Opinion: Why the ‘R’ in KTM 390 Enduro R Matters!

‘Why does it have an ‘R’ in its name’ was the question a lot of journalists unanimously asked at the media ride of KTM’s new 390 Enduro R. When KTM released the specifications of the Indian iteration of the motorcycle, journos and netizens frowned upon the fact that it is a watered-down version, in terms of suspension, travel, and ground clearance, of the one KTM has on display on its global website. Despite that, KTM India chose to give it the ‘R’ suffix which, as per KTM’s nomenclature, is reserved for the higher-spec, more hardcore versions of every motorcycle in its portfolio. So, people had two reasons to express their displeasure.

KTM’s Point of View

With the 390 Enduro R, KTM is entering a space no other manufacturer has tapped into. In case you aren’t aware, enduro is one level above adventure riding in terms of challenges, technicalities, and skills involved. Hence, enduro bikes are generally lighter and more off-road-focused than ADVs. However, KTM wanted to play it safe with its first-ever, beginner-friendly enduro motorcycle by keeping it more accessible to the masses, especially in terms of seat height. And bringing in the global-spec model with longer 230mm suspension travel would’ve meant a seat height of towering 890mm which, KTM thought, would’ve put off a lot of Indian riders who have an average height of around 5’5’’ to 5’8’’.

Public Backlash

As became clear by public outrage on social media, this thought process of KTM did not go down well with the enthusiasts and potential buyers of the motorcycle. People bluntly expressed their disregard online. For most of them, the fact that the company is making the longer travel suspension in India and still choosing not to make it available here seemed unacceptable. Moreover, potential buyers felt misled by KTM since it displayed the higher-spec version on its Indian website and on social media handles while taking bookings for the watered-down iteration. Some even claimed that they had booked the motorcycle, but, looking at the specs of the Indian model, are cancelling their booking.

A lot of people questioned KTM’s decision to give it the ‘R’ suffix. At the media event, when the company officials were asked the reason for using an ‘R’ in the name, they said that it meets the criteria to be eligible for that suffix. However, there was no clarity given on what the exact criteria were. The company claims that the internals and tuning of the suspension of the 390 Enduro R are different from the 390 Adventure, the bike it is based on, although both of them boast the same travel for the springs.

KTM’s Surprise

Just like us, KTM’s market research team was clearly observing the public disappointment and was quick to act upon it. Before the company officially announced it, we broke the story of KTM intending to bring in the international-spec model as a separate variant. The homologation process is already underway, and it should be completed in a couple of months. The one with 230mm suspension travel and 890mm seat height will probably be available before the festive season. Now, it remains to be seen how big a premium this variant demands over the existing model, which costs Rs. 3.37 lakh, ex-showroom. It will also be interesting to see what name KTM chooses to give the higher-spec model to differentiate it from the Indianised version.

Ideal Initial Move

We believe going all out in the beginning itself would’ve been the ideal move for KTM. You see, enduro is already a niche segment, especially in India, and that means its target audience approaches motorcycles with a different mindset than those opting for more practical, everyday motorcycles. Enduro riders desire the best of things that matter while going off the beaten path. Longer suspension travel, higher ground clearance, and lighter weight are some of the aspects which are higher on the priority list. If these bits are taken care of, a compromise in seat height is something most of them would be willing to deal with. Hence, entering the game with the hardcore version, followed by bringing in its more accessible variant, would’ve helped with the initial hype. Having said that, it’s commendable to see KTM taking the public feedback so seriously and acting upon it without any delay. It clearly shows the brand intends to serve exactly what its customers want.