Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
On paper, the KTM 390 Adventure R is the closest thing to the fabled “unicorn” ADV bike that’s available today. At a claimed 388 lbs wet it’s easily the lightest ADV bike you can buy from a dealer. That’s 40 lbs lighter than any of its competitors.
I’ve got 1400 miles on the KTM 390 Adventure R.
I’ve taken it in the mud, sand, did some OHV trails, and I ran 3 ORBDR hard sections on purpose and one on accident.
I’ve done hours on the highway and day-long rides in the woods.
I had a bit of a slow start with this one but once I got rolling it ended up being one of the most thorough ADV bike tests I’ve ever done.
After all that…how has it done? Is it the UNICORN or just another small ADV bike in a growing crowd of similar offerings from other manufacturers?
KTM 390 Adventure R Mods List (affiliate links where possible):
Tusk 390 Kickstand Spring Relocation Bracket: rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-kickstand-spring-relocation-bracket-p?ref=1035
Tusk Waypoint Tires: rockymountainatvmc.com/tires-and-wheels/tusk-waypoint-adventure®-tire-p?ref=1035
Cyclops Aux Lights: cyclopsadventuresports.com/cyclops-aries-led-auxiliary-light-set.html?affid=15
Tuff Lights Turn Signals:
cyclopsadventuresports.com/Tuff-Light-full-flex-Blinkers_p_437.html?affid=15
Skene P3 Rear Brake Lights: cyclopsadventuresports.com/Skene-P3-TailBrake-Lighting-System-_p_161.html
Motion Factory Racing Footpegs: motionfactoryracing.com/products/mounts-hcb-fits-honda-cb-models
Adventure Tech Pro Tablet and Mount: motocampnerd.com/products/adventuretechpro-gps-pro-pack-kit?ref=dork
Doubletake Adventure Mirrors: rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/double-take-adventure-mirror-kit-p?ref=1035eat
Seat Pad: amzn.to/4cRCPSY
Tusk Quiet Glide Skidplate: rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-quiet-glide-adventure-skid-plate-p?ref=1035
Tusk D-Flex Pro Handguards: rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-d-flex-pro-handguards-p?ref=1035
Mosko Moto Alpine 60 Soft Luggage: moskomoto.com/collections/rackless-systems/products/alpine-60l-rackless?ghref=12956%3A690577
Mosko Moto Gnoblin Mount: moskomoto.com/collections/accessories/products/the-gnoblin?ghref=12956%3A690577
Mosko Moto Gnat Handlebar Bag: moskomoto.com/collections/motorcycle-tank-bags/products/gnat-handlebar-bag?ghref=12956%3A690577
Outback Motortek Rear Rack: west.outbackmotortek.us/product/ktm-390-adventure-r-rear-rack-combo
Outback Motortek Soft Luggage Rack: west.outbackmotortek.us/product/ktm-390-adventure-r-rackless-luggage-support
Channel Sponsors:
Brake Free: https://crtor.one/DorkintheRoad-BrakeFree21
(save $10 with promo code "dorkintheroad")
Cyclops Adventure Lighting: cyclopsadventuresports.com/?AffId=15
(save 10% with promo code "dorkintheroad)
MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork
Quad Lock: Save 10% at quadlockcase.net/discount/dorkintheroad with promo code "dorkintheroad"
Thank you for supporting the channel by clicking on the affiliate links in this description.
Dork in the Road Sweepstakes OFFICIAL RULES: docs.google.com/document/d/1RQtiIu3sphRlmHPoT2NUD_iHI-9CT6DMPzJ7IClc1do/edit?usp=sharing
FULL DISCLOSURE: MotoCamp Nerd pays me to create content for his YouTube channel. This isn't a "sponsorship" per se, but it does mean I use their products exclusively and may impact my opinions about camping gear. Fortunately their stuff is good so I'm happy to recommend it, but just FYI.
Disclaimer for reasons: I am not a professional journalist, expert motorcycle rider, or a mechanic. These videos are for entertainment purposes and represent my personal opinions and experiences. I'm just a dude who isn't even good at riding or making videos, so be smart and don't risk life or limb trying to follow my example or advice. My official recommendation is to avoid my content entirely for your own safety.
