- 390 Adv models receive updated engine, looks and electronics.
- Two versions – R for off-road / X for more road use.
- Rally-inspired looks add desirability.
KTM Upgrades the 390 Adventure to take on the challenge: Can it reclaim the small capacity ADV throne?
KTM has today unveiled an entirely new lineup of KTM 390 ADVENTURE models to be launched in 2025, with the highly coveted ‘R’ badge debuting in KTM 390 ADVENTURE guise.
With the ADVENTURE name signifying long-distance ability across various terrains – from city streets to offroad trails – the new models are designed to deliver a thrilling and versatile riding experience from the small capacity machines.
Thanks partly to an updated LC4c powerplant that has been tuned to provide smooth and uninhibited power, adventure-ready suspension, and wheel and tyre packages ready to tackle any terrain – the 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE lineup is set to break new boundaries.
There are now going to be two adventure models featuring the 390cc LC4c single-cylinder powerplant, with an Adventure R joined by and Adventure X, with a variation in components tailoring the machines to the rider’s preference for riding conditions and budget.
KTM 390 ADVENTURE R
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R is KTM’s most offroad capable small capacity adventure bike to date. Boasting a true rally-inspired design, a completely new chassis, long-travel suspension, and a 21/18” wheel split, it has every right to wear the ADVENTURE R badge proudly.
KTM 390 ADVENTURE X
The 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE X is a moderate alternative to the KTM 390 ADVENTURE R – but remains equally as capable. Equipped with cast wheels, an informative LCD dashboard, ABS, and a unique CTG, the ADVENTURE X provides a great alternative for riders looking for an affordable entry into the KTM ADVENTURE realm.
RALLY LOOK
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE lineup takes its design cues directly from the Rally ranks. It boasts a slim and compact body profile, a rally-inspired instrument tower, a compact 14 L metal fuel tank, LED lights at each end, and hardy fairings.
Comprising of a new 2-piece steel trellis frame shared with the smaller-capacity DUKE, ENDURO R, and SMC R models, the Adventure models feature a different steering head angle, triple clamps, subframe mounts, and rigidity profile, specifically engineered for offroad use, with improved handling, control and stability.
The new frame is also designed for greater clearance for the radiator package, while the footpeg location has been optimised to better suit the riding style and requirements of longer spells in the saddle—on and off the road.
A new subframe sports a sleek, offroad-inspired bolt-on steel trellis design, giving a strong and sturdy build plus making repairs easier in the event of damage. The subframe also means the new 390s get a one-piece seat while having a long-stroke suspension. Finally, a new offroad-ready, gravity die-cast swingarm is also taken from the KTM 390 ENDURO R and KTM 390 SMC R.
SUSPENSION
Each model in the KTM 390 ADVENTURE line-up features a unique suspension setup, ideally tuned and specced to the model requirements. While all models make use of a WP APEX fork and off-center WP APEX shock, there are key differences between each;
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R features WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge forks with 230mm of travel. The forks are adjustable for compression and rebound in 30-click steps, making adjustment easy. At the rear, the WP APEX Separate piston shock absorber also boasts 230 mm of travel. The rebound is adjustable by 20 clicks, and the preload is adjustable with a tool.
The 390 ADVENTURE X features a non-adjustable WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge fork with 200mm of travel, with a WP APEX Emulsion shock absorber with 200mm of travel. The preload is adjustable with a tool.
WHEELS AND TYRES
The wheel and tyre setups clearly define the roles of the 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE models.
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R is the most off-road-capable in the lineup. It features spoked 21”/18” wheels with Mitas Enduro Trail E07+ tires, offering excellent traction and durability for challenging terrain.
In contrast, the KTM 390 ADVENTURE X is better suited for road-focused adventures with occasional off- road use. It comes with 19”/17” cast wheels, fitted with MRF Meteor or Apollo Tramplr XR tires, providing a balance of on-road comfort and light off-road capability.
These differences highlight the KTM 390 ADVENTURE R off-road prowess, appealing to adventure enthusiasts, and the KTM 390 ADVENTURE X versatile, road-friendly nature, making it a great choice for those who want a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.
