The Moto Ref

KTM 390 Adventure R vs KTM 890 Adventure R

Two adventure bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits. These two sit in different classes, so each score is computed within its own class.

KTM

390 Adventure R

58.6

/ 100

vs

KTM

890 Adventure R

64.1

/ 100

Winner

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0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

KTM 390 Adventure R0 km/h
390 Adventure R
KTM 890 Adventure R0 km/h
890 Adventure R

Points by category

Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated

Engine and performance

out of 25
390 Adventure R
15.6
890 Adventure R
18.8

Handling and chassis

out of 20
390 Adventure R
14.3
890 Adventure R
12.0

Value

out of 20
390 Adventure R
6.8
890 Adventure R
8.5

Practicality

out of 15
390 Adventure R
6.6
890 Adventure R
9.9

Technology

out of 10
390 Adventure R
8.3
890 Adventure R
8.8

Reliability and ownership

out of 10
390 Adventure R
7.0
890 Adventure R
6.1

Specs side by side

Full specification comparison: KTM 390 Adventure R versus KTM 890 Adventure R
SpecKTM390 Adventure RKTM890 Adventure R
Engine
EngineSingle cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHCLC8c parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement398.7 cc889 cc
Power45 hp at 8,500 rpm105 hp at 8,000 rpm
Torque39 Nm at 7,000 rpm100 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Power to weight0.26 hp/kg0.49 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight176 kg215 kg
Front suspensionWP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 230 mmWP XPLOR 48 mm, 240 mm
Front adjustabilityCompression and reboundFully adjustable
Rear suspensionWP APEX monoshock, 230 mmWP XPLOR PDS monoshock, 240 mm
Rear adjustabilityPreload and reboundFully adjustable
Front brake320 mm, radial 4-piston320 mm, radial 4-piston
ABSCornering ABSCornering ABS
Dimensions
Seat height870 mm880 mm
Wheelbase1481 mm1528 mm
Fuel capacity14 L20 L
Claimed consumption3.7 L/100 km4.6 L/100 km
Fuel range378 km435 km
Ownership
Price€7,999€15,499
Service interval10,000 km15,000 km
Valve check20,000 km30,000 km
Warranty2 years2 years
Equipment
DashTFTTFT
Ride modesYesYes
Traction controlYesYes
QuickshifterOptionalOptional
Cruise controlNot availableOptional
ConnectivityYesYes
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Verdict

The KTM 890 Adventure R wins this comparison clearly, 64.1 points to 58.6.

The gap of 5.5 points is built mostly in practicality, where the 890 Adventure R takes 3.3 points out of the 390 Adventure R. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the 890 Adventure R is the quicker machine: 105 hp and 100 Nm moving 215 kg, against 45 hp and 39 Nm moving 176 kg for the 390 Adventure R. That is 0.49 hp per kilo playing 0.26.

The 390 Adventure R costs €7,999, which leaves €7,500 in your pocket against the 890 Adventure R at €15,499. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the 390 Adventure R and 15,000 km on the 890 Adventure R.

Better for city and commuting

KTM 890 Adventure R

A 880 mm seat, 435 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.

Better for weekend twisties

KTM 890 Adventure R

105 hp pushing 215 kg with WP XPLOR 48 mm up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

KTM 890 Adventure R

435 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.

Frequently asked

Which is faster, the KTM 390 Adventure R or the KTM 890 Adventure R?
The KTM 890 Adventure R. It carries 0.49 hp per kilo (105 hp, 215 kg wet) against 0.26 hp per kilo for the KTM 390 Adventure R (45 hp, 176 kg).
Is the KTM 390 Adventure R cheaper than the KTM 890 Adventure R?
The KTM 390 Adventure R is cheaper at €7,999 list, €7,500 less than the KTM 890 Adventure R at €15,499.
Which is better for shorter riders?
The KTM 390 Adventure R. Its 870 mm seat is 10 mm lower than the KTM 890 Adventure R, and at 176 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the 390 Adventure R or the 890 Adventure R?
The KTM 890 Adventure R, which scores 8.8 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The KTM 390 Adventure R counters with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity.
Which goes further on a tank?
The KTM 890 Adventure R: 435 km from its 20 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 378 km for the KTM 390 Adventure R.
Which bike wins overall?
The KTM 890 Adventure R, scoring 64.1 of 100 against 58.6 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

Dig into each bike

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