thank you, Codger. this review persuaded me to try on the 390 Adventure, and it fit near perfectly. i bought one a month ago, and i already have 1,200 miles on her. it seems to be a stock jeep wrangler, or subaru crosstrek of a bike, which is just right for me, a fellow codger of 69. there is just a bit of a hooligan left in me, and the 390 handles that well, too.
As a 67 year old codger I agree. Nice upgrade from my KLR 650. Going to check one out next week. Not going off road anymore, but like to roam the dirt and gravel lanes. Going to check out the CB500X, too. Will check out your review of that bike. Great review. Thanks!
There is meant to be a 490 Adventure coming, with a parallel twin engine. That could be the best of both worlds! Loved the review, though. Best one about this bike on here if you ask me!
Cheers, really appreciate it - it was wet! Yes I am holding out for the 490Adv myself. Once (if!) it arrives then I shall have a decision to make. But if I went for the 390 Adv, I can't think of much that it can't do, for my needs. So it's kind of nice to have that one in the 'choice bank' so-to-speak. I'd still want reassurances about the TFT first though. My 790 Adv has had 3 so far and there is still condensation. Whether that really is an issue long-term, well only the long-term will reveal. I'll keep vlogging meantime and reporting back - the truth is important. 👍
Yet another Codger checking in....73 here. Here's my dilemma. I currently own a 2019 KTM 690Enduro R and a Kawasaki z650 naked street bike. I bought the Z650 to compliment the 690. Problem is I keep passing lots of double track dirt roads while riding the Z650 and have been experiencing some buyers remorse. So now I'm considering trading it in on something that's quite street capable but still can allow me to venture off on some easier gravel roads. Enter the KTM 390 Adventure or the Honda CB500x. Frankly the 390 offers WAY more for the buck and it weighs substantially less. There's even a youtube showing the 390 pulling away from the CB500x in several gears on the highway. I was shocked to see it. The only thing that has me even looking at the CB is the reliability factor although I have not had one second of trouble with my 690 Enduro. At 73 the weight of the bike is becoming much more important. Which one would you choose! Great review btw!
Well I can tell you not only what I would choose, but what I did in fact choose after riding this bike. I had suspected a single cylinder would be too vibey for me, but was quite surprised by the 390Adv, some vibes sure, but the balancer tech seems to make it very viable. However I did not want to lose too many HP and I too need light weight these days due to a hip issue. So... I chose a 690 Enduro R. I have set about adventurising it, rather than buying another Adv bike. Not for everyone of course, but it suits me so far. Have you considered making the most of what you have? Nothing is lighter in the bikes I looked at, as you will know 👍 ua-cam.com/play/PLeqBZ9Sn4T5v0B4GcWmSFBTAZPns3nrxE.html
I have considered it but I always like having two bikes just in case one is in the shop. 😊 I really like riding, I worked hard for my money and if I don’t deserve two bikes then who? 😂
👍 I'm with you on that. I worked my whole life and only now can afford a decent bike. In that case I'd say CB500x. A proper Steady Eddie of a bike, which can do most things when the whim takes you and will last for years. You deserve it! 👍
Great review Codger. I think that the crappy crappy weather actually helped add something to it. Not great for you I know, but it reminds you to think about weather protection etc. Nice work 👍🏼
Thank you, Codger Biker. This would be the very proper review. Considering the level and category where this bike seats. Many reviewers are starting the review from or comparing with $30,000 Australian dollars bikes, which are very different category.
Very good review. I was looking for a review from a 790 owner to get the sense of the difference between these two. I have the 790 R and we are planning to get this for my son. I think we will go ahead based on you positive views.
Oh, now I feel responsible! 😁 Apart from TFT condensation issue (common to both 790/390adv) and based upon a test ride only, I thought it was fantastic, especially for the price.
