6 October 2026
KTM 390 Adventure R 2026: the most capable A2 adventure bike, now in our fleet
Some bikes make sense the moment you see them parked, and the KTM 390 Adventure R 2026 is one of them: a 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, a tall rally-inspired nose and a riding position that invites you to stand on the pegs. It is KTM's most genuinely adventure-focused A2-licence bike, and that is exactly why we have added it to our fleet at Puerto Marina del Este, La Herradura. In this feature we explain what it is, what it comes with, how it rides and why we think it is currently the benchmark in its class.
What is the KTM 390 Adventure R 2026?
The 390 Adventure R is the most off-road-oriented version of the 390 Adventure family. While the X variant is designed for more road-based riding, the R features a true lightweight adventure chassis: more suspension travel, 21/18 spoked wheels and plenty of ground clearance. Its 45 PS single-cylinder engine sits right at the limit of the A2 licence, so any rider holding that licence can ride it without restriction.
What's new for 2026
The 2026 model year builds on the comprehensive overhaul KTM introduced in 2025, when the bike was completely redesigned. These are the changes that define it:
- New-generation LC4c engine of 398.7 cc, with ride-by-wire throttle, Bosch engine management and Euro 5.2 homologation.
- 21-inch and 18-inch wheels, replacing the 19/17 set-up of the previous generation, with Mitas Enduro Trail E07+ tyres.
- WP APEX suspension with 230 mm of travel front and rear, adjustable.
- New steel trellis frame and styling inspired by the brand's rally bikes.
- Comprehensive electronics: ride modes, cornering ABS with Offroad mode, switchable traction control and a 5-inch colour TFT display.
Key specifications
| Feature | KTM 390 Adventure R 2026 |
|---|---|
| Engine | Single-cylinder four-stroke, 398.7 cc, liquid-cooled |
| Power / torque | 45 PS (33 kW) / 39 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Front suspension | WP APEX 43 mm open-cartridge USD fork, 230 mm, adjustable compression and rebound (30 clicks) |
| Rear suspension | WP APEX shock, 230 mm, adjustable preload and rebound (20 clicks) |
| Brakes | 320 mm front disc, 2-piston caliper; 240 mm rear |
| Wheels | Spoked, 21" front and 18" rear |
| Ground clearance | 272 mm |
| Seat height | 870 mm as standard (840 mm on our bike) |
| Weight | 165 kg dry / 176 kg fully fuelled |
| Fuel tank | 14 litres |
| Electronics | Street, Offroad and Rain modes; cornering ABS and Offroad ABS; traction control; 5" TFT with connectivity |
How it rides on the road
Engine: lively and easy
The LC4c single is a cheerful engine that revs eagerly and delivers most of its strength in the mid-range. Specialist reviews agree it is smooth for a single and vibrates little at motorway speeds. Like any 400 cc bike, it lacks the low-down pull of a larger twin, but on mountain passes it is great fun working through the six-speed gearbox. Our bike is also fitted with a bidirectional quickshifter (clutchless up- and downshifts), and KTM offers cruise control as an option.
Chassis: the big selling point
Where it really stands out is the chassis. The WP APEX suspension soaks up potholes, speed bumps and broken tarmac with real composure, and the 230 mm of travel lets you tackle poorly surfaced back roads that would demand more caution on other A2 adventure bikes. The 21-inch front wheel rolls over surface imperfections easily. Despite the dual-purpose tyres, the bike is agile and precise through the bends thanks to its low weight and compact 1,481 mm wheelbase.
Comprehensive electronics as standard
It comes with an Offroad mode and Offroad ABS as standard, settings typical of an adventure bike in this class. What really matters on the road is the cornering ABS, which adds an extra safety margin when braking while leaned over. The 5-inch TFT display, which connects to your phone via KTMconnect, shows all the information clearly.
