TESTED: KTM’S 390 ADV & ENDURO R MODELS

Ten years ago, the idea of a 399cc adventure motorcycle would have been laughable because conventional wisdom told us that big distances could only be conquered by big blokes on big-capacity bikes. But a lot has changed in a decade. Firstly, motorcycle technology has evolved exponentially. And secondly, more and more consumers have demanded lighter, more manageable and more affordable adventure bikes to give them a user-friendly pathway into the sport. As a result, sales of mid-capacity machines rapidly overtook the 1000cc+ adventure-bike behemoths; a trend that’s now continuing with even smaller-capacity models.

Case in point: KTM’s 390 Adventure “R” – an all-new, purpose-built, go-anywhere model that uses a new and more powerful 399cc DOHC powerplant, a dedicated chassis and swingarm, longer-travel and more adjustable suspension, an advanced electronics package, and rally-inspired bodywork. In other words, a 390 Adventure model that’s no longer simply a KTM 390 Duke in adventure clothing, and all for $11,295 Ride Away!

After testing KTM’s new 390 Adventure R – and its understated stablemate, the all-new 390 Enduro R ($10,695 Ride Away) – on the NSW south coast for three days in all sorts of terrain, we reckon this machine is set to sell a motza. And in doing so, it’ll introduce a whole wave of new riders to the pleasures of adventure-touring.

Here’s a more detailed insight into the component spec, performance and personality of these two new 390 “R” models from KTM.

NOTE:

Both 390 R models were in standard trim except for being fitted with a set of Mitas XT Plus Trail Tyres with a more aggressive tread pattern for added traction in the launch’s predominantly off-road terrain, and a Quickshifter+ (an accessory available through KTM’s PowerParts catalogue).
Both 390s were first unveiled to the public late last year at the EICMA show in Europe, not Intermot (as incorrectly stated by Transmoto’s Andy Wigan in the video).