The KTM 390 Adventure is split into two variants and receives upgrades for 2025. The 390 Adventure R is the off-road-focused model with larger wheels, adjustable suspension, and additional tech, while the 390 Adventure X gets street-going rubber, a more approachable seat height, and a more attainable price point.
Starting with shared upgrades, the 390 Adventure receives a version of the updated LC4c Single also found in the 390 Duke, 390 Enduro R, and 390 SMC R. KTM says the engine has been redesigned with optimized cylinder heads and gearbox, and a new airbox allows the engine to sit higher in the chassis for more ground clearance. Compared to the 2024 model, the gearbox has been updated for reduced effort and easier shifting between 5th and 6th gear. Also included is a slip/assist clutch, and a quickshifter is available as an option.
The two-piece steel-trellis frame design is similar to that of the 390 Duke as well but features a different steering head angle, triple clamps, subframe mounts, and rigidity profile to handle off-road duties. The bikes also include a bolt-on steel trellis subframe and a gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm.
The R and X share Bybre brakes, with a 320mm disc up front pinched by a 2-piston caliper and a 240mm rear disc with 1-piston caliper. The 390 Adventure R has an adjustable brake lever.
Both bikes get Street and Offroad ride modes, and the R gets an additional Rain mode. Also common to both bikes is ABS (two levels) and switchable traction control, both of which are lean-sensitive on the R. They also include the “always on” feature, which allows the bike to remember which mode it was in when it was turned off so it can return to that mode upon startup. Both bikes also get LED lights and Bluetooth connectivity to the 5-inch dashboard (TFT display on the R and LCD display on the X).
The main differences between the off-road-focused KTM 390 Adventure R and the street-biased KTM 390 Adventure X can be found in their wheels, tires, and suspension. The R rides on spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels wrapped in Mitas Enduro Trail E07+ tires, while the X gets 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast wheels. KTM has not specified which tires will be standard on the X but says they will be “street-focused.”
Both R and X models use WP Apex front and rear suspension, but the X’s suspension lacks the adjustability that the R comes with. The 43mm open-cartridge fork and separate-piston shock both provide 9 inches of travel on the R and 7.8 inches of travel on the X. The R gets compression and rebound adjustability in 30-click steps up front, and the rear is adjustable for rebound (20 clicks) and preload (with a tool). The X’s fork is nonadjustable, but the shock is preload adjustable with a tool.
The 390 Adventure X has a more approachable seat height than the R with 32.4 inches compared to the R’s 34.2 inches. Both models have a claimed wet weight of 388 lb and a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons.
With its adjustable suspension, lean-sensitive ABS and TC, and additional features, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R is the pricier of the two versions, with MSRP starting at $6,999. The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X will be available with prices starting at $5,899.
Visit the KTM website for more information.
Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2025 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
Buying a new KTM right now is a risky move seeing how the company has big problems ahead of them. Hope you like orange paint.