In brief. For 2027, KTM updates the KTM 390 Adventure without changing the engine: the 390 Adventure R gets a new left-hand control that enables optional cruise control, the 390 Adventure X arrives after EICMA, around December 2026, with a TFT display and two new liveries, and the 790 Adventure changes color only: black instead of orange and white. The official press release gives no prices or changes to power, weight or chassis.
For riders, this means: if you have a first-generation 390 Adventure (2020-2024), there's nothing to chase, and if you're choosing between a 2025 and a 2027 model, the decision still comes down to the 870 mm seat height (R) versus 825 mm (X), rather than gadgets. Here you'll find the differences using official KTM figures, what the press release doesn't say, and which catalog accessories actually fit.
How we researched this: The primary source is KTM's press release on the 2027 range, published shortly before EICMA and covered by Dueruote and Moto.it on October 27 and 28, 2026. The technical figures come from KTM's official 2026 specifications, because the 2027 specifications aren't online yet: we note this each time.
What KTM has announced for the 2027 Adventure range
The press release is brief: three updates to the adventure models, new colors for the enduro bikes, no technical figures and no prices.
| Model | 2027 updates announced by KTM | What hasn't been announced | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 390 Adventure R | New left-hand control that enables optional cruise control | Option price, operation, compatibility with bikes already sold | Not specified |
| KTM 390 Adventure X | TFT display and two new liveries | 2027 price and technical specifications | After EICMA, around December 2026 |
| KTM 790 Adventure | Black livery instead of orange and white | No mechanical changes announced | Not specified |
| KTM 390 Enduro R | New colors | Technical specifications and price | Not specified |
| KTM 125 Enduro | New colors, no mechanical changes indicated | Price | Not specified |
How to read this table. This is KTM’s press release on the 2027 range (manufacturer-stated information), confirmed by summaries from Dueruote and Moto.it. No engine or frame updates are listed for the adventure models: if a site calls them “new” motorcycles, it is describing a restyling of the colors, controls and screen.
The 390 Adventure R adds cruise control, but as an option
The updated left-hand control activates a cruise control that KTM describes as optional: it is not fitted as standard and, for now, there is no price or instructions.
What we know, and what we don’t
KTM’s press release says the 2027 390 Adventure R has an updated left-hand control that enables the optional cruise control. It does not explain how it works, how much it costs, whether it can be ordered at a dealership, or whether it can be added to a motorcycle that has already been registered.
A useful precedent: when the 2025 generation launched, KTM North America said the optional cruise control required a hardware controller and a software update, without stating the price (source: ADV Pulse, U.S. market information, January 2025). For 2027, we don’t have the same official information for Italy.
On a motorcycle with a ride-by-wire throttle like the 390 Adventure (KTM’s specifications list Bosch EMS with RBW), a factory cruise control is generally electronic and maintains a set speed. That is our reasoning, not information from KTM: until the 2027 specifications are released, we’re treating it as a hypothesis.
Be careful not to confuse the cruise controls. The 2027 KTM version is a factory option. The Kaoko mechanical cruise control sold by Endurrad for the 390 Adventure is something else: it replaces the right bar-end weight and locks the throttle, but does not regulate speed and, according to the product listing, fits the 2020-2023 390 Adventure with original handguards. It is not designed for the generation starting in 2025. To understand how this type of device works, see the Kaoko cruise control review.
The 390 Adventure X gets a TFT and arrives in December
The X is the family’s road version: for 2027, it gets a color screen, two new color schemes and a date, but the specs remain unchanged.
