Previewed at the EICMA Show last year, the KTM Enduro R range has two new recruits in the KTM 125 Enduro R and KTM 390 Enduro R – two dual-sport bikes with old-school principles but modern tech and looks.

KTM has certainly turned a few heads this wintertime with new Adventure and dual-sport models (plus ‘that’ news of course). It’s looking a lot like keep calm and carry on with the new model introductions and that begins in off-road, trail and adventure segment with these two, new Enduro Rs.

They look good don’t they? That said, you could put Josep Garcia on a wheelbarrow and he would probably make it look cool...

Claiming to create a “new segment of the market”, the smaller capacity 125 and 390 join the already established 690 Enduro R older sibling and copy its basic, no-nonsense trail bike principles of manageable chassis, long travel suspension, 21/18-inch spoke wheels, and options to turn traction control and ABS off all in a happy-go-lucky dual-sport package.

* Two notes before we go further: firstly for worldwide readers the 125-model available in Europe is not heading to all parts of the globe including North America. Secondly the images of Garcia show the KTM Power Parts exhaust/muffler.

2025 KTM 390 Enduro R highlights:

• Repurposed LC4c engines 
• Two-piece steel trellis frame including tough subframe
• 2.37 gallon/9 litre metal fuel tank
• 43mm open cartridge forks with 30-click adjustability, 230mm travel
• WP APEX shock absorber (20 click adjustability also and easy-tool adjustable preload for additional passengers of luggage), 230mm travel
• 272mm ground clearance, 890mm seat height, 159kg claimed (without fuel)
• Selectable ride modes incl. offroad mode

2025 KTM 390 and 125 Enduro R models in more detail

The KTM 390 Enduro R and KTM 125 Enduro R boast plenty of shared components with each other and with other KTM models. But there’s a lot to look at here a slim and it’s encouraging to find the Austrian manufacturer is landing real world models which will make dual-sport more attractive to a wider range of riders (and keep off-road alive into new generations).

Keywords like “compact profile” will be attractive to most people eyeing a dual-sport bike too as will details like the 2.37 gallon/9 litre metal fuel tank and off-road-focused plastic panels and bodywork which KTM say reduce overall width and help the rider standing position.

Both 2025 KTM 125 Enduro R and KTM 390 Enduro R models feature completely new styling with a clear and definitive KTM design set in resilient in-mold graphics.

Suspension and chassis

A new two-piece steel trellis frame design is based on the Gen 3 platform shared with the Duke models but features a different steering head angle, triple clamps with 25mm handlebar risers, subframe mounts, and rigidity profile, specifically engineered for off-road use and claiming to improve handling, control and stability.

The new frame is also designed for greater clearance for the radiator and the bigger 21” wheel, plus the footpeg location when riding off-road.

Off-road rear-end

The new subframe on these models has an off-road look about it, “inspired” KTM say of the bolt-on steel trellis design. It’s unique to these models and promises to be strong, sturdy, and specifically crafted to the one-piece seat and long-stroke suspension.

The new diecast swingarm is also specifically developed for the 125 Enduro and 390 Enduro R models.

WP Apex Suspension

The new Enduro R models have different suspension set-ups with the 390 Enduro R getting 43mm open cartridge fork with 230mm travel, easy compression and rebound adjustability in 30-click steps. In contrast, the KTM 125 Enduro R features the same in a non-adjustable set-up.

On the rear, both models feature an off-centre WP APEX shock absorber with 230mm of travel, with the KTM 390 Enduro R boasting adjustable rebound properties with 20 clicks. The preload is adjustable with a tool.

The KTM 125 Enduro R's rear shock is not adjustable for rebound, but preload can be adjusted with a tool.

Other geometry specs include 62.9° steering angle, 272mm ground clearance, 890mm seat height, 159kg claimed (without fuel), 1475mm wheelbase.

Wheels, tyres and brakes

Both come equipped with 21” front and 18” rear spoked wheels and proven Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres in 90/90R21 and 140/80R18 dimensions respectively.

Both also come with 285mm Bybre brakes on the front and 240mm single piston brakes on the back – Bybre is a part already used on the Duke models also.

Repurposed engine

Both 125 and 390 models are powered by a new generation of lightweight, compact small single-cylinder engines and dubbed the LC4c – the c is for compact, which, you guessed it, also features in the KTM 125 and 390 Dukes.

This new LC4c powerplant features a larger valve cover with a smaller cylinder head, reducing the weight at the top of the engine. A new thermostat position – mounted directly into the cylinder head – improves thermal monitoring and provides more stable running temperatures under different riding conditions.

New injectors are now angled directly into the inlet valves to reduce build-up in the inlet channel. These new injectors also provide a finer fuel spray, making for more efficient combustion and less emissions.

This new engine platform introduces is EURO 5.2 compatible and has updated service intervals (first service at 1000km, regular services every 10,000 km thereafter, valve checks every 20,000km).

New Airbox

A new airbox has been specifically designed for the KTM Enduro R models which they say allows the engine to sit higher, increasing ground clearance and improving the rider triangle.

Exhaust

A unique, stainless steel exhaust design means the system fitted to the KTM 390 Enduro R and KTM 125 Enduro R does not need an end muffler and that means a total weight saving of two kilos.

The new exhaust has a double catalyser, complies with Euro 5+ regulations, features ECU control which adjusts the fuel mixture for detonation and temperature to reduce emissions. The active combustion system also works to detect any misfires, helping to diagnose the status of the catalytic converter and store information for OBDII diagnosis.

KTM are smart though and know riders will already be looking for more and have designed KTM PowerParts for both bikes (just in case you read the above and thought; yeah, but…).

Gearbox and clutch

The new models also have new and improved transmission with greater gear guidance with 6mm guides at the fork pins to reduced shift forces within the gearbox.

The shift drum shape has been tweaked also for easier shifting between the fifth and sixth gears. The shift lever travel has also been reduced resulting in quicker and responsive action they say.

There’s also the handy ‘Power Assisted Slipper Clutch’ on all Enduro R models, with new gears on the clutch basket and flywheel, reducing weight and making for easier clutch control KTM say, along with an optional Quickshifter+ system.

New Tech

The Enduro R range comes with a new 4.2” TFT dashboard specially designed for the compact screen size and a USB C port as standard.

Made from bonded glass, the TFT also features a coating to reduce glare and improve readability on bright days.

New switchgear features a four-way joystick controller and Illuminated switches to control the functions such as lights, indicators, and ride modes, and different connectivity features. The new switch cubes have an integrated and dedicated ABS-off switch also.

The new connectivity unit connects the bike to the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth to access features such as turn-by-turn navigation, and music library directly from the dashboard.

Ride modes

The KTM 390 Enduro R has two selectable ride modes: Offroad mode allows more rear wheel slip, making it easier to lift the front wheel over obstacles or slide the rear wheel. The default setting is Street Mode for use on, err, the streets. Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) can also be turned off completely for 100% control.

The KTM 125 Enduro R has no selectable ride modes.

UK Prices:

KTM 125 ENDURO R - £4899
KTM 390 ENDURO R - £5699

More information: www.KTM.com

Photo Credit: Rudi Schedl