Words: Bill Hunter.
KTM’s 390 Adventure has always been one of the most desirable, small capacity, Adventure bikes. Its punchy engine, sturdy build quality and affordability account for healthy sales, especially after it adopted the wire wheel conversion. So when we were informed that a more ‘aggressive’ version was on the cards there was a lot of head scratching seen around our office. And, the cost would be around the same price – a very tall order indeed!
Well, the new 2025 Adventure R has now been put through our testing sieve in a quest to see if KTM’s new lightweight Adventure bike is indeed a new adventure into this highly competitive zone, or just a styling exercise. KTM do claim that its new Adventure R is a 99% new bike, not sure how we can justify that, but it certainly looks 99% new, right?
Anyway, the engine is still the LC4c, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 399cc, four-valve, single-cylinder, with finger-followers activated camshafts, producing a claimed 45hp@8,500rpm and 39Nm@7,000rpm. However, with numerous internal changes, different mapping, and Bosch electronics, it performs in a totally different manner to the previous generation engine.
Regarding new electronics, a 5-inch TFT screen relays to the rider a wealth of new rider aids, which are easy to set using the left side concave switchgear, which is also backlit, a cool feature that. There isn’t too much new stuff compared to the bigger bikes, but you do have three power modes – street, off-road, and the boring rain mode, something that very few riders will use, but it is there, and adjustable throttle response. Traction control is present with KTM’s MTC ‘slide-slip’ adjustability utilising the new Bosch 3D IMU, akin to the one found on the 890 Adventure. It can also be turned off for wheelies, gravel churning and other fun antics, and the Bosch activated ABS can also be deactivated on the rear wheel for off-road action assistance. You can also Blueteeth the display for smart phone interaction that offers GPS connectivity using the KTMconnect App, and the usual accompanying phone options.
So, everything is on point so far but the rest of the bike is where things begin to move noticeably forward. All-new open cartridge WP Apex suspension offers compression, rebound (30 clicks on each), and pre-load facilitation from the beefy 43mm forks. The substantial Split-Piston rear shock has pre-load and rebound damping with 20 clicks to fiddle with. Both units have increased the suspension travel by a considerable 30mm, which in turn has lifted the seat height to a lofty 870mm. There is a 45mm lowering kit if you have Hobbit legs, which is considerate.
Wheel sizes are the perfect 21-inch front and 18-inch rear combination for off-road ventures, and are shod in Mitas Enduro Trail+ tyres, which are very striking and muscular and complement the 390 Adventure R nicely. To stop these rotating, there’s a ByBre (Indian subsidiary of Brembo) dual-piston front calliper clamping on a single 320mm disc, and a similar petite version at the rear.
The biggest talking point of the new 390 Adventure R is the dazzling new Rally inspired bodywork and the quality of all the components involved, without doubt THE best looking bike in this class of motorcycle, don’t you agree? Everything is new from the surprisingly comfortable seat, to the slim panels, tall screen… and well it just looks the ‘bollocks’, as we say in the UK (a very complimentary term). The ‘bars can be moved into three different positions to suit the rider, and the toothed footpegs offer similar options. All the above is wrapped around KTM’s obligatory and revised steel-trellis frame, in orange of course, that’s attached to a new swing-arm to improve traction forces.
What’s most certainly improved is the way the new bike feels and performs. The new engine seems to have lost a little of the bottom end torque it used to have and instead it’s been replaced by a significant dose of mid-range and top end power. I loved it, and much preferred this new engine’s last 2,000rpm dramtic rush of power towards the top end to the previous motor. Unfortunately the front wheel was out of balance and warped a little from someone’s previous test so the vibration was quite bad after 110km/h, but I did grit my teeth and saw an indicated 170km/h, which is impressive for such a tall machine with 45hp. The agility of the new bike is where it really shone. With only 165kg (wet) to throw around, which includes the 14-litre tank being full, it’s as agile as a cocaine-fuelled ballerina, well sort off. A fact confirmed when I took it for some off-road action, not the ballerina that is. Now I’m not the biggest fan in this environment but this new 390 Adventure R changed everything. It’s just so much fun and most importantly (for me) not intimidating in any way. Sure, there’s more than enough power to lug out of any situation and tear up the terrain, but I just couldn’t stop smiling and enjoying myself. So much so that the photographer got bored and wanted to go home. It is extremely easy to ride and forgiving at all times, making it ideal for new riders and more experienced riders alike. Therefore, I’d like to state that it has more off-road ability than any other current lightweight Adventure bike on the market today, so there!
I also reckon that it truly challenges the more expensive middleweight Adventure bikes and raises the question: 'Is less more?'. Do NOT be fooled by its ‘390’ badge anymore, this is no longer an entry-level bike for novice riders, who will still enjoy it though. It is, without doubt, a ‘proper’ Adventure bike on all counts, and it looks fantastic in this colour scheme. With a price of only R139,999 it’s astonishing value for so much motorbike. 4k +/- more if you desire the quickshifter to be activated, which this one was, and worked superbly in both directions, up and down the slick six-speed gearbox.
I thought I’d never say this but it’s one Adventure bike I’d truthfully like to be in my garage, that’s how much I rate KTM’s new 390 Adventure R, the Tall Order has been achieved and then some. Now, I can’t wait to get my hands on the other three variations: the cost effective Adventure X, Enduro R and the tasty SMC R, all with that deliciously sweet motor – yummy!
Images: HJ and BB.
Go to: www.ktm.com to locate your nearest dealer and demand a test ride today.
Also visit our good friends in Jo’burg at www.radmoto.co.za who’ll be happy to assist with all you KTM needs.
