KTM 390 Enduro R 2026 — Specifications

The surreal offer of trail bikes (GT, sporty, expeditionary) tends to make us forget the original virtues of this type of motorcycle. A simple machine, capable of going everywhere, inexpensive, not powerful and not heavy. It is therefore with a certain relief that we witness a return of human-scale trails. The 390 Enduro R is of this ilk.

KTM has produced a beautiful little machine, without excess “Ready to race” or EXC-style aggressiveness. A motorcycle between a trail and an enduro, convinced of doing its job well, without selling dreams but escape. Although intimately linked to its sisters, the 390 SMC R and the 125 Enduro R, it makes an effort to offer a slightly different look. We won’t look at it any more or less for that, but it testifies to a discreet desire for emancipation.

Because the 390 Enduro R wants to escape the grayness of everyday life, the concrete and the asphalt to taste the delicate scent of meadows and deciduous trees. So, even if it has a frame, an engine and suspension identical to the supermotard sibling, it is equipped to leave the road when the other wants to scuff it. How?

With handguards (nice when there are branches lying in wait), an aluminum engine guard and wheels much better suited. The Enduro R knows how to dress properly with a fine 90/90 - 21 tire while traction operates in 140 / 80 – 18. The Metzeler Karoo 4 with large teeth will take care of clearing the hiking trails.

With its 398.7 cc single-cylinder engine, the usage promises to be playful, spirited, with the heart pounding in good proportions but far from the 690; which already requires a good dose of skill to exploit. Its 45 horsepower can take you through jumps, traverses and rock throws with enthusiasm once you have it under control. Don’t jump the guardrails right away. The whole interest is to gradually learn what the Katoche offers and can do.

Adjustable suspension, which will already lead you to discover more sensitivity. The 43 mm inverted fork can be adjusted in compression and rebound; very easily thanks to the small wheels at the top of the tubes. 30 positions (validated by clicks) are available. The shock has other preferences, the rider being able to modify the preload as well as the rebound, on 20 clicks this time. The WP components show their appetite for trails and difficulties with no less than 230 mm of travel. Between that, the high position of the engine in the frame and the profile of the wheels, the motorcycle gains ground clearance of 272 mm. Rocks and logs will be less clever. The mounting is also: this kind of technical configuration inevitably leads to a high seat height. The 390 Enduro R reaches 890 mm.

Another area where it offers you parameterization is in electronics. Several riding Modes are at the service of the temperament, with a “Street” mode adequate for the road, and above all an “Offroad” mode more in sync with the soul of the Katoche. In this Mode, it is possible to slide the wheel to facilitate the passage of obstacles. The 390 Enduro R also has traction control, which can be deactivated if needed (or desired) as well as an ABS with multiple levels. To better engage in difficulties, it can be deactivated on the rear; or totally for the most experienced. A dedicated switch allows quick access to this function.

We also find a slipper clutch to calm the wheelies. Regarding braking, the Enduro R makes another distinction from the SMC, with a smaller front brake disc (285 mm against 320 mm) and an axial mounting for the caliper. The rear disc announces 240 mm. All of this is stamped Bybre, except for the ABS which comes from Bosch (module 10.3 MB Modulator).

Once you have a few blades of grass in your pants, you may no longer think about the information on the dashboard. Because it will surely be covered in mud or dust. Otherwise, you will have the pleasure of appreciating its functions powered by the smartphone and Bluetooth – which can bring you turn-by-turn navigation, call management, music... or just appreciate the speed and gear engaged on this slender 4.2-inch TFT color screen.

One of the great qualities of an Enduro is its lightness. This is not quite the case for this 390. You have to compose with 159 kilograms... plus the 9 liters of fuel to add to the tank. The 690 is 10 kilos lighter. Want to talk about it!?

There are few small-displacement machines in the flourishing trail category. KTM with this 390 Enduro R and Suzuki via the 400 DR-Z4S refresh a sector that many have forgotten. The brand applies an original pricing policy: the 390 Duke, SMC R and Enduro R are displayed at exactly the same price. The latter flirts with that of a 500 Hornet or a Ninja 500.

M.B - Photos constructeur