Is it a dirt bike? A dual-sport? A naked adventure bike? Whatever you want to call it, you can definitely forget what you thought you knew about KTM’s 390 platform. The all-new 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R is 99% new from the ground up—new frame, new engine, new electronics, a total revision from the outgoing Duke-based platform. It’s obvious from the moment you swing a leg over the Enduro R that this is a whole new animal bred to take on the dirt, not a street bike dressed in off-road wear.
Check out the video for our first impression of the all-new 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R.
Based on the marketing photos of this revamped single-cylinder bike doing 12 o’clock wheelies and launching off moto-style jumps, our expectations were oddly high upon setting out on the 390 Enduro R on day one of the two-day KTM 390 launch at Mammoth Lakes, California (day two for the 390 Adventure R—more on that soon). History has cautioned us against putting value-priced dual-sport motorcycles through too much off-road abuse, but the folks at KTM took us straight to the singletrack trailhead and practically waved a green flag, so off we went. Our day was filled with 60 miles of trails, forest roads, two-track, highways, and even a stop at the motocross track (we had the privilege of riding a small section of the Mammoth Mountain Motocross track thanks to Casey McCoy).
The takeaway is simple; this is an incredible value-priced dual-sport that packs a lot of performance and capability into a $5,499 package. Yes, you will run into limits. After all, if you’re looking for the full off-road performance package, you can find that in the premium EXC line for more than twice the price. But the compromises you’ll find in the execution of the 390 Enduro R are well thought out by a company that knows its way around the dirt, and knows where to hold back and where not to skimp.
The stout chassis and steel trellis frame can stand up to some off-road abuse without feeling like it’s going to come unsettled, and the 43mm open-cartridge WP Apex fork is surprisingly competent. The WP shock, that connects directly to the swingarm in an off-set mount, will be your limiting factor when the going gets rowdy, but will still keep the rear wheel tracking well at cruising speeds. The 50/50 Metzeler Karoo 4 tires are a great choice, and part of why the 390 Enduro R feels so planted in mixed terrain—as well as on pavement. We rode some of that, too.
The revised LC4c engine has easy roll-on power and a potent mid-to-top-end that we think will appeal to both beginners and experienced riders alike. A modest electronics package with rider settings and adjustable TC and ABS (including all the way off), is a nice touch without being overkill. Although the rider aids are tastefully executed, we expect that this customer might tend to prefer to have full control over throttle and braking, or at least the option to dismiss the electronic co-pilot.
For a more in-depth look at our first day aboard this all-new arrival, and a look at some of the terrain we threw at it, head to our YouTube page to get the full scoop on our first impression of the 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R.
