The KTM 390 Adventure is a highly anticipated and well-received addition to the adventure motorcycle market in the U.S. It stands out by offering serious off-road capability and advanced electronics in a lightweight, manageable package. Designed for riders who want to explore beyond paved roads without the bulk of larger adventure bikes, the 390 Adventure (and its variants like the R and X models) is a truly “Ready To Race” option for smaller-displacement adventure riding.
Rally-Inspired Design with Purpose
The 390 Adventure’s look is directly influenced by KTM’s Dakar Rally machines, emphasizing off-road performance:
- Sharp, Aggressive Styling: It features a distinctive stacked LED headlight, sharp bodywork, and a tall, upright stance typical of rally bikes.
- Minimalist Fairing: The fairing is designed to be narrow and offer good protection while standing, crucial for tackling technical terrain.
- Variants for Different Needs:
- 390 Adventure R (New for 2025): This is the most off-road focused variant, featuring proper 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels (tube-type), longer travel, and more adjustable suspension. It’s built for serious dirt riding.
- 390 Adventure X (New for 2025): A more budget-friendly and road-oriented option, the X model typically comes with 19-inch front and 17-inch cast wheels and less adjustable suspension.
- Ergonomic Riding Position: The upright riding position with wide handlebars and comfortable seat (around 34.25 inches for the R and 32.5 inches for the X) provides excellent control both sitting and standing.
Punchy LC4c Single-Cylinder Engine
At the heart of the 390 Adventure is KTM’s updated and potent single-cylinder engine:
- 399cc Liquid-Cooled Single-Cylinder (LC4c): This DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) engine is a powerhouse for its size, designed for spirited performance and quick response. It produces a claimed 44 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 28.8 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm. This means it’s lively for highway speeds and agile off-road.
- Ride-by-Wire Throttle: An electronic throttle system provides precise and smooth power delivery.
- Slipper/Assist Clutch: This feature makes the clutch lever lighter and helps prevent rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifts, enhancing safety and comfort.
- 6-Speed Transmission: A smooth 6-speed gearbox efficiently transfers power to the rear wheel via a chain drive.
- Optional Quickshifter+: For seamless, clutchless upshifts and downshifts, a bidirectional quickshifter is available as an option.
Advanced Chassis and Top-Tier Electronics
KTM has packed the 390 Adventure with features usually found on much larger and more expensive adventure bikes:
- Steel Trellis Frame: A lightweight yet strong steel trellis frame provides a nimble and stable chassis, optimized for adventure riding with specific flex characteristics for dirt.
- WP APEX Suspension:
- 390 Adventure R: Features fully adjustable 43mm WP Apex open-cartridge forks with 9.1 inches of travel and a WP Apex monoshock (also fully adjustable) with 9.1 inches of travel. This allows for fine-tuning to specific rider weight and terrain.
- 390 Adventure X: Uses a 43mm WP Apex open-cartridge fork (non-adjustable) with 7.9 inches of travel and a WP Apex emulsion shock (preload adjustable) with 7.9 inches of travel.
- Off-Road Optimized Brakes with Switchable ABS: ByBre braking components with a 320mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc provide strong stopping power. Both models feature switchable ABS which allows for Offroad ABS mode (disengaging ABS on the rear wheel for controlled sliding) and can be fully switched off. The R model benefits from lean-angle sensitive ABS.
- Riding Modes: The R model gets three riding modes (Street, Off-road, and Rain) that adjust throttle response and traction control. The X model has Street and Off-road modes.
- Traction Control: Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is available on the R model and can be switched off for more aggressive off-road riding.
- Cruise Control: A convenient feature for longer rides, helping to reduce rider fatigue.
- 5-inch TFT Display with Connectivity: The 390 Adventure R boasts a full-color TFT display with anti-glare coating. It offers Bluetooth connectivity via the KTMconnect app for music, turn-by-turn navigation, and call notifications. The X model typically features a more basic LCD display but still includes Bluetooth connectivity.
Fuel Economy (MPG)
The KTM 390 Adventure is known for its relatively good fuel economy, especially for an adventure bike with its performance capabilities:
- Riders generally report real-world fuel economy in the range of 50-60 miles per gallon (MPG).
- With a 3.7-gallon fuel tank, the 390 Adventure offers a solid cruising range, making it suitable for longer excursions between fuel stops.
Price in the U.S.A. (MSRP)
The KTM 390 Adventure offers a compelling package for its price point in the U.S. market, especially given its advanced features. For 2025 KTM 390 Adventure models, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) typically starts around:
- $6,999 for the KTM 390 Adventure R
- $5,899 for the KTM 390 Adventure X
These MSRPs do not include destination charges (which are commonly around $500-$600), dealer preparation fees, sales tax, title, or registration fees, which will vary by state and dealership. Any optional accessories like the quickshifter would also add to the final price.
The KTM 390 Adventure is a fantastic option for American riders seeking a lightweight, agile, and technologically advanced adventure motorcycle. Whether you’re commuting, exploring fire roads, or tackling more challenging singletrack, its “Ready To Race” DNA and comprehensive feature set make it a highly capable and exciting machine.