2025 KTM 390 Adventure
INTRODUCING THE 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE RANGE
KTM hits the trifecta
The new KTM 390 Adventure R has been rumored for years. Spy shots and leaked documents sparked riders’ imaginations of a do-it-all unicorn ADV and for good reason. The new 390 is spec’d to deliver 44 hp at 360 lbs at a sub $7k price point.
No other machine in this segment delivers this power-to-weight ratio on a fully featured adventure motorcycle. Just as happy on the highway as it is in the dirt. If you can only have one bike for all your needs, this could be that bike.
Considering the long waiting list for the heavier CFMOTO Ibex 450, it will be interesting to see if this bike flies off the showroom floor or if KTM’s financial uncertainty becomes a factor.
Either way, more and better options in the lightweight adventure bike segment is what many riders have been asking for, and if enough put their money down, there will be even better options in the years ahead.
For riders looking for an easy-to-live-with value-priced ADV, the 390 is sure to be high on a lot of lists this season.
Press Release 30.01.2025
THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
2025 will see the launch of an entirely new range of KTM 390 ADVENTURE models, with the highly coveted ‘R’ badge debuting in KTM 390 ADVENTURE guise.
Designed to deliver, the KTM 390 ADVENTURE range provides riders with a thrilling and versatile riding experience. The “ADVENTURE” signifies long-distance ability across various terrains – from city streets to off-road trails.
Thanks partly to an updated LC4c powerplant that provides smooth and uninhibited power, adventure-ready suspension, and wheel and tire packages ready to tackle any terrain – the 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE range is set to break new boundaries.
MODEL RANGE OVERVIEW
KTM 390 ADVENTURE R
Light, nimble, and fully capable, the KTM 390 ADVENTURE R is the most off-road capable adventure bike of the segment to date. Boasting a true rally-inspired design, a completely new chassis, long-travel suspension, and a 21/18” wheel split, it has every right to wear the ADVENTURE R badge proudly.
KTM 390 ADVENTURE X
The 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE X is an alternative to the offroad-focused KTM 390 ADVENTURE R – but remains equally as capable. Equipped with cast wheels, an informative LCD dashboard, ABS, and a unique CTG, the ADVENTURE X provides a great alternative for riders looking for an affordable entry into the KTM ADVENTURE realm.
BODYWORK AND GRAPHICS
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE RANGE takes its design cues directly from the Rally ranks, boasting a slim and compact body profile, a rally-inspired instrument tower, a compact 3.69 gallon (14 L) metal fuel tank, LED lights at each end, and hardy fairings.
CTG AND GRAPHICS
The new KTM 390 ADVENTURE range boasts an entirely new rally-inspired KTM CTG with resilient in-mold graphics and a textured seat material with a unique ADVENTURE grip profile.
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS
A new 2-piece steel trellis frame design is based on the Gen 3 platform shared with the smaller-capacity DUKE, ENDURO R, and SMC R models but features a different steering head angle, triple clamps, subframe mounts, and rigidity profile, specifically engineered for use off-road, with improved handling, control and stability.
The new frame is also designed for greater clearance for the radiator package, and the footpeg location has been optimized to better suit the riding style and requirements of longer spells in the saddle—on and off the road.
SUBFRAME
The new subframe sports a sleek, off-road-inspired bolt-on steel trellis design. This unique design contributes to a strong and sturdy build. The subframe was specifically crafted to offer a one-piece seat while having a long-stroke suspension. It is also stylish, functional, and thoughtfully designed for purpose.
SWINGARM
The new off-road-ready, gravity die-cast swingarm on the KTM 390 ADVENTURE range is shared with the KTM 390 ENDURO and KTM 390 SMC R and offers increased wheel base and a closed design to ensure dirt doesn’t build up.
SUSPENSION
Each model in the KTM 390 ADVENTURE line-up features a unique suspension setup, ideally tuned and specced to the model requirements. While all models make use of a WP APEX fork and off-center WP APEX shock, there are key differences between each;
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R features WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge forks with 230 mm of travel. The forks are adjustable for compression and rebound in 30-click steps, making adjustment easy. At the rear, the WP APEX Separate piston shock absorber also boasts 230 mm of travel. The rebound is adjustable by 20 clicks, and the preload is adjustable with a tool.
The 390 ADVENTURE X features a non-adjustable WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge fork with 200 mm of travel, with a WP APEX Emulsion shock absorber with 200 mm of travel. The preload is adjustable with a tool.
WHEELS AND TIRES
The wheel and tire packages provide one clue as to where each of the 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE models belongs in the range.
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R comes equipped with spoked 21”/18” wheels (tube type) and Mitas Enduro Trail E07+ tires, making it the most off-road capable small-capacity ADVENTURE ever. In contrast, the KTM 390 ADVENTURE X features 19”/17” cast wheels wrapped in street-focused tires.
BRAKES
All 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE models are equipped with Bybre brakes. The 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE R is fitted with a 320 mm floating brake disc. Both models come with a new two-piston caliper in the front. This updated setup includes larger discs for improved heat dissipation, enhanced resistance to brake fading, and a longer lifespan for the brake pads. For the rear braking system, a 240 mm brake disc is paired with a new single-piston caliper to handle stopping and sliding duties effectively.
