The KTM 390 Adventure X is new to the lineup for 2026 and replaces the previous base model in the 390 Adventure range. KTM has split the 390 Adventure into two clearly defined directions: the R for off-road enthusiasts and the X for everyday riders. Same engine. Same warranty. Different priorities.

A KTM dealer road test summarized it neatly: less spectacular than the R, but the more sensible choice for many riders. That is the Adventure X buying argument. It is not about what the motorcycle can theoretically do, but what most owners actually ride: city streets, backroads, and the occasional gravel road. For that, you do not need adjustable suspension or Offroad ABS.

Shared Foundation and What Separates the X From the R

The shared foundation is substantial: the same 399 cc engine producing 45 hp and 39 Nm with Ride-by-Wire, the same 165 kg dry and 176 kg fully fueled weight figures, the same 14-liter tank, cornering ABS, traction control, TFT navigation, USB-C, and up to four years of warranty coverage.

The differences define the mission. The X uses a WP APEX Emulsion fork with 200 mm of travel and no adjustment, while the R gets a 230 mm WP APEX Open Cartridge fork with 30-click adjustment. The X rides on 19/17-inch cast wheels; the R uses 21/18-inch wire-spoke wheels. The X gets Continental TKC 70 tires; the R uses Mitas Enduro Trail E07+. Seat height is 825 mm versus 870 mm. Ground clearance is 232 mm versus 272 mm. The X has no Offroad ABS, while the R does. And the X costs roughly EUR 1,400 to EUR 2,000 less. That is the decision matrix.

19-Inch Front Wheel: A Real Difference From a 21

A 19-inch front wheel is not a bad compromise. A 19/17-inch cast-wheel combination is the standard setup for road-focused adventure bikes. The BMW R 1300 GS, Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports, and CFMoto 800MT Explore all use 19/17-inch dimensions. On the road, the difference between a 19- and 21-inch front wheel is relatively small. On loose surfaces such as sand, gravel, and soft ground, the R’s 21-inch front wheel provides noticeably greater directional stability. If you plan real off-road riding, choose the R. If you primarily ride asphalt, the X’s 19-inch front is entirely sufficient.

Continental TKC 70 tires are standard. They are mixed-use tires with a stronger road bias than the R’s Mitas E07+. They offer more grip on asphalt and less drive on loose terrain. For everyday riders, the TKC 70 is the better choice: it wears more evenly across the tread on pavement and provides greater reserves on wet asphalt than the E07+.

825 mm Seat Height: The Most Important Accessibility Advantage

The X sits at 825 mm compared with 870 mm for the R. That 45 mm difference can determine whether riders between roughly 1.70 and 1.80 meters have comfortable or limited ground contact. The Adventure X is the more accessible motorcycle. That is not a minor detail but, for many buyers, the decisive argument. If 870 mm feels too tall in the showroom, the Adventure X answers the question with 825 mm.

200 mm of Suspension Travel: Where Does It Sit?

The X offers 200 mm of suspension travel front and rear, without adjustment. On paper, that sounds like a compromise. In practice, 200 mm is a normal figure for adventure bikes in the 700-to-1000 cc class. The BMW R 1300 GS has 190 mm up front, the Honda XL750 Transalp 200 mm, and the Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid 230 mm. The Adventure X therefore sits squarely in the middle of the class, with suspension calibrated at the factory for its intended use—primarily asphalt and occasional gravel—without requiring owner adjustment.

What the X does not have is the R’s Offroad ABS. Cornering ABS is present and can be switched off. Riders who regularly want to lock the rear wheel on gravel should choose the R. Riders who do not plan to do that will find the X’s cornering ABS entirely sufficient.

Around EUR 5,570: The X’s Price Argument

The 2026 market average reported by 1000PS is around EUR 5,570, with dealer listings between roughly EUR 5,400 and EUR 6,000. Compared with the R at EUR 6,999 to EUR 7,494, that is around EUR 1,400 to EUR 2,000 less. For that difference, the buyer gives up Offroad ABS, adjustable suspension, 30 mm of additional travel, a 21-inch front wheel, and wire-spoke wheels. If you need those features, buy the R. If you do not, buy the X and put the savings toward riding gear, accessories, or another trip.

Recall Note and Warranty

As with the R, KTM recalled 390 single-cylinder models because of engine-management software issues. Before buying, check the software-update status with the dealer. KTM offers up to four years of Premium Manufacturer Warranty from MY2025 across its Street range, provided the motorcycle is serviced according to schedule by an authorized KTM dealer. The same coverage applies to both X and R.

