I ride for more then 40 years and swopt the bike from a V Strom 1000. I don’t miss the power and enjoy the light weight and low fuel consumption. Your test is very good a tells the truth. Good job 👍
Great review of this very underrated adventure bike. A couple of things, KTM discontinued the spoked wheels last fall. A suspension upgrade on this bike makes a huge difference. With the stock springs the sag sits close to 50%. Progressive springs get it back into correct sag, which in turn also means the bike sits taller providing some additional ground clearance. The smaller wheelbase makes it more nimble offroad. I have taken my 390 ADV fully loaded with camping gear places I would never take a 500+ pound bike, because I know I can pick it up, turn it around and if it gets nasty I can go back the way I came, even if its really rough. I found this bike to be perfect the CABDR. I prefer riding it sand and loose gravel over the big heavy bikes any day, but I don't ride fast through those conditions. I even rode this bike to La Paz and back. It is equally suited for long distance travel, if you don't mind traveling a little slower. Cheers and "See you out there!"
Hi Matt, been following your channel. Do you think the progressive spring can also apply to the 250 adv? Since it had the same front fork minus the adjustable. Thanks
@@4730Aspire if the forks for the 250 are the Apex 43mm with 6.7 inches of travel I dont see why the progressive fork springs wint work, but I recommend talking to the supplier before buying.
@@advmatt the brochure said it's exactly the same forks yet if compared side by side the 250 adv sits lower than the 390. This is the reason why I try to look for an upgrade because I need more travel for the dirt road and sure I’ll ask the supplier first. Thanks for answering back
@@ZapperVT the forks dont have adjustable preload, it's done with internal spacers. The weight of the bike alone sags the forks over 30%. My weight, at 210 pounds, dropped it close to 50%.
Great review that changed my mind on what I want for my first ADV bike. I'm getting up in years & really need to consider something I can manage if I have a fall over. Thanks!
I would have bought one, if KTM was known for reliability. I owned a 390 Duke before I made the decision to switch to ADV riding and in 13k km I experienced quite a few issues. So I went with a Honda cb500x, its not gonna break down on me in the middle of nowhere.
I hope you keep up w questions on this great video. I'm in my 60s and live in Medellin CO. My everyday bike here is a big Yammie 950 bolt and is great in the city splitting, and crawling around traffic ... Anything goes here and the loud Hines pipes let them all know I'm there. But now we have a Gringo riding group and about every other week they will do a long ride. I only am able to join them about 25% of the time when all road. My baby is so beautiful and a real head turner and want to keep her that way. 75% of rides are about 25 to 30% gravel road. So started looking at a used super low mileage 790 and a new 890 (a lot more than I had planned on paying but gets a guarantee for 2 years so less worrying). 790 has no warranty but less than 1000 miles. I can afford this and have the bolt and the KTM for the price of a GS. Just recently considered this bike. A guy in our group has this bike and loves it. I just haven't ridden a bike this small in over a decade. Any wisdom you could share?
It's a trend these days. People are figuring out how fun smaller bikes can be. When you first start to ride, there seems to be a rush to the top of the food chain. But there's plenty of great eating down at the lower rungs. Sounds like you can have a cruiser and an adventure bike for the price of a GS. Why not!
Great review! Thank you! I fall into that category as an older experienced rider, moving from a GS1200 to a BMW R1200RT for my touring. I want a bike that I could easily ride to the off road areas and have fun, then head home for the night. Also something I could easily load into the back of my truck to take it to farther, fun locations. Spot on with me not wanting to have to pick up a huge GSA when dropped (only happened to me once!), just think this little 390 might be that fun around town and forest service road bike. Thank you again for the insight.
what my adventure is for is for 99% of the day riding and it bring 70-80% of its dirt dna along with it if i need/want it, i’m always going to choose my 125/85 2 stroke just because i like it but it’s nice not needing a trailer
I own a 2021 model. I agree with your opinion. I will sell it because it hurts my butt really bad in longer trips. I love the bike except that... I hate the vibrations and the seat. Really bad bike to travel onroad. To the daily use is real nice. Nice vídeo 👍🏻
One thing is if the bike can handle some off road, another thing is that if it's worth it to spend that money on something that it's obviously not meant to go hard in the first place, and that looks pretty ugly. Just because a tool works, doesn't mean there is no benefit in using a different tool for the same job. The point is, yes, the 390 Adventure can go off road, just like i used to go on very harsh roads on a Bajaj Pulsar NS 200, just because it can do it, doesn't mean you should get it. The Pulsar NS 200 is almost the same as the KTM Duke 200, which is almost the same bike as the Duke 390 which is 90% the same as the adventure. For off road purposes, they're all almost the same, you're taking a bike built for the street, slightly modded to be more capable off road.
