KTM has always been the brand that doesn’t flinch when it comes to giving India motorcycles with a motorsport soul. They gave us our first taste of high-compression single-cylinder power at a price point that didn’t break the bank. Since then, India has developed a palate for performance, and KTM has happily obliged. But now, the Austrian brand has launched something that might just flip the script entirely the KTM 390 Enduro R.
At first glance, it’s a tall, lanky, hardcore dirt bike. And yes, it’s not for the faint-hearted or the short-legged. But ride it for a few days in the real world — in Mumbai’s relentless traffic, over pothole-littered tarmac, or out on the highway and it becomes evident. This isn’t just an off-roader. This is a street fighter killer in disguise.
Peek under the Enduro R’s rugged exterior and you’ll find familiar components. The 373cc single-cylinder DOHC engine — shared with the Duke 390 — churns out 44 hp and 39 Nm of torque. The trellis frame, the 6-speed gearbox, the ride-by-wire throttle all carry over. But the way it's packaged? That's where things change drastically.
The Enduro R gets long-travel WP XPLOR suspension, 240mm of fully adjustable travel fronand rear. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels are wrapped in Metzeler Six Days Extreme rubber (or in India, more road-friendly alternatives). The seat height is an imposing 880mm, and the weight tips just under 160 kg dry. Yes, it’s intimidating, but that’s exactly the point.
Let’s start with where the Duke was once king - city streets. Indian roads are less highway and more obstacle course. Potholes, speed bumps, uneven surfaces, and craters the size of wading pools. The Duke 390, with its 150mm suspension travel, could survive them. The Enduro R glides over them.
With over 240mm of suspension travel, the Enduro R transforms chaotic roads into barely noticeable undulations. It doesn't just soak up bumps — it shrugs them off with the confidence of a rally machine. The high ground clearance also means you're never second-guessing obstacles.
Sure, the 21-inch front wheel takes some getting used to in traffic. It's not as nimble at crawling speeds as the Duke’s 17-inch setup, but give it throttle and space, and the Enduro R will carve through gaps like a machine possessed. You’ll need to engage your shoulders, your core, and your balance more — but in doing so, you become more involved, more skilled, more aware. It turns the mundane act of traffic filtering into a test of riding finesse. And that’s exactly the point.
Despite its rugged, trail-ready profile, the Enduro R is surprisingly livable. The seat, while flat and firm, offers decent long-haul comfort. The upright ergos, wide handlebars, and commanding riding position offer visibility and authority in traffic.
Even the 9-litre fuel tank - which looks puny on paper, doesn’t hurt as much in practice, thanks to decent real-world mileage and the sheer fun you have while emptying it. Windblast at highway speeds? Not very different from the Duke. But what’s better is the stability the longer wheelbase and wider stance make it feel planted at triple-digit speeds.
And if you’ve got a pillion? Getting on is a bit of a circus act thanks to the seat height, but once on, there’s ample room. It’s not plush, but it’s manageable - and let’s face it, no one’s buying an Enduro R to be chauffeur of the year.
Now, let’s address the obvious. The Duke is a corner carver. It’s light, flickable, and eager. The Enduro R? It’s different — not worse, just different.
Here, you counter lean. You don't chase the lean angle; you chase the line with intent. Yes, you can hustle it into corners. No, it won’t carry the same mid-corner speed as the Duke, but it rewards technique and confidence. Braking? Smaller discs, yes. But with engine braking, correct weight transfer, and technique, it stops on a dime. Once again, it’s all about learning to ride better.
Here’s where the KTM 390 Enduro R leaves the Duke behind in potential. This is not a beginner’s motorcycle. It demands physicality, awareness, and a willingness to learn. But if you’re up for it, it will force you to become a better rider.
The way you position your weight. The way you use your core to steer. The way you handle sketchy grip or loss of traction everything you do on this motorcycle improves your riding IQ. You’re not just riding; you’re evolving.
And when you’ve mastered the streets? The trails await. This motorcycle is more off-road capable than the Adventure 390, and even though it's not the full-blown international “R” spec, make no mistake this thing can play in the dirt.
KTM brought multiple-time Enduro World Champion Johnny Aubert to the India launch, and watching him make the Enduro R dance proved a point - it's the rider that matters more than the spec sheet. Most of us will never scratch the surface of what this motorcycle can do. And that’s exactly why it’s worth it.
India's road infrastructure has outgrown the traditional street fighter. The KTM Duke 390 is a phenomenal machine, no doubt. But the 390 Enduro R brings a fresh, functional, and deeply rewarding alternative. It handles chaos with calm. It teaches with every ride. And most importantly, it refuses to be boring.
So if you’re headed to a KTM showroom looking for the Duke, do yourself a favour - take the Enduro R for a spin. It might be harder at first. It might even be intimidating. But once you’re in sync, you won’t be looking back.
Because growth doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from challenge, and the Enduro R offers plenty of both.
Engine - 399 cc LC4C Single Cylinder
Power - 45.37 bhp @ 8500 rpm
Torque - 39 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Price - 3,39,028 (Ex Showroom)
