KTM’s recent struggles have not stored the Austrian bikemaker from introducing new bikes – such because the up to date 790 Duke bare or the 125 Enduro R fashions. This time, the corporate has lifted the lid on its all-new 390 Journey lineup.
Simply over per week has handed since Stefan Pierer resigned as CEO on account of KTM’s persistent monetary points. The information of this launch ought to return as a giant sigh of aid for lots of KTM loyalists, particularly contemplating the brand new bikes are anticipated to grace showrooms as early as March.
I say ‘bikes’ plural as a result of there’s not one however two revamped 390 Journey bikes which have simply been revealed – the R and X variants. Notably, with manufacturing dealt with by the model’s Indian associate Bajaj Auto, the 390 Journey R is about to be the primary R-badged motorbike to be manufactured outdoors of KTM’s dwelling city of Mattighofen.
KTM
Beginning with crucial bit – the engine. The bikes get the brand new 399cc, single-cylinder engine that was launched final 12 months with the 390 Duke. The brand new motor has a brand new cylinder head, an airbox, and an up to date gasoline injection system.
In addition they include a bi-directional quickshifter, an help and slipper clutch, and a stainless exhaust that’s 11 lb (5 kg) lighter than its predecessor. Mated to a six-speed transmission, the 399cc motor produces 44 horsepower and 28.7 lb-ft (39 Nm) of peak torque, surpassing two direct opponents – the CFMoto Ibex 450 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
Onto the attention-grabbing bit. KTM has launched two variations of the brand new 390 Journey – the road-biased Journey X and the off-road-focused Journey R.
The ‘X’ comes outfitted with solid aluminum alloy wheels measuring 19/17 inches and seven.87-inches (200 mm) of journey – excellent for light off-road excursions. In the meantime, the ‘R’ trim ought to be the popular alternative for die-hard followers for it comes outfitted with knobby tires, 21/18-inch spoke wheels, and greater than 9 inches (230 mm) of journey at every finish, which is simply what you might want to bash the bike off highway.
KTM
On the function entrance, the R will get all customary facilities like using modes, traction management, cornering ABS, and a TFT – all of which the X lacks. The seat peak is one other main differentiator, with the R getting a taller, 34.2-inch (86.9-cm) setup in comparison with X’s 32.4-inch (82.3-cm) seat peak.
A fast look on the {hardware} specs reveals that the brand new 390 Journey will get a strengthened metal trellis body and a reworked bolt-on metal subframe that gives extra rigidity compared to the earlier mannequin. It helps accommodate a single seat and offers the bike’s long-stroke suspension with the right geometry.
Journey R’s rigidity profile, triple clamps, steering head angle, and subframe mounts are all completely different from the opposite 390 fashions, and KTM claims they’re “particularly engineered for off-road use with improved dealing with, management, and stability.”
Suspension duties are dealt with by absolutely adjustable WP Apex USD forks up entrance and a monoshock unit on the again. A 320-mm entrance disc and a 240-mm rear disc make up the braking system, which makes use of ByBre radial calipers to carry the bike to a halt.
KTM
The Journey S sports activities a floor clearance of 9.1 inches (232 mm), which will increase to a mammoth 10.7 inches (272 mm) on the Journey R. The gasoline tank capability of each fashions is 3.4 gallons (14 L), and so they weigh 364 lb (165 kg) dry, with a curb weight of 403 lb (183 kg).
Moreover, the bikes have new service intervals that require valve checks at each different check-up, with the primary examine being obligatory at 600 miles (966 km) and the next intervals extending to six,200 miles (9,978 km).
The KTM 390 Journey has lengthy been thought-about top-of-the-line entry-level adventure bikes accessible. Nevertheless, as a result of KTM has historically positioned it as a premium providing in its class, it has all the time price considerably greater than its opponents. All that’s set to alter in 2025.
That’s proper. Each the X and R trims are considerably inexpensive than the 2024 fashions. The 2025 390 Journey is priced by KTM at simply US$5,899, which is about $2,000 cheaper than the 2024 390 Journey SW. As for the top-spec R mannequin, it might price you $6,999, which is $600 cheaper than the 2024 mannequin.
KTM
This pricing additionally implies that it turns into extra accessible when pitted in opposition to the likes of the CF Ibex 450, which is dearer by $600, and the RE Himalayan, which is simply $100 cheaper.
It stays to be seen if the 390 Journey can flip KTM’s fortunes round. Hundreds of jobs have been lost because of Austria’s industrial freeze and continued financial issues, whereas greater than 3,500 creditor claims totaling $2.26 billion have been made in opposition to KTM AG alone.
Supply: KTM