KTM says an updated 390 Adventure X will join the Adventure range after the Milan show, with two new colorways and a TFT display. In the 2025-generation spec sheet, the X had an LCD screen, while the R had a 5-inch TFT (source: ADV Pulse, KTM data for the US market): the new screen therefore brings the X closer to the R in terms of instrumentation, not suspension.
| Specification (KTM 2026 spec sheet) | 390 Adventure R | 390 Adventure X |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Single-cylinder, 398.7 cm³, liquid-cooled | Single-cylinder, 398.7 cm³, liquid-cooled |
| Power and torque | 45 PS · 39 Nm | 45 PS · 39 Nm |
| Weight without / with fuel | 165 kg / 176 kg | 165 kg / 176 kg |
| Seat height | 870 mm | 825 mm |
| Ground clearance | 272 mm | 232 mm |
| Front / rear travel | 230 mm / 230 mm | 200 mm / 200 mm |
| Fork | WP APEX 43 mm, adjustable compression and rebound | WP APEX 43 mm, non-adjustable |
| Rear shock | WP APEX, adjustable preload and rebound | WP APEX, preload adjustment |
| Rims | 1.85 x 21" and 2.5 x 18" | 2.5 x 19" and 3.5 x 17" |
| Wheelbase | 1,481 mm | 1,464 mm |
| Tank | about 14 liters | about 14 liters |
2026 data, not 2027. The figures come from KTM's official 2026 model-year technical pages. The 2027 press release does not mention changes to these figures, but until the new spec sheets are published, we cannot rule out minor variations. There is no 2027 price list yet.
The 790 Adventure changes color, not character
The bigger sister gets an all-black livery; the official spec sheet still lists a 95 PS twin and a 20-liter tank.
The press release lists just one new feature for the 2027 790 Adventure: a new black colorway replacing the previous orange and white ones. It's a cosmetic update. A comparison with the 390 Adventure R, based on the official 2026 spec sheets, shows just how different the two bikes are despite sharing a name.
| Specification (KTM 2026 spec sheet) | 390 Adventure R | 790 Adventure |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Single-cylinder, 398.7 cm³ | Parallel twin, 799 cm³ |
| Power and torque | 45 PS · 39 Nm | 95 PS · 87 Nm |
| Weight without fuel | 165 kg | 203 kg |
| Seat height | 870 mm | 840 / 860 mm |
| Tank | about 14 liters | about 20 liters |
| Travel | 230 mm front and rear | 200 mm front and rear |
| Wheels | 21" / 18" spoked | 21" / 18" spoked, tubeless |
| Front brake | 320 mm disc, 2-piston axial caliper | 320 mm disc, 4-piston radial caliper |
For riders considering touring with luggage, the 790 Adventure has a larger tank and more than twice the torque. Those looking for a lightweight, easy-to-handle bike suitable for an A2 license will look at the 390. In the Endurrad catalog, the two options have separate collections: KTM 790 Adventure accessories and KTM 390 Adventure accessories.
R or X: the seat matters more than cruise control
The 45 mm difference in seat height between the two models matters more than any accessory, especially with luggage and on uneven ground.
- You don't have very long legs and want to reach the ground confidently: the seat is 825 mm high.
- You mostly ride on pavement and easy dirt roads: the 19- and 17-inch wheels offer more tire choices for road use.
- You're looking for the lowest-priced 390 Adventure in the range (the 2027 price list isn't available yet).
- You want to adjust the fork: it's not adjustable on the 2026 spec sheet.
- You often ride on dirt roads with bumps and ruts: 200 mm of travel and 232 mm of ground clearance are less than the R's 230 and 272 mm.
- You're considering cruise control: the press release only mentions it for the R.
The R is the opposite choice: longer, adjustable suspension, a 21-inch wheel and a high seat. If your height or load doesn't suit the R, the X isn't a fallback; it's the right motorcycle for a different kind of trip. To see how they compare with A2-licence rivals, starting with the BMW F 450 GS, see the 2026 A2 adventure bike comparison.
Accessories that matter on a 390 Adventure
Three things to know before ordering: the motorcycle's year, the handguard plastics and the tank bag ring.
The generation changes everything. The 390 Adventure was revamped in 2025. The handguards, tank stickers and Kaoko cruise control have different part numbers for the first generation (2020-2024) and the one from 2025 onward, and the 2027 range is the second generation. If in doubt, check the year and trim on the KTM 390 Adventure page or contact us.
