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I checked out the 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R: First Impressions

26th May 2025, 18:30 by R Patil

Off road / dirt road enthusiasts who know what they want, and what they will get with the 390 Enduro R, will naturally gravitate towards this motorcycle

BHPian neil.jericho recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

While I was at a KTM showroom, I had some time to check out the new KTM 390 Enduro R which was on display. Given that it a niche product, there are no test ride motorcycles, even in an enthusiast heavy city like Bangalore. The gentleman from the sales team was confident that KTM will eventually organize events at off road tracks where prospective buyers will get the opportunity to sample the test bikes. Lets see if, and when, that happens.

KTM 390 Enduro R: First Impressions

- This has got to be the best looking product in the current 390 lineup. There is a purposeful stance to the motorcycle which makes it crystal clear that the 390 Enduro R was designed for one thing, and one thing only.

- Maybe it's the lack of the overbearing and ill-fitting plastic panels from the Adventure 390 but the quality levels seem to be more 390 Duke good than 390 Adventure could be better in places but overall it's fine

- The biggest difference between the Enduro R and the Duke 390 is the fact that you sit on the Enduro R whereas you sit in the Duke 390. Taller riders will undoubtedly be happy to note this.

- However, the wider seat of the Duke 390 will keep more riders happy, if they plan to spend longer hours on the bike. The narrow seat of the Enduro 390 (and the upcoming SMC R) aren't designed for all day touring.

- The chunky Mitas tires look like they will swallow up what is left of Bangalore's rain battered roads, without a care in the world, and ask for desserts.

- For motorcycle enthusiasts of a particular generation, that headlight cowl is something that they dreamed of having on their bikes.

- Adjustable suspension is great to have, though, like the Adventure 390, the rear preload adjustment is inconveniently placed behind the side panel.

- The odd side stand from the Adventure 390 makes a return with the Enduro R.

- Galactus is planning to sue for copyright infringement.

- The round mirrors are a nice touch.

- While I am all for bigger screens that have well designed user interfaces, which make it easy to read on the move, I will readily admit that I liked the small screen on the Enduro R. You get two different layouts (the image below is of the simpler layout). The regular layout gives you all the relevant information.

- Navigating through the screen layouts is through the new joystick on the left side. Unlike the Himalayan 450's flimsy joystick, the one on the 390 Enduro R will survive hurricanes, cranky toddlers and a giant boulder repeatedly falling on it.

- An off-road / trail centric motorcycle like the 390 Enduro R deserves spoked rims, which in this case, are not tubeless. Since I call out other products for not offering tubeless spoked wheels, I will do so here as well.

- At an ex showroom price of Rs 3.38 L, are we really going to complain? The 390 Adventure X is at Rs 2.91 L and the Adventure (S) is at Rs 3.67 L. Meanwhile, the Himalayan 450 starts at Rs 2.85L.