The 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R promises to be a lightweight, tech-packed dual-sport that’s “Ready to Race.” On paper, it’s a tantalizing proposition, but specs don’t always tell the whole story.
After digging into KTM’s specs and talking to community riders, three glaring red flags emerge—issues that could make or break your off-road adventures. Let’s break them down.
That Exhaust is Begging for a Skid Plate
The 390 Enduro R’s underslung exhaust system is the first thing you’ll notice—and not in a good way. While KTM touts its weight savings (4.4 lbs lighter!) and improved ground clearance, riders are raising eyebrows.
Unlike traditional high-mounted pipes, this low-hanging unit sits vulnerable, mere inches from the dirt.
Australian Motorcycle News called it “exposed for serious off-road riding,” and forums are flooded with comments like, “I’d never trust a bottom-mounted exhaust off-road.” Even shallow water crossings become a gamble.
One rider warned: “A 1-2 ft creek crossing could drown that exhaust and leave you stranded.”
While KTM claims a baffle design prevents water ingress, early tests are mixed.
The Fix? A robust aftermarket skid plate is non-negotiable. But KTM markets this bike as “Ready to Race,” yet it’s not truly trail-ready out of the box. That’s like selling a snorkel without a breathing tube.
It’s Heavier Than Your Ex’s Emotional Baggage
At 370 lbs wet, the 390 Enduro R is no featherweight. Compare that to the Honda CRF300L (311 lbs) or Kawasaki KLX300 (302 lbs), and you’re lugging an extra 50-60 lbs—roughly the weight of a golden retriever—through every hairpin turn.
On pavement, the weight hides well. Reviewers praise its agility and ergonomics, calling it “confidence-inspiring” on fire roads. But in technical terrain, that mass becomes a liability.
As ADV Pulse noted, this bike straddles an identity crisis: Is it a dirt-focused enduro or a street bike with knobby tires?
KTM packed in premium features (adjustable WP suspension, TFT display, ride modes), but those extras come at a cost. If lightweight agility is your priority, Japanese rivals still rule.
Will It Leave You Stranded? Reliability Concerns
KTM’s 390 platform has a checkered past. While the LC4c engine delivers thrilling power (44 hp!), its reputation for gremlins lingers. Head gasket failures, oil leaks, and electrical quirks haunt owners. The Enduro R inherits these risks, compounded by off-road abuse.
The engine’s low-RPM behavior doesn’t help. Stalling in technical sections is a common complaint, forcing riders to “feather the clutch like a nervous Tinder date.” While KTM added a larger rear sprocket to boost low-end torque, it’s a Band-Aid fix. Compared to the Suzuki DR-Z400S, the 390 feels like it’s always revving for attention.
KTM claims improved reliability with 10,000-km service intervals. But trust is earned—not marketed.
Should You Buy It?
The 2025 KTM 390 Enduro R isn’t a bad bike—it’s a compromise. For $5,499, you get a feature-packed machine that’s fun on backroads and capable of light trail duty. But if you’re dreaming of Dakar-style adventures or technical enduro rides, those red flags matter.
The Verdict:
- Adventure Tourists/Casual Trail Riders: This bike could work—just budget for a skid plate and auxiliary fuel cans (that 140-mile range won’t cut it for remote exploring).
- Hardcore Off-Roaders: Stick with lighter, proven bikes like the CRF300L, or wait for KTM to address these flaws.
In the end, the 390 Enduro R feels like KTM tried to please everyone—and risked pleasing no one.
