KTM 390 Adventure R/X (2025+, 399 cc) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and service intervals for the KTM 390 Adventure R and 390 Adventure X, KTM’s smallest bike in their adventure line in most markets (there’s also a KTM 250 Adventure in some others).
The 2025 model of the KTM 390 Adventure has an updated 399 cc single-cylinder engine, which is smoother and lighter than the engine in the outgoing 390 Adventure with the 373 cc engine. Alongside this update, KTM gave the new 390 a technology update.
KTM also split the model into two — the KTM 390 Adventure R has 21/18 spoked wheels, an off-road mode, and longer-travel suspension. The X is more road-going, with 19/17 cast rims. and more road-focused tyres. Maintenance for both is the same, though.
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2025+ KTM 390 Adventure (R/X) Service Intervals
The KTM 390 Adventure has a 6,200-mile / 10,000 km or annual minor service interval, and a 12,000-mile / 20,000 km major service interval.
At the minor service, change the oil and air filter, and run over the list of checks for leaks, wear, and degraded materials (e.g. rubber hoses).
At the major service, change the spark plug and check the valve clearances. You only need to do this major service at the distance interval.
Make sure to keep the coolant and brake fluid fresh per the rest of the schedule. An easy way to do this is every two minor services.
What you need to service your KTM 390 Adventure
Servicing your 390 Adventure is fairly easy, as it’s a single-cylinder engine with exposed parts. So when the valve service comes up every 20,000 km / 12,000 mi, it’s not an overwhelming task.
Aside from basic motorcycle maintenance tools, here’s what you need to service your 390 Adventure.
| Part | KTM 390 (2025) Adventure spec |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | The manual requires SAE 15W-50 oil that meets JASO T903 MA2 spec, and recommends Motorex 4T oils, e.g. Motorex Top Speed 15W-50, a full synthetic. |
| Oil filter | Use a Hiflofiltro HF155 as a high-quality drop-in replacement — same as the outgoing model. |
| Spark plug | Standard spark plug is a Bosch VR6NEU, which is quite hard to find other than from KTM dealers. |
| Fork oil | Use SAE 5 fork oil, e.g. Motorex 5W Fork Oil (ADD LINK) which KTM recommends. |
| Air filter | The air filter for the 2025 model is different. Use DNA Air filter model P-KT3N24-01. (ADD LINK) |
| Brake fluid | KTM recommends Motorex DOT 5.1. |
| Coolant | The manual calls for Motorex Coolant M3.0, which is an OAT coolant based on ethylene glycol that’s silicate, nitrite, amine, borate, and phosphate free. (Most coolants contain at least phosphates or silicates… be wary) |
| Clutch cable lube | Use either engine oil or Protect all cable life, an affordable and quality lubricant. |
| Chain maintenance | Use Motul chain paste, a low-mess, high-quality chain lube. The manual recommends the more expensive Motorex chain lube. |
| Grease | The manual recommends Motorex Bike Grease 2000, although you can use any lithium soap-based grease. |
Maintenance schedule for the KTM 390 Adventure (2025)
The schedule below comes straight from the manual, though it has been formatted slightly for legibility.
KTM recommends that most of the work be done by mechanics, and users only do the following:
- Check brakes (maybe replace if necessary)
- Check/adjust tyre pressures
- Check/adjust chain tension
- Check coolant and brake fluid levels
And very little else. Of course, servicing the 390 Adventure isn’t hard, as a single-cylinder mostly-naked bike, so it’s up to you.
KTM 390 Adventure — Standard Inspection Checklist
Below is the inspection checklist for the KTM 390 Adventure for the 2025+ model. Do this according to the schedule below.