Question: how the bike deals with bad fuiel quality? In example in Iran principally two types of fuel are available: diesel an gasoline (pure quality, around ROZ81 or similar). The 390ADV has s high compression ration 13,5:1, so it could be a problem reg. bad fuel quality. What do you think about it? Thank you
Is the KTM 390 Adventure big enough for someone 6’4” who wants to get into lightweight Adv Riding? When I was young I rode MX and had a street bike, but now am much older and haven’t ridden in decades and want a taste of the freedom once again. If not, what do you recommend?
Do you know the 2021 electrical power output in city driving vs. highway speeds with everything stock maxed out (e.g. high beams, display brightness etc)? It would be nice to know for planning to add heated and other power gear. How many watts to we have to work with after the bike draws power for stock systems?
Would this bike be good for someone 6’4” tall 340 pounds? Or should I look at the 890 adventure instead. I haven’t ridden in decades but used to ride street and dirt bike tracks for fun when I was younger.
It’s definitely a cool little bike that seems like it is more versatile than people give it credit for. I can’t help but feel like a 490 with 21/18 wheels would be perfect though.
Excellent and accurate review. I have the same mods plus a Rekluse Clutch. I also own a Tiger 800 and KTM 690, however, for mixed on road/off-road and pure ADV off-road ….my bike of choice is the KTM 390Adv. One of the biggest pluses is the very lowest centre of gravity which gives you incredible control and confidence. The bikes behaves and feels like a bike that is 40-50kg lighter.
Very comprehensive review. Though as an owner, I would not say it comes with a skidplate and handguards, those parts are almost purely cosmetic. Fortunately there are fine aftermarket options. - Frank
I wish KTM would offer an Adventure R version of the 390. 21/18 tubeless spoked rims and more ground clearance with longer suspension travel. I think they would sell well.
Mr. Beck, Rarely can I endure watching an entire road test before rapidly skipping to the conclusion. The engaging style of these insights backed by the depth of your off-road experience easily held my attention to the end. You’ve represented KTM and ADV Pulse well. (Authoritative Moto journalism done right) = Subscribed!
One of the best review of KTM 390 ADV on UA-cam by an expert rider. Otherwise there are some journalists or newbies telling their stories with this bike. Thanks a lot for revealing every aspect of this bike. And elaborating the benefits of it being small Adv bike.
I really enjoyed that. Having lived through a KLR650 and a Himalayan, and now a new Versys X 300 I've got to say I kinda wish I'd explored this bike before getting the Versys. However, I wish you had a versys to compare this to as I really enjoyed your opinion on the KTM. I like the Versys a LOT more than either of my other two adventure bikes (the Himalayan being my biggest disappointment in my 55+ years of riding and owning 64 bikes). I liked the KLR but didn't like the weight. The Versys looks and feels just like the KLR when sitting on it, but that Ninja engine sound is what really makes it. Yes, like you said about the KTM, it is a little underpowered at times. I noticed when I put big saddlebags on it (lots of wind resistance) that going into a headwind it killed my mpg and top speed by a LOT. And like the KTM, it gets very good mpg if you are riding it 45-55 mph, but when you get on the interstate at 75-85 mph the gas mileage drops to almost half. And if you're fully loaded and climbing a steep hill on the interstate and going into a headwind, your top speed might be in the 60s (although normally you can run 75-85 all day if running light and light winds and pretty flat roads). While the KTM is rated at 112 mph the Versys is rated at 103. I've had it to 97. The Versys is a lot of fun and comfortable to ride (even though almost every UA-cam video says the seat is REALLY HARD, I did not find it that uncomfortable on long 400 mile rides). It's very smooth on the highway with only a little vibration from that tiny twin at 57 mph, and being only about 40 lbs heavier than the KTM, it is also a very lightweight adventure bike that inspires confidence and I can pick it up if I drop it (and I'm 71 years old, 125 lbs, 5' 10"). I think this bike is going to be a keeper, but I might get rid of my 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Centenario and get a KTM 390 just so I can compare it to the Versys.
