KTM 390 Adventure vs Adventure R — Should you wait?

The new KTM 390 Adventure is a great machine. It is a lovely tourer and when shown some off-road trails, it doesn’t hesitate. However, there is one other variant that sits above the 390 Adventure with an initial — The 390 Adventure R. While this is on sale in the global markets and not in India, this brings a question — should one wait for the 390 Adventure R?

KTM 390 Adventure vs Adventure R — How different are they?

The two motorcycles, the 390 Adventure and Adventure R, share a lot of components. They are based on the same frame — the 390 Duke’s main frame but get a modified subframe and a swing arm. They both sport the same rally-inspired styling with a tall windscreen and a flat seat with vertical headlight positioning as well.

When you look closer, they get a similar suspension setup as well, adjustable USD forks at the front, a monoshock at the rear, wire-spoke wheels, disc brakes at both ends, a TFT instrument console, LED lighting, and other bits. So what makes them so different?

As the saying goes, it’s all in the details. The 390 Adventure gets adjustable USD forks with 200mm travel in the front and a monoshock with 205mm travel at the rear. The 390 Adventure R gets 230mm travel at both ends. This results in more ground clearance — 390 Adventure’s 237mm vs the Adventure R’s 272mm.

The Adventure R also gets a slightly longer wheelbase at 1481mm compared to the 390 Adventure’s 1470mm, while the tyre setup is also different — the 390 Adventure gets a 21-17 setup while the Adventure R gets a 21-18 setup. And finally, the KTM 390 Adventure tips the scale at 182kg while the more potent 390 Adventure R weighs 165kg.

KTM 390 Adventure vs Adventure R — Engine specifications

While the two motorcycles have a ton of differences in the detail, they share the same engine — a 399cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder unit mated to a 6-speed gearbox. They feature the same electronics as well, which include cornering ABS, traction control, three ride modes, cruise control, a bi-directional quickshifter, and others.