The next-gen KTM 390 ADV R has been spotted testing in India on multiple occasions, and KTM has even confirmed that it will officially reveal the bike on November 5 at EICMA. However, the company has now showcased the bike at one of its Adventure Rally events in South Dakota.
- Spotted in camouflage
- Wearing Mitas 50/50 tyres
The bike was displayed at this event alongside the new 1390 Adventure R, which will also make its formal debut at EICMA. While it’s still wearing camouflage, the design details are easy to observe, and this is a far more purposeful, rally-inspired design than the current 390 ADV.
Going with these looks is what promises to be much more off-road capability with a 21-inch front/18-inch rear wheel setup. Interestingly, the bike seen here is sporting what appears to be Mitas E07 50/50 tyres. The E07 is an acclaimed dual-purpose tyre, and it is also available in India under the Reise brand, which has a partnership with Mitas and manufactures many of its tyres. In fact, Reise also makes a range of its own Mitas-based tyres at its facility in Gujarat. Whether the India-spec model will have Reise or Mitas branded tyres remains to be seen.
On that topic, the fact that this bike is now called the 390 Adventure R suggests that there might be more than one variant available this time. With its long travel suspension, big wheels and (what appears to be) ample ground clearance, the 390 Adventure R will probably have a tall seat. It will be a challenge in the Indian market and something that KTM India will be sensitive to as the current 390 ADV built a reputation for having a tall seat, even though it was a more road-biased ADV.
To get around this, there may be a second variant, which could be called the 390 Adventure S (going by the naming standard for the big v-twin KTM ADVs). This bike could continue with the 19/17-inch wheel sizes on the current 390 Adventure, and it will offer a lower seat height thanks to reduced suspension travel. The latest 390 chassis concept, which moves the monoshock to the side, will also enable a lower seat.
Either way, the next-gen KTM 390 Adventure will use the new 399cc engine that debuted in the KTM 390 Duke last year, which should result in a quicker, more exciting performance. As with all the KTMs, expect plenty of features, including electronic assists, a TFT display and adjustable suspension.
We’ll have all the details available on this bike when KTM officially unveils it in a few weeks.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
