The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R lands in South Africa and raises the bar for lightweight adventure bikes.
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KTM 390 Adventure R (2025): A Timely Move for the Lightweight Adventure Class in South Africa
KTM’s new 2025 390 Adventure R has just landed in South Africa, and while it might look like just another update to a popular model, the timing and what it represents make it far more interesting than that.
This isn’t just about a motorcycle. It’s about KTM showing it’s still in the fight, even as they and their parent company, Pierer Mobility, navigate some tough financial waters.
What’s New with the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R?
The 390 Adventure has always held a special place in the lightweight adventure segment, compact, capable, and not afraid of a bit of dirt. But this new version raises the bar with several proper off-road upgrades.
The most noticeable change? A true 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combo laced and wrapped in Mitas Enduro Trail E-07+ rubber. That puts it much closer in spirit to KTM’s bigger 890 and 1290 Adventure siblings.
It also gets a fully adjustable suspension (with 230 mm travel), an updated 399cc single-cylinder engine (now Euro 5.2 compliant), and a 5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity via KTMconnect. Ride modes include Street, Rain, and Off-Road, and it even retains cornering ABS and switchable traction control, impressive for a bike in this class.
Complete Specs Breakdown: 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R
Below is a detailed breakdown of its full specifications, including engine performance, suspension, dimensions, electronics, and rider features. Whether you’re navigating gravel trails or cruising through city traffic, these specs highlight what makes the 390 Adventure R a versatile and capable machine for both new and experienced riders.
Performance
Engine & Performance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, LC4c (compact) |
| Displacement | 398.7 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 89 mm x 64 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.6:1 |
| Maximum Power | 46 PS (33 kW) @ 8,500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 39 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled |
| Fuel System | Bosch EFI with 46 mm throttle body |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Clutch | PASC slipper clutch, mechanically operated |
| Starter | Electric starter |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Exhaust | Stainless steel underbelly exhaust system |
| Fuel Consumption | 3.4 L/100 km |
| CO₂ Emissions | 79 g/km |
Dimensions
Chassis & Dimensions
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame | Steel trellis frame, powder-coated |
| Subframe | Steel trellis frame, powder-coated |
| Wheelbase | 1,481 mm |
| Seat Height | 870 mm (34.25 inches) |
| Ground Clearance | 272 mm (10.7 inches) |
| Steering Head Angle | 62.9° |
| Dry Weight | 165 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 liters |
Suspension & Brakes
Suspension & Brakes
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension | WP APEX 43 mm USD fork, adjustable compression and rebound |
| Rear Suspension | WP APEX monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound |
| Front Suspension Travel | 230 mm |
| Rear Suspension Travel | 230 mm |
| Front Brake | 320 mm disc, ByBre radial caliper |
| Rear Brake | 240 mm disc, ByBre single-piston caliper |
| ABS | Bosch 9.3MP Cornering ABS with Offroad ABS mode |
Wheels & Tires
Wheels & Tires
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Front Wheel | 21-inch spoked wheel |
| Rear Wheel | 18-inch spoked wheel |
| Front Tire | 90/90-21 Mitas Enduro Trail E07+ |
| Rear Tire | 140/80-18 Mitas Enduro Trail E07+ |
Features & Electronics
Features & Electronics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 5-inch full-color TFT with ambient light sensor |
| Riding Modes | Street, Rain, Offroad |
| Traction Control | Cornering MTC, switchable |
| ABS | Cornering ABS with Offroad mode |
| Quickshifter+ | Clutchless upshifts |
| Cruise Control | Optional |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth via KTMconnect app (navigation, calls, music) |
| Lighting | All-LED lighting with position light |
| USB Port | USB-C charging port (Unconfirmed) |
Not Just a New Model — A Strategic Signal
Here’s where it gets interesting. KTM and Pierer Mobility AG, KTM’s parent company, have had a rocky financial year. In late 2024, they filed for insolvency after accumulating over €3 billion in debt. Job cuts followed, and parts of the business were scaled back. It was a worrying time for many fans of the brand.
But Bajaj Auto, the Indian manufacturer that owns nearly 50% of KTM, stepped in with a lifeline, reportedly arranging a financial bailout just weeks before a critical debt deadline in May 2025.
So, the fact that KTM is not only continuing product development but launching a more rugged version of its smallest adventure bike? That says something. It’s a message to the market and to riders: “We’re still here and we’re still building bikes that push boundaries.”
Why It Matters in South Africa
In a country like South Africa, where adventure biking is more than just a weekend hobby, the 390 Adventure R makes a lot of sense. We’ve got the terrain for it, gravel roads, mountain passes, farm tracks, and we’ve got a riding culture that values versatility and reliability without always wanting (or needing) a R300K motorcycle.
The 390 R brings serious off-road capability to a more accessible price point of R139 999,00. It’s lightweight enough for beginners but still packed with features that more experienced riders will appreciate, and it doesn’t look or feel compromised.
The Bigger Picture
This bike arrives at a moment when the adventure segment is shifting. Mid-sized and lightweight bikes are gaining popularity as riders look for more manageable and affordable options. The 390 Adventure R ticks both boxes, and it does so with KTM’s performance heritage in tow.
If the company can weather its current financial challenges and continue producing bikes like this, there’s good reason to believe KTM could come out of this stronger and more focused than before.
