KTM has officially revealed the more dirt-focused 390 Adventure R, along with the new 390 Enduro R and 390 SMC R supermoto models, as promised. The Austrian brand presented the models at EICMA, revealing some specifications but withholding other details until homologation is completed. Here's what we know so far about these three pint-sized KTMs.
390 Adventure R
Despite the similar name, KTM claims that the new Adventure R is 99% new compared to the current 390 Adventure. The literal writing on the wall of the KTM exhibit at EICMA calls this “the next era of hardcore adventure travel,” and what we can see largely validates that claim.
Last year spy shots had already offered the new 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire wheels replacing the previous model's 19/17-inch pair and a taller front fender, all more appropriate for serious driving on earth. The new frame and subframe bear a striking resemblance to those of the new 2024 390 Duke and are clearly different from the previous Adventure model. However, it also has additional reinforcements for off-road use that the Duke 390 does not have or need.
There is a completely redesigned gravity cast swingarm. Next to it is an Akrapovic exhaust in a rather low position for an adventure bike, which raises some concerns about water getting inside the exhaust and engine during water crossings. On the other hand, a low-slung exhaust makes it easier to fit luggage without worrying about heat damage, which is perhaps why KTM went this route on the Adventure R.
Talking about the engine, the Adventure R will get the updated LC4c engine from the 390 Duke. Displacement increases from 373cc to 399, all thanks to a longer stroke of 64mm, while the bore remains at 89mm. This produces 44 hp and 28.8 lb-ft of torque on the Duke 390, although different settings may change these figures for the Adventure R, perhaps for increased torque. The longer stroke already moves peak torque 1,000 rpm less than the previous design, so even with the same tuning it would be a better engine for off-road use. The new LC4c comes with a slipper clutch, and we could also see a quick shifter as an option.
To absorb shock, the new 390 Adventure R features adjustable WP Apex suspension with 230 mm (9.1 inches) of travel, much more than 170 mm (6.7 inches) up front and 177 mm (7.0 inches) to the rear of the previous Adventure model. The front has adjustable preload, compression and rebound, while the rear suspension now has adjustable rebound and preload, but no compression. KTM also suggests that a fully adjustable Xplor Pro suspension will be available as an option.
The suspension setup contributes to a ground clearance of 260 mm (10.2 inches) and a seat height of 885 mm (34.8 inches) with the standard Rally saddle. However, KTM says different variants of the Adventure R will be available with different sized wheels and different ride heights to better accommodate shorter riders. This is a welcome trend that we are seeing in more and more adventure bikes these days, allowing greater accessibility for more people.
The 390 Adventure R also receives a facelift that includes a new headlight, doing away with the previous “mantis insect” design for a pair of stacked LEDs surrounded by a daytime running light. A new rally tower and larger windshield are clearly visible, along with a new five-inch TFT screen. We can also see plenty of KTM Powerparts accessories on the bike on display at EICMA, including a skid plate, crash bars, disc brake guard, and auxiliary lights. We know the lights are optional accessories, but we don't know if the other parts shown are standard or optional equipment.
The Adventure R will have three riding modes: Rain, Street and Rally – a specific off-road mode which allows you to deactivate the rear ABS. It will also have cruise control as standard, a rare feature for a small bike that may not spend a lot of time on the highway, but also very welcome for those who take long trips. Since it already has a new electronic throttle, cruise control is just a matter of programming. MTC and cornering ABS are also standard. A USB-C port is also available to keep your devices charged.
Although we still have to wait for KTM to release the rest of the final specifications like final weight and power once homologation is complete, we like what we see so far.
390 Enduro R and 390 SMC R
We know a little less about the other two new additions to the 390 range. KTM is clearly trying to mirror the models available in the 690 range in the smaller 390 models, as evidenced by the use of the same Enduro and SMC headlights as their larger ones. big cousins. They use the same LC4c motor, frame, swingarm, and suspension as the Adventure R, and both offer USB-C ports. The Enduro R and SMC R feature a slimmer 4.1-inch TFT display that slides nicely between the handlebars and headlight. Despite its small size, it still offers step-by-step instructions and music control.
The Enduro R gets the same 21/18-inch wheels as the Adventure R and retains the same WP Apex suspension with 230mm travel, 260mm ground clearance and 885mm seat height. It also benefits from the same three driving modes, including Rally. It doesn't have cruise control buttons, but the Enduro R has a dedicated button for turning off the ABS on the fly, without having to navigate through menus. This can not only disable the rear ABS like on other models, but also the front ABS. A raised Remus exhaust suits this bike's role as a serious off-road machine. KTM says more details will arrive in early 2025.
The 390 SMC R, meanwhile, uses 17-inch wheels, more appropriate for its supermoto role. It has a lower seat height of 820 mm (32.3 inches) due to smaller wheels, although it has the same suspension as more off-road-oriented models. The exhaust resembles that of the 390 Duke, and it would be reasonable to expect similar settings and driving modes. The 390 Duke already comes equipped with Supermoto ABS, allowing riders to deactivate rear ABS, so it would make sense if this would also be applied to the SMC R. We can't tell, from the photos and videos available, whether or not the SMC R has cruise control buttons. It has a nine-liter (2.37-gallon) gas tank, but we're not sure if it's shared with the other two models. KTM announces that the 390 SMC R will be launched in early 2025.
Author: Justin Hughes
Justin has been an automotive and motorcycle journalist for 10 years. After learning to ride on a series of Suzuki GSes, he moved into touring on a Honda Silverwing and PC800 before turning his attention to off-road adventures. His racing experience is primarily in cars, although he has previously completed a track day on a KLR650. He has traveled with his cat, Lister, to 44 states in his “moto-glamping” camper, Smokey Da Van, with his V-Strom 650 in tow.
