KTM 390 Adventure Lowering Options for Shorter Riders
The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R is a tall bike. Its seat is listed at 870 mm, and Rider Magazine lists 35.2 inches. For a lot of riders that means tiptoes at junctions, which is tiring on the road and unnerving on a loose, sloping trail. The good news: you have more options than you might think, from choosing the lower variant to a dedicated lowering kit. Each option changes the bike in different ways, so here is what to weigh up.
Quick answer
- Not bought yet? The Adventure X is listed at about 825 mm, roughly 45 mm lower than the R.
- Own an R? Touratech and Hyperpro list a −35 mm kit with new front and rear springs for the 2025+ R. It does not fit the X or older bikes.
- Older bike (2020–2024)? KTM’s WP lowering kit 95812955044 (25 mm) is listed for those years.
- Lowering reduces ground clearance and may need a shorter side stand. Plan for both.
Option 1: choose the X
If you have not bought yet and you are not planning serious trail riding, the X solves the problem at source. Its seat is listed at about 825 mm and its suspension has less travel, which is part of why it sits lower. You give up the R’s adjustable suspension and 21-inch front wheel, but you also save money: the US price was reported at $5,899 for the X against $6,999 for the R.
Option 2: a lowering kit for the R
Touratech, working with Hyperpro, lists a kit for the 2025-on Adventure R that lowers the bike by 35 mm (1.4 inches) using new springs front and rear. Cycle News reported a $429 retail price. According to the announcement it does not fit the Adventure X or 2019–2024 bikes.
Why springs rather than a link? Lowering with springs keeps the front and rear in balance and avoids the geometry change you get from lowering only the rear. It is usually a more involved job, so many riders have a suspension shop fit it.
Option 3: older bikes (2020–2024)
KTM’s own WP lowering kit (95812955044) is listed for the 2020–2024 390 Adventure at 25 mm, and Touratech lists a −30 mm kit for the 390 Adventure from 2020. Neither is listed for the new generation.
Other ways to feel more confident
- Boots with thicker soles. Adventure boots vary by a centimetre or more.
- Slide off the seat. Shift your weight to one side and plant one foot flat instead of two on tiptoe.
- Reduce preload within the range your manual allows. It changes static sag and can help slightly, but it also changes handling.
- A lower seat, if one becomes available for your variant. KTM’s Ergo seat goes the other way: it adds 18 mm.
What lowering changes
| Effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| Less ground clearance | Fit a good skid plate; pick lines more carefully off-road |
| Bike leans further on the side stand | Check stability; a shorter stand may be needed |
| Less suspension travel (with some kits) | Expect to bottom out sooner on big hits |
| Changed steering feel (rear-only lowering) | Prefer kits that lower both ends |
Our advice
If you are within a couple of centimetres of comfortable, start with boots and technique. If the R is clearly too tall, the Touratech and Hyperpro kit is the cleanest fix because it lowers both ends. And if you have not bought yet, sit on both variants before you choose.
Setting sag after lowering
Any lowering job changes how the suspension sits, so set sag again afterwards. Measure static sag (bike alone) and rider sag (you in full gear) and adjust preload to the target figures in your manual or from your suspension shop. On the R, re-check damping too; a kit with new springs may need different settings from stock.
Practise low-speed control
Lowering helps, but technique matters as much. A few practice sessions in an empty car park make a big difference:
- Slow figure-eights using the rear brake and clutch to control speed.
- Stopping with one foot down, choosing the higher side on a camber.
- Walking the bike backwards while seated, to reverse out of parking spaces.
- Picking the bike up using your legs, back against the seat. Practise once on soft ground with a friend.
Questions for a suspension shop
- Which kit do you recommend for my variant and weight?
- Will you set sag and damping after fitting?
- Will I need a shorter side stand?
- How much ground clearance will I lose?
- Can you return the bike to stock later if I sell it?
Three riders, three answers
Slightly short for the R
On the balls of both feet already? Try boots with thicker soles and practise technique before spending money. Many riders adapt within a few weeks.
Clearly too short for the R
On tiptoe on one foot? The Touratech and Hyperpro −35 mm kit for the 2025-on R is the cleanest fix, ideally fitted by a suspension shop.
Not bought yet
Sit on both variants. If the X’s seat height suits you and you do not plan serious trails, it saves you the cost of a lowering kit and is cheaper to buy.
Glossary
- Seat height: the maker’s measurement from the ground to the seat. Your reach also depends on seat width.
- Sag: how far the suspension compresses under the bike’s own weight (static) and with you on it (rider sag).
- Preload: an adjustment that sets how much the spring is compressed before you sit on the bike.
- Ground clearance: the gap between the lowest part of the bike and the ground.
Things that make a tall bike feel lower
- A slimmer seat front, so your legs drop straight down.
- Stopping with one foot on the higher side of a camber.
- Getting off on the side stand side and leaning the bike towards you.
- Choosing where you stop: flat, firm ground beats loose gravel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the seat height of the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R?
It is listed at 870 mm, and Rider Magazine lists 35.2 inches.
Is there a lowering kit for the 2025 390 Adventure R?
Yes. Touratech and Hyperpro list a 35 mm kit with front and rear springs for the 2025-on R. It does not fit the X or older bikes.
Does the KTM WP lowering kit fit the 2025 bike?
The WP kit 95812955044 is listed for the 2020 to 2024 390 Adventure, not the new generation.
Is the 390 Adventure X lower than the R?
Yes. The X is listed at about 825 mm, roughly 45 mm lower than the R.
Sources
- Cycle News, Touratech KTM 390 ADV R lowering kit: cyclenews.com
- KTM Direct UK, lowering kit 95812955044: ktmdirect.co.uk
- Touratech, lowering kit −30 mm for 390 Adventure (2020-): touratech.com.au
- Rider Magazine, 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R video review (seat height): ridermagazine.com
- TRF, 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R and X reveal (seat heights): trf.org.uk
- Expedition Portal, 2025 prices: expeditionportal.com
- AOMC, KTM Ergo tall seat 390 Adventure: aomc.mx