BRAKES
All 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE models are equipped with Bybre brakes. The 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE R is fitted with a 320mm floating brake disk, while the 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE X features a 320mm brake disc with floating calipers. Both models come with a new two-piston caliper in the front. This updated setup includes larger discs for improved heat dissipation, enhanced resistance to brake fading, and a longer lifespan for the brake pads. For the rear braking system, a 240mm brake disk is paired with a new single-piston caliper to handle stopping and sliding duties effectively.
All models also have new brake lever and pump combinations, with improved tolerances and ergonomics being the key objectives. The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R uses adjustable brake levers.
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE lineup comes with a selectable offroad ABS mode. In this iteration, the offroad ABS mode stays on even after ignition on/off. The mode allows the locking of the rear wheel, allowing advanced riders to make the most of offroad adventures.
ENGINE
The 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE models are powered by a new generation of lightweight, compact small single-cylinder engines, dubbed the LC4c – c for compact, which debuted in the most recent KTM 390 DUKE.
Building on the experience gained with the previous generation of small single-cylinder engines, these powerplants have been completely redesigned, with newly optimised cylinder heads and gearboxes ready for EURO 5.2. This new engine platform also brings new service intervals, with the initial oil changes required at 1,000km followed by regular services every 10,000km thereafter. A new airbox has been specifically optimised allowing the engine to sit higher, increasing ground clearance and provides a more offroad focused rider triangle.
Finally, a unique stainless steel exhaust design means the system fitted to the KTM 390 ADVENTURE bikes does not need an end muffler, resulting in a two-kilogram total weight saving.
GEARBOX AND CLUTCH
Improved gear guidance reduces shift forces within the gearbox. It was achieved by replacing the previous 5mm guides at the fork pins with 6mm guides, along with other small optimisations. The shift drum shape has been optimized for easier shifting between the 5th and 6th gears, resulting in smoother movements of the gears along the shafts. The shift lever travel has also been reduced, resulting in quicker and more responsive action.
All models now have a power-assist slipper clutch, with optimised gears on the clutch basket and flywheel reducing weight and making clutch control easier. An optional Quickshifter+ system is also available.
TECH
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE models feature selectable ride modes, featuring OFFROAD and STREET MODE. The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R has an additional RAIN MODE that is selectable in adverse weather conditions for a less aggressive throttle response and tailored traction control. However, for riders looking for more control or to slide the rear wheel into corners, Motorcycle Traction Control can also be turned off completely.
The 2025 line-up also includes an ‘always on’ feature. This means that whatever Ride Mode was in use when the motorcycle was turned off will be retained at startup.
The 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE R is fitted with cornering MTC, which uses the input from the 3D sensor to adapt in cornering situations. The MTC can also be turned off completely.
All 2025 models feature rally-inspired LED lights, which provide excellent visibility during the day and illumination at night. The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R models have unique LED positioning lights.
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE lineup is fitted with a new 5” dashboard—TFT on ADVENTURE R and LCD on ADVENTURE X—made from bonded glass and featuring a polarisation coating to reduce glare and improve readability on bright days. This ensures riders can quickly and easily see all relevant information, such as speed, fuel level, and gear indicator.
All new generation ADVENTURE models will also be equipped with connectivity functions, such as a music player via the KTM app, the ability to answer incoming calls, and turn-by-turn navigation.
The new dashboards are supported by completely redesigned switchgear with optimised ergonomics and illuminated switches. These allow riders to control various motorcycle functions, such as lights, indicators, and ride modes, and, of course, interact with different connectivity features.
Lastly, a new connectivity unit connects the motorcycle to the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth. It enables the rider to access features such as turn-by-turn navigation, music library directly from the dashboard, call in and out, and Remote Control Mode, which allows the rider to control their phone via the switch cubes.
As you’d expect with KTM, there’s going to also be a comprehensive range of official KTM Powerparts available to further enhance the new 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE lineup, specifically engineered to provide performance, style, protection, and comfort.
With the recent sales success of other brands in the small-capacity adventure segment, it’s great to see the added competition has given KTM the push required to really ugrade the small-capacity Adv models in its range. The Adventure R is looking like it’s going to bring the fight to CFMoto and Royal Enfield who had two of the biggest selling models in NZ in 2024, although the impact the orange brigade will have ultimately will come down to pricing. With no word on what the new models will be priced at yet, we can’t wait to see when they’re going to arrive in dealers.
For more info head to www.ktm.com
