KTM expands two different lineups with the introduction of the 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R. This is the fifth motorcycle to use the 390 motor that was updated last year, joining the supersport RC 390, 390 Duke sport bike, 390 Adventure, and 390 SMC R supermoto. Also, the new 390 Enduro R is a junior sibling to the long-running 690 Enduro R. Plus, the 390 Enduro R is the first motorcycle in KTM’s new Dual Sport category. With all that to consider, it is time to get to know the 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R.
- KTM’s model nomenclature can be confusing—we’ll explain. Counterintuitively, neither the 690 Enduro R nor the 390 Enduro R is in KTM’s Enduro category. That’s reserved for the off-road-only competitive enduro bikes and the street-legal EXC-F derivatives. Also, KTM puts the 690 Enduro R in the Travel category with the Adventure models. The 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R is the first bike in a new category for the Austrian brand—Dual Sport.
- The 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R looks to be a true dual-sport motorcycle. It’s neither a racing-style dual sport bike nor a scrambler-style motorcycle. The 390 Enduro R is an off-road capable bike that KTM tells us will double as a commuter bike—yes, it has ABS. It’s a traditional dual-sport bike built to a price. Its $5499 MSRP is the same as the 2025 Yamaha XT250, $250 less than the 2025 Honda CRF300L ABS, and $50 more than the 2025 Kawasaki KLX300.
- Standard-issue 21-/18-inch wire-spoke wheels remind you that this is a dirt-ready dual-sport bike. KTM spoons the 50/50 adventure-style Metzeler Karoo 4 tires onto the rims. Riders planning for more dirt riding can easily replace them with real knobbies. Those using the 390 Enduro R on the dirt can install more street-oriented ADV tires.
- With suspension travel at just over nine inches at each end, the 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R will be focused on comfortable trail riding rather than knife-edge blitzing. WP suspension is used at both ends. The Apex fork is an inverted open-cartridge design that offers rebound and compression damping adjustment. The matching Apex shock is adjustable for spring-preload and rebound damping. The shock is cantilevered and directly mounted to the swingarm.
- With a curb weight of 351 pounds, it is not a lightweight. In comparison, comparison, the KTM 350 EXC-F weighs 256 pounds. Of course, the EXC-F also costs more than twice as much. Suffice it to say, these are two different interpretations of the dual-sport genre and intended for dramatically different rides and riders.
- The 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R gets the 399cc engine the platform debuted last year. With it comes a nice range of electronic aids. In addition to the standard street mode, there’s an Offroad mode optimized for the dirt. Traction control and Bosch ABS are standard, and fully defeatable. This all happens via a 4.2-inch TFT dash with new joystick-enhanced switchgear that includes a dedicated switch for turning ABS on and off. There’s also a powered USB-C port in the dash.
- A six-speed transmission makes the most of the motor. The clutch has both slipper and assist functions. A quickshifter is available as an option.
- In addition to a low purchase price, the 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R has long service intervals. After an initial service at about 600 miles, you can go over 6,000 miles between scheduled services. Valve checks are every 12,000 miles or so. Long service intervals don’t simply reduce maintenance costs. They also increase the bike’s appeal to daily users, as it means fewer trips to the shop.
- Keep an eye on your local KTM dealer’s showroom floor. Our Austrian sources tell us the 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R will hit US shores in “early 2025.” With its competitive MSRP, the bike is poised to be a strong contender in the dual-sport market, offering a 400-class motor at a 300-class price.
Location photography by Rudi Schedl
2025 KTM 390 Enduro R First Look
ENGINE
- Type: LC4c single cylinder
- Displacement: 399cc
- Bore x stroke: 89 x 64mm
- Compression ratio: 12.6:1
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 valves
- Fueling: Bosch EFI w/ 46mm throttle body
- Lubrication: Wet sump
- Cooling: Liquid
- Transmission: 6-speed (quickshifter optional)
- Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ assist and slipper functions
- Final drive: 520 X-ring chain
CHASSIS
- Frame and subframe: Powdercoated steel trellis
- Swingarm: Cast aluminum
- Handlebars: Tapered aluminum
- Front suspension; travel: Damping-adjustable WP Apex inverted 43mm open-cartridge fork; 9.1 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Cantilevered rebound-damping and spring-preload adjustable WP Apex Split Piston shock; 9.1 inches
- Wheels: Wire-spoke w/ aluminum rims
- Front: 21 x 1.85
- Rear: 18 x 2.50
- Tires: Michelin Karoo 4
- Front: 90/90 x 21
- Rear: 140/80 x 18
- Front brake: 285 mm disc w/ ByBre caliper
- Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ single-piston caliper
- ABS: Bosch 10.3 Modulator w/ Offroad mode
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 57.2 inches
- Rake: 29.9 degrees
- Seat height: 33.8 inches
- Fuel capacity: 2.4 gallons
- Curb weight: 351 pounds
2025 KTM 390 Enduro R Price: $5499 MSRP
