KTM currently offers four off-road capable road bikes in India—three of which are powered by the LC4c 399cc engine. While the Adventure range shares a common ergonomic setup, the recently launched 390 Enduro R is built with a completely different intent. Despite using the same engine and suspension hardware, it differs significantly in terms of suspension tuning, bodywork, rear subframe, rear wheel size, and technology. In this piece, we break down all the differences between the 390 Adventure and the recently launched 390 Enduro R.
Design
The KTM 390 Adventure has a towering presence, whereas the 390 Enduro R is a slender machine
Right off the bat, both bikes look noticeably different—you can’t confuse one for the other. The KTM 390 Adventure has an upright stance reminiscent of a Dakar bike, with a vertically stacked LED projector headlight, tall windscreen, larger 14.5-litre fuel tank, and more extensive bodywork. All of this contributes to the 390 Adventure feeling like a more substantial motorcycle. It’s built to go the distance, offering ample wind protection while remaining capable off-road.
On the flip side, the 390 Enduro R has more of an off-road-focused intent, with significantly less wind protection and touring not being its top priority. It’s a slender machine, featuring minimal bodywork, compact reflector-based LED headlight and a smaller 9-litre fuel tank. These factors make the Enduro R feel considerably lighter and more nimble than the 390 Adventure. However, the difference on the spec sheet is just 5kg. In fact, the effective gap is even narrower when you consider that the 390 Adventure carries 5.5 litres more fuel (which will weigh around 4kg) but weighs only 5kg more.
The KTM 390 Adventure is available in two colour options— white and orange, however, the Enduro R is only offered in a single shade of orange.
Technology
The 390 Adventure gets a larger 5-inch TFT with cruise control
The 390 Adventure is the more generously equipped of the two, although the Enduro R doesn’t lag far behind. The Enduro R misses out on a six-axis IMU, which means it lacks lean angle-sensitive traction control and ABS. It also skips cruise control, further highlighting its off-road focus.
The 390 Adventure also features a larger 5-inch TFT display with a conventional rectangular layout. In comparison, the 390 Enduro R also uses a rectangular screen but opts for a slimmer 4.2-inch TFT. Both displays run a similar-looking UI but are paired with different switchgear. However, the Enduro R doesn’t get a fuel gauge, and you have to rely on a low fuel indicator. Apart from the Off-road and Street modes, the 390 Adventure also gets an additional Rain mode.
The Enduro R gets a four-way toggle switch, while the 390 Adventure uses four individual buttons. Nonetheless, both setups offer a similar user experience and learning curve. Additionally, the Enduro R gets a dedicated ABS deactivation button to turn off the front ABS, while the Adventure features backlit buttons.
Chassis
Both motorcycles run on a 21-inch front wheel, but the Enduro R gets an 18-inch rear wheel
The 390 Enduro R borrows its suspension setup from the 390 Adventure, albeit with a difference in suspension tune. With revised damping and more spring preload from the factory. This helps it to resist bottoming out more than the 390 Adventure. However, this suspension has the same reduced suspension travel as the India-spec 390 Adventure (200mm/205mm). However, KTM has confirmed that the international-spec Enduro ‘R’ is also on the cards for India.
Both the 390 ADV and 390 Enduro R run on a 21-inch front wheel, however, the latter gets an 18-inch rear wheel. To compensate for the larger rear wheel diameter, KTM has increased the rear sprocket on the Enduro R by two teeth. Another difference is that the 390 Adventure gets tubeless-type spoke wheels, whereas the 390 Enduro sticks to the traditional tubed spoke wheels.
The larger rear wheel on the 390 Enduro R further elevates the seat height to a rather tall 860mm compared to the 390 Adventure’s 830mm, although it is still lower than the 890mm on the international spec 390 Enduro R. This setup also results in improved ground clearance– 253mm on the 390 Enduro R versus 237mm on the 390 Adventure. In essence, the Enduro R gains 16mm of ground clearance for a 30mm increase in seat height. Both motorcycles come with a 240mm rear disc, but the Enduro R gets a smaller 285mm front rotor compared to the Adventure’s 320mm.
Wheels and tyres
KTM 390 Enduro R’s tyres offer balanced performance off the road and on it.
Expectedly, the tyres on both the motorcycles differ. The KTM 390 Adventure’s 21/17-inch (F/R) wheels come wrapped in the Apollo Tramplr tyres. Grip levels are reassuring on the road, while also being capable enough to handle occasional off-road use. The 390 Enduro R, on the other hand, comes equipped with block-pattern, 50/50 Mitas E-07 tyres that offer a balanced performance between off-road riding and everyday commuting.
Price
The KTM 390 Enduro R undercuts the 390 Adventure by Rs 31,000
The KTM 390 Enduro R has been launched in India for Rs 3.37 lakh, making it Rs 31,000 more affordable than the KTM 390 Adventure, which is priced at Rs 3.68 lakh. However, the two bikes cater to different kinds of riders and riding needs.
For the additional premium, the 390 Adventure offers a more versatile package — one that is well-suited to long-distance touring, while also being capable off-road. With features like a windscreen, a larger fuel tank, and electronic aids, it’s designed as a balanced all-rounder for those looking to explore far and wide, both on tarmac and rough terrain.
The 390 Enduro R, on the other hand, is aimed squarely at riders who want to focus on trail and off-roading. It’s a more purpose-built machine that comes into its own once the road ends. Touring capabilities are limited, primarily serving to get the rider to the trailhead. Its lightweight and focused setup make it ideal for technical off-road sections and playful riding.
All prices ex-showroom, Delhi
Also see: KTM 390 Enduro R vs Kawasaki KLX230: price, power and specifications compared
