Admin
KTM has officially launched the much-anticipated 390 Enduro R in India, setting a new benchmark for the off-road motorcycle segment. With this launch, KTM has extended its dominance in the performance biking category by offering a motorcycle specifically designed for rugged terrains, serious trail rides, and long-distance off-road adventures. Riders across the country have eagerly awaited this model, which combines power, agility, and reliability in one aggressive package.
The 390 Enduro R joins the brand’s high-performing 390 platform and complements the existing 390 Duke and 390 Adventure. While the Adventure caters to a broader audience of touring enthusiasts, the new Enduro R directly targets off-road purists looking for a purpose-built machine. KTM has engineered this bike for riders who want to push limits on dirt tracks, forest trails, and challenging topography.
Core Design and Styling
KTM designed the 390 Enduro R with clear intent—to deliver maximum performance off the tarmac. The bike features a lightweight trellis frame, long-travel suspension, and a slim, rally-style body. Riders can easily navigate technical sections thanks to its narrow profile and high ground clearance. The minimalistic bodywork reduces weight and improves maneuverability in tight off-road conditions.
The motorcycle sports a bold and aggressive design language, staying true to KTM’s READY TO RACE philosophy. The front end gets a high-mounted mudguard, a sleek LED headlamp with daytime running lights, and a sharp visor for wind deflection. The tail section remains minimal, with a lightweight subframe and compact indicators. KTM has used high-strength plastics to maintain durability without compromising on weight.
Powertrain and Performance
KTM powers the 390 Enduro R with the same 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that propels the 390 Duke and 390 Adventure. This motor churns out 44 hp at 9,000 rpm and 37 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm, making it one of the most potent engines in its segment. KTM paired the engine with a six-speed gearbox and included a slipper clutch for smoother downshifts.
The company also included a quick-shifter, a rare feature in off-road motorcycles in this segment. This addition allows riders to shift gears seamlessly without using the clutch, especially useful in rough, inconsistent terrains. KTM tuned the power delivery to offer better low-end torque, allowing the Enduro R to crawl over rocks and ruts effortlessly.
Suspension and Chassis
KTM focused heavily on suspension to distinguish the Enduro R from the Adventure. The front end features WP XPLOR 48mm upside-down forks with adjustable compression and rebound. At the rear, KTM equipped the bike with a WP XPLOR PDS monoshock, also fully adjustable. These components allow riders to fine-tune the setup based on terrain and personal preference.
The suspension offers up to 270mm of travel, enabling the bike to absorb big jumps, potholes, and rocky climbs with ease. KTM mounted the chassis on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoked wheels, wrapped in Metzeler off-road knobby tyres. This combination gives the Enduro R excellent traction in loose dirt, gravel, and muddy tracks.
The chassis geometry supports aggressive riding. A 63.5-degree rake, 26mm trail, and a long wheelbase improve high-speed stability while retaining nimbleness in tight corners. Riders benefit from the low center of gravity and optimal weight distribution when tackling steep inclines or descending technical sections.
Electronics and Rider Aids
KTM didn’t cut corners on electronics. The 390 Enduro R features ride-by-wire throttle, switchable ABS, traction control, and off-road mode. The ABS system, developed by Bosch, includes an Off-Road ABS setting that disables rear-wheel ABS for better slide control and keeps the front ABS minimally intrusive.
Riders can toggle settings through a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster, which also displays gear position, speed, rpm, trip meter, and turn-by-turn navigation (when connected via the KTM My Ride app). The display remains readable under direct sunlight and features auto-adjustable brightness.
Bluetooth connectivity allows smartphone pairing for calls, music, and GPS directions. KTM also introduced a dedicated Off-Road UI that highlights important metrics like lean angle, throttle response, and brake pressure in real time.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
KTM built the Enduro R to endure abuse. The company used forged aluminum triple clamps, high-tensile steel for the frame, and a reinforced swingarm. The seat remains firm but comfortable enough for long trail rides. KTM sculpted the tank to allow riders to grip it tightly with their knees during standing riding.
The ergonomics support both seated and standing riding positions. Wide foot pegs, tall handlebars, and a narrow seat base provide excellent control and rider feedback. The handlebar risers offer adjustability for riders of varying heights.
The fuel tank holds 13.5 liters, which provides decent range even on fuel-hungry off-road routes. KTM claims a real-world mileage of 25–30 km/l, depending on riding style and terrain.
Launch Price and Availability
KTM launched the 390 Enduro R in India at an ex-showroom price of ₹3.80 lakh. The price places it slightly above the 390 Adventure but still keeps it within reach for serious enthusiasts. The company opened bookings across all KTM PRO dealerships nationwide, with deliveries scheduled to begin by May 2025.
Customers booking early receive a complimentary off-road riding kit, including a helmet, gloves, and hydration backpack. KTM has also partnered with adventure touring outfits to offer guided off-road training programs.
Market Response and Competition
The launch created buzz in the off-road biking community. Enthusiasts hailed the Enduro R as India’s first affordable, factory-ready enduro motorcycle. Riders who previously modified their dual-sport bikes now have a ready-made, capable option that doesn’t require aftermarket upgrades.
In terms of competition, the 390 Enduro R currently faces limited direct rivals. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and Hero Xpulse Rally Edition offer off-road capability but lack the high-performance specs, adjustable suspension, and advanced electronics that KTM delivers. Globally, the Enduro R competes with bikes like the Yamaha WR250F and Honda CRF300L, though these aren’t officially available in India.
Future Plans and Brand Positioning
KTM India plans to build a dedicated community around the 390 Enduro R. The company will launch “KTM TrailQuest,” a series of off-road training events and trail explorations across India. These events aim to educate riders and promote responsible off-roading.
KTM also confirmed plans to localize certain components over time, which may bring prices down further. The company hopes to use India as a production hub for exporting the 390 Enduro R to Southeast Asia and Latin American markets.
Conclusion
The KTM 390 Enduro R brings a new dimension to the Indian performance motorcycling landscape. By offering a purpose-built, tech-packed off-roader, KTM has responded to the growing appetite for adventure riding in India. With rugged hardware, class-leading electronics, and real trail capability, the 390 Enduro R appeals to both hardcore off-roaders and weekend explorers.
Riders now have a legitimate tool to challenge every terrain the country offers—from the Himalayas to forest trails in the South. KTM has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation and rider-centric engineering with a motorcycle that defines the true spirit of off-road adventure.
