I’ve been considering trading my KTM 390 Adventure in for the 790 Adventure to get better highway riding, however I am concerned about the extra weight off road and its reliability. At 65, I chose the 390 Adventure because of its light weight, but I miss the extra HP of a bigger twin.
totally understand, I made exactly the same transition, having the 390 before this one. Can only speak from my own experience of course, but with 3000+ miles on the clock I've yet to see any cause for concern reliability-wise. Of course I can't see into the engine etc, but in terms of early signs such as changing noises, loose parts, electrical instability etc it's all clear, and I'm spot checking fairly regularly. Weight is equally subjective, but offroad I would say the 790 is generally more manageable (if you're intermediate or upwards). It's a little harder to pick up and turn 360 on a track (of course), but the very long second gear is much more forgiving than the gearing on the 390, and the low slung tank is very clever in terms of how you feel the weight. I can alternate from fast to slow offroad in second gear, whereby on the 390 is was less stable at low speeds, and I'd be changing from first to second to third, which was fine but more complicated to manage. It's also a lower seat, which is noticeable. Ultimately, they're both great bikes, I really enjoyed the 390 and would be happy if I owned one again, but overall I definitely enjoy the 790 more...it's such a beast when you want it to be!
I’ve been considering trading my KTM 390 Adventure in for the 790 Adventure to get better highway riding, however I am concerned about the extra weight off road and its reliability. At 65, I chose the 390 Adventure because of its light weight, but I miss the extra HP of a bigger twin.
totally understand, I made exactly the same transition, having the 390 before this one. Can only speak from my own experience of course, but with 3000+ miles on the clock I've yet to see any cause for concern reliability-wise. Of course I can't see into the engine etc, but in terms of early signs such as changing noises, loose parts, electrical instability etc it's all clear, and I'm spot checking fairly regularly.
Weight is equally subjective, but offroad I would say the 790 is generally more manageable (if you're intermediate or upwards). It's a little harder to pick up and turn 360 on a track (of course), but the very long second gear is much more forgiving than the gearing on the 390, and the low slung tank is very clever in terms of how you feel the weight. I can alternate from fast to slow offroad in second gear, whereby on the 390 is was less stable at low speeds, and I'd be changing from first to second to third, which was fine but more complicated to manage. It's also a lower seat, which is noticeable.
Ultimately, they're both great bikes, I really enjoyed the 390 and would be happy if I owned one again, but overall I definitely enjoy the 790 more...it's such a beast when you want it to be!
also, in case you didn't see this in your research, you can buy the 2023 model with some dealers for £8500ish at the moment...that's a hell of a deal!
For anyone still watching I sold the Insta360, it wasn't hugely practical and too much faff as second camera only thing.