I’ve just bought one ( 2024) it’s light and sure footed in the corners, but off road and going slow it’s gutless up to 4,000 revs, in fact you have to rev its balls off when you try to pull away from the lights, if a smaller gearbox sprocket and a re-map doesn’t get me any lower down power I will sell it. I should have found a green lane when I test rode it
So does anyone know WHEN the 2021 KTM 390 ADV will be announced? I wonder what/of any significant updates it will come with fur the USA market. I will be comparing this to the new 2021 UPDATED BMW G310gs ADV. 👍🏽
Just ordered one from Ian at Colwyn Bay Motorcycles, I didn't know about the TFT issue, is the quick-shifter standard or an option? can't seem to find any info on it regards to price.I've ordered the bigger screen of the 790 though Straight fit, as I thought the little one would be an issue.Can't wait for delivery.Geoff
Hi Geoff. I do not know if the condensation issue is present on the 390 Adv. I was assured that any faulty ones will be replaced, and they have always done so without a quibble. I would not bother with the quickshifter on the 390 Adv as it is (so I am told) nowhere near as smooth as the 790 Adv. In any case I thought it was plenty smooth enough as is. Great bike I have to say, it really surprised me. Thanks for watching 👍
Well here’s a thing. I was amazed how smooth they have these singles now. Not quite as good as a twin, but no longer thumpers. So much so I changed my bike from a 790 Adv (twin) to a, well not a 390, but a 690 Enduro R. But it was the 390 Adv convinced me I could live with these modern singles with balancer shafts etc. 👍
Hard to say, could be. My inside leg is 32” and I was fine, which did surprise me. I noticed Missenden Flyer (he says he is 5’8”) is riding one about with no issue. Maybe the preload was fully wound up or something?
Just stumbled on this cool to see a uk review Ive been lookin at these the himmy an cb500x after getting rid of my 1200gsa te. That used to surge really bad to.
Thank you. I tried the CB500x also. ua-cam.com/video/s3T4_ITU2W8/v-deo.html I'm in a similar position. Waiting to try the 490Adv early next year hopefully, before deciding. 👍
That, of course, is a great question. I'm heading for about 500cc next time. But the 390 Adv surprised me because it did not feel less powerful. It was lighter too, and less top heavy. The Honda was, maybe from memory, a tad more comfortable. Of course the CB500x has been around for a while and so issues, if there are any, will be known. The 390Adv is a new bike, so I would want to know more about reliability before spending my own money. If both bikes were side by side and I was heading off on a bit of motorway to ride B roads and trails I'd hop on the 390 - more fun. If spending a day on the motorway, I'd get on the Honda. But there's not much in it from a test ride point of view.
I believe the 390 Adventure accelerates quicker, presumably because it is lighter, but the CB 500 X has a higher top speed. I was looking at both of these bikes and went for the Honda.
Thank you for your review! What would be best for beginner rider between cb500x or 390 adventure if I am going to commute on work every day. Does traction control really helpful and abs cornering on 390 adventure? I am living quiet rainy climate.
@@artemeffects Well I’d advise trying both first. I prefer having traction control rather than not. KTM is good at it, non intrusive. However, for a commuter I’d probably go with the 2022 CB500x on comfort grounds. I’d be very happy with either truth be told. Maybe see what is available? 👍
I didn't. But it did convince me KTM one cylinder is enough, so I got a 690 Enduro R - see videos on my channel. But I agree it is a great all rounder 👍
@@stanleylawson9015 In the end I decided I could live with a single cylinder bike, not as thumpy as the old days. There was a single 690 R available, mid-Covid, so I snapped it up just before another 3 month Lockdown. SMCR is a bit less suspension travel, tubeless 17" wheels and supermoto focused rather than dual sport.
@@CodgerBiker these am finding are hard to find also as would really like to check this one out before fully making final decision but agree single are more than enough
I expect they will do better than that with a Rally version. To be honest I was really impressed with the stocker. Plenty of potential for customising. 👍
thank you, Codger. this review persuaded me to try on the 390 Adventure, and it fit near perfectly. i bought one a month ago, and i already have 1,200 miles on her. it seems to be a stock jeep wrangler, or subaru crosstrek of a bike, which is just right for me, a fellow codger of 69. there is just a bit of a hooligan left in me, and the 390 handles that well, too.
I enjoyed it very much. One of the reasons I have gone single cylinder myself. 👍
How's it been? I'm test driving one this weekend. Snow doesn't thaw here until April/May but I want to hit the ground running
Instablaster...
as a 69-year-old codger, i much appreciate this review. going to look at one tomorrow ...
Go with an open mind. I was surprised by it. Good luck 👍👍
As a 67 year old codger I agree. Nice upgrade from my KLR 650. Going to check one out next week. Not going off road anymore, but like to roam the dirt and gravel lanes. Going to check out the CB500X, too. Will check out your review of that bike. Great review. Thanks!
@@BubbaSatori I like both very much. Enjoy the test rides, it'd be interesting which you choose 👍
There is meant to be a 490 Adventure coming, with a parallel twin engine. That could be the best of both worlds!
Loved the review, though. Best one about this bike on here if you ask me!
