For years, Indian off-road enthusiasts have had a love-hate relationship with the KTM 390 Adventure. We loved the engine, but we always wished it was a little taller, a little tougher, and a little more "rally-ready." Well, KTM has finally listened.

The Austrian bikemaker has officially launched the much-anticipated KTM 390 Adventure R in India. Priced at Rs 3.78 lakh (ex-showroom), it is the answer to every trail rider's prayer. Surprisingly, it undercuts the standard 390 Adventure S (Rs 3.97 lakh), making it a tempting proposition for those who don't mind getting their hands—and tyres—dirty.

Here is everything you need to know about this new mud-plugger.

Why is it Cheaper? The Tubed Tyre Trade-off

You might be wondering how the "hardcore" version is cheaper than the standard one. The answer lies in the wheels. The 390 Adventure R saves costs by swapping the expensive tubeless wire-spoke rims for tube-type spoke wheels.

While tubeless tyres are convenient for punctures on the highway, tube-type tyres are often preferred by hardcore off-roaders for their durability and ability to run lower pressures without de-beading. It’s a classic case of "function over form" for the purists.

Suspension: The Real Game Changer

The biggest upgrade on the 'R' is how it handles the rough stuff. Drawing inspiration from the export-spec Enduro R, this bike is built to fly over obstacles.

• Suspension Travel: It gets premium WP Apex suspension with a massive 230mm of travel at both ends. Compare that to the standard model's 200mm (front) and 205mm (rear), and you realize this is a significant jump.
• Ride Quality: This extra travel translates to better damping and control when you are bashing through rocks or landing jumps.

Wheels & Tyres: Dirt-Ready DNA

KTM hasn't just lifted the suspension; they’ve changed the shoes too.

• Wheel Size: It runs on a proper off-road combo: a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear wheel.
• Rubber: It comes shod with Mitas Enduro Trail tyres (tube-type), which offer far superior grip in slush and gravel compared to the dual-sport tyres on the standard model.

Dimensions: Not for the Short Riders

With great suspension comes great altitude. The 390 Adventure R is a tall machine.

• Ground Clearance: A massive 272mm. This is serious dirt-bike territory, ensuring you won't scrape the belly pan on even the nastiest trails.
• Seat Height: The saddle now sits at 870mm. If you are under 5'8", you might need to practice your "one-cheek" stops.

Engine & Electronics: The Proven Heart

Mechanically, the powertrain remains the familiar beast we know and love.

• Engine: 398.6cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder.
• Output: 44.3 hp and 39 Nm of torque.
• Tech Suite: Despite the lower price tag, KTM hasn't stripped the tech. You still get:
• Ride-by-wire
• Cornering ABS & Traction Control
• Multiple Ride Modes

Quick Comparison: Adventure R vs. Standard

Which KTM 390 Adventure is Best for You?

With three models now in the lineup, the choice can be tricky.

• Choose the 390 Adventure R if: You spend your weekends on trails, participate in rallies, or simply want the most capable off-road machine in this budget. You are tall enough to manage the height and skilled enough to fix a tube puncture.
• Choose the Standard 390 Adventure if: You are primarily a tourer. The alloy wheels (or tubeless spokes on the top trim) offer peace of mind, and the lower seat height is easier to live with in traffic.
• Choose the 390 Adventure X if: You are on a tight budget and want the 390 engine performance without all the fancy electronics.

Final Thoughts

The KTM 390 Adventure R is the bike enthusiasts have been demanding for years. It fixes the main criticism of the original bike—the suspension travel and ground clearance. By pricing it aggressively at Rs 3.78 lakh, KTM has thrown a massive challenge to rivals like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.