2025 KTM 390 Enduro R – 700 Mile Impressions
Figured I’d share some thoughts after about 700 miles on the new KTM 390 Enduro R — mix of street, gravel, and A/B trails. I’ve had a lot of questions about it since its a new model at KTM.
Let’s get 1 thing out of the way… the name. Ignore it. I’m not sure what an Enduro is to KTM (see 690 Enduro R), but its best to look at this as a true dual-sport, like a DR650, etc. You can commute to work on it, hit the highway, or hit the trails. It’s comfy enough for all of it, but not in the same space as any 350/500. It’s heft and intent are clear once you ride it.
Moving on…
For context, I started on a 390 Adventure (too street-focused), then moved to an Aprilia Tuareg 660 (still have it). Great bike, but too heavy for learning proper off-road skills quickly. I wanted something lighter, more manageable, and affordable without jumping straight to a 500/501. The new KTM bikes hit a price point that was attractive, with the Enduro R being ‘used-bike’ territory for even KLX300’s. It’s MSRP is 5500 before dealer nonsense.
The ride & feel: It honestly feels only a bit heavier than a KLX300 once moving. Super comfortable seat, solid highway manners, and truly capable off-road. KTM got the balance right.
Ride modes:
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Offroad mode gives a snappier throttle and disables rear ABS. You also have an ‘offroad’ traction control you can disable as well, but it’s honestly quite good. Unlike other ABS bikes, you CAN fully disable it on the Enduro R too. Full off front, if that’s your thing.
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Street mode softens throttle response with full ABS on, and aggressive traction control.
Power & mods: Stock, it’s not torquey down low, but it’ll tractor through most things in the right gear. It screams up top, if you are familiar with the 390 motor at all. After all, it’s still a 44hp power plant, and will do 90 on the highway.
I’ve added hand-guards, lithium battery, de-cat pipe + tuner, more aggressive tires with mousse balls, Molecule skid plate, rim locks, etc. Despite some of those adding weight, it now tips the (bathroom) scale at 350 wet (360ish stock). Lighter than stock, but with far more grunt down low due to pipe and tune. Also… Mousse balls… hurray no punctures or tire tools on the trail.
Suspension: Good balance overall, but the rear shock only has rebound and preload — no compression adjustment. Aggressive riders will find its limits pretty fast. Front fork feels decent to me, with compression and rebound adjustment. It honestly feels better than my Aprilia, and far more confidence inspiring.
Range & value: I’m getting 120–160 miles per tank (2.4 gal). For the price, this thing’s a steal. Same weight and HP ballpark as DRZ4S or DR650, but cheaper and with way more tech. It’s also a big step up from the old 390 Adventure — much more off-road capable, and something you won’t outgrow immediately. This is big for newer riders. Buying with intent to sell isn’t what we usually do, and KTM now has entry bikes that I think many can stick with.
Overall, this is an awesome bike for new or intermediate riders who want a true dual sport without overspending. It’s not perfect (small tank, limited suspension adjustability), but it’s genuinely capable and a ton of fun to ride. It does have some quirks in the press reviews that I haven’t experienced on the production model. I’ve had no flame-outs of any kind, no kickstand stalls. I have had a couple loose spokes, the mpg on the display is way off (it reads low), and the kickstand is hilariously far from the bike when folded. Other than that… it’s actually really good.
Happy to answer questions.
Before the snow hits, I want to get Rich or another experienced rider some time on it to get impressions.. I think its hugely valuable to get perspective from both newer, and seasoned riders on things.
. You may also consider a sprocket change to improve the trail feeling. I understand the Enduro R has a higher rear tooth count for lower end grunt.