Cheers, really appreciate it - it was wet! Yes I am holding out for the 490Adv myself. Once (if!) it arrives then I shall have a decision to make. But if I went for the 390 Adv, I can't think of much that it can't do, for my needs. So it's kind of nice to have that one in the 'choice bank' so-to-speak. I'd still want reassurances about the TFT first though. My 790 Adv has had 3 so far and there is still condensation. Whether that really is an issue long-term, well only the long-term will reveal. I'll keep vlogging meantime and reporting back - the truth is important. 👍
Yet another Codger checking in....73 here. Here's my dilemma. I currently own a 2019 KTM 690Enduro R and a Kawasaki z650 naked street bike. I bought the Z650 to compliment the 690. Problem is I keep passing lots of double track dirt roads while riding the Z650 and have been experiencing some buyers remorse. So now I'm considering trading it in on something that's quite street capable but still can allow me to venture off on some easier gravel roads. Enter the KTM 390 Adventure or the Honda CB500x. Frankly the 390 offers WAY more for the buck and it weighs substantially less. There's even a youtube showing the 390 pulling away from the CB500x in several gears on the highway. I was shocked to see it. The only thing that has me even looking at the CB is the reliability factor although I have not had one second of trouble with my 690 Enduro. At 73 the weight of the bike is becoming much more important. Which one would you choose! Great review btw!
Well I can tell you not only what I would choose, but what I did in fact choose after riding this bike. I had suspected a single cylinder would be too vibey for me, but was quite surprised by the 390Adv, some vibes sure, but the balancer tech seems to make it very viable. However I did not want to lose too many HP and I too need light weight these days due to a hip issue. So... I chose a 690 Enduro R. I have set about adventurising it, rather than buying another Adv bike. Not for everyone of course, but it suits me so far. Have you considered making the most of what you have? Nothing is lighter in the bikes I looked at, as you will know 👍 ua-cam.com/play/PLeqBZ9Sn4T5v0B4GcWmSFBTAZPns3nrxE.html
I have considered it but I always like having two bikes just in case one is in the shop. 😊 I really like riding, I worked hard for my money and if I don’t deserve two bikes then who? 😂
👍 I'm with you on that. I worked my whole life and only now can afford a decent bike. In that case I'd say CB500x. A proper Steady Eddie of a bike, which can do most things when the whim takes you and will last for years. You deserve it! 👍
Great review Codger. I think that the crappy crappy weather actually helped add something to it. Not great for you I know, but it reminds you to think about weather protection etc. Nice work 👍🏼
Cheers. I have to say I was blown away by it - as well as the weather. Very capable and great value. 👍
Thank you, Codger Biker. This would be the very proper review. Considering the level and category where this bike seats. Many reviewers are starting the review from or comparing with $30,000 Australian dollars bikes, which are very different category.
Great review Codger. Most informative vid on the 390adv, using it the way the majority of owners actually will.
Peace✌🏻
Thank you! 👍 Yes it's certainly how I would use it, just a bit wetter 😁
Picking one of these up Saturday.
Jealous! Great bike 👍
Very good review. I was looking for a review from a 790 owner to get the sense of the difference between these two. I have the 790 R and we are planning to get this for my son. I think we will go ahead based on you positive views.
Oh, now I feel responsible! 😁 Apart from TFT condensation issue (common to both 790/390adv) and based upon a test ride only, I thought it was fantastic, especially for the price.
Helpful review for someone like me planning to buy a 390. Thank you.
Glad to help. Thanks for watching 👍
You can get the KTM ergo heated seat for the 790, it's more comfortable than a sofa.
True, but then you could be higher up. I don’t find it a problem, it’s just noticeable on some other bikes by contrast 👍
Great review, probably the best I've seen on this bike so far. Well done and thank you...
Thank you, much appreciated. I had a great time too 👍
Put deposit down on one from Colwyn bay cycles today,have never rode one.
I enjoyed it very much. I hope you do too - let us know! 👍
I’ve just bought one ( 2024) it’s light and sure footed in the corners, but off road and going slow it’s gutless up to 4,000 revs, in fact you have to rev its balls off when you try to pull away from the lights, if a smaller gearbox sprocket and a re-map doesn’t get me any lower down power I will sell it.
I should have found a green lane when I test rode it
I guess it has a road engine. 👍
@@CodgerBikeryeah it’s a road bike that looks like an adventure bike
Best KTM for me is 690 Enduro R, with an aftermarket fairing, I had a Rade on mine.
So does anyone know WHEN the 2021 KTM 390 ADV will be announced?
I wonder what/of any significant updates it will come with fur the USA market.
