We examined two street-legal, off-road-ready bikes on the paths and roads in and round Mammoth Lakes, California, within the jap Sierra Nevada: the brand new KTM 390 Enduro R and the up to date KTM 390 Journey R. They share the identical engine, chassis, and far else, as you’ll see in our 390 Enduro R assessment and on this 390 Journey R assessment.
The 390 Enduro R and 390 Journey R (there’s additionally a street-focused X model) be a part of a number of different fashions in KTM’s lineup which can be powered by a liquid-cooled 399cc LC4c Single that makes 45 hp and 28.8 lb-ft of torque: the 390 Duke bare bike, the RC 390 sportbike, and the brand new 390 SMC R supermoto. All are manufactured in India in collaboration with Bajaj.
When the KTM 390 Journey was launched in 2020it was a compact, accessible, and inexpensive entry within the burgeoning ADV market, competing with bikes just like the BMW G 310 GS and Kawasaki versys-x 300. Geared up with cast-aluminum wheels in 19-inch entrance/17-inch rear sizes and middling floor clearance and suspension journey, its off-road capabilities have been considerably restricted.
For 2025, KTM now provides two variations: the 390 Journey X, which retains the 19-/17-inch solid wheel set, has 7.8 inches of suspension journey at each ends (greater than the earlier 390 Journey), and is priced at $5,899; and the 390 Journey R that we examined, which has 21-inch entrance/18-inch rear spoked wheels, has 9 inches of entrance/rear suspension journey, and is priced at $6,999. For its premium worth over the X, the R additionally contains extra suspension adjustability, a Rain experience mode along with Road and Offroad, and cornering sensitivity for ABS and traction management.
Mammoth Lakes sits at almost 8,000 ft above sea stage on the jap aspect of California’s Sierra Nevada vary, and situations have been excellent. We had clear, sunny skies, stunning views of the jagged granite peaks, and a variety of street and path situations. Our check route included stops at Mono Lake and Convict Lake and a experience up the winding street to 9,943-foot Tioga Cross on the jap entrance to Yosemite Nationwide Park.
The Journey’s 399cc single-cylinder DOHC 4-valve engine is energetic and straightforward to handle. A counterbalancer dulls some however not all the Single’s vibration, which turns into most noticeable when wringing the bike out at excessive revs. The engine is clean down low, fast to rev, and surprisingly spirited on longer freeway stretches – there’s sufficient get-up-and-go to hit triple digits (allegedly). Energy supply is excellent for dual-sport journey: enjoyable, predictable, and straightforward to handle in technical terrain. And our check bikes have been outfitted with the elective up/down quickshifter, which labored seamlessly within the filth and on the asphalt.
Simply as their engine is shared, the 390 Enduro R and 390 Journey R have the identical tubular-steel trellis essential body and bolt-on diecast aluminum subframe. The Enduro weighs 367 lb with its 2.4-gallon tank full, whereas the Journey ideas the scales at 388 lb moist a full tank (3.7 gallons). Although the Journey weighs greater than the Enduro, it felt extra becoming within the filth and extra fulfilling to whip round. I by no means felt like I had an excessive amount of bike beneath me, even when the path received unfastened or technical.
GEAR UP
Each bikes run WP Apex suspension with 9 inches of journey at each ends, a 43mm open-cartridge fork with adjustable compression and rebound (through fork-top 30-step clickers) and a separate-piston rear shock with adjustable rebound (20 clicks) and preload (through lock ring utilizing the included spanner). Floor clearance is identical on each bikes (10.7 inches), however the Enduro R has a taller seat top (35 inches) than the Journey R (34.2 inches).
Our check of the 390 Enduro R was on extra technical and demanding terrain, together with laps on a motocross observe. Total, the suspension carried out properly, however the rear shock felt too delicate for the most important hits. On the 390 Journey R, the suspension dealt with every thing from washboard trails to quick sweepers and deep sand with out criticism. It was plush sufficient to ship a snug experience on- and off-road whereas additionally sustaining management at larger speeds or underneath load.
Just like KTM’s 450 Rally Reproductionthe 390 Journey R has a virtually vertical windscreen and a rally tower that locations the 5-inch TFT show up excessive so it’s simply seen when standing up on the pegs, and above the TFT is a mount for a GPS unit. The KTMconnect Bluetooth system means that you can pair the bike with a smartphone app for turn-by-turn navigation and different capabilities. Intuitive switchgear on the left grip and a full-color show are used to navigate the varied menus and alter settings. There are three experience modes – Road, Offroad, and Rain – that regulate throttle response, traction management, and ABS, and the modes could be personalized. In Offroad mode, ABS intervention is diminished on the entrance and deactivated on the rear (entrance ABS can’t be turned off).
Single-disc Bybre brakes – a 2-piston radial entrance caliper pinching a 320mm (vs. 285mm on the Enduro) floating disc and a 1-piston rear caliper pinching a 240mm disc – are actuated by hydraulic fluid pushed by steel-braided strains, and the entrance lever is adjustable for attain. Braking energy was sturdy however not grabby, and I used to be capable of simply modulate strain on steep descents and technical, low-speed trails.
After a day on the 390 Enduro R, I appreciated the 390 Journey’s decrease seat top (I’m 5-foot-6), in addition to the saddle’s wider seat space. Each bikes have an open rider triangle that works properly whether or not seated or standing, and the cleated aluminum footpegs are large and grippy.
What impressed me most wasn’t simply the 390 Journey R’s functionality however how in tune the bike felt with any terrain. This bike needs to play! Whether or not you’re sliding by sandy turns, lofting the entrance wheel on gravel roads (it wheelies superbly), or carving by a twisty canyon, the 390 Journey R hits excessive notes of enjoyment.
Regardless of its off-road prowess, the 390 Journey R is a real all-rounder. Lengthy-distance consolation? Verify. Composed street manners? Completely. Dust-ready? For sure. It’s a motorcycle that provides you permission to take the onerous route, discover a bit of farther, and never fear a lot about dropping it within the rocks (and in case you do, selecting it again up isn’t any drawback). Like different fashions in KTM’s 390 lineup, the 390 Journey R brings rather a lot to the desk – high quality, functionality, versatility, and know-how – however doesn’t demand a king’s ransom. Now I’m considering I want so as to add one other KTM to my secure – the 390 Journey R is the right match for me!
Take a look at extra new bikes in?Rider’s 2025 Bike Patrons Information?
2025 KTM 390 Journey R Specs
- Base Value: $6,999
- Web site: KTM.com
- Guarantee: 1 yr., Unltd. mill
- Engine Kind: Liquid-cooled, transverse Single, DOHC w/ 4 valves
- Displacement: 399Cc
- Bore x Stroke: 89.0 x 64.0mm
- Horsepower: 45 hp @ 8,500 rpm (manufacturing facility declare)
- Torque: 28.8 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm (manufacturing facility declare)
- Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated moist slip/help clutch
- Remaining Drive: Chain
- Wheelbase: 58.1 in.
- Rake/Path: 27.1 levels/4.3 inches
- Seat Peak: 35.2 in.
- Moist Weight: 388 lb (manufacturing facility declare)
- Gas Capability: 3.7 gal.