- Compatibility
- 390 Adventure R and X, 390 Enduro R, 390 SMC R, from 2025
- Attachment
- Two-point mounting, heat-treated aluminum bar
- Finish
- Natural aluminum
- Not included
- JET, VPS, STORM or CARBON plastics, must be ordered separately
Handguards are the first accessory that anyone who really rides a 390 Adventure off-road should get. The two-point backbone takes the impact instead of the lever, while the plastics determine how much protection they provide from the cold: JET models are compact, VPS models have an adjustable deflector, and STORM models offer more coverage. Learn more in the guide to Barkbusters handguards for off-road and road use.
- Volume
- 4.5 L closed · 6.5 L expanded
- Attachment
- Magnetic attachment to the tank cap ring
- Dimensions and weight
- 260 × 160 × 120 mm · 700 g without ring
- Ring for KTM 390 · 790 · 890 Adventure
- BTBZJ221, €26.00, sold separately
On a 390 Adventure, with a 14-liter tank and a lightweight bike, a magnetic bag holding 4.5 to 6.5 liters can carry documents, a power bank, spare gloves, and essentials for a break without touching your main luggage. L'ring must be ordered separately and costs 26 euros. If you need more capacity, the guide to motorcycle bags for the tank, tail, sides, and crash bars can help you figure out how to distribute the load.
- Compatibility
- KTM 390 Adventure 2020-2023, with original handguards
- Function
- Locks the throttle open, does not regulate speed
- Installation
- Replaces the right bar-end weight, no electronics
- Not suitable for
- 390 Adventure from 2025 (R, X, and 2027 range)
- Year comes first: 2020-2024 and 2025 onward are two different bikes when it comes to handguards and cruise control.
- Handguard plastics: the BHG-146 backbone does not include them; they must be ordered separately.
- Tank bag ring: the bag cannot be mounted without the BTBZJ221.
- Other options: the KTM 390 Adventure accessories collection includes mirrors, risers, mounts, and protection, with availability kept up to date.
At EICMA, KTM promises an off-road surprise
KTM's press conference is scheduled for November 3 at 10:45 in Hall 22, stand E08: that's where we'll find out whether the 2027 adventure bikes are just the opening act.
The press release announces new technical developments designed for off-road riding and an off-road surprise, without naming the model. On the adventure front, the maxi family is already in the spotlight, from the KTM 990 Adventure to the KTM 690 Rally 2027. For a complete overview of the new models expected in Milan, see the guide to all the maxi enduro and adventure bikes at EICMA 2026. Among competitors' previews, the new Honda Adventure is expected on November 2.
What we'll update. As soon as KTM publishes the 2027 spec sheets and price lists, this article will be updated at the same URL with specifications, prices, and availability. If you're buying a new 390 Adventure, wait for the official spec sheets before choosing accessories.
Frequently asked questions about the 2027 KTM Adventure lineup
What's changing on the KTM 390 Adventure for 2027?
According to KTM's press release, the 390 Adventure R gets new left-hand switchgear that allows the optional cruise control to be activated, while the 390 Adventure X arrives after EICMA, around December 2026, with a TFT display and two new color schemes. KTM does not mention any changes to the engine, power, weight, or chassis.
Does the 2027 KTM 390 Adventure R come with cruise control as standard?
No: KTM says cruise control is optional and can be activated using the new left-hand switchgear. The press release does not specify the option's price or whether it can also be fitted to bikes already sold. For the generation launched in 2025, KTM North America had explained that the option required a hardware controller and a software update.
When will the KTM 390 Adventure X 2027 arrive at dealerships?
KTM says the X will be available after the Milan show, around December 2026. No exact date for Italy has been announced.
How much will the KTM 390 Adventure R and X cost in 2027?
KTM has not yet announced prices for model year 2027. For reference, in our comparison of A2-license adventure bikes on October 1, 2026, the 2026 390 Adventure R was listed at €6,990 excluding dealer fees. The 2027 price list should be checked once it is published.