I will be comparing this to the new 2021 UPDATED BMW G310gs ADV. 👍🏽
Not heard anything. I doubt there will be any as it's not been out for a year yet. 👍
Just ordered one from Ian at Colwyn Bay Motorcycles, I didn't know about the TFT issue, is the quick-shifter standard or an option? can't seem to find any info on it regards to price.I've ordered the bigger screen of the 790 though Straight fit, as I thought the little one would be an issue.Can't wait for delivery.Geoff
Hi Geoff. I do not know if the condensation issue is present on the 390 Adv. I was assured that any faulty ones will be replaced, and they have always done so without a quibble. I would not bother with the quickshifter on the 390 Adv as it is (so I am told) nowhere near as smooth as the 790 Adv. In any case I thought it was plenty smooth enough as is. Great bike I have to say, it really surprised me. Thanks for watching 👍
Great review, did you feel any adverse vibrations through the bars being a single. Cheers.
Well here’s a thing. I was amazed how smooth they have these singles now. Not quite as good as a twin, but no longer thumpers. So much so I changed my bike from a 790 Adv (twin) to a, well not a 390, but a 690 Enduro R. But it was the 390 Adv convinced me I could live with these modern singles with balancer shafts etc. 👍
I tried sitting on one in the showroom - I could barely tiptoe and I’m 5ft 10. Could big legs be the problem?
Hard to say, could be. My inside leg is 32” and I was fine, which did surprise me. I noticed Missenden Flyer (he says he is 5’8”) is riding one about with no issue. Maybe the preload was fully wound up or something?
Just stumbled on this cool to see a uk review Ive been lookin at these the himmy an cb500x after getting rid of my 1200gsa te. That used to surge really bad to.
Thank you. I tried the CB500x also. ua-cam.com/video/s3T4_ITU2W8/v-deo.html
I'm in a similar position. Waiting to try the 490Adv early next year hopefully, before deciding. 👍
Which did you go for in the end Norton?
Thanks.
You're welcome 👍
Awesome review bud 👍🏻
Thank you! I had a great time even in the rain 👍
Did the TFT steam up on the 390?
Answered ta..
As I said in the video, there appeared to be slight condensation in top right corner.
Thanks for the excellent review! How would you compare it with the cb500x which you test drove?
That, of course, is a great question. I'm heading for about 500cc next time. But the 390 Adv surprised me because it did not feel less powerful. It was lighter too, and less top heavy. The Honda was, maybe from memory, a tad more comfortable. Of course the CB500x has been around for a while and so issues, if there are any, will be known. The 390Adv is a new bike, so I would want to know more about reliability before spending my own money. If both bikes were side by side and I was heading off on a bit of motorway to ride B roads and trails I'd hop on the 390 - more fun. If spending a day on the motorway, I'd get on the Honda. But there's not much in it from a test ride point of view.
@@CodgerBiker thank you so much! That's very helpful as I'm in the market for one of those and needing to decide.
I believe the 390 Adventure accelerates quicker, presumably because it is lighter, but the CB 500 X has a higher top speed.
I was looking at both of these bikes and went for the Honda.
Thank you for your review! What would be best for beginner rider between cb500x or 390 adventure if I am going to commute on work every day. Does traction control really helpful and abs cornering on 390 adventure? I am living quiet rainy climate.
@@artemeffects Well I’d advise trying both first. I prefer having traction control rather than not. KTM is good at it, non intrusive. However, for a commuter I’d probably go with the 2022 CB500x on comfort grounds. I’d be very happy with either truth be told. Maybe see what is available? 👍
Did you get one in the end, just put a deposit down for one great little all rounder
I didn't. But it did convince me KTM one cylinder is enough, so I got a 690 Enduro R - see videos on my channel. But I agree it is a great all rounder 👍
@@CodgerBiker so what made you go for the 690 enduro and i noticed there is smc r version too do you know what the difference is ?
@@stanleylawson9015 In the end I decided I could live with a single cylinder bike, not as thumpy as the old days. There was a single 690 R available, mid-Covid, so I snapped it up just before another 3 month Lockdown. SMCR is a bit less suspension travel, tubeless 17" wheels and supermoto focused rather than dual sport.
@@CodgerBiker these am finding are hard to find also as would really like to check this one out before fully making final decision but agree single are more than enough
@@stanleylawson9015 It's difficult all round at the moment. Dealer shortage of demos, then waiting lists. Hopefully wll ease as months go by 🤞
Great review.
Cheers. Despite the weather I enjoyed it! 👍
@@CodgerBiker I can't wait til that 490 twin comes out, i might have to trade in my 790 adv r!
I feel the same. I guess it is nice to have something to look forward to, while enjoying the 790 bikes! 👍
390 or 490 Adv R please KTM.
I expect they will do better than that with a Rally version. To be honest I was really impressed with the stocker. Plenty of potential for customising. 👍
1st impression: I liked it!