Can you please elaborate why you are disappointed with the Himalayan? I'm in the crossroads between KTM 390 ADV and Himalayan and the purpose is touring.
@@travelworld2738 After extensive research and owning a Himalayan, I'd pass on both of those bikes for touring. The KTM is designed more for off-road and the Versys is designed more for on-road. The KTM is not a comfortable road machine so if you are planning on traveling long distances and doing a little off-road riding, pass on the KTM. The Himmy was a big disappointment in so many areas that it would take me an hour to outline them here but just a few things I'll say, that bike is soooo underpowered that it won't even do 60 mph into a stiff headwind. The fuel injection is junk and the bike won't even keep running until you hold it at 2000 rpm for 45 seconds before you can start suiting-up. It is really a 1950s bike. It sounds like it and runs and handles like one. Noisiest engine I ever heard. the welding is terrible on the frame like a high school student trained on it. the assembly is the worst (as most of the India bikes are) and sometimes they come to you with no grease in the head bearings or in the swing-arm. The list goes on and on. And that's another reason I wouldn't get the India-made KTM. That's my personal opinion and I'm sticking to it!
This was a great option for me. Rode a KLR 2nd Gen for 13yrs. I recently switched over to this, with many initial mods. Still tweaking but big difference for the better. I no longer throw my back out when picking the bike back up.
I rode a pig too and looking at this 390. I'm over the KLRs. They are a decent bike for what they are though. They are simply too big and heavy and not much fun at all on a windy interstate or single tracks. I rode the 2nd Gen also.
KTM 390 is a really good value dual purpose bike. BUT clearance, as the review says, is a serious limitation. Mainly, the biggest flaw of this bike. Another thing that bothers me is the limited turn radius, which funny enough was not mentioned in this video. Making a U turn with this bike in some places won´t be a given. Price is ok and power, for a 390cc, is rather acceptable. I would say this bike is ok for a 65% road and 35% light off-road use. Mainly because of its height.
On the pavement: 390 ADV is awesome on the twisty’s, no comparison. Dirt road and trails: again the 390 ADV. Better suspension and pwr. Rally’s suspension is very mushy and bottoms out. Technical single track: Rally, more clearance and lighter than the 390 ADV.
Fantastic review, gives me more confidence in my 390 now. I think my problem is, im just not good enough and this makes me apprehensive about sand and river crossing etcetera. my friend says last week that he wants to ride to Cape York, which is the northern most part of Australia. So I was thinking of swapping my bike for a 500 exc f. After watching this video and some of Adventure Matt's video, im thinking now I will stick with the 390 and try to improve in the sand and the rough stuff!
I really wanted to like this bike but have lost confidence in KTM reliability so i probably won't keep it. I've had many KTMs since the late 90s with no mechanical issues until my 790 adv.-it was months of downtime and inconveniences with warped rotors, defective hubs, brakes, faulty TFT display, etc. After all the bugs were worked out I just didn't trust it, so traded it for an 890 adv and so far the 890 has been great. A couple of months ago I purchased a new, 2021 390 adv for lighter off-road travel/camp use. At 900 miles the throttle quit working. It's on its second trip to the dealership to resolve the throttle issue and this time they think it's resolved with a new throttle sensor and wiring harness-we'll see. On the bright side the 390 adv is a kick to ride. The ergos are a little goofy but very easy to adapt to. On the street it's capabilities are well beyond what you think such a small motor should be. Off road the quick shifter comes in handy on technical sections where clutching is awkward and the slipper clutch is great for braking corners on sketchy hard pack. Its a fun bike but i'm not sure if it's a keeper.
Sorry for the way too late response. It was a pain to get the dealership to finally diagnose the problem correctly and replace the throttle sensor and wiring harness. Shortly after the throttle repair the display began to show condensation. I got frustrated with the KTM experience so sold it, and the 890 adv and bought a triumph 900 rally and recently a Honda crf 300 l. The buyer of my 890 adv reports that it was working well until about 6 k miles, then the cruise control quit working and the engine developed a significant rattle in the top end they think is a valve train issue. They’re fighting with KTM to honor the warranty for those issues. KTM says unless you use KTM oil filters and screens they will not honor engine failures. Fortunately I did use them but they are still reluctant to assist the new owner.
