KTM India has quietly introduced its most off-road-focused adventure motorcycle yet — the KTM 390 Adventure R. Listed on the company’s official website, the new variant is priced at ₹3.78 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Surprisingly, this makes it cheaper than the standard 390 Adventure with tubeless spoked wheels, which retails at ₹3.97 lakh.
Positioned as the range-topping and most dirt-oriented version of the 390 Adventure lineup, the Adventure R brings long-travel suspension, off-road-biased wheels, and rally-inspired proportions aimed squarely at serious adventure and trail riders.
Hardcore Off-Road Focus Sets It Apart
The biggest difference between the 390 Adventure R and the regular 390 Adventure lies in its suspension and wheel setup. The Adventure R borrows its hardware directly from the export-spec 390 Enduro R, making it far more capable when the road ends.
The motorcycle features 230mm of suspension travel at both the front and rear, a significant jump over the standard 390 Adventure’s 200mm front and 205mm rear travel. This long-travel suspension is designed to handle aggressive off-road riding, absorbing rocks, ruts, and jumps with far greater ease.
Wheel sizes also differ substantially. The Adventure R runs a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combination, wrapped in tubed Mitas Enduro Trail tyres. This setup is far more suitable for loose terrain compared to the standard bike’s 21/17-inch wheels with tubeless Apollo Tramplr tyres.
Taller, Lighter, and More Purposeful
These off-road upgrades give the KTM 390 Adventure R a distinctly different stance. The seat height increases to a towering 870mm, making it best suited for taller or experienced riders. Ground clearance is equally impressive at 272mm, allowing the bike to clear obstacles that would challenge most adventure motorcycles in this segment.
Despite the rugged hardware, the Adventure R is surprisingly lighter. The UK-spec model weighs 176kg with its 14-litre fuel tank full, making it around 6kg lighter than the India-spec standard 390 Adventure. The final kerb weight for the Indian version may increase slightly due to mandatory components like the saree guard and number plate holder.
Same Powerful 399cc Engine
Mechanically, the KTM 390 Adventure R remains familiar — and that’s a good thing. Power comes from the same 399cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine found in the updated 390 Adventure range.
This motor produces 46hp and 39Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox featuring a bi-directional quickshifter as standard. Known for its punchy mid-range and strong top-end, the engine offers ample performance for both highway touring and off-road riding.
The chassis, frame, and bodywork are largely unchanged, ensuring the Adventure R retains the sharp, aggressive KTM styling language.
Electronics and Features Remain Comprehensive
Despite its hardcore positioning, the 390 Adventure R does not compromise on electronics. It offers a similar electronics package to the standard 390 Adventure, including:
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Multiple riding modes
- Switchable ABS
- Traction control
- TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity
These features help riders tailor the bike’s behaviour depending on terrain, whether navigating technical trails or cruising on highways.
Single Colour Option, Rally-Inspired Look
The KTM 390 Adventure R is offered in a single white and orange colour scheme, reinforcing its rally and competition-inspired identity. While some buyers may want more colour choices, the minimal palette aligns well with the bike’s no-nonsense, purpose-built character.
Aggressive Pricing Strategy
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the KTM 390 Adventure R is its pricing. At ₹3.78 lakh (ex-showroom), it undercuts the standard 390 Adventure with tubeless spoked wheels by nearly ₹19,000.
This lower price is likely due to the use of tubed tyres and simpler spoke wheels, which are less expensive than tubeless-compatible spoked rims. For riders who prioritise off-road performance over convenience, this trade-off makes sense.
Bookings for the 390 Adventure R are now open on KTM India’s website for a fully refundable token amount of ₹1,999.
Final Verdict
The KTM 390 Adventure R is the most off-road-capable motorcycle KTM has offered in India in the sub-400cc adventure segment. With long-travel suspension, proper off-road wheels, reduced weight, and a powerful engine — all at a surprisingly competitive price — it is aimed squarely at serious adventure enthusiasts.
For riders who want a true dirt-focused machine without stepping into much higher price brackets, the 390 Adventure R sets a new benchmark.