KTM 390 Adventure R versus its A2 rivals
The A2 adventure segment is more competitive than ever. These are the official figures for its main alternatives:
| Model | Engine | Power / torque | Weight | Suspension travel (F/R) | Wheels | Ground clearance | Tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 390 Adventure R | 398.7 cc, single | 45 PS / 39 Nm | 176 kg (fuelled) | 230 / 230 mm | 21" / 18" | 272 mm | 14 L |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | 452 cc, single | 40 PS / 40 Nm | 196 kg (90% fuel) | 200 / 200 mm | 21" / 17" | 230 mm | 17 L |
| CFMoto 450MT | 449 cc, twin | 42 PS / 44 Nm | 185 kg (wet) | 200 / 200 mm | 21" / 18" | 220 mm | 17.5 L |
| BMW F 450 GS | 420 cc, twin | 48 PS / 43 Nm | 178 kg (fuelled) | 180 / 180 mm | 19" / 17" | — | — |
| Honda NX500 | 471 cc, twin | 47.6 PS / 43 Nm | 196 kg | 150 / 135 mm | 19" / 17" | — | 17.5 L |
Manufacturers' figures. Weight criteria vary between brands, so the comparison is a guide only.
Where the KTM wins
- Power-to-weight ratio: it is the lightest of the group when fully fuelled and offers practically the maximum the A2 licence allows.
- Suspension: 230 mm of travel at both ends, more than any of its rivals, adjustable for compression, rebound and preload.
- Ground clearance: 272 mm, a proper adventure-bike figure that gives plenty of margin on broken, potholed tarmac.
- 21/18 set-up: the wheel combination of a true adventure bike, shared only with the CFMoto.
- Electronics: cornering ABS, Offroad ABS and traction control on a bike of this size.
Where a rival might suit you better
To be fair, it is not the best at everything. The Himalayan 450, CFMoto 450MT and Honda NX500 have larger tanks and lower seats. The twins from Honda, BMW and CFMoto offer more torque and more refinement on long motorway journeys, and the BMW F 450 GS has a larger TFT screen. If you plan to ride mostly on tarmac with a passenger and luggage, one of them may suit you better. But if you want the lightest and most capable A2 adventure bike on mountain roads and uneven tarmac, the KTM offers the most.
Why we chose it for our fleet
At Tropical Riders we wanted a bike that would let A2 licence holders discover the Costa Tropical and the Granada mountains in a different way: ride up to Sierra Nevada in the morning and come back down for lunch by the sea. The 390 Adventure R makes that possible with a light, easy-to-handle bike and a chassis that inspires confidence whatever the state of the tarmac. To make it more accessible, our bike is fitted with a lowered seat at 840 mm (870 mm as standard), so it is easier to reach the ground when stopping and manoeuvring.
Where to ride it from La Herradura
Few areas in Spain pack so much variety into so few kilometres:
- Carretera de la Cabra (A-4050): the classic climb from Almuñécar towards Granada, with flowing bends and spectacular views.
- The Alpujarra: white villages and narrow roads with uneven tarmac where the KTM's suspension really shines.
- Sierra Nevada: high mountain passes little more than an hour from the sea.
- The Axarquía: twisty roads between vineyards and hilltop villages overlooking the Mediterranean.
If you would rather ride in company, take a look at our guided tours.
Rental conditions
KTM rental for A2 licence holders is available from €90/day:
- 3 days: €120/day (€360). Minimum rental 3 days.
- 4 to 7 days: €110/day.
- 8 to 14 days: €100/day.
- 15 to 21 days: €90/day.
- 250 km/day included (extra km €0.40).
- €1,000 deposit.
- Minimum age 25 with 3 years' experience on an A2 licence.
- Optional full coverage insurance from €25/day, with a €500 excess.
- Rider helmet and intercom included.
- Optional DMD2 T865X navigator for €15/day (€600 deposit).
- Pick-up at Puerto Marina del Este (La Herradura) or delivery to your town at our standard rate.
- Our rental bikes are for tarmac only: the insurance does not cover unpaved tracks.
Check availability and book your KTM 390 Adventure R.
Conclusion
The KTM 390 Adventure R 2026 proves that an A2 licence bike can be light, hugely capable and great fun without compromise. With top-quality suspension and very complete electronics, it is the ideal companion for making the most of the mountain roads around La Herradura. We look forward to seeing you at Puerto Marina del Este so you can try it for yourself.
