At the recent launch ride of the KTM 390 Enduro, Bajaj sprung a surprise by revealing that the bike would have reduced suspension travel for India. Following a stream of disappointment in this regard, both on social media and in reviews from the event, Bajaj has now announced that it will also launch the international-spec 390 Enduro R in India.
- Launch within the next two months
- Will be sold alongside existing model with the lower seat height
International spec KTM 390 Enduro R
Globally the 390 Enduro R gets 230mm of travel on both ends
The differences between the Indian and export-spec bikes largely boil down to two things – tyres and suspension. The first of these is not an issue given that the locally manufactured (by Reise Moto) Mitas E-07 Enduro Trail tyres proved to be quite impressive on the media test ride event. As for the suspension, while the international spec model has 230mm of travel at both ends, KTM has given the Indian model the same 200mm/205mm set up as the Indian-spec 390 Adventure.
The company has now shared that the Enduro R with the long travel suspension will go on sale in 45-60 days as the bike will need to be homologated. Whether KTM decides to increase the price for the extra suspension travel and by how much remains to be seen. For reference, the recently launched 390 Enduro R is priced at Rs 3.37 lakh ex-showroom, which places it neatly between the two 390 Adventure variants and about Rs 7,000 more than the much lighter, but significantly slower Kawasaki KLX 230.
It’s good to see Bajaj take this decision as the 390 Enduro R is quite a niche product that will appeal to riders who want the off-road capability. Having the choice of a lower seat model will be nice, but potential customers will now be glad not to be deprived of the full experience.
Also see: KTM 390 Enduro R review: compromised but still capable enough?