Some items are marked [Dealer] as they need special equipment.
| KTM 390 Adventure (2025) Standard inspection checklist |
|---|
| [Dealer] Read out the fault memory using the KTM diagnostics tool |
| [Dealer] Program the shift shaft sensor (if activated) |
| Check the chain (inc. chain tension), rear sprocket, and engine sprocket Also check regularly when riding — see below |
| Check that the electrical system is functioning properly (lights, switches) |
| Check the brake discs Front and rear disc minimum thickness: 4.5 mm / 0.18 in |
| Check that the front brake pads are secured and have sufficient thickness (minimum thickness 1 mm / 0.04 in) |
| Check that the rear brake pads are secured and have sufficient thickness (minimum thickness 1 mm / 0.04 in) |
| Check the brake lines for damage and tightness |
| Check brake fluid level, front and rear (between lines) |
| Check the tire condition (no damage, cracks) |
| Check tire pressure (see below for tire pressure specs) |
| Check spoke tension and retighten as necessary. (R model with spoked rims only) Not necessary on annual schedule |
| Check the shock absorber and fork for leaks |
| Check the coolant level |
| Check the anti-freeze / anti-boil effectiveness (if you have the right equipment) |
| Check that the radiator fan is functioning properly |
| Check the cables (including clutch cable) for damage and routing without sharp bends |
| Check the steering head bearing play (ensure ease of movement and no notches) |
| Empty the drainage hoses |
| Check all hoses (fuel, coolant, drainage etc.) and sleeves for cracking, leaks, and incorrect routing |
| Check the headlight setting |
| Grease all moving parts (e.g., side stand, hand lever, chain) and check for smooth operation |
| Check the tightness of the safety-relevant screws and nuts which are easily accessible. |
| Final check: Check the vehicle for safe operation and take a test ride. |
| [Dealer] Read out the error memory after the test ride using the KTM diagnostics tool. |
| [Dealer] Set the service interval display. |
| [Dealer] Enter electronic proof of service |
KTM 390 Adventure Maintenance Schedule
Below is the scheduled maintenance table for the 390 Adventure.
Notes
- Keep following the schedule in the pattern shown.
- Some items have a time-based schedule only (e.g. fluids), some a distance-based schedule only (e.g. valve clearance), but many items have both.
- We’ve simplified some of the interval distances (nobody is going to do a service at exactly 6,213.7 miles, as it says in the manual, so we put it at 6,200, for example)
| mi x 1000 | 0.6 | 6.2 | 12.4 | 18.6 | 24.8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 1 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | Every |
| Conduct a standard inspection service (see list above) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year (Not all items) |
| Change the engine oil (Motorex Top Speed 15W-50) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the oil filter (HF155) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Clean the oil screens | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the air filter (P-KT3N24-01) and clean the air filter box. Perform more often if riding in dusty conditions or off-road. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the valve clearances. Change spark plug if necessary. (Bosch VR6NEU) Note: No prescribed schedule for spark plug changes | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Retighten spokes Conduct in later services only if necessary | ✓ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | |
| Check the swingarm bearing for play | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the steering head bearing for play | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the wheel bearing for play | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Clean the dust boots of the fork legs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the swingarm | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Check the frame (rust, cracks) | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Change the front brake fluid, front and rear. (Motorex DOT 5.1) | 2 years | |||||
| Change the coolant (Motorex Coolant M3.0) | 4 years |
KTM 390 Adventure Chain Tension Adjustment
To check the chain tension on the 390 Adventure, you measure the distance between the chain and the swing arm, while pressing slightly upward on the chain.
To check / adjust the chain tension, you need:
- A paddock stand (unless you have a centre stand fitted)
- Large torque wrench, and a socket set or wrenches
- A rag or nitrile gloves or mechanic gloves (things get messy and chain lubricant is heavy)
Follow this procedure
- Raise the motorcycle using a paddock stand.
- Put the transmission into neutral
- Move the tyre until you find the tightest part of the chain (it may all be uniform, but often isn’t).
- In the area right after the sliding guard, press the chain up towards the swingarm.
- Measure the distance between the swingarm and the chain.
- Repeat the measurement across a few positions.
The target distance should be 5-7 mm (0.2-0.28 inches).
If you need to adjust chain tension:
- Loosen the axle nuts.
- Loosen the chain tension retaining nuts.