All models also have new brake lever and pump combinations, with improved tolerances and ergonomics being the key objectives. The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R uses adjustable brake levers.
OFFROAD ABS
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE range comes with a selectable off-road ABS mode. In this iteration, the off-road ABS mode stays on even after ignition on/off. The mode allows the locking of the rear wheel, allowing advanced riders to make the most out of off-road adventures.
ENGINE
The 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE range is powered by a new generation of lightweight, compact small single-cylinder engines, dubbed the LC4c, c for compact, which debuted in the most recent KTM 390 DUKE.
Building on the experience gained with the previous generation of small single-cylinder engines, these powerplants have been completely redesigned, with newly optimized cylinder heads and gearboxes.
This new engine platform also brings new service intervals, with the initial oil changes required at 1,000 km and oil, oil filter, and air filter only required at 10,000 km intervals.
CYLINDER HEAD
This new LC4c powerplant features a larger valve cover with a smaller cylinder head, reducing the weight at the upper end of the engine. A new thermostat position – mounted directly into the cylinder head – improves thermal monitoring and provides more stable running temperatures under different riding conditions.
FUEL INJECTION
New injectors are now angled directly into the inlet valves to reduce build-up in the inlet channel. These new injectors also provide a finer fuel spray, resulting in more efficient combustion and fewer emissions.
NEW AIRBOX
A new airbox has been specifically optimized to suit the KTM ADVENTURE R packaging. This allows the engine to sit higher, increasing ground clearance and allowing a more focused, off-road rider triangle.
EXHAUST
A unique stainless steel exhaust design means the system fitted to the KTM 390 ADVENTURE range does not need an end muffler, resulting in a 4.4 lb (2 kg) total weight saving.
The new exhaust is equipped with a Double Catalyser to comply with the latest emissions regulations and features active control whereby the ECU adjusts the fuel mixture for optimal detonation and adjusts the mixture to ensure an optimal temperature to reduce emissions. The active combustion system also works to detect any misfires, helping to diagnose the status of the catalytic converter and store information for OBDII diagnosis.
For riders looking for more, specially engineered and designed KTM Powerparts are available to add more style, clearance, or power to the overall package.
GEARBOX AND CLUTCH
Improved gear guidance reduces shift forces within the gearbox. It was achieved by replacing the previous 5 mm guides at the fork pins with 6 mm guides, along with other small optimizations.
The shift drum shape has been optimized for easier shifting between the 5th and 6th gears, resulting in smoother movements of the gears along the shafts. The shift lever travel has also been reduced, resulting in quicker and more responsive action.
All models now have a power-assist slipper clutch, with optimized gears on the clutch basket and flywheel reducing weight and making clutch control easier. An optional Quickshifter+ system is also available.
TECH
Setting the benchmark for the smaller displacement Adventure segment, the 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE range boasts real-world technological advancements that enhance the riding experience and performance.
RIDE MODES
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE range features selectable ride modes, featuring OFFROAD MODE. The default setting is STREET, with RAIN MODE (for KTM 390 ADVENTURE R) being selectable in adverse weather conditions for a less aggressive throttle response and tailored traction control. However, for riders looking for more control or to slide the rear wheel into corners, Motorcycle Traction Control can also be turned off completely.
The 2025 line-up also includes an ‘always on’ feature. This means that whatever Ride Mode was in use when the motorcycle was turned off will be retained at startup.
CORNERING MOTORCYCLE TRACTION CONTROL
The 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE R is fitted with cornering MTC, which uses the input from the 3D sensor to adapt in cornering situations. The MTC can also be turned off completely. The KTM 390 ADVENTURE X MTC is not lean-angle sensitive.
LED LIGHTS
All 2025 models feature rally-inspired LED lights, which provide excellent visibility during the day and illumination at night. The KTM 390 ADVENTURE R models have unique LED positioning lights.
NEW DASHBOARD AND SWITCHGEAR
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE range is fitted with a new 5” dashboard—TFT on ADVENTURE R and LCD on ADVENTURE X—made from bonded glass and featuring a polarization coating to reduce glare and improve readability on bright days. This ensures riders can quickly and easily see all relevant information, such as speed, fuel level, and gear indicator.
All new generation ADVENTURE models will also be equipped with connectivity functions, such as a music player via the KTM app, the ability to answer incoming calls, and turn-by-turn navigation.
The new dashboards are supported by completely redesigned switchgear with optimized ergonomics and Illuminated switches. These allow riders to control various motorcycle functions, such as lights, indicators, and ride modes, and, of course, interact with different connectivity features.
Lastly, a new connectivity unit connects the motorcycle to the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth. It enables the rider to directly access features such as turn-by-turn navigation and music library from the dashboard.
KTM POWERPARTS
To further enhance the new 2025 KTM 390 ADVENTURE range, a comprehensive range of KTM POWERPARTS is specifically engineered to provide performance, style, protection, and comfort.
KTM POWERWEAR
The latest collection was developed with the ADVENTURE rider in mind. Its bold design makes it stand out from the crowd, but it provides real-world commuting comfort with true performance.
For more information, visit KTM.com.