Verdict: The X Is the Smarter Choice for Everyday Riders

The 2026 KTM 390 Adventure X is not a worse motorcycle than the R. It is the better choice for riders who spend their time on asphalt, backroads, and occasional gravel and want an 825 mm seat height, TFT navigation, cornering ABS, and up to four years of warranty for around EUR 5,570. If you take off-road riding seriously, buy the R. If you take everyday use seriously, buy the X.

 

Quick Check

+ 45 hp / 399 cc single: identical engine to the R, with the same performance at a substantially lower price.

+ 825 mm seat height: 45 mm lower than the R and more accessible for riders between roughly 1.70 and 1.80 m.

+ Continental TKC 70: more road-oriented than the Mitas E07+ and better suited to wet asphalt.

+ Cornering ABS standard and switchable.

+ Color TFT with navigation and USB-C standard.

+ Up to 4 years Premium Manufacturer Warranty from MY2025.

+ 14-liter tank and more than 400 km of range: identical to the R.

+ Around EUR 5,570: EUR 1,400–2,000 less than the R and the least expensive KTM Adventure model.

 

– No Offroad ABS: cornering ABS only; no dedicated rear-wheel-locking off-road mode.

– WP APEX Emulsion fork is non-adjustable: no chassis tuning for rider weight or terrain.

– 200 mm of travel instead of the R’s 230 mm: the 30 mm difference is noticeable over hard potholes and rough tracks.

– 19/17-inch cast wheels: less directional stability on loose terrain than the R’s 21/18-inch wire-spoke wheels.

– 232 mm ground clearance instead of the R’s 272 mm: 40 mm less and more limiting in technical terrain.

– Software recall: KTM recalled 390 single-cylinder models; check update status with the dealer.

 

Technical Specifications: KTM 390 Adventure X (2026)

Make / Model: KTM 390 Adventure X (2026; 399 cc single; Adventure/Touring; A2/A); manufacturer: KTM AG, Mattighofen, Austria; Bajaj Auto. New for 2026, replacing the previous 390 Adventure base model.

Engine: Liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 399 cc; Ride-by-Wire; Bosch EMS; 45 hp / 33 kW; 39 Nm; six-speed; chain final drive; Euro 5.2; A2-compatible. Identical to 390 Adventure R.

Front Suspension: WP APEX Emulsion fork; 200 mm travel; non-adjustable, with no 30-click setup as on the R

Rear Suspension: WP APEX shock; 200 mm travel; spring preload only via preload adjuster

Brakes: ByBre two-piston front caliper; 320 mm disc; single-piston rear; 240 mm disc; switchable cornering ABS; no Offroad ABS, unlike R

Wheels / Tires: Cast wheels; 19-inch front / 17-inch rear; 100/90-19 front / 130/80-17 rear; Continental TKC 70, more road-oriented than the R’s Mitas E07+

Weight / Seat Height: 165 kg dry; 176 kg fully fueled; 825 mm seat height, 45 mm lower than R; 232 mm ground clearance, 40 mm less than R

Fuel / Range: 14 liters; range over 400 km; identical to R

Electronics: Ride-by-Wire; switchable cornering ABS; switchable traction control; riding modes; color TFT with navigation; USB-C; LED lighting. No Offroad ABS, unlike R.

Recall Note: KTM recalled 390 single-cylinder models because of engine-management software issues. Check software-update status with the dealer.

Warranty: Up to 4 years Premium Manufacturer Warranty from MY2025 across KTM Street range; scheduled servicing at an authorized KTM dealer required; identical to R

X vs. R Decision Matrix: X: 200 mm non-adjustable suspension / 19/17 cast wheels / TKC 70 / 825 mm / 232 mm / no Offroad ABS / approx. EUR 5,570. R: 230 mm adjustable suspension / 21/18 wire-spoke wheels / Mitas E07+ / 870 mm / 272 mm / Offroad ABS / approx. EUR 7,000. X for asphalt + occasional gravel; R for off-road.

Competition: Royal Enfield Bear 650: EUR 7,640, 56.5 Nm, scrambler. Guerrilla 450: EUR 5,290, 40 hp, 170 km/h, similar price but no adventure suspension. Honda NX500: approx. EUR 8,500, 48 hp, no Offroad ABS. KTM 390 X is the least expensive KTM Adventure model with TFT and up to four-year warranty.

Price in Germany: 1000PS 2026 market average approx. EUR 5,570; dealer listings approx. EUR 5,400–6,000