- Turn the tension adjusting screws. Turn them the same amount so that the adjustor positions are in the same position on both sides. This keeps the wheel in alignment.
- Check chain tension, and keep repeating until it’s right.
- Tighten nuts other than the axle nut.
- Make sure that the chain adjusters are correctly fitted on the screws (i.e. that it’s not out of the operating range).
- Tighten the axle nut (use a big torque wrench — 74 ft-lb or 100 Nm of torque).
KTM 390 Adventure Tire sizes and pressures
The 390 Adventure ships with the following tire sizes and pressures.
Unlike the outgoing 390 Adventure, the new 2025+ 390 Adventure ships either in X or R trim.
KTM 390 Adventure R Tires (Spoked rims)
The KTM 390 Adventure R (2025+) ships with Mitas Enduro Trail+ tyres in 21/18 combination.
| Wheel | Tyre size | Tyre pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 90/90-21 M/C 54T M+S TT | 200 kPa / 2 bar / 29 psi |
| Rear | 140/80-18 M/C 70T M+S TT | 200 kPa / 2 bar / 29 psi 220 kPa / 2.2 bar / 32 psi with passenger |
KTM 390 Adventure X Tires (Cast rims)
The 2025+ KTM 390 Adventure X has 19/17 tyres on cast rims. Stock tyres are MRF Apollo Treamplr XR.
| Wheel | Tyre size | Tyre pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 100/90-19 M/C 57T M+S TL | 200 kPa / 2 bar / 29 psi |
| Rear | 130/80-17 M/C 65H M+S TL | 200 kPa / 2 bar / 29 psi 220 kPa / 2.2 bar / 32 psi with passenger |
About the KTM 390 Adventure (2025+)
The KTM 390 Adventure continues to be a high-spec, modestly powered, and well-liked compact adventure motorcycle.
The small adventure motorcycle market is booming. While big bikes like the BMW R 1300 GS are still popular choices, many people recognise that a small bike is everything you need — and in many cases, a much better choice — for going off the beaten track, where weight, cost, and difficult-to-get parts can be liabilities in the middle of nowhere.
KTM’s 390 platform powers a number of small bikes, including the Duke and the RC 390. But the Adventure is the one to pick for travel on and off-road.
KTM updated the 390 Adventure since its release in 2020, giving it spoked rims in 2023, but the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure is a much bigger step forward than the old bike ever got.
The biggest change is underneath. The 2025 bike sits on a completely new chassis and runs KTM’s new 399-cc LC4c engine, still making learner-friendly 32 kW / 43 bhp at 8500 rpm, and 50 Nm / 37 lb-ft at 6500 rpm. But the engine is smoother, lighter, and Euro 5.2 compliant. (Exact power and torque specs vary by market.)
Service intervals are now much wider and cheaper to live with: services are every 10,000 km (6,200 mi), reducing workshop visits compared to the older motor, which had intervals about 3/4 the distance of this model. With ride-by-wire, there are fewer things to check, too!
Where the previous model already had cornering ABS via an IMU, the new generation improves the off-road ABS mode by ensuring it stays on after key cycles. ABS is still switchable, and rear lock is allowed off-road.
Tech has moved on too. The old TFT and Bluetooth setup is replaced by an all-new 5-inch bonded-glass display (TFT on Adventure R, LCD on Adventure X), redesigned switchgear, and full connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, music, and call handling. Full LED lighting remains, now with rally-style headlights.
Off-road intent is clearer now. Instead of the old one-size-fits-all 19-inch front, the range splits properly
- The Adventure R gets true 21/18-inch spoked wheels with long-travel WP Apex suspension
- The Adventure X sticks to 19/17 cast wheels for more road bias.
Either way, suspension quality and control are a clear upgrade over the earlier WP Apex setup.
And then if you’re really interested in just off-road riding, there’s the KTM 390 Enduro R — but that’s basically a different motorcycle.
Manual for the KTM 390 Adventure
The above maintenance schedule came from the manual for the KTM 390 Adventure.
You can download the manual directly from KTM here.
