2025 KTM 390 Enduro R — First Look

The brand’s 390 range of machines offers the most segment coverage, including the 390 Adventure, 390 Duke, RC 390, and 390 SMC R. Now, the 390 Enduro R continues the platform’s expansion into other categories. Though, we should note that the RC 390 and 390 Adventure have yet to be updated with the latest 2024 engine.

Heavily based on the recently updated third-generation 390 Duke, the 390 Enduro R aims toward the trails with an updated chassis, suspension components, wheelset, and more. Returning to the fold is the same 399cc liquid-cooled Single-cylinder LC4c engine — the lowercase ‘c’ denoting ‘compact’ in KTM lingo. Once again, we see the same claimed 44 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 28.8 lb-ft. of torque at 7,000 rpm cited on the specification sheet. Power is put down through its existing six-speed gearbox featuring a PASC slip-and-assist clutch, and an optional bi-directional quickshifter is available.

A couple of updates apply to both the 390 SMC R and Enduro R exclusively, including a new airbox that allows the engine to sit higher in the frame, increasing ground clearance and encouraging what KTM says is a “more focused off-road rider triangle.” In addition, a new stainless steel under-slung exhaust system is mounted to these two new steeds that, quite interestingly, do not utilize a muffler of any kind and are said to save 4.4 pounds. Dual catalyzers are still present, and the engine remains Euro5+ compliant.

On the electronics front, two ride-by-wire throttle modes are available: Street and Offroad. As we’d suspect, Street is developed for road use with more restrictive rider aids, while Offroad is said to provide additional rear-wheel slip and make it easier to pop the front end over obstacles.

Settings can be tailored further from the new 4.2-inch TFT display, with defeatable traction control and three Bosch 10.3MB ABS settings to choose from: Standard, Offroad (rear ABS disabled), and off. A USB-C charging port is standard, and the updated display supports Bluetooth connectivity through the KTMconnect app, facilitating turn-by-turn navigation, media navigation, and more. Naturally, riders will navigate these menus with all-new illuminated switch gear featuring a four-way joystick. LED lighting is standard.

The chassis is derived from the 390 Duke’s 2-piece steel trellis frame, though it’s updated with several trail-minded provisions and wields a new gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm. To that end, we’re seeing a significantly relaxed 27.1-degree headtube angle and lengthened 58-inch wheelbase, which will encourage stability in the dirt compared to the Duke’s steeper street-focused 24-degree rake and shorter 53.4 wheelbase. New triple clamps and subframe mounting points are also mentioned. The chassis tweaks go further with revised rigidity characteristics that are more suitable for dual-sport purposes. Diving deeper, KTM also cites increased radiator clearance to accommodate a 21-inch wheel.

A bolt-on subframe joins the mix, a welcome addition for any rough-and-tumble off-road machine. The flat, one-piece saddle promotes a traditional dual-sport riding position, and the marketing literature also highlights repositioned footpegs optimized for trail riding.

Equipped with a 2.37-gallon fuel tank, the 390 Enduro R has a claimed weight of 350.5 pounds without fuel, according to the brand. Adjusting for fuel, curb weight is expected to be roughly 369 pounds, which is heavier than the quoted weight figure for the new Suzuki DR-Z4S at 340 pounds.

Suspension duties are handled by a 43mm WP Apex open cartridge fork with 30 clicks of compression and rebound adjustability. In the rear, the non-linkage-type WP Apex shock is offset and mounted directly to the swingarm, adjustable for spring-preload and 20 clicks of rebound damping adjustment. A respectable 9.1 inches of suspension travel is available at either end.