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KTM 390 Adventure R in India
KTM India has officially launched the 390 Adventure R in the Indian market, bringing a more hardcore, off-road-focused adventure motorcycle to riders seeking serious trail capabilities without stepping up into higher-capacity bikes. The announcement on January 28, 2026 marks a significant expansion of the popular 390 Adventure family, complementing the existing standard and X variants with a purpose-built machine designed for rugged terrain and adventure touring.
Pricing and Positioning
The KTM 390 Adventure R has been priced at approximately Rs 3.78 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) — a positioning that interestingly undercuts the standard 390 Adventure with spoked wheels, which retails for around Rs 3.97 lakh. This pricing strategy makes the R variant not only attractive for enthusiasts but also surprisingly competitive for its segment, offering serious capability without a premium price tag.
KTM has placed the Adventure R between the 390 Adventure X and the standard 390 Adventure in its Indian lineup, giving riders a clear choice depending on their intended use — from adventure touring to hardcore trail riding.
Design and Off-Road Focus
Visually, the 390 Adventure R maintains KTM’s bold adventure styling language, but its stance clearly signals its off-road intent. The most noticeable upgrades for adventure and trail capability include:
- Long-travel WP Apex suspension with 230 mm of travel at both front and rear — significantly more than the standard model — for improved damping and control on uneven terrain.
- 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combination, shod with tube-type Mitas Enduro Trail tyres, engineered for grip and resilience on dirt, gravel, and rough surfaces.
- Raised seat height and ground clearance, with a tall 870 mm saddle height and 272 mm ground clearance, giving riders confidence over rocks, roots, and trail obstacles.
- Wire-spoke rims, which are traditionally preferred for rugged trails and off-road use due to their shock-absorbing properties and durability.
These upgrades give the Adventure R a more commanding presence and capability compared to the standard setup, making it appealing for riders aiming to explore beyond paved roads.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the KTM 390 Adventure R retains the familiar 399 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine found in other 390 series motorcycles. This powerplant delivers around 45 PS of power and 39 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox designed to balance strong low-end torque for trail riding with stable cruising on highways.
While the engine and basic electronic architecture remain largely unchanged from its siblings, the off-road-oriented suspension and wheel setup fundamentally change how the motorcycle behaves on loose and challenging surfaces.
Feature Set and Rider Aids
In addition to rugged off-road hardware, the 390 Adventure R also carries over several important rider aids and modern features that improve usability across varied conditions:
- Ride-by-wire throttle for smooth power delivery.
- Cornering ABS and off-road ABS modes that adapt braking performance depending on surface grip conditions.
- Traction control (MTC) to help maintain traction on slippery or loose surfaces.
- A full-colour 5-inch TFT display with connectivity options and clear ride information, suitable for both road and trail use.
Despite its off-road focus, KTM has ensured the motorcycle remains useful and adept on paved roads, making it a versatile choice for mixed-use riders who want to explore far-flung routes and backcountry trails without sacrificing everyday usability.
Market and Competition
The launch of the 390 Adventure R comes at a time when the adventure motorcycle segment in India is gaining momentum, driven by a growing community of riders interested in long-distance touring and off-road exploration. With its aggressive pricing and feature set, the Adventure R directly competes with other mid-capacity adventure bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the Triumph Scrambler 400 X — both of which cater to riders seeking a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.
By offering a clearly focused variant in this segment, KTM strengthens its appeal among riders who want authentic trail performance straight from the factory rather than relying on aftermarket modifications.
Bookings and Availability
Bookings for the KTM 390 Adventure R are reportedly open across KTM dealerships nationwide, with dealers accepting a fully refundable token amount (often around ₹1,999) to secure early reservations. This approach allows interested riders to secure their bikes while KTM rolls out deliveries and builds inventory.
The motorcycle’s arrival is expected to energise the adventure biking community in India, especially among riders who prioritize serious off-road performance within a mid-capacity package.
In summary, the KTM 390 Adventure R broadens KTM’s adventure lineup in India by offering a more capable, off-road-centric motorcycle at an attractive price point. With its long-travel suspension, rally-style wheel setup, robust feature set, and competitive positioning, the Adventure R stands poised to attract riders who want to explore beyond highways and paved roads with confidence and capability.
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