KTM has officially expanded its Indian lineup with the launch of the 390 Adventure R, a variant specifically engineered for serious off-road enthusiasts. This new model arrives as the most dirt-capable version of the 390 platform, featuring significant chassis upgrades designed to handle technical trails that would challenge a standard adventure bike.
Built for the dirt with a taller stance
The “R” in the name stands for more than just a badge; it represents a major overhaul of the bike’s suspension. KTM has equipped this variant with fully adjustable WP Apex hardware that offers 230mm of travel at both ends—a substantial increase over the standard model. This adjustment allows the bike to soak up large hits and maintain stability over rocks and deep ruts.
Because of this longer-travel suspension, the bike sits much higher than its siblings. The ground clearance has been boosted to a class-leading 272mm, providing plenty of room to clear obstacles. However, this extra height also raises the seat to 870mm, which may require a bit of skill for shorter riders to manage in tight spots or heavy traffic.
Why the more capable bike costs less
In a surprising twist, the 390 Adventure R is priced at ₹3.78 lakh (ex-showroom), making it nearly ₹19,000 cheaper than the standard 390 Adventure. While this seems counterintuitive for a more “hardcore” model, the price drop comes down to the wheels.
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Wheel Setup: The “R” uses heavy-duty spoke wheels with tube-type tires. These are often preferred by off-road purists because they can take a beating on rocky terrain without shattering a rim.
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The Standard Model: The more expensive standard version uses fancier cross-spoke wheels that support tubeless tires, which are more convenient for highway touring but cost more to manufacture.
Market Impact & Context
KTM is clearly taking aim at the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 with this release. While the Himalayan is known for its torque and comfort, the KTM 390 Adventure R offers a more aggressive, high-performance alternative for those who want to ride fast in the dirt. By pricing it lower than the standard model, KTM has made high-end adjustable suspension more accessible, though buyers will have to live with the old-school hassle of tube-type tires.
