KTM has officially revealed the more dirt-focused 390 Adventure R, as well as the new 390 Enduro R and 390 SMC R supermoto models, as promised. The Austrian brand showcased the models at EICMA, disclosing some specs but holding back on other details until homologation is completed. Here’s what we know so far about these three pint-size KTMs.

390 Adventure R

Despite the similar name, KTM says the new Adventure R is 99 percent new compared to the current 390 Adventure. The literal writing on the wall of KTM’s display at EICMA calls this “The next era in hardcore adventure travel,” and what we can see validates that claim, mostly. 

Last year’s spy shots had already given away the new spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels replacing the previous model’s 19/17-inch pair and a higher front fender, all more appropriate for serious dirt riding. The new frame and subframe bear a striking resemblance to those of the new-for-2024 390 Duke and are clearly different from the previous Adventure model. However, it also has additional bracing for off-road use that the Duke 390 doesn’t have or need.

There is a completely redesigned gravity-cast swingarm. Next to it lies an Akrapovic exhaust in a rather low position for an adventure bike, leading to some concern about water getting inside the exhaust and engine during water crossings. On the other hand, a low exhaust makes it easier to mount luggage without worrying about heat damage, which may be why KTM went this way on the Adventure R.

Speaking of the engine, the Adventure R will receive the updated LC4c engine from the 390 Duke. Displacement increases from 373 cc to 399, all of which is due to a longer 64 mm stroke, while the bore remains 89 mm. This produces 44 hp and 28.8 lb-ft of torque on the Duke 390, though different tuning may change these figures for the Adventure R, perhaps for increased torque. The longer stroke already moves peak torque 1,000 RPM lower than the previous design, so even with the same tune this would be a better engine for off-road purposes. The new LC4c comes with a slipper clutch, and we might see an optional quick shifter as well.

For bump absorption the new 390 Adventure R features  an adjustable WP Apex suspension with 230 mm (9.1 inches) of travel, far more than 170 mm (6.7 inch) front and 177 mm (7.0 inch) rear on the previous Adventure model. The front has adjustable preload, compression, and rebound, while the rear suspension now has adjustable rebound as well as preload, but not compression. KTM also suggests a fully-adjustable Xplor Pro suspension will be available as an option. 

The suspension setup contributes to a ground clearance of 260 mm (10.2 inches) and an 885 mm (34.8 inch) seat height with the standard Rally saddle. However, KTM says that different variants of the Adventure R will be available with different size wheels and different ride heights to better accommodate shorter riders. This is a welcome trend we’re seeing among more and more adventure bikes these days, enabling greater accessibility for more people.

The 390 Adventure R also receives a facelift which includes a new headlight, shedding the previous “mantis bug” design for a pair of stacked LEDs surrounded by a daytime running light. A new rally tower and larger windscreen are clearly visible, as well as a new five-inch TFT display. We can also see many KTM Powerparts accessories on the bike displayed at EICMA, including a bash plate, crash bars, a disc brake guard, and auxiliary lights. We know the lights are optional accessories, but we don’t know whether the other parts shown are standard equipment or optional.

The Adventure R will have three rider modes: Rain, Street, and Rally — an off-road specific mode that allows rear ABS to be disabled. It will also have cruise control standard, a rare feature for a small bike that may not see much time on the highway but also a highly appreciated one for those on longer journeys. Since it already has a new ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control is just a simple matter of programming. Cornering MTC and ABS are standard as well. A USB-C port is also available to keep your devices charged. 

While we still have to wait for KTM to release the rest of the final specs like weight and final horsepower numbers after homologation is completed, we like what we see so far.

390 Enduro R and 390 SMC R

We know a bit less about the other two new additions to the 390 lineup. KTM is clearly trying to mirror the models available in the 690 line in the smaller 390 models, apparent in the use of the same Enduro and SMC headlights as their larger cousins. They use the same LC4c engine, frame, swingarm, and suspension as the Adventure R, and both offer USB-C ports. The Enduro R and SMC R have a slimmer 4.1-inch TFT display that tucks nicely between the handlebar and headlight. Despite its smaller size, it still offers turn-by-turn directions and music control.

The Enduro R gets the same 21/18 inch wheels as the Adventure R, and maintains the same WP Apex suspension with 230 mm travel, 260 mm ground clearance, and 885 mm seat height as well. It also gets the same three rider modes, including Rally. It does not have cruise control buttons, but unique to the Enduro R is a dedicated button to disable ABS on the fly, without having to navigate through menus. This can not only disable rear ABS as on other models, but front ABS as well. An upswept Remus exhaust is appropriate for this bike’s role as a serious dirt machine. KTM says more details will be coming in early 2025.

The 390 SMC R, on the other hand, uses 17-inch wheels, more appropriate to its supermoto role. It has a lower 820 mm (32.3 inch) seat height as a result of the smaller wheels, despite having the same suspension as the more off-road oriented models. The exhaust looks the same as the 390 Duke, and similar tuning and rider modes would be reasonable to expect. The 390 Duke already has Supermoto ABS, enabling riders to turn off ABS in the rear, so it would make sense for this to make its way to the SMC R as well. We can’t tell from the available photos and videos whether the SMC R has cruise control buttons or not. It has a nine-liter (2.37 gallon) gas tank, but we don’t know whether it is shared with the other two models. KTM says the 390 SMC R will launch in early 2025.

Author: Justin Hughes

Justin has been an automotive and motorcycle journalist for the past 10 years. After learning to ride on a series of Suzuki GSs, he took up touring on a Honda Silverwing and PC800 before turning his attention to off-road adventures. His racing experience is mainly with cars, although he did do a track day once on a KLR650. He has traveled with his cat, Lister, to 44 states in his “moto-glamping” camper van, Smokey Da Van, with his V-Strom 650 in tow.