The wait is finally over! KTM has officially launched its highly anticipated models, first revealed last November at EICMA—the all-new KTM 390 Adventure R and its more street-oriented sibling, the 390 Adventure X.

With these two additions, the Austrian brand steps into an increasingly competitive lightweight adventure segment, where the “four-fifty” category continues to gain momentum and enthusiastic rider support. Building upon the foundation of the 390 Adventure, this rally-inspired model takes adventure riding to the next level, offering a more off-road-focused experience for riders looking to push further into the unknown. With a technical spec sheet that checks all the right boxes, it looks like the guys at Mattighofen have been listening to what riders have been asking for, and this version comes packed with everything you’d want in an adventure bike.

KTM has also expanded the platform further with the 390 Enduro R and 390 SMC R, all powered by the new 399cc engine, offering a range of options for different riders and terrains.

Now, let’s dive deeper into this machine, which promises nothing but pure fun and adventure!

Breaking Down the Machine

What Makes the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R & X Special?

There’s a certain thrill that comes with adventure riding—leaving the pavement behind, tackling dirt trails, and discovering roads that might not even be on the map. KTM knows this feeling well, and for 2025, they’ve brought out two new machines to fuel the fire of exploration. The KTM 390 Adventure R and the KTM 390 Adventure X offer two distinct takes on lightweight adventure riding, built for riders who want to break free from routine and chase the horizon.

One leans into serious off-road performance, while the other keeps things approachable and street-friendly without losing its adventurous DNA. Both carry KTM’s rally-inspired pedigree, a redesigned 399cc engine, and new chassis upgrades that push them further than ever before.

Let’s break down what makes these bikes tick, who they’re for, and why the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure lineup is more exciting than ever.

The Heart of the Adventure:
399cc LC4c Engine

At the core of both models is KTM’s all-new 399cc LC4c engine, a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled powerplant built to deliver smooth, controlled power in urban environments and on rugged off-road trails.

Key Engine Specs:

Displacement: 398.7cc
Configuration: Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC
Power Output: 45.3 hp (Brake Horsepower)
Torque: 39 Nm
Cooling System: Liquid-cooled
Fuel System: Bosch EFI with a 46mm electronic throttle body
Clutch: PASC Slipper Clutch, mechanically operated
Transmission: 6-speed with optional Quickshifter+

The LC4c engine platform is a refinement over previous generations, offering better fuel combustion, reduced emissions, and improved durability. Thanks to angled fuel injectors, the air-fuel mixture is optimized for efficiency, giving the engine a crisper response across the rev range.

The gearbox has been refined for 2025, featuring an improved shift drum design and a redesigned gear guidance system for smoother and more precise transitions. The shift lever travel has been reduced, resulting in quicker and more responsive action, especially during aggressive acceleration. All models now come equipped with a power-assist slipper clutch, which not only reduces engine braking for better control but also features optimized gears on the clutch basket and flywheel to reduce weight and improve overall clutch operation. For those seeking even sharper gear changes, an optional Quickshifter+ allows for seamless, clutchless upshifts and downshifts.

A key update for 2025 is extended service intervals—oil and air filter changes are required every 6,200 miles (10,000 km), reducing maintenance stops and keeping riders focused on the road ahead.

Chassis & Suspension

Engineered for Adventure

For 2025, KTM has redesigned the chassis and suspension of the 390 Adventure range, improving rigidity, control, and durability while keeping the bike lightweight and responsive.

At its core, the 2-piece steel trellis frame provides a strong yet agile foundation, with a bolt-on subframe designed for stability and durability. This off-road-inspired subframe integrates a one-piece seat and supports long-stroke suspension, ensuring comfort and control in rough conditions.

The gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm, shared with the KTM 390 Enduro and 390 SMC R, increases the wheelbase for better stability and features a closed design to prevent dirt buildup, reducing maintenance needs on off-road rides.

KTM has also optimized the footpeg positioning, allowing for better control when standing on the pegs and long-distance comfort when seated, ensuring the bike remains adaptable across various terrains.

Each model in the 390 Adventure lineup gets a unique suspension setup, carefully tuned to match its intended purpose.