KTM reveals the 2025 390 Adventure R and X models – sassy ADV machines with rally-inspired looks and big-bike tech, designed to make adventure travel more accessible and potentially boost the fortunes of the troubled Austrian manufacturer.

A life trend in this world of ours is to get more compact, become more accessible to more people, and easier to use. We think you can add to that better looking when it comes to KTM’s 2025 390 Adventure R, a scaled down version of the bigger Adv models in the range which promises to pull new riders into the world of Adventure with rally looks, a decent spec sheet and an all-round capability. In theory that should put more people into more places on motorycles and get people back in the KTM showrooms (they hope!).

If the higher capacity Adv bikes are too big and powerful, competition models like the EXC too sport-oriented for some then the new line of 390 models – including the recently announced 390 Enduro R – for new riders, less confident and license restricted riders are a ‘way in’. Even if you never take it to the top of a mountain or the depths of a forest, it’ll look cool as hell while you ride to the supermarket.

Coming in two models, the R and X, the 2025 390 Adventure is separated by more street or off-road focus. Our natural focus is on the R which comes with 30mm more suspension travel and adjustable WP Apex forks and shock front and rear, 45mm taller seat height (870mm versus 825mm), 21/18 wheel sizes versus 19/17 on the X, a slightly longer wheelbase as a consequence and aluminium bars instead of steel on the X. All other specs are the same (see technical data at bottom of story).

Scaled down versions of the big bikes then, in many ways, but we’re glad to see the spec list includes many of the functions and technology of the bigger bikes.

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R and X key features:

• New LC4c engine generation
• New rally looks, front fairing and seat design
• New two-piece steel trellis frame and subframe adapted for adventure and off-road riding
• Longer travel, adjustable suspension and 21/18-inch steel spoked wheels on R model
• New airbox design allows the engine to sit higher, increasing ground clearance and a more off-road focused rider triangle
• Redesigned gearbox for improved shift feel
• New power-assist slipper clutch makes clutch control easier (optional Quickshifter+ system also available)
• New 4-way instrument controls
• Ride-by-wire throttle with 3 ride modes
• 10,000km service intervals
• 5“ TFT Dashboard (LCD on the X model)

• Prices X - £5399/5999€, R - £6699/7499€ (not yet known in $, will update)

Make no mistake, KTM has definitely stepped up promoting itself as a sport-first motorcycle manufacturer again. In theory this is a bike for the newer, less experienced rider, in Europe those with restricted A2 licenses, but the inspiration from seeing enduro world champions showing the bike skills is all about aspiration.

“The next era of hardcore Adventure travel” KTM say with an updated LC4c engine, “adventure-ready” suspension and wheel, and tyre packages for any terrain and a list of tech details which should attract riders from different walks of motorcycling life across to a dirtier life on two-wheels as well as give more experienced a cheaper set of wheels.

Here’s what KTM have to say

Light, nimble and hugely capable, the KTM 390 Adventure R is the most off-road orientated, small capacity Adventure bike to date with a rally-inspired design, completely new chassis, long- travel suspension and 21/18-inch wheels.

The X meanwhile comes with cast wheels, an LCD dashboard, ABS and a unique Colour Trim and Graphic (CTG) for an alternative if looking for an affordable entry into the small capacity Adventure sector.

Bodywork and graphics

The KTM 390 Adventure line-up takes its design cues directly from the Rally machines in body profile, a rally-inspired instrument tower, a compact 14-litre metal fuel tank, LED lights front and rear and “hardy” fairings.

The new KTM 390 Adventure lineup boasts resilient in-mould graphics and a textured seat material with what htey call a unique Adventure grip profile.

Note some colour variations (see the photo gallery) depending on where in the world you might buy this bike.

Suspension and chassis

A new two-piece steel trellis frame design is based on the Gen three platform shared with the smaller-capacity Duke, Enduro R and SMC R models but with a different steering head angle, triple clamps, subframe mounts and rigidity profile engineered for off-road use with improved handling, control and stability they say.

The new frame is also has more clearance for the radiator and the footpeg location better suits the riding style and longer spells in the saddle, both on and off-road.

The seat height is 870mm on the R variant, with the X model offering a lower option at 825mm.

Subframe

The new bolt-on steel trellis design subframe contributes to a strong and sturdy build, KTM say, and accommodates a one-piece seat and allows for long-travel suspension.

Swingarm

The new “off-road-ready”, gravity die-cast swingarm on the KTM 390 Adventure models is shared with the KTM 390 Enduro R and KTM 390 SMC R.

Suspension

Each model in the KTM 390 Adventure line-up features its own unique suspension set-up, tuned and specced to suit each model’s requirements. Both models use WP APEX fork and off-centre WP Apex shock but they are key differences between the two bike options.

The R features WP Apex 43mm open cartridge forks with 230mm of travel. The forks are adjustable for compression and rebound in 30-click steps, making adjustment easy. At the rear, the WP Apex Separate piston shock boasts 230mm of travel with rebound adjustable by 20 clicks and a tool is required for preload adjustment.

