P118
RIDE REVIEW I 2025 KTM 390 ENDURO R
So, it has zero intimidation at
roll-on from its soft purr but is
capable of higher-rpm smiles
for miles. Our Quickshifter+-
enabled bikes were great to get
the most out of the powerplant,
pegging the twist grip and
cracking through the shifts was
the way to go to beat traffic
(and our friends) to the next
intersection. You should ride
this bike high in the rpm range.
Like, all the time. Just leave it
up there and enjoy the ride. It
makes power and torque above
7000 rpm, and that's where it
wants to be. It is especially hap
-
py going all the way to the limit-
er and will pull all the way there
without so much as a misstep.
The six-speed transmission has
legs for days, so much so that I
considered a more off-road-ori-
ented final drive ratio. It could
sacrifice some top-end speed
if you're only hitting dirt roads
at a casual pace. However, as
delivered stock, the gearbox
spacing is nice, and the bike does not
struggle to fill the gaps. The only miss in
the power/performance segment here is
the buzzing you feel in the grips and pegs
as it winds up and gets down the road.
The frequency into your hands and feet
is high, so it's noticeable as you cruise.
You're not going to stop a high-revving
single from putting out some vibration,
I know, but KTM could have at least put
off-road grips on this bike to dampen the
buzz and give their Enduro a better en
-
duro bike feel at the controls. Instead, the
390 Enduro R is rocking smooth, harder
and more generic street-style grips, a rare
miss in OEM spec on this bike.
THE 390 BONES
KTM styling is alive and well, with an
often-described rally-inspired steel trellis
frame in blazing orange, setting off the
darker internals. This isn't just about
good looks; it's a new unit, specifically
designed for off-road use. Featuring
a bolt-on, separate steel subframe (a
sincere thank you from my future loop
-
ing-out self), the new frame holds nine
inches of suspension travel front and
rear. Front bump business is handled by a
(Above) The updated
LC4c KTM engine has a
longer stroke and more
torque than before. But,
it still loves the revs.
(Below) The TFT dash is
a leader in this segment
at this price, as are
switchable ride modes,
easy-adjust fork
clickers and blinkers
that turn off for you.
