Okay, so I’ve been hearing the buzz, and honestly, I’m pretty hyped! KTM just dropped the 390 Enduro R, and let me tell you, this isn’t just another bike. If you’re like me and the idea of “off-road” actually means proper off-road, then this is the one we’ve been waiting for.

You know, for a while, we had a version in India that was… fine, but it wasn’t the full monty. Now, the export-spec model is officially here in India, and it’s a game-changer for anyone who dreams of leaving the pavement far, far behind. This isn’t some street bike with knobby tires tacked on; this thing is built from the ground up for dirt. It’s got that true KTM “Ready to Race” vibe, but in a package that’s a bit more “us.”

What Makes This “R” So Special?

Alright, so the big deal with this export version? It’s all about the suspension and how the bike sits. This is what separates the pretenders from the genuine dirt machines.

First off, they’ve slapped on some proper WP APEX suspension. We’re talking 230 mm of travel both front and rear! That’s a huge jump from the older versions and means this bike can just eat up bumps, rocks, and whatever else the trail throws at you without flinching. Plus, it’s fully adjustable, so you can tweak it exactly how you like it.

Because of that longer travel, the ground clearance is awesome – 277 mm! No more worrying about scraping your belly on every little obstacle. And yeah, the seat height is up there at 895 mm, which might feel tall for some, but trust me, when you’re standing on the pegs trying to navigate gnarly terrain, that height is exactly what you need.

Then there are the wheels – classic enduro style. A big 21-inch spoke wheel up front and an 18-inch spoke wheel at the back, both wrapped in super aggressive Metzeler Karoo 4 tires. That combo is just perfect for finding grip everywhere, whether it’s loose dirt or slick mud.

How Does It Ride? (Spoiler: Awesome!)

Underneath all that enduro goodness, it’s got KTM’s familiar 399cc single-cylinder engine. It’s the same heart from the Duke and Adventure, but it feels right at home here.

It pumps out a healthy 46 PS and 39 Nm of torque. This engine just feels so responsive, whether you’re blasting down a fire road or trying to feather the throttle over some tricky rocks. They’ve also given it shorter gearing with a bigger rear sprocket, which really helps with that immediate power delivery you need off-road.

You get a smooth 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch, which is a godsend when you’re downshifting aggressively. And if you’re fancy, you can even get a Quickshifter+.

The electronics are pretty smart too. You’ve got Ride-by-Wire for precise throttle control, and dedicated Street and Offroad modes. The Traction Control is a nice safety net, and thankfully, the ABS is switchable. You can turn it off on the rear wheel for off-road fun, or even turn it off completely if you’re feeling brave! Braking is solid with ByBre calipers.

Little Things That Matter

The bike looks the part too – very lean and purposeful, exactly how an enduro bike should look. It’s got a cool little TFT display that connects to your phone (super handy for nav!), a USB-C charger (finally!), and full LED lighting. And even with all its ruggedness, it’s still pretty light at 165.8 kg, which makes a huge difference when you’re wrestling it around on the trails.

So, How Much Does This Beast Cost?

Alright, the moment of truth. The KTM 390 Enduro R (Export Spec) is coming in at around ₹3.54 Lakh ex-showroom. Yes, there’s a slightly cheaper version out there, but trust me, for that extra bit of cash, you’re getting the real off-road deal with that amazing suspension. This isn’t just a bike; it’s an investment in serious off-road adventures.

Honestly, I think this 390 Enduro R is going to be a game-changer for a lot of us. It’s not just about looking the part; it’s genuinely built to deliver. If you’ve been dreaming of tackling more challenging trails and really pushing your limits, you need to check this out. What do you think – is this the bike that’s going to make you finally hit those dirt roads you have  always eyed?