Now Reading: KTM 390 Enduro R Review — Takes the Rough with the Smooth?
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KTM 390 Enduro R Review — Takes the Rough with the Smooth?
At first glance, the KTM 390 Enduro R might sound like a hardcore off-road machine built for the wildest trails, but that’s not quite the case. KTM themselves list it under the Dual Sport category, and that’s actually what makes it so interesting. Priced at ₹3.37 lakh (ex-showroom), this is a motorcycle that promises serious adventure fun without the pain of a race-spec setup or a bank-breaking price tag.
Built on the same platform as the 390 Adventure and the 390 Duke, the Enduro R strips away the bulk and focuses on agility. The result? A lean, tall, and purposeful machine that looks ready for the dirt but still remains friendly enough for everyday riding.
Ride and Handling
Out on the trail, the 390 Enduro R immediately impresses with its balance and suspension. Despite having slightly less suspension travel than the international model, the revised damping and spring preload tuning make it surprisingly capable. It handles rocks, water crossings, and even small jumps without complaint. It’s more composed than the 390 Adventure and hits that sweet spot between comfort and control — perfect for weekend off-roaders.
Ergonomics and Comfort
KTM has nailed the riding position. The taller, adjustable handlebar risers and slimmer bodywork make standing up on the pegs feel natural. The reduced tank size and narrower profile also make it feel lighter than it is — even though it’s only about 5 kg down on the Adventure. The result is a motorcycle that feels nimble, flickable, and easy to handle when things get tricky.
Electronics and Features
The electronics suite is where the Enduro R surprises again. The Off-Road mode allows just the right amount of play — deactivating rear ABS and giving you the option to disable the front ABS completely. Traction control is well-judged too, offering plenty of sideways fun without cutting in too early. Add to that a bright 4.2-inch TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity with navigation assist, and intuitive switchgear, and you have one of the most feature-loaded dual-sport bikes in its class.
Design and Build
Visually, the 390 Enduro R looks every bit the part. The tall stance, sharp KTM styling, and purposeful proportions give it proper dirt-bike energy. The build feels rugged and true to KTM’s off-road DNA — from the sturdy switchgear to the crisp TFT screen that displays only what you need.
Where It Falls Short
Of course, it’s not perfect. The “R” badge might lead some to expect a true-blue enduro machine, but this isn’t one. Suspension travel is down by 30mm compared to the international model, and it doesn’t have the explosive low-end torque of a pure dirt bike. The 46hp engine is peaky, meaning you’ll need to keep the revs up in slow, technical sections. A shorter final drive ratio could have made it more responsive off the line.
Verdict
The KTM 390 Enduro R might not be the hardcore enduro its name suggests, but that’s missing the point. What it truly offers is an incredibly fun, approachable, and feature-rich trail bike that’s ideal for riders looking to explore beyond the tarmac. It’s engaging, forgiving, and built to take on India’s broken roads and backcountry trails with ease.
It may not wear the “R” badge perfectly, but it delivers what really matters — real-world adventure and pure riding joy.