Since the 70's 400's have always been the sweet spot to this day! You can toss them around and ring the piss out of em with a grin! Road or dirt. Some things never change. Totally enjoyed this video! Down to the point proper, no extra bullocks explanation. Subscribed!
I think it's perfect with my 5'7 height. Plus it's light and nimble as well. KTM should go with spoked wheels and never be an option over the cast wheels.
The vibrations through the handlebars at highway speeds put my hands to sleep after an hour sadly. Mako 360, bar inserts and led shot aren't enough to smooth it out.
That's good to know. I hate high-frequency buzzing through the bar and/or pegs. I had a buzzy bike that, after riding for a couple of hours on the highway, I'd come to a stop, put my foot out - and fall right over, leg asleep. 'Very embarrassing at a gas station.
One of the best motorcycle reviews I've ever listened to. Informative, great performance details, awesome video to reinforce the analysis. I might get one of the bikes. I'm a dirt bike, enduro, Hypermotard type, but this looks like fun for some road/ offroad fun.
I have a 390 Duke. It is reliable and doesn't use any oil between 3,000 mile oil changes. A great riding bike. This seems to be just as good. Regarding the economy, my bike has a K&N filter and an airbox mod, allowing the bike to be geared up a touch, making for a relaxed feel on the highway. Short shifting over distance, I get a staggering 103 miles per imperial gallon [4.54609 litres - significantly bigger than the US gallon]. I first saw you reviewing the Africa Twin 1100 some time ago. This review is just as thorough. Excellent stuff.
This shty motorcycle lasts nothing. Not to say about the warranty, a little bit of off-road and the rear shock broke, and they don't want to warranty it because they say it is not made for those terrains 🤣🤣🤣 unbelievable!!! I recommend not to purchase this crab at all
I have had mine since May of 2020. I have put in it 16 000km. I have ridden it on highways, twisties, off road and fucking hell offroad. All with a 50kg passenger in the back. This is my first bike ever and it has set expectations for bigger bikes really high. I dont think anything could beat this versatility at this price point. Having had no serious durability issues it seems to also last for quite a while. Im very happy I got mine. It got me into the hobby and it has provided me with plenty of experiences and fun!
@@zetalita3241 What do you mean? I'm at 18500km currently. I havent ridden alot this year and I still have had no issues. I even ordered custom made cruise control module and will be installing it this month.
@@dogshithandle111 I mean i like this bike. It is wonderful! I ask some owner's because i want to know about its realibility . ( Sorry for my English) . I wonder if it can do 60.000 or 70.000 without any problems..? I wish you have good kilometres with your bike. Greetings from Greece.
@@zetalita3241 I doubt there are many people with that amount of travel since the bike released only in 2020. I hope that it will last, and so far it had. I have ridden it quite hard and dropped it several times. I have traveled internationally with it to Greece as well as Turkey!
I also have the 390Adv and It is the first time I ride a bike to travel around my country. I can say that it is the best bike for one who is novice as me. Nice video you filmed.
The 390adv is a good bike. But after a year I sold mine as its more of a on road, and gravel light off road use. It failed in many ways for me: No spoke wheels stock (over $2,000 to buy them and after 3 month's of owning the bike they were unavailable for a year) the rider position on the bike is garbage. When you stand up it feels like your body weight is over the handle bars and you're going to get bucked off. Bar risers didn't help just felt more cramped. Constantly bottoming out the suspension (I'm 170lbs and 5'10") Come with a plastic skid plate.. Why? Useless. Why would I buy a motorcycle for over 10,000 just to put at least 5,000 into just do I can ride it off road the way I want. So I went back to my 1987 suzuki dr600 dakar. Only cost me $3,000, has more power, more suspension, thick alloy skid plate, holds more fuel, far more comfortable. Only down side is I have to kick start it. I'll wait for the 2nd generation or 3rd generation of the KTM 390 adventure to come out and then I'll give it another go as I do love ktm bikes and I own a rc390
Great review. Thankyou. KTM have nailed it with this bike. A bike for older riders looking for a lighter bike capable on all road surfaces. I will keep the sports tourer as well, but I can see it gathering cobwebs.
Almost bought it. I didn't like the stock wheels and seat. And the 300 rally was the same price so i got that one. I would have needed to put all the upgrades ADV Pulse put in to go on the trails I go on with a stock crf300.
Great review! I don't believe this 390 is for me, as I have two "larger" adventure bikes. But, the manner in which you presented and edited this video kept me intrigued and I watched until the end. Great job! Impressive bike from KTM also.
