2027 KTM 390 Adventure R First Look: A Rugged ADV Refined

KTM has rolled out the 2027 390 Adventure R at EICMA 2026, giving its smallest off-road-focused adventure bike a useful update for riders who spend plenty of time traveling between trails. The latest model retains the rugged hardware that separates it from the more road-oriented 390 Adventure X, but adds an equipment upgrade designed to make longer highway journeys easier.

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The biggest news is optional cruise control, enabled by redesigned left-hand switchgear. Otherwise, KTM is sticking with the existing engine, chassis, and suspension package rather than introducing an all-new platform. US pricing for the 2027 model hasn’t been announced, although the outgoing 2026 390 Adventure R carries an MSRP of $7,699.

More Convenience Without Giving Up The Dirt Bike Hardware

Cruise control might not be the first feature you’d associate with a lightweight adventure motorcycle, but KTM is making it available on the 2027 390 Adventure R through its PowerParts catalog. The updated left-hand switch cluster accommodates the system, giving would-be owners another option for covering highway miles before reaching their preferred trails.

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The motorcycle also retains its existing electronic rider aids, including cornering traction control, cornering anti-lock braking system (ABS), and a dedicated off-road mode. The latter allows additional rear-wheel slip and changes the ABS intervention to permit rear-wheel locking. Its settings are retained even after the engine is switched off, eliminating the need to reconfigure the electronics whenever the rider stops.

A 5-inch TFT display handles instrumentation and menu navigation, while smartphone connectivity supports calls, music, and optional turn-by-turn navigation. LED lighting and a USB-C charging port round out the technology package. It’s a useful combination for a motorcycle designed to spend time both on pavement and well beyond it.

A Proven Single-Cylinder Engine Does The Heavy Lifting

KTM/INDG

Powering the 2027 390 Adventure R is KTM’s 398.7cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder LC4c engine, the same basic powerplant architecture found in the 390 Duke and other current 390-series motorcycles. This generation of the engine features an optimized cylinder head and updated gearbox compared with the older 373cc platform, although KTM hasn’t announced additional mechanical revisions specifically for 2027.

Output stands at 44.4 horsepower and 28.8 pound-feet of torque, delivered through a six-speed transmission. The bike uses electronic throttle control, while its compact single-cylinder layout helps KTM keep the Adventure R within the lightweight adventure category. The manufacturer lists a fully fueled weight of approximately 388 pounds, with a 3.69-gallon fuel tank providing capacity for longer journeys.

Built For Riders Who Actually Leave The Pavement

KTM/INDG

The Adventure R’s biggest distinction is its suspension and wheel package. Up front, the bike features a 43mm WP Apex open-cartridge fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping. A WP Apex rear shock provides adjustable rebound damping and spring preload. Both ends offer 9.06 inches of suspension travel, giving the R an advantage in available wheel movement over more road-oriented adventure motorcycles.

A steel trellis frame and bolt-on steel subframe form the chassis, while 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels wear Mitas Enduro Trail E07+ tires. Braking comes from a 320mm front disc with a two-piston ByBre caliper and a 240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. Ground clearance measures 10.71 inches, while the 34.25-inch seat height reflects the motorcycle’s off-road priorities.

A Small Adventure Bike With Serious Intentions

KTM/INDG

The 390 Adventure R remains the dirt-focused member of KTM’s entry-level adventure lineup, positioned above the more accessible 390 Adventure X in off-road equipment. Its longer-travel adjustable suspension, 21/18-inch spoked wheels, and dedicated electronics make it an alternative for riders who want trail-oriented hardware without moving up to a larger, heavier adventure motorcycle.

For 2027, KTM isn’t changing that formula. Instead, it’s adding a convenience feature that makes sense for riders who travel considerable distances to reach the dirt. The remaining questions concern US pricing, availability, and the cost of activating cruise control. Those details will ultimately determine how the updated Adventure R stacks up against other lightweight adventure bikes.

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Source: KTM