any major problems after riding the bike on rough terrain; only minor issues, such as loose bar ends and fasteners, which are common on adventure bikes that get heavy use. The fit and finish are much better than earlier ‘Made-in-India’ KTMs. Still, it’s a good idea to check the spokes, subframe bolts, and handguard mounts before long trips.

HANDLING

The 390 Adventure R handles very well, with a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel, plus long-travel, fully adjustable WP Apex suspension. With 230 mm of suspension travel and more ground clearance, it can go over rough roads, gravel, and light enduro trails without hitting the bottom. Its low centre of gravity and improved frame design keep it stable on highways and agile for quick turns.

Testers say the bike encourages an aggressive riding style, letting you steer with the rear wheel and handle rough ground with confidence. Features like Cornering ABS, Cornering MTC, Offroad ABS, and Rally mode boost its performance. Indian riders mention that Offroad and Rally modes help with controlled slides and better grip on loose ground. On regular roads, the R version corners well, but some riders feel its off-road focus makes it less sharp than the standard 390 Adventure for sporty riding.

COMFORT

The 390 Adventure R is designed for active riding, not for soft comfort. Its tall 870 mm rally seat and wide handlebars make it easy to stand up while riding off-road. Users who rode long distances in India say the handlebar and footpeg positions feel natural, causing only mild discomfort after hours of riding. When adjusted properly, the WP suspension is firm yet still absorbs bumps, helping reduce fatigue on rough roads.

Many Indian riders say both the rider and passenger seats are firmer and narrower than those on bikes like the Himalayan. Some people add aftermarket or custom gel pads for more comfort, especially for passengers. The rally-style windscreen gives good wind protection for medium-height riders on highways. Still, taller riders might feel some wind buffeting. Vibration is controlled well, so the bike is fine for long trips, though it doesn’t feel luxurious.

STYLING

The 390 Adventure R shows off KTM’s rally racing style with a tough, practical look. It has a beak-shaped front fender, bold headlight, and wider tank panels for better control when standing. The exposed trellis frame, ‘R’ badges, and rally graphics on the tank and sides highlight its serious off-road focus. Handguards, a skid plate, and the tall 870mm seat add to its Dakar-inspired feel, perfect for India’s varied terrain. Users say the matte finish and orange frame keep it looking ready for action, even after muddy rides, and the design helps riders move easily on tough sections like rocky hills or sand dunes.

COLOR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS

The KTM 390 Adventure R debuts in India with a rally-exclusive

1. Orange

It features bold Dakar-style graphics and ‘R’ badges that set it apart. This single colour matches the global version and prioritises function over variety. The tough, UV-resistant paint can handle rough trails, and the white colour hides dirt better than darker shades on long Indian trips.

India gets just one standard version of the 390 Adventure R, priced Rs 19,000 less than the top-spec 390 Adventure X, even though it has better off-road parts. There are no extra versions or colour packs, so it stays focused on rally use without added accessories. This simple approach is aimed at serious adventure riders, unlike the regular 390 Adventure, which comes in several versions. This keeps the R model ready for tough riding.

VALUE FOR MONEY AND PRICING

The single-version KTM 390 Adventure R is priced at ₹ 3,78,620 ex-showroom in Delhi. It offers great value for off-road fans, with 230mm WP suspension, 21/18-inch wheels, Rally mode, and Cornering ABS—features worth over Rs 50,000—at Rs 19,000 less than the standard 390 Adventure X. Indian users like its Dakar-level performance, advanced electronics, and flexible 398cc engine, calling it a ‘luxury ADV on a 4-lakh budget’ with BMW-like features but without the high price.

However, users point out that the firm seats and limited passenger comfort make it less suitable for long family trips, but great for solo trail riding. It holds its value well, with 80-85% resale after 2 years, and has low first-service costs (Rs 3,500-4,000), which adds to its appeal.

Primary rival is the

• Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
• Triumph Scrambler 400 X
• BMW G 310 GS
• Hero XPulse 200 4V Rally
• Yezdi Adventure

It matches the adventurous feel but doesn’t have the same electronics or smooth engine. The R is better than the others for pure off-road riding, but the Himalayan is better for overall touring.