KTM India has expanded its adventure motorcycle portfolio in India with the launch of the KTM 390 Adventure R, priced at Rs 3.78 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The new variant sits alongside the standard 390 Adventure and positions itself as a more hardcore, off-road-ready option for riders who want enhanced capability on rough terrain without stepping up to the larger 890 Adventure series. The 390 Adventure R is powered by the same proven 373.27 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 43.5 hp at 9,000 RPM and 37 Nm of torque at 7,000 RPM, mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slip-and-assist clutch.Â
What sets the 390 Adventure R apart from the standard model is its dedicated off-road hardware upgrades, which include:
– Fully adjustable WP Apex USD forks (up from non-adjustable on the standard model) with 170 mm travel.
– WP Apex rear monoshock with adjustable preload and rebound damping, also offering 170 mm travel.
– 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR dual-purpose tyres.
– Higher ground clearance of 220 mm (vs 200 mm on the standard model).
– Longer travel suspension overall for better handling of broken roads, gravel, and light trails.
– Lightweight alloy subframe and revised ergonomics for improved standing rider posture.
– Switchable ABS with off-road mode and cornering ABS.
Other features carried over from the standard 390 Adventure include a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, full LED lighting, ride-by-wire throttle with ride modes (Street & Rain + Off-Road), traction control (switchable), quickshifter (up only), and a 14.5-litre fuel tank.
Design and colour options
The 390 Adventure R gets a distinctive Electronic Orange and Dark Galvano colour scheme with blacked-out accents, orange frame, and rally-inspired graphics. The overall look remains aggressive and purposeful, with a taller stance, beak-style front mudguard, and handguards as standard.
KTM 390 Adventure model range at a glance
As far as the model range is concerned, here’s how the 390 Adventure series fares:
– KTM 390 Adventure: Rs 3.96 lakh.
– KTM 390 Adventure R: Rs 3.78 lakh.
– KTM 390 Adventure X: Rs 3.28 lakh.
KTM 390 Adventure R vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
The KTM 390 Adventure R directly takes on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (priced between Rs 2.85 lakh and Rs 2.98 lakh ex-showroom), which has emerged as the segment benchmark since its launch. The Himalayan 450 offers a more torquey 452 cc Sherpa engine (40 hp, 40 Nm), superior low-end grunt, and better long-distance cruising comfort – thanks to its 21/17-inch wheel combo and 230 mm ground clearance.
On the other hand, the KTM offers sharper suspension, lighter weight (around 177 kg vs Himalayan’s ~196 kg), quicker handling, higher-revving performance, and more advanced electronics (cornering ABS, ride-by-wire, quickshifter).
Riders who prioritise aggressive off-road agility, track-like dynamics, and a sportier riding position will likely prefer the 390 Adventure R, whereas those seeking relaxed touring, better fuel efficiency, and a more forgiving character on broken Indian highways may still lean toward the Himalayan 450. The price gap of Rs 80,000– Rs 90,000 between these makes the KTM a premium but compelling choice in the sub-400 cc adventure segment.
Bookings for the KTM 390 Adventure R are already open across dealerships, with deliveries expected to commence in February 2026.
