KTM 390 Adventure R 2025: Price, Test, Technical sheet

For the Italian two -wheeled market, these are the years of the reside of the Adventure, many of which occupy the first positions in the sales charts. KTM He presides over the segment with its adventure range, from 790 to 1390, but also offers the 390 Adventure R, far from a demanding motorcycle from the point of view of the displacement, weight and even the price. With 7,880 euros, the 390 with a 21 “front circle reflects a fresh and accessible proposal. It is a motorcycle that is created to accompany the curious motorcyclist, the one who is not satisfied with the asphalt but also wants to explore the dirt road, without necessarily having to compare with the 200 kg and beyond the older sisters. Designed for those who own the A2 driving license and want a multipurpose vehicle, but also for those looking for a compact motorcycle To be joined by a larger, this 390 Adventure R is located in an increasingly appreciated segment: that of small travelers, capable of giving fun and freedom with a relatively contained investment.

1How it is done

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The 390 Adventure R is immediately distinguished from the X variant because of a more aggressive look, inspired by rally motorcycles. The dome Vertical, low and narrow, in Dakar style, is unfortunately not height adjustable, but does not hinder the view when driving standing on the off-road platforms. THE rim They are in rays, with 21 -inch sizes to the front and 18 at the rear, an unequivocal sign of the off -road vocation. The reservoir It has a capacity of about 14.5 liters and the lateral plastics slim the central profile, helping to move easily in the saddle. There is no lack of display 5 -inch color TFT, light and clearly legible even in direct sunlight, with two display modes. In addition, through the KTM Connect system, it allows you to connect the smartphone for navigation, calls and music management. All details that show how, although it is a small displacement, the Adventure R does not give up on modern technological content.

2The technique

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The beating heart of the KTM 390 Adventure R is a motor 399 cc single -cylinder liquid cooled, capable of delivering 45 hp of maximum power and 39 Nm of torque. Numbers that make it perfect – according to the 48 HP threshold – for adults owners of A2 license. We do not make ourselves deceive from the technical data sheet: the engines, in those parts, know how to do them well, and how. It has much more inspiration than many motorcycles in this category, so much so that it is not struggling – in off -road – to overcome an obstacle in the surge with a touch of clutch on the second gear, which is not at all obvious for the category. The chassis Steel trellis, KTM trademark, is combined with an aluminum swingarm and works in synergy with WP Apex suspension with a 230 mm excursion both in front and behind. The braking system relies on a 320 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear one, both assisted by an advanced ABS system that also provides for offroad mode, useful for deactivating the system at the rear and having more freedom of management on low grip funds. The dry weight is contained in just over 160 kg, a value that makes it one of the lightest adventures on the market.

3Ergonomics in the saddle

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One of the most obvious features as soon as you approach the 390 Adventure R is the height of the saddle: 870 mm from the ground. It is not an impossible measure, but for the pilots under the meter and seventy without a lot of experience it can become demanding in certain contexts, especially in the maneuvers from detention or in traits of non-trivial off-roads (because yes, with her you can push yourself far beyond the simple white road). The shape of the saddle It is however tight in the front and facilitates the achievement of the soil with your feet. Once in the saddle, the driving position is natural: the handlebar is wide, the platforms well positioned and the general ergonomics allows you to easily alternate the sitting guide (going comfortably to load the front in front entrance and extending backwards for maximum outgoing traction) to the standing. Despite the compact dimensions, Adventure R transmits solidity and immediately gives the feeling of being able to face long journeys without too many renunciations, as long as you travel around 110 km/h. At abundant motorway speed, however, the single cylinder begins to be on turns and the aerodynamic protection is not exceptional on the helmet.

4How it goes on asphalt

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On the road the KTM 390 Adventure R surprises for agility and lightness, as well as for fluidity of delivery and extension. The 45 HP and 39 Nm of torque have pushed well from the low revs, allowing to extricate themselves easily in urban traffic and to maintain more than dignified gaits in suburban. There cycling It is stable and communicative, it affects confidence. Merit of the work of the frame and suspensions that absorb imperfections well without becoming yielding. Also in the fold the bike transmits confidence, even with tires designed for mixed use. For those who face daily routes or weekend trips, Adventure R therefore offers a convincing balance: easy to manage, unfortunate in costs and capable of giving fun.

5How it goes in off -road vehicle

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However, it is far from the asphalt that the 390 Adventure R shows its most authentic side. The suspension With large excursion and the 21-inch front wheel allow you to face dirt roads, mule tracks and even rather demanding sections of off-road without fear. The ABS in offroad mode leaves the right margin to control the drift at the rear, while the dedicated map makes the accelerator response more immediate. The reduced weight also makes the bike easily manageable even in narrow passages. The engine’s response is sweet and modular, perfect for having traction on loose soils without risking sudden skills. It is not an extreme motorcycle, of course, but for those who want to start taking confidence with off -road vehicle it represents a perfect school. In addition, the general feeling also transmits security to those who are not an off-road expert, thanks to a weight/power ratio that removes pressure from the pilot. And with less demanding masses, in off-road you have fun more.

6KTM 390 Adventure R: Stay and defects

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Below are the strengths and weaknesses found on KTM 390 Adventure R on the occasion of our test in Oltrepò Pavese.

• Engine: full of torque at low and medium speeds, lengthens with decision
• Balance: balanced motorcycle, correct and satisfactory seat in the saddle in the off-road guide
• Completeness: you do not feel the need to have a larger and more powerful motorcycle, it can give satisfaction when you take advantage of it all

• Low exhaust: if you don’t pay too much attention to asphalt, in off-road the low exhaust is not well seen, it risks taking stones and blows easily
• Rear ABS: intervenes a little too often in street mode