KTM 390 Enduro R: 3 reasons to buy and 2 to skip it

The KTM 390 Enduro R is based on the same 390 Adventure platform, but gets a sleek-looking front end, leaner body panels, a 9-litre fuel tank, and a flatter rally-style seat. Compared to the 21-inch and 17-inch wheel setup on the KTM 390 Adventure, this gets a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear spoked wheel.

Here are 3 reasons why you should consider the KTM 390 Enduro R

Powerful, liquid-cooled, engine

It uses a 399cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder engine putting out 46hp at 8,500 rpm and 39Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. It offers potent performance with a 48-tooth rear sprocket and on the road, this is a nice engine with plenty of power once it revs past 6,000rpm. It has has good highway cruising abilities and can sit at triple digit speeds with very low effort. It also gets a quickshifter as standard, enhancing the riding experience.

Feature packed

The bike gets a neat and compact TFT display which is informative and easily visible even under harsh sunlight. It also features two riding modes (Street & Off Road), a USB Type-C charging port, adjustable levers, an adjustable handlebar clamp, and a quickshifter. Additionally, a dedicated ABS button allows riders to quickly deactivate it when necessary.

KTM 390 Enduro R

₹3.80 Lakh (On road price)

Range/Mileage

To be tested

Specifications

Front Brakes: DiscRear Brakes: DiscHeight: 1210+ 37 more

Features

Brake/Tail Light: LEDAntilock Braking System: Dual Channel ABSUSB Charging Port: Yes+ 37 more

Variants

Standard

Good road and off-road abilities

The KTM 390 Enduro R is a good do-it-all machine. It is fun to commute on, can easily cruise on the highway, and can take on off road trails well too. It is based on the ADV platform, so it is more of a stripped-down ADV than just an Enduro bike.

2 reasons to look elsewhere

Heavy kerb weight, Tall seat height

While the KTM 390 Enduro R is a very capable motorcycle for enthusiasts and experienced riders, it has a heavy kerb weight (177kg) for an Enduro bike. Removing the grab rails, crash bars, and saree guard is said to reduce around 11 kilos and bring the weight down to 166kg. Additionally, it also gets a tall 860mm seat height which might intimidate newer riders.

Small fuel tank, Tubed tyres

The bike has a 9 litre fuel tank which is good for trail riding purposes, but riders who are planning on touring might find the tank capacity insufficient. Having tubeless tyres makes fixing punctures more convenient, but KTM have opted for tubed tyres, as it is better to have tubed tyres during hard enduro riding, in case you land up bending your rim.