KTM 390 Enduro R: new dual-sport on its way

Adding to its growing 390 platform, KTM has announced the new 390 Enduro R. Built with dual-sport capability rather than competition in mind, the 390 Enduro R enters the market against bikes like Honda’s CRF300L and Suzuki’s new DR-Z4S, which is due to be released later this year.

The new bike follows in the footsteps of its bigger brother, the 690 Enduro R, but shares more similarities hardware-wise with the 390 Duke family.

So, here’s everything you need to know about the new KTM 390 Enduro R.

Lightweight all-rounder

When it comes to exploring off-road, many people prefer smaller bikes rather than large adventure bikes, because they’re easier to handle, less fatiguing, less intimidating, and easier to pick up when dropped, not to mention often more fun, especially on difficult terrain.

But options in this category have slimmed over the years, hence the Honda CRF300L becoming such a big seller. However, this last year has brought more competition, with bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 offering accessible, all-round performance.

And then Suzuki has revived its DR-Z for this year, and now KTM wants a piece of the pie too.

The new 390 Enduro R is powered by the Austrian firm’s latest generation LC4c engine, also found in KTM’s 390 Adventure, Duke and SMC models.

In the 390 Enduro R, this 399cc engine creates a relatively meaty 44bhp and 39Nm of torque. For comparison, the CRF300L puts out 27bhp, while the upcoming DR-Z4S manages 38bhp.

That’s enough power to have plenty of fun off-road while still remaining accessible, but should also make the KTM very capable at roadwork too, whether that’s around town or on motorway stretches.

The trellis-style frame is made from steel and features a bolt-on subframe, however, the exhaust is an under-engine design, unlike the high exhaust found on the 690 Enduro R, leaving it somewhat vulnerable while riding off-road. A bash plate is provided as standard, however.

The bike weighs 159kg without fuel in its 9l fuel tank. That’s 10kg heavier than a 690 Enduro R and heavier than its rivals from Honda and Suzuki, but it’s still lighter than small adventure bikes.

Suspension, brakes, and wheels

KTM owns WP Suspension, so it’s a good chance that even budget-oriented bikes will come with a decent suspension set up.

The 390 Enduro R receives a WP Apex fork and shock, with 230mm of travel available both front and rear. The 43mm upside-down fork has adjustable rebound and compression damping, while the rear shock is adjustable for rebound and preload.

The 390 Enduro R runs on a 21″ front and 18″ rear wheel set, with Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres fitted as standard. The bike gets a single 285mm brake disc up front with a 245mm disc at the rear, with ByBre components for stopping power.

All of this combines for 272mm of ground clearance and a 890mm seat height.

KTM 390 Enduro R technology

In terms of tech, the 390 Enduro R is fairly basic, but comes with some practical touches that should make it more attractive for both urban explorers and off-road riders.

The dash uses a TFT screen, however, it’s a slim unit that’s designed as an update of a traditional trail bike’s LCD displays rather than as a full infotainment unit.

The 4.2″ screen offers clear and concise information for speed, gear position, and the usual warning lights, along with current riding mode of which there are two: Street and Off-Road, which relaxes the ABS and traction control.

Speaking of ABS, you can also completely shut it off on both wheels via a dedicated switch. Meanwhile, traction control is modified and turned off through the TFT menu. Thankfully, the bike will remember previous settings, even after the ignition has been switched off.

Phone connectivity is included as standard, allowing you to access music, incoming calls, and turn-by-turn directions. There’s also a USB-C charging port to keep your devices running.

Availability and price

The new KTM 390 Enduro R will be available at £5,699, which is a very attractive priced when stacked against the competition.

A 2023 model Honda CRF300L starts at £5,829, while the less off-road focused Himayalan 450 begins at £5,750 in its base colour.

Prices for Suzuki’s DR-Z4S have yet to be announced, but we’d expect it to cost at least as much as the KTM.

The new KTM 390 Enduro R is expected to begin arriving in dealerships in March 2025, alongside a learner-legal 125 version which shares much of the hardware as the 390 but follows L-plate engine restrictions.

There’s an extensive arrange of accessories available as well, but we’d also be looking to the aftermarket for a larger fuel-tank if we had round-the-world ambitions for the 390 Enduro R.