What is the difference between the KTM 390 Adventure R and 390 Adventure X?
In the official 2026 KTM specifications, the R has 21- and 18-inch spoked wheels, an 870 mm seat height, 230 mm of travel, and an adjustable fork; the X has 19- and 17-inch wheels, an 825 mm seat height, 200 mm of travel, and a non-adjustable fork. The engine, power (45 PS), torque (39 Nm), and dry weight (165 kg) are the same.
Is the KTM 390 Adventure suitable for an A2 license?
With a claimed 45 PS, equivalent to about 33 kW, it remains below the A2 license limit of 35 kW. For the power-to-weight ratio and homologation rules, the registration document for the individual motorcycle is authoritative: ask the dealer to confirm before buying. The 790 Adventure, with 95 PS, requires an A license.
Does the 2027 790 Adventure have any mechanical changes?
According to KTM's announcement, the only stated change is the black livery, replacing the previous orange and white ones. No changes to the engine, electronics, or chassis are listed.
Does the Kaoko cruise control fit the 2027 KTM 390 Adventure?
No. The Endurrad listing for the Kaoko KTM106 specifies the KTM 390 Adventure 2020-2023 with OEM handguards. It is a mechanical throttle lock that replaces the right bar-end weight, not a cruise control system, and it does not cover the generation from 2025 onward. The product is currently out of stock.
Which handguards fit the KTM 390 Adventure R from 2025 onward?
The Barkbusters BHG-146 kit is the two-point mounting frame specified for the 390 Adventure R and X, 390 Enduro R, and 390 SMC R from 2025 onward. JET, VPS, STORM, or CARBON plastics are ordered separately. The kit is currently out of stock: check the Barkbusters collection for availability.
Which tank bag fits the KTM 390 Adventure?
LOBOO tank bags attach using a ring that screws onto the fuel cap mounting points. For the KTM 390, 790, and 890 Adventure, the ring is the BTBZJ221, sold separately from the bag. For the 390 Adventure, the Endurrad listing also includes 2.5-3.5, 4.5-6.5, 7-9, and 10-liter models.
How much does the KTM 390 Adventure weigh?
In the official 2026 KTM specifications, both the R and X are listed at 165 kg dry, without fuel, and 176 kg with a full tank. KTM has not published the 2027 specifications.
Will KTM present more off-road models at EICMA 2026?
Yes, but without details: KTM has announced a press conference on November 3, 2026, at 10:45 in Hall 22, stand E08, with new technical developments designed for off-road riding and a surprise in the off-road segment. The press release does not name the model.
Is the KTM 390 Adventure suitable for long-distance touring?
It depends on how much luggage you carry and how much highway riding you do. With a 14-liter tank and 45 PS, it's a bike for light touring and mixed routes; for substantial luggage, a passenger, and sustained cruising speeds, the 790 Adventure, with 20 liters and 95 PS, is in another class. This is an editorial assessment, not KTM data.
For more details
Do you have a KTM 390 or 790 Adventure?
At Endurrad, you'll find accessories for KTM Adventure bikes: hand and lever protection, bags, mounts, and lighting, with compatibility verified by model and year. Send us your motorcycle's make, model, and year, and we'll check together what actually fits.
We also recommend the Endurrad app for iPhone
Sources consulted (verified October 29, 2026):
- KTM Sportmotorcycle: press release “KTM unveils exciting 2027 model lineup ahead of EICMA26”
- KTM: 2026 390 Adventure R technical specifications, 2026 390 Adventure X and 2026 790 Adventure
- Dueruote: KTM previews EICMA 2026 updates, 10/27/2026
- Moto.it: KTM at EICMA 2026, 2027 lineup unveiled, 10/28/2026
- ADV Pulse: U.S. specs and prices for the 390 Adventure R and X, 01/30/2025 (used only for the instrumentation and cruise control of the 2025 generation)
The technical data is for model year 2026; the 2027 specifications have not been released yet. Prices and availability may change: always check the official KTM pages and product specifications.