On paper, the KTM 390 Adventure R is the closest thing to the fabled “unicorn” ADV bike that’s available today. At a claimed 388 lbs wet it’s easily the lightest ADV bike you can buy from a dealer. That’s 40 lbs lighter than any of its competitors.
I’ve got 1400 miles on the KTM 390 Adventure R.
I’ve taken it in the mud, sand, did some OHV trails, and I ran 3 ORBDR hard sections on purpose and one on accident.
I’ve done hours on the highway and day-long rides in the woods.
I had a bit of a slow start with this one but once I got rolling it ended up being one of the most thorough ADV bike tests I’ve ever done.
After all that…how has it done? Is it the UNICORN or just another small ADV bike in a growing crowd of similar offerings from other manufacturers?
KTM 390 Adventure R Mods List (affiliate links where possible):
Tusk 390 Kickstand Spring Relocation Bracket: rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-kickstand-spring-relocation-bracket-p?ref=1035
Tusk Waypoint Tires: rockymountainatvmc.com/tires-and-wheels/tusk-waypoint-adventure®-tire-p?ref=1035
Cyclops Aux Lights: cyclopsadventuresports.com/cyclops-aries-led-auxiliary-light-set.html?affid=15
Tuff Lights Turn Signals:
cyclopsadventuresports.com/Tuff-Light-full-flex-Blinkers_p_437.html?affid=15
Skene P3 Rear Brake Lights: cyclopsadventuresports.com/Skene-P3-TailBrake-Lighting-System-_p_161.html
Motion Factory Racing Footpegs: motionfactoryracing.com/products/mounts-hcb-fits-honda-cb-models
Adventure Tech Pro Tablet and Mount: motocampnerd.com/products/adventuretechpro-gps-pro-pack-kit?ref=dork
Doubletake Adventure Mirrors: rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/double-take-adventure-mirror-kit-p?ref=1035eat
Seat Pad: amzn.to/4cRCPSY
Tusk Quiet Glide Skidplate: rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-quiet-glide-adventure-skid-plate-p?ref=1035
Tusk D-Flex Pro Handguards: rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-d-flex-pro-handguards-p?ref=1035
Mosko Moto Alpine 60 Soft Luggage: moskomoto.com/collections/rackless-systems/products/alpine-60l-rackless?ghref=12956%3A690577
Mosko Moto Gnoblin Mount: moskomoto.com/collections/accessories/products/the-gnoblin?ghref=12956%3A690577
Mosko Moto Gnat Handlebar Bag: moskomoto.com/collections/motorcycle-tank-bags/products/gnat-handlebar-bag?ghref=12956%3A690577
Outback Motortek Rear Rack: west.outbackmotortek.us/product/ktm-390-adventure-r-rear-rack-combo
Outback Motortek Soft Luggage Rack: west.outbackmotortek.us/product/ktm-390-adventure-r-rackless-luggage-support
Channel Sponsors:
Brake Free: https://crtor.one/DorkintheRoad-BrakeFree21
(save $10 with promo code "dorkintheroad")
Cyclops Adventure Lighting: cyclopsadventuresports.com/?AffId=15
(save 10% with promo code "dorkintheroad)
MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork
Quad Lock: Save 10% at quadlockcase.net/discount/dorkintheroad with promo code "dorkintheroad"
Thank you for supporting the channel by clicking on the affiliate links in this description.
Dork in the Road Sweepstakes OFFICIAL RULES: docs.google.com/document/d/1RQtiIu3sphRlmHPoT2NUD_iHI-9CT6DMPzJ7IClc1do/edit?usp=sharing
FULL DISCLOSURE: MotoCamp Nerd pays me to create content for his YouTube channel. This isn't a "sponsorship" per se, but it does mean I use their products exclusively and may impact my opinions about camping gear. Fortunately their stuff is good so I'm happy to recommend it, but just FYI.
Disclaimer for reasons: I am not a professional journalist, expert motorcycle rider, or a mechanic. These videos are for entertainment purposes and represent my personal opinions and experiences. I'm just a dude who isn't even good at riding or making videos, so be smart and don't risk life or limb trying to follow my example or advice. My official recommendation is to avoid my content entirely for your own safety.
