The KTM 390 Enduro R is KTM’s latest India-specific offering that shares its DNA with the 390 Adventure but brings an off-road twist. While the global version looks more hard-core, what we get here is a slightly toned-down yet purpose-built enduro. The question is — is it good enough for serious trail junkies? We took it for a proper spin off the beaten path to find out.
Design
One look at the 390 Enduro R and it’s clear where its inspiration comes from — the bigger 690 Enduro R, known for its Dakar legacy. It carries a minimalistic design with sharp, angular body panels that give it a rugged, aggressive vibe. Compared to the 390 Adventure, it looks leaner and more compact, almost like it’s been stripped down for action.
Although it stands out on Indian roads, the relatively shorter suspension travel means it doesn’t quite have the visual muscle of traditional enduro bikes. The switchgear could use some improvement in feel and tactility, but nothing rattled or came loose even during hard trail riding.
Package
The bike runs on the same steel trellis frame and sub-frame as the 390 Adventure and continues with the trusted 399cc single-cylinder engine putting out 45.3bhp and 39Nm. KTM has tweaked the gearing by adding a larger 48-tooth rear sprocket, giving it better low-end grunt — something you’ll love on tricky climbs or tight turns.
What really sets it apart is the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheel combo wrapped in Mitas tube tyres. These are better suited for real enduro riding. With a raised ground clearance of 253mm (16mm more than the 390 ADV) and the same suspension travel (200mm front, 205mm rear), KTM has retuned the suspension setup specifically for off-road performance.
Here’s a quick spec comparison:
| Feature | KTM 390 Enduro R | KTM 390 Adventure |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 253mm | 237mm |
| Suspension Travel | 200mm / 205mm | Same |
| Wheels | 21″/18″ (spoke, tube) | 19″/17″ (alloy) |
| Fuel Tank | 9 litres | 14.5 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 177kg | 172kg |
Braking is managed by single discs at both ends, with sintered front pads and organic rears for better feel and modulation. The TFT dash (4.2-inch) is bright and clean, offering Bluetooth features, navigation, call alerts, and music controls.
Ride
At 860mm, the seat height is tall, but the narrow waist makes it surprisingly manageable. The seat is flat and long, perfect for sliding around during trail maneuvers. Even with a 5’11” height and off-road boots, flat-footing was easy and confidence-inspiring.
We began on a tight dirt track where the bike initially felt soft, especially the suspension bottoming out on small jumps. But a few clicks on the compression and rebound settings made a noticeable difference. After tuning, it handled jumps and bumps better without compromising control.
Throttle response in off-road mode was well-calibrated — aggressive yet predictable. The bike had no problem pulling through tight turns in second gear thanks to that low-end torque. On faster trails, it felt more planted and stable. And even with reduced tyre pressure, grip was solid, letting us flick the bike with ease.
The brakes offered great progression, and rear wheel slides were fun and manageable with ABS off. However, the clutch did feel a bit heavy during slow-speed technical sections, which may become tiring during longer sessions.
Verdict
The KTM 390 Enduro R is a capable and confidence-inspiring off-road machine. With its compact size, strong engine, off-road tyres, and tuned suspension, it’s a solid choice for beginners and intermediates exploring trail riding. However, its suspension might feel limited as your skill level grows.
If you’re okay spending Rs. 31,000 more, the 390 Adventure offers similar off-road potential with added features, comfort, and range. But for serious off-road riders, KTM is planning a higher-spec version of the 390 Enduro R with longer 230mm suspension travel, expected to cost Rs. 20,000-25,000 more. That could be the real deal for hardcore trail lovers.
FAQs
Is the Enduro R same as global version?
No, it’s a toned-down India-specific version.
How much ground clearance does it have?
It offers 253mm of ground clearance.
Are the tyres tubeless?
No, it comes with tube-type Mitas tyres.
What’s the suspension travel?
It has 200mm front and 205mm rear travel.
Is a higher-spec Enduro R coming?
Yes, with 230mm suspension, priced about Rs. 20–25K higher.
