KTM 390 Adventure R First impressions

Couple of weeks ago, we got a brand new project bike in our garage, a KTM 390 Adventure R. Since then, I have used every chance to take it out for a spin.

It's been a couple of years since we had an orange bike in the shop. After having multiple 690's, 790, 1090 and 1290 it just doesn't seem right to be without a KTM. So, how is the 390?

Short version:

It's a good, well rounded bike for TET and general adventure riding. Being a 390, it will never be a power-sliding, wheelie-happy adrenaline machine. Once the expectations are adjusted to what the bike actually is, it’s easy to appreciate and enjoy it.

Long version:

Even before seeing one in person, I was ready to dismiss it as a competent adventure machine. That was based on absolutely nothing but seeing promo photos online. Then we got our own 390 in the shop...

Man-handling it around the shop, the bike felt top heavy. This further fueled my dislike. It feels more like a Tenere 700 than a KTM 690.

For me at 185cm (6'-1"), seat height feels right. I can comfortably flat-foot with both legs, and my knees aren’t bent too much while my feet are on the pegs. I was expecting the 390 to be a much smaller bike so this was a pleasant surprise. Just sitting on it in garage, the ergonomics felt fine and I didn't feel the need to change anything.

Then it was time for first ride. Keep in mind, the bike was still new at that point and in its break-in period. Keeping the revs below 5k in Street mode was not overly fun.

I disliked non-linear throttle response in Street mode. I don't like non-linear response on any of the bikes that has it, so there's nothing particularly different on a 390 in that regard. It's just a matter of personal preference.

Switching into the Off-road mode gives a lot better feeling. Instant and predicable throttle response. I ended up using Off-road mode all the time. Just activated front ABS for pavement use.

I did not bother to test Rain mode.

Once the bike starts moving, the weight seems to disappear. Handling is really good and the bike feels nimble. It’s fun to ride curvy backroads, and at the same time it’s stable at freeway speeds. That’s a great combo for mixed adventure riding.

I was amazed by the brakes! They bite hard and are confidence inspiring. Feeling on the lever is good. I don't recall activating an ABS at any point, but keep in mind I'm taking it easy for the moment. Single front disk is more than adequate for this bike, both on pavement and off-road.

Speaking of the ABS, it's a kind of annoying that front one can't be disabled. I rarely do that, but there are situations where I prefer to have no ABS at all.

Suspension feels firmer and better than expected. There is no excessive nose-dive under hard braking. There is no excessive nose-dive under hard braking, and it soaks up potholes and speed bumps with ease. Everything is on stock settings, for reference.

There was no chance to do any testing in demanding off-road conditions yet, so I won't comment on that part. On maintained dirt roads and forest trails it simply does its job. I feel like the entire bike is happiest when it is not ridden aggressively.

For me at 185 cm, wind protection is very good. The windscreen allows some airflow right at visor height, but there is no buffeting. I would easily take this bike for multi-hour freeway rides if needed, and it wouldn’t be a suffer-fest.

Headlights are incredible! Even, super wide coverage and plenty of power. This is definitely not "daylight only" bike.

Dashboard is easily readable. There are two skins to chose from, standard and simplified one. Menu system is well organized and intuitive.

And that's about it. In around 600km of mixed riding, the 390 completely changed my opinion. The bike proved to be a capable allrounder, especially for more relaxed riding pace. Can't wait for springtime and some proper adventures. 390 will handle anything I can throw at it.