The wait is finally over for off-road enthusiasts in India. In a surprise move on January 28, 2026, KTM India silently launched the highly anticipated KTM 390 Adventure R.

For years, riders complained that the standard 390 Adventure was too “road-focused” with its alloy wheels and limited suspension travel. KTM has finally listened. The new “R” variant is a hardcore off-roader designed to tackle the toughest terrains. But the biggest shock? It is actually cheaper than the standard top-end model.

Here is everything you need to know about the new KTM 390 Adventure R, its price, and why it is a game-changer for Indian adventure riders.

What is the News?

KTM has officially listed the 390 Adventure R on its Indian website with a price tag of ₹3.78 Lakh (ex-showroom). This places it right between the entry-level Adventure X and the feature-packed Standard 390 Adventure.

Unlike the standard version, which tries to balance highway touring and light off-roading, the “R” badge means serious business. It is inspired by KTM’s Dakar Rally bikes and comes with significant hardware upgrades.

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Top Features & Upgrades

The 390 Adventure R is not just a sticker job. It gets mechanical changes that make it a proper dirt machine.

1. Massive Suspension Upgrade

The biggest change is the suspension.

• Front: WP Apex adjustable forks with 230mm travel (Standard has only 200mm).
• Rear: WP Apex Monoshock with 230mm travel (Standard has 205mm).
• Impact: This extra travel allows the bike to absorb big jumps, deep potholes, and rocky trails without bottoming out.

2. Real Off-Road Wheels

• It comes with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheel setup.
• Tyres: It is fitted with Mitas Enduro Trail tyres, which offer far superior grip on loose dirt and mud compared to the road-biased tyres on the standard model.
• Note: These are tube-type tyres, not tubeless. This is a trade-off for the lower price.

3. Taller Stance

• Ground Clearance: A massive 272mm (Standard has 237mm). You can ride over almost anything without scraping the bottom.
• Seat Height: The seat is now taller at 870mm. This might be difficult for shorter riders, but it is perfect for tall riders who want a commanding view.

4. Same Beast Engine

• It uses the same proven 399cc liquid-cooled engine.
• Power: 46 PS
• Torque: 39 Nm
• Gearbox: 6-speed with a bi-directional Quickshifter.

Why is it Cheaper than the Standard Model?

Many are confused why the “R” version (₹3.78 Lakh) is cheaper than the Standard version (₹3.97 Lakh). The reason is simple: Wheels.

The Standard 390 Adventure comes with expensive tubeless spoke wheels. The new 390 Adventure R uses tube-type spoke wheels. While tubeless tyres are convenient for fixing punctures on highways, hardcore off-roaders often prefer tube tyres because they are more durable on rocky terrain. By switching to tube tyres, KTM managed to cut costs and pass the benefit to the customer.

Comparison: Adventure X vs. Adventure R vs. Standard

What Happens Next?

Bookings are already open across KTM dealerships in India for a token amount of ₹2,000. Deliveries are expected to start in early February 2026.

With this launch, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 finally has a direct, high-performance rival that matches its off-road capability. If you have been waiting for a “proper” KTM adventure bike, this is it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)