We examined two street-legal, off-road-ready bikes on the paths and roads in and round Mammoth Lakes, California, within the japanese 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 evaluate and on this 390 Journey R evaluate.
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 2020, it was a compact, accessible, and reasonably priced 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 gives two variations: the 390 Journey X, which retains the 19-/17-inch forged 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 trip mode along with Avenue and Offroad, and cornering sensitivity for ABS and traction management.
Mammoth Lakes sits at practically 8,000 toes above sea stage on the japanese aspect of California’s Sierra Nevada vary, and circumstances have been good. We had clear, sunny skies, stunning views of the jagged granite peaks, and a variety of street and path circumstances. Our take a look at route included stops at Mono Lake and Convict Lake and a trip up the winding street to 9,943-foot Tioga Go on the japanese entrance to Yosemite Nationwide Park.
The Journey’s 399cc single-cylinder DOHC 4-valve engine is full of life and simple to handle. A counterbalancer dulls some however not the entire Single’s vibration, which turns into most noticeable when wringing the bike out at excessive revs. The engine is easy 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 simple to handle in technical terrain. And our take a look at 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 predominant body and bolt-on diecast aluminum subframe. The Enduro weighs 367 lb with its 2.4-gallon tank full, whereas the Journey suggestions the scales at 388 lb moist a full tank (3.7 gallons). Though the Journey weighs greater than the Enduro, it felt extra becoming within the filth and extra satisfying to whip round. I by no means felt like I had an excessive amount of bike beneath me, even when the path obtained 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 similar on each bikes (10.7 inches), however the Enduro R has a taller seat peak (35 inches) than the Journey R (34.2 inches).
Our take a look at of the 390 Enduro R was on extra technical and demanding terrain, together with laps on a motocross observe. General, the suspension carried out nicely, however the rear shock felt too mushy for the largest hits. On the 390 Journey R, the suspension dealt with all the pieces from washboard trails to quick sweepers and deep sand with out grievance. It was plush sufficient to ship a snug trip on- and off-road whereas additionally sustaining management at larger speeds or underneath load.
Much like KTM’s 450 Rally Reproduction, the 390 Journey R has an almost 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 lets you 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 trip modes – Avenue, Offroad, and Rain – that modify throttle response, traction management, and ABS, and the modes will be personalized. In Offroad mode, ABS intervention is decreased 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 traces, and the entrance lever is adjustable for attain. Braking energy was sturdy however not grabby, and I used to be in a position to simply modulate stress on steep descents and technical, low-speed trails.
After a day on the 390 Enduro R, I appreciated the 390 Journey’s decrease seat peak (I’m 5-foot-6), in addition to the saddle’s wider seat space. Each bikes have an open rider triangle that works nicely whether or not seated or standing, and the cleated aluminum footpegs are broad 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 desires 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? Test. Composed street manners? Completely. Filth-ready? Indisputably. It’s a motorcycle that provides you permission to take the onerous route, discover a bit farther, and never fear a lot about dropping it within the rocks (and in case you do, choosing it again up is not any downside). Like different fashions in KTM’s 390 lineup, the 390 Journey R brings quite a bit to the desk – high quality, functionality, versatility, and know-how – however doesn’t demand a king’s ransom. Now I’m pondering I want so as to add one other KTM to my steady – the 390 Journey R is the proper 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. miles
- Engine Sort: 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
- Last 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)
- Gasoline Capability: 3.7 gal.
