Last Updated on: May 12, 2026

The (2026) KTM 390 Adventure R is my second KTM 390 Adventure. The first was the predecessor, a fun bike but not my cup of tea. This one is!

May 2026: The new KTM 390 Adventure R.

I bought the previous model because of a KTM sales campaign with huge discounts on 2024 models. Even if the Adventure R, and I’d expect also the Adventure X, both are superior in almost every conceivable aspect of motorcycle riding, the older more road focused model may still have upsides to some.

Price definitely is one of them, which sets it apart from the new 390 models.

For me, a taller guy, with a need for a lightweight bike that can handle offroad and alternative riding, the previous incarnation had shortcomings. That does not mean to say these would matter to every rider. Many have used and continue to use, this motorcycle to the fullest.

It all depends, also on preferences. For technical specifications go here.

August 2025: 2024 KTM 390 Adventure.

KTM 390 Adventure R, extras

Upfront I ordered stuff that should be considered standard equipment. But I’m not going to go into any rant about what should have been included or not. We as buyers need to acknowledge that manufacturers need and want to make their money back on software development. That is no different with any other form of software you acquire.

Picking the motorcycle up it had quickshifter enabled. And It is surprisingly good to be honest! Huge difference from the previous model. Almost regardless of how or where you use it. Comparable to that of my big, far more expensive KTM adventure bike.

I also bought the OEM luggage rack which I think will work fine for soft luggage. It’s well designed and the price was not bad. There are several alternatives on the market.

Cruise control switches plus OEM KTM luggage rack.

Cruise Control (CC) was on backorder at time of picking the bike up. Last week i went back to my dealer to have it installed/activated. It’s working on this bike as it does on my 1290 Super Adventure S. You can use quickshifter, up or down, without the cruise control turning off. Huge plus! Especially useful on a motorcycle with a smaller capacity engine.

One thing though; if Cruise Control is activated, you cannot change from Street mode to Rain or Offroad. It must be deactivated first. A smarter approach might have been that the CC deactivated automatically when/if changing ride mode. I actually wrote to KTM about that.

Cruise control fluctuations

The speed fluctuates tremendously when cruise control is enabled. The electronics overcompensates uphill, resulting in too much speed variations. Even more than one a former 2023 KTM 890 Adventure. It should be possible, with the electronics package and componentry, to remedy natural shortcomings with regards to engine or torque.

Wrote to KTM about that too, but don’t expect any miracles.

Torque was not a limitation on the 890, yet it was the same. But the fact that you can get cruise control for the 390 is a huge plus, especially on long hauls, transport legs,  or when riding on motorways.

Stock tires & motorcycle

My first encounter with Mitas and Enduro Trail+ tyres. Classified as 60% on-road – 40% offroad they were introduced in late 2022. And officially appeared at the EICMA exhibition, November 2022. Developed in collaboration with KTM the Enduro Trail + tyres became standard on the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R.

Mitas Enduro Trail+ are standard tires from factory

After 1000 kilometers I think they are a good match for the 390 Adventure R. While running the bike in I began to wonder if KTM had made a decision on tires that amplifies the vibrations this motorcycle produces. Especially at certain speeds. Might return to this theory in a separate post, about the tires only.

It would take testing the tyres different motorcycles to know if they play a part or not. Maybe one day.

The the predecessor has the same characteristics, with far more road oriented shoes. Given all the design changes, or the fact that the 2025/2026 390 Adventure R and Enduro both are all new, it’s reasonable to believe the LC4 engine is the source of the vibrations. Plus how it’s mounted.

So how is it to ride?

Well, keeping in mind I’ve only done 1000 kilometers to date, surprisingly good in almost all respects. Minus the vibrations, but that’s something one has to accept. Those who can’t should avoid single cylinder bikes like the clappers. There is much more to this topic, some of that I’ll dive into further down

Out and about close to the capital of the country.

What surprised me already when I tested the 390 Adventure R last year, is how good it is on pavement. Half way expected that would be a compromise, the former 390 Adventure after all was more of a reworked 390 Duke, with adventure features. KTM have with the R and the X managed to make a larger wheel bike easy to flick, easy to steer.

On gravel and dirt, well since I’ve owned a 2023 890 Adventure I’d say it behaves like its big brother. Plainly put, phenomenally. Some think it is class leading. I’ve not tested many others but that notion is plausible. It has more torque than the predecessor.

The 390 Adventure R is a good looking bike, with good headlights.

If you are looking for an inexpensive, lightweight adventure motorcycle, one that will allow you to ride actively offroad, or be thrown into pavement hairpins, then the 390 Adventure R is a good candidate. How good, well I’ll be back with more later as I pack on miles and gain more experience.

Yeah, the stock seat, your usual KTM “plank”. They ought to replace the carpenter who makes them. However, it too might require more time to soften.

KTM 390 Adventure R & vibrations

If you’ve not ridden a single cylinder motorcycles, expect vibrations. Especially in lower RPM. For example, sixth gear in 60 km/t is a vibey experience. Try fifth, and it changes. The stock seat does not help on the feeling of vibrations traveling up your spine.

Pulling the clutch in while rolling at speeds the vibrations goes away. There are some vibrations from the tire. But the question as to whether the tires amplifies engine vibrations is at best speculative.

Larger capacity thumpers, especially older ones, have more bottom, more torque. Which means they have different forms of vibrations. Imagine a piano keyboard. While old larger bikes occupy the lower register, the 390 Adventure bikes belong in the medium to high. The 390 doesn’t come to live until you pass ca 3500-4000RPM.

The bike will be vibey to a various degree till you pass 4500-5000RPM or thereabout. Vibey doesn’t necessarily translate to handlebar buzz. The sort that makes your hands go numb. Even after a >330km ride I still didn’t feel my hands going numb. That is not only a plus, did I get the buzz the motorcycle would be useless to me.

I read somewhere, in a forum I believe, that vibrations fade with use. At first I thought this to be speculative. But it has become a little smoother and less vibey. Will be interesting to see if it continues to improve.

See also