Here’s Why The KTM 390 Adventure R Is Cheaper Than The Regular 390 Adventure
Same engine, more dirt focus, and a lower price tag—here’s how
KTM recently launched the 390 Adventure R in India at a price tag of Rs 3,77,915 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Surprisingly, it’s cheaper than the regular 390 Adventure, which retails at Rs 3,96,744 (ex-showroom, Delhi). That’s a price difference of Rs 18,829, despite the R being the more hardcore, off-road-focused motorcycle. While this may seem odd at first, the explanation lies in KTM’s smart feature prioritisation.
Tubeless Spoke Wheels Make The Big Difference
The biggest contributor to the price gap is the wheel setup. The 390 Adventure gets KTM’s patented tubeless spoke wheels, while the Adventure R uses conventional tube-type spoke wheels.
KTM’s tubeless spoke wheel tech is quite unique. The regular Adventure runs 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, shod with 90-section front and 130-section rear tubeless tyres. Unlike traditional tubeless cross-spoke wheels where spokes sit on the rim edges, KTM mounts the spokes at the centre of the rim. But to prevent air leakage, it uses an inner rubber sealing layer, secured using high-strength internal tape.
This design allows narrower rims, improving handling on and off-road, while retaining the strength and flexibility of spoke wheels. These wheels can take harder impacts than alloys, allow individual spoke replacement, and make puncture repairs quicker thanks to the tubeless setup. KTM has extensively tested them, including 400mm water-wading tests and hardcore off-road use, proving their long-term reliability. However, all this tech contributes to a fairly large chunk of the regular 390 Adventure’s price.
By skipping this expensive setup, KTM has been able to price the Adventure R lower.
No Cruise Control On The Adventure R
Another reason for the lower price is that the Adventure R does not get cruise control, a feature that is standard on the regular Adventure. Cruise control is a touring-focused convenience that adds to both hardware and software costs.
Since the R is aimed at riders who prioritise trails over highways, KTM has deliberately omitted this feature to stay true to the bike’s off-road intent.
More Off-road Focus, Not Fewer Capabilities
Despite being cheaper, the Adventure R is actually more capable off-road. It gets 230mm suspension travel at both ends, 270mm ground clearance, and a tall 880mm seat height, making it better suited for rough terrain than the regular 390 Adventure. The engine, chassis and core electronics remain unchanged.
BikeDekho Says
Despite the lack of the aforementioned bits, the KTM 390 Adventure R doesn’t really feel like a compromise as it keeps the focus on what matters: goodies that ensure proper off-road performance. This variant is meant for experienced riders, who know how to handle their bikes off-road with minimal damage to tyres. But if touring is your intent, the regular 390 Adventure should still be your go-to choice.
KTM 390 Adventure S User Reviews
- Ready to Adventure.I also have a Duke, Adv has covered all the issues which I have faced on Duke when I use to go on long rides, Ride is also plush coupled with a great engine which proves itself on all grounds. Also it has a decent fuel efficiency considering its engine performance. Bike's comfortable its mileage is also good I get a decent range, but the engine won't feel as raw as BS4 duke, great electronics and safety. Just having engine oil consumption on higher side. Also the Trampler tyres give more life than Turanzas which came initially. Long hauling person should definitely buy this bike, long rides are so hassle free. And comfortable, also if you have to carry any luggage they have provided good anchoring points. Tieing a back pack or a duffle bag is easy.Read More6
- review of KTM 390 Adventure S after 2 monthsI wanted one bike that could handle daily city rides, long highway tours and occasional bad roads. the riding posture, safety features and performance focus made this a perfect all rounder also the road presence is really exceptional Very confident and planted on highways, cruises comfortably at high speeds. Suspension feels great in the city and even better on rough roads. Engine is punchy and fun, mileage is really good for the power, love the throttle response and breaking capabilities Definitely yes, if you love touring, weekend rides and want performance with comfort. Ideal for pune's surprising roads, a little tall but perfect for riders who enjoy long rides, highways and light off-roading.Read More
- Great bike experienceFor off riding the experience is good and I love this bike. The adventure style and suspension is very amazing. I enjoy every trip and the best part is you will not feel heavy and it is very comfortable. Must buy product. Ride is very good every time I can enjoy and can do off roading on hill areas, on mud and in sand also in water so there is no need to be worry about it. And speed is always fabulous. Comfortable bike good bike. Those persons having love to riding on speed and in hill lover long rides solo rider group riders. The experience is so good. Nice bike great experience. Comfortable bike and you will enjoy. overall great.Read More
- Worth the ride!!A Great bike that deliver on performance, comfort and mileage. It fits all basic requirements, from daily commutes to weekend rides. However, it does need regular care and timely service to keep it smooth. With proper maintenance, it's a reliable and satisfying choice.Overall, it's a bike that rewards consistent care with long-lasting performance and a truly enjoyable rides.Read More
- Good bike.I am using this from past 2 years really Nice I don't see like this bike fully comfortable in off road also I went Nepal. fully comfortable super bike fantastic bike. Powered also next level you can use for daily basis if you have stability to put the fuel. good mileage also overall nice. I planing to one more bike to my brother.Read More
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