The 390 Adventure X features a non-adjustable WP Apex 43 mm open cartridge fork with 200 mm of travel, with a WP Apex Emulsion shock absorber with 200mm of travel. The preload is adjustable with a tool.

Wheels and tyres

The wheel and tyre set-ups are also a clear difference between the 2025 KTM 390   Adventure models, emphasising their differing orientation to more or less off-road focus.

The 390 Adventure R is the most off-road capable with spoked 21/18-inch wheels with Mitas Enduro Trail E07+ tyres for traction and durability in different terrain. The 390 Adventure X is better suited for road-focused riding with occasional offroad use and comes with 19/17-inch cast wheels fitted with Apollo Tramplr XR or MRF Meteor tyres (dependent on supply).

New-gen engine

The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure models are powered by a new generation single-cylinder engine dubbed the LC4c – ‘c’ for compact – which debuted in the most recent KTM 390 Duke and is also found on the Enduro R.

KTM say the evolution of their small LC4 has redesigned cylinder heads and gearboxes ready for EURO 5.2 compliance and has new service intervals, with the initial service required at 1000km, followed by regular services every 10,000km thereafter.

Cylinder Head

This new LC4c powerplant also has a larger valve cover with a smaller cylinder head, reducing the weight up top. There’s a new thermostat position – mounted directly into the cylinder head – which they say improves thermal monitoring and provides more stable running temperatures under different riding conditions.

Fuel injection

New injectors are angled directly into the inlet valves to reduce build-up in the inlet channel and also produce a finer fuel spray, resulting in more efficient combustion and fewer emissions.

New airbox

A new airbox design allows the engine to sit higher, increasing ground clearance and providing a more offroad focused rider triangle.

No muffler exhaust

The stainless steel exhaust design means the system fitted to both KTM 390 Adventure models has no muffler, saving two kg total weight they claim. A Double Catalyser however complies with Euro 5+ regulations and features active control, whereby the ECU adjusts the fuel mixture detonation and controls temperature to reduce emissions.

Sweeter gearbox and clutch

Improved gear guidance reduces shift forces within the gearbox on the new models too. KTM say they have replaced the previous five mm guides at the fork pins with six mm ones, along with other small changes.

The shift drum shape has been redesigned too for easier shifting between the 5th and 6th gears, resulting in smoother movements of the gears along the shafts. The shift lever travel has also been reduced, resulting in quicker and more responsive action for better feel.

Both models also feature a power-assist slipper clutch, with new clutch basket gears and flywheel, reducing weight and making clutch control easier. An optional Quickshifter+ system is also available.

Brakes

Both 2025 KTM 390 Adventure models are equipped with Bybre brakes. The R is fitted with a 320mm floating front brake disc, while the X has a 320mm fixed disc with floating calipers – both come with a new two-piston caliper up front.

This is an updated set-up on the previous 390 Adventure, KTM say, to include larger discs for improved heat dissipation, better resistance to brake fade, and a longer lifespan for the brake pads.

The rear brakes features a 240mm brake disc paired with a new single-piston caliper.

All models also have new design, adjustable brake lever and pump (master cylinder) combinations, with improved tolerances and ergonomics being the key objectives, KTM add (better quality then? – Enduro21 adds).

Off-road ABS

Both bikes have selectable off-road ABS mode remains engaged after the ignition as been switched off and allows the locking of the rear wheel with the foot brake, “granting advanced riders full control and the opportunity to make the most of offroad adventures”, KTM say. To do skids then?

Ride modes

The KTM 390 Adventure models both feature selectable ride modes including Off-Road Mode. The default setting is Street, with Rain Mode providing a less aggressive throttle response and tailored traction control. If looking for more control or to slide the rear wheel, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) can also be turned off completely.

The 2025 line-up also includes an ‘always on’ feature. This means that whichever ride mode is in use when the motorcycle is turned off will remain engaged upon start up.

Cornering MTC (motorcycle traction control)

The 2025 390 R (not hte X) is fitted with cornering MTC which uses the input from the 3D sensor to limit power if you ask for too much in corners but which can also be turned off...

New dashboard and switchgear

The KTM 390 Adventure line-up is equipped with a new five-inch dashboard - TFT on the   Adventure R model and LCD on Adventure X model - made from bonded glass and featuring a polarisation coating to reduce glare and improve readability in bright conditions.

Completely redesigned switchgear has a new look, feel and illuminated switches to control functions such as lights, indicators, ride modes and interact with different connectivity features.

A new connectivity unit connects the motorcycle to the rider’s smartphone app via Bluetooth to access features such as turn-by-turn navigation, music library directly from the dashboard, call in and out and Remote Control Mode, which allows the rider to control their phone via the switch cubes. 

All 2025 models feature rally-inspired LED lights with the R model additionally having positioning lights.

A range of KTM PowerParts and PowerWear is also available to suit the models including luggae options and, well, you know the score. 

UK pricing (we’ll update when we get US/Euro prices):

2025 KTM 390 Adventure X - £5,399/5999€

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R - £6,699/7499€

2025 KTM Adventure R and X technical specification: 

More information: www.KTM.com