Motorcycle specifications KTM390 Enduro R 2026 Fields and gables

The surreal offering of trail bikes (GT, sport, expedition) tends to make us forget the original virtues of this type of motorcycle. A simple machine, capable of going anywhere, not expensive, not powerful and not heavy. So it's with some relief that we're witnessing the return of trails with human values. The new 390 Enduro R is in this vein.

KTM has come up with a nice little machine, with no excess of "ready-to-race" or EXC-style aggressiveness. A motorcycle somewhere between a trail bike and an enduro, convinced it's doing its job, not selling dreams but escapism.
Although closely related to its 390 SMC R and 125 Enduro R sisters, it makes the effort to offer a very slightly different deco. We won't look at it any more or less for that, but it does demonstrate a discreet desire for emancipation.

The scent of a ride

Because the 390 Enduro R wants to get away from the greyness of everyday life, from concrete and asphalt, to enjoy the delicate scent of meadows and deciduous trees. So, even though its frame, engine and suspension are identical to those of its supermotard sibling, it's equipped to go off-road when the other wants to skin it. In what way?

With handguards (a nice touch when branches are lying in wait), an aluminum engine cover and much more suitable wheels. The Enduro R can be shod just right with a thin 90/90 - 21 shoe, while traction is provided in 140 / 80 - 18. The big-toothed Metzeler Karoo 4s will take care of clearing the trail.

With its 398.7 cm3 single-cylinder engine, it's sure to be playful and lively, with the heart leaping in good proportion, but far from the 690, which already requires a good deal of skill to operate. Its 45 horsepower can take you through jumps, traverses and stone-throwing with gusto once you get the hang of it. Don't blow up the guardrails just yet. The whole point is to gradually learn what the Katoche has to offer.

Settings at your fingertips

Adjustable suspension, which will already help you discover more sensitivity. The 43 mm inverted fork can be adjusted for compression and rebound; very easily, thanks to the little knobs at the top of the tubes. 30 positions (validated by clicks) are available. The shock absorber has other preferences, with the rider able to modify both preload and rebound, this time with 20 clicks.
The WP elements show their appetite for trails and difficulties, with no less than 230 of travel. Between this, the high position of the engine in the frame and the profile of the wheels, the bike gains 272 mm of ground clearance. Rocks and logs are less of a nuisance. The same goes for boarding: this kind of technical configuration invariably results in a high seat height. The 390 Enduro R has a seat height of 890 mm.

Another area in which the Enduro R offers parameterization is in electronics. Several riding modes are available to suit your temperament, with a "Street" mode designed for the road, and above all an "Offroad" mode more in tune with the soul of the Katoche. In this mode, it's possible to slide the wheel over obstacles. The 390 Enduro R is also equipped with traction control, which can be deactivated as needed (or as desired), and multi-stage ABS. It can be deactivated at the rear of the bike, or completely for the more experienced rider. A dedicated switch provides quick access to this function.

There's also an assisted slipper clutch for calming the rush. Braking-wise, the Enduro R makes a further distinction from the SMC, with a smaller front brake disc (285 mm vs. 320 mm) and axial caliper mounting. The rear disc is 240 mm. All this is Bybre, except for the ABS, which comes from Bosch (10.3 MB Modulator).

Once you've got a few blades of grass down your pants, you might just forget about the dashboard. Because it'll probably be covered in mud or dust. Otherwise, you'll be free to enjoy its smartphone- and Bluetooth-powered functions - which can give you turn-by-turn navigation, call management, music... or just enjoy the speed and gear engaged on that slender little 4.2-inch color TFT display.

Not so light

One of the great qualities of an Enduro is its lightness. This is not exactly the case with the 390, which weighs in at 159 kilos.... Plus the 9 liters of fuel to be added to the tank. The 690 is 10 kilos lighter. Are we talking about it?

There aren't many small-displacement machines in the burgeoning trails category. KTM's 390 Enduro R and Suzuki's 400 DR-Z4S are refreshing a sector that many have forgotten. The brand applies an original pricing policy: the 390 Duke, SMC R and Enduro R are priced exactly the same. The latter flirts with the price of a 500 Hornet or a Ninja 500.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos