When the India-spec KTM 390 Enduro R launched, it was a breath of fresh air for enthusiasts, finally, a dual-sport that wasn’t just a dressed-up commuter. But there was also a tinge of heartbreak. The suspension travel had been cut, ground clearance reduced, and the overall stance mellowed down. It was capable, sure, but not the wild, Dakar-bred machine we saw in KTM’s global lineup.
Now though, after riding the global-spec 390 Enduro R, I finally understand what we were missing, and let me tell you, it’s not a small difference. This one feels like the real Enduro R, the bike KTM meant to build before it had to compromise for our roads, wallets, and inseams.
More Travel, More Trouble for the Terrain
On paper, it’s a simple tweak, an extra 25mm of suspension travel at both ends. But in practice, it completely transforms the motorcycle. The global-spec bike runs a 230mm travel 43mm WP APEX open-cartridge fork up front and a 230mm monoshock at the rear. The ground clearance jumps to a serious 277mm, and yes, that means the seat height rises to a sky-high 890mm.
Those numbers might make casual riders sweat, but that’s exactly what makes this bike special. This isn’t a softened, approachable ADV-lite, this is a proper dirt weapon. The longer suspension not only soaks up ruts and rocks with ease but also gives the bike real float over gnarly terrain. You can hit whoops, drops, and trail imperfections at ridiculous speeds, and it’ll just take it in stride.
Ergonomics That Mean Business
The 890mm seat height sounds intimidating on paper, but once you’re on the pegs, it makes perfect sense. The taller stance opens up the cockpit, giving you more room to move around, shift weight, and control slides. The riding triangle feels pure enduro, tall bars, narrow midsection, and a natural forward lean.
You feel on the bike, not in it, and that’s the magic. It puts you in charge of the terrain instead of reacting to it. The India-spec Enduro R felt composed and predictable, the global-spec version feels aggressive and alive.
Handling, Same Bones, Wilder Spirit
The chassis, engine, and geometry remain the same as the Indian model, but the longer travel adds a sense of elasticity to its movements. On tight technical trails, it still feels light and flickable, but once you pick up speed, it transforms into a proper rally-style dirt missile. You can hammer through sections you’d hesitate on with the India-spec version, the suspension just breathes better.
On loose gravel and soft mud, the difference is night and day. The front wheel tracks more confidently, the rear digs in with more bite, and you feel more control when powering out of corners. It’s almost like the bike encourages you to go faster, take more hits, and trust it more.
Of course, with that 890mm seat height, shorter riders are going to have a tough time flat-footing it. But let’s be honest, this version isn’t built for that. It’s for riders who’d rather dab than paddle.
Performance and Gearing, Still Punchy, Still Fun
The familiar 398cc single continues to impress. With 46PS and 39Nm, it’s got that perfect balance of low-end grunt and mid-range zing that makes off-road riding so satisfying. The 14/48 sprocket setup gives it that punchy delivery you need to climb, jump, and scramble without constantly slipping the clutch.
But the longer suspension also slightly alters how it puts power down, you can get on the throttle earlier and harder, and the bike doesn’t squat or buck as much. It’s calmer at the limit, but faster in your hands.
The Verdict, The Dirt Bike India Should Have Gotten
Let’s be honest, the global-spec KTM 390 Enduro R is what many Indian enthusiasts truly wanted. It’s taller, tougher, more focused, and unapologetically dirt-biased. Where the India-spec version tried to please everyone, this one only cares about the rider who lives for trails, jumps, and sketchy mountain paths.
Would it make sense on our roads? Probably not. That 890mm seat height and extra suspension travel would scare off most buyers. But for the few who dream of a real, ready-to-race enduro machine, this is it.
It’s the bike that finally lives up to the “R” badge. It’s not just a dual-sport, it’s a desert scalpel. KTM is now selling this global-spec version in India for an additional ₹17,000, which in my opinion is money well spent if you have the skillset to do justice to the suspension!