I am now very curious about the upcoming new version of the 390 adventure, which will adress (asseen on the spyshots) e g the issue of the small 19“ front wheel - I am preferring 21“. If that bike offers good suspension and reasonable mileage, I might actually downgrade from my current Norden 901!
Thanks great video. I have the 390 and love it, but am tired of watching videos and reviews where they say in is not good off road, as I take mine on some pretty gnarly dirt and have never had a problem. One thing I have found over the years in most cases on off road vehicles, with shorter wheel bases you can get away with less ground clearance and it show on the 390, and the suspension also helps a lot. I find with the cast wheels running a tire with stiffer side walls helps a lot. I am running Dunlop TrailMax Missions and hit some pretty deep and sharp pot holes and no damage to the rims. Again thanks for the great video.
Install a 48 tooth rear sprocket. Take it to ktm have the traction control updated so it stays off even it stalling. Ride it like you stole it. Funniest bike you will ever own.
Got solid info on this model. Mostly on the street with dirt roads in mind but a long history of off road. Less than 2 years till 70 egad where did the time go? Riding 2 models of DL's 650/1000 V-Stroms and they are heavy. Fav as a kid Sachs 125 Enduro!
I have a 2022 H-D Pan America, which I bought more for light off-roading and adventure touring. However, I want to learn and do harder off-roading. Seeing that I have an adventure touring bike, would you recommend the KTM 390 Adventure over a Honda CRF300L? Which would be the better option for off-road in Florida (heavy sand)?
Not really the same class of bike. The 300L is more of an Enduro trail bike vs the 390 being more of an Adventure bike. 390 will win out in terms of Comfort and on road handling. It's got more power and features and will handle highways, daily commutes and even dirt roads better. It will do offroad but nothing like a bike designed specifically for it. The 300L is A LOT more offroad focused. It's lighter, has more ground clearance, has proper offroad wheel and tire setup. It's essentially a street legal dirt bike. You'll be able to tackle more difficult trails and with greater speed and confidence. But you sacrifice on road performance and comfort. So the choice comes down to what YOU actually plan on doing with it. As a KLX owner (very similar to the 300L) I can tell you they're a lot of fun. But they're miserable if you're riding them for any distance or going on the highway. But It can be done. I've taken mine on 2-300 mile trips. You just won't walk right for a few days after lol.
4:10 - on compared 390A to a couple other single-cylinder adv bikes. CRF300L not mentioned because I haven’t spent time on one worthy to offer an informed comparison with that bike.
Very good review. You showcased the bike's capabilities and shortcomings quite well. You didn't mention it's one damn ugly motorcycle though 😅, or is it just me lol
Ok, my advice is get rid of both the stock muffler and resonator which will drop over 4kgs off the bike, otherwise I think buying an expensive Akro is waste of time and money. IMO Also I added fork extenders which slightly increases ground clearence and improves handling and stability in sand. Yes Motoz are the way to go and defineatley bar risers. I'm not short so I have just over 2" from stock. Agreed pegs also need to go. A big help would also be adding a FuelX fuel tuning system and if off road is more your thing add a 14 thooth front sprocket. Seat is not too bad but not comfy so you could add the Ergo seat with CoolCovers cover. As you can see I have done a fair bit of work to get this bike close to how I like it. Is it perfect? NO. Hence I will test ride the new CFMOTO 450 MT in March or I might just hang on for the new 2025 KTM 390 Adventure which is bound to be a winner. Thanks for the great video, awesome review!! BTW I own a 2023 model.
I have a '17 AT and I've decided I need a smaller bike. First, the AT is 600Lbs full of fuel. I can't pick it up without a bike lift. I'm not a road tripper. I come from sub-400 dual sports. I've been on sportbikes for a few years and thought the AT would give me the power I'm used to with the ability to go off road. I found out the hard way (dropped it 3 times) that the AT just isn't able to ride in the terrain I ride in. I need a lighter bike I can muscle around easier. I'm not used to the "push through it" style required on a big big. I'm more of a "maneuver around it" rider. I think the 390 would be better suited to my style of riding.
Bought a lightly used '20 recently and I'm really enjoying it. Did a ton of research and I've come back to this review many times. Following your mod advice. Buddy and I are riding from SoCal to Tiera del Fuego this fall. Mixed on/off