KTM390 ADVENTURE R the review begins

Dave Darcy and the MADTV crew are back in the saddle — and this time we’re going in deep on two of the most anticipated lightweight adventure bikes to hit Australian shores: the KTM 390 Adventure R and KTM 390 Enduro R.

Before a single kilometre was ridden, we went live to hear directly from you — the riders, travellers and tinkerers — to find out exactly what you want to know about KTM’s latest R-spec machines. Your questions are shaping this test from the very start.

MADTV is known for thorough, insightful and real-world motorcycle reviews, and this one is no different. No hype, no brochure talk — just honest feedback from the saddle, backed by decades of riding and testing experience.

Adding to the exclusivity, we’re among the first to fit and test the upgraded WP suspension system that will soon be available for these bikes. This is a rare opportunity to see how the KTM 390 Adventure R and Enduro R perform not only in standard trim, but with top-shelf suspension fitted and pushed hard in Australian conditions.

The first phase of testing is a 400-kilometre loop covering:

Freeway and high-speed touring

Blacktop and back roads

Twin-track and single trail

A familiar MADTV test track where Dave has evaluated countless adventure bikes

That consistency allows for a detailed, meaningful comparison against the bike’s peers — not just how it feels on the day, but how it stacks up in the real world.

If you’re considering a lightweight adventure bike, wondering how the KTM 390 Adventure R compares to the competition, or curious whether the Enduro R really bridges the gap between trail bike and ADV machine — this series is for you.

Drop your questions in the comments, hit subscribe, and follow along as we put these bikes through a proper MADTV long-term test.