Hey friends, we all know that Adventure bikes have always been the first choice of youth, but KTM has now made a bike that wants to mix hardcore off-road riding with road.
The name of this bike is KTM 390 Enduro R, which is not just a dressed-up version of an ADV but a real, tough machine that can take on terrains where other bikes fail.
This bike has been made light, high, and strong, especially for the demanding off-road trails of India.
But is it just a spec-sheet machine, or does it also have the passion that a true enduro rider wants? Let's find out.
Table of Contents
KTM 390 Enduro R Design and Quality: Simple and Functional Look.
Just looking at the KTM 390 Enduro R, one realises that this bike has been built for business. There are no flashy or heavy plastic parts used in it, only the essential things that will come in handy off-road.
Ahead is a high-set fender and a minimalist headlamp unit, which has no windscreen or bulky plastic parts, so that there is no problem while riding.
The tank is thin, the seat is long and flat, and the design on the underside of the bike is clean and functional. The tail light is simple, which is a sign that KTM has built this bike for tough use – to fall, get up, and ride again.
When it comes to quality, KTM has taken a no-nonsense approach. Plastic parts are tough and basic, exposed welds are solid, and the paint isn’t too dazzling but durable. Everything you touch – levers, footpegs, tank shrouds – all feel rugged, meaning this bike is ready for hard off-road use.
The switchgear feels a little basic, and doesn’t offer the premium click that one would expect from a Rs 4 lakh bike, but KTM hasn’t compromised on structural rigidity and foot controls.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Off-Road Focused Setup.
Enduro bikes are never comfortable highway cruisers, and the KTM 390 Enduro R follows this philosophy. The seat is narrow and firm, allowing the rider to move easily. You can slide forward, lean sideways, or shift weight backwards – the seat is perfect for technical terrain.
But standing riding can feel a little uncomfortable for tall riders, as one has to bend a little for the handlebars, and the footpegs are also high-set. Still, the balance is quite good in the standing position.
If you are thinking of taking this bike for the daily commute or long tours, then keep in mind not to focus too much on comfort. This bike has been made for off-road control, not for road comfort.
KTM 390 Enduro R Performance and Handling: Off-Road King, Manageable on Road.
This bike has the same 399cc, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that also comes in other models of KTM. On the road, the engine feels smooth and responsive. The power delivery is linear, and it is easy to ride in city traffic as the engine is manageable even at low speeds.
It can comfortably ride at 90-100 kmph on highways, but the lack of a windscreen causes windblast. The gearing is a bit short compared to the 390 Adventure, which helps a lot off-road, but the engine feels a bit busy on fast roads.
The bike deals well with speed breakers, potholes, and broken roads. The suspension is fully adjustable, which is KTM’s strength.
Handling feels a little compromised compared to the road-focused 390 Adventure X. The 21-inch front wheel, tall suspension, and off-road tyres result in less sharpness in corners, and sudden direction changes require a little more effort. But it’s not nervous, just sharp.
The suspension system features long-travel forks at the front and an adjustable monoshock at the rear, which handle rough terrains with ease. Ground clearance is also quite good, so roots, rocks, and jumps are handled easily.
KTM 390 Enduro R Features and Technology: Off-Road Essentials.
The KTM 390 Enduro R rides on 21/18 inch tube-type spoke wheels, which come with Mitas Enduro Trail tyres. Suspension is WP Apex USD forks in the front and an adjustable WP monoshock in the rear. Braking is done by disc brakes on both wheels, and an option to switch off ABS is also given.
Full LED lighting system, 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth, two riding modes, and traction control are also included in this bike, which are essential features for off-road.
KTM 390 Enduro R Fuel Efficiency and Range.
The KTM 390 Enduro R’s fuel tank capacity is just 9 liters, which is small. City mileage is around 27 kmpl, which makes the total riding range approximately 200 km, which is a bit less.
Best Choice for Off-Road Passion.
The KTM 390 Enduro R is a bike that is made for its purpose, but at the same time, it also feels manageable on the road. The engine is familiar, and the throttle response is smooth. KTM’s electronics, like traction control and cornering ABS, work well in urban and sporty riding.
The ergonomics and setup focus on off-road, so there is less comfort for long rides. Can commute daily, but even then, only if the route has broken roads or dirt paths.
Off-road, this bike shows its true value. Lightweight chassis, long suspension travel, and narrow body make it a trail weapon. Roots, rocks, jumps, and tight turns—all can be handled confidently.
As we mentioned earlier, it can be a little uncomfortable for tall riders, but for smaller riders, it is perfect on technical terrains. The electronics also do not interfere when needed.
For a rider who wants to live the experience and not just the look of the bike, the KTM 390 Enduro R is the best. If your weekend is about exploring trails, taking detours, and testing your limits, then this bike is perfect.
But if you ride on mostly smooth roads, there are other options available in the KTM 390 family that you can try.
Salini Tiwari is a passionate automobile blogger specializing in bikes. With around 1 year of dedicated experience in the motorcycle niche, she combines personal interest with ongoing research to deliver valuable insights for enthusiasts. Her articles on Accelon Motors reflect a genuine understanding of two-wheelers, riding trends, and performance analysis, making her a trusted voice among readers seeking expert-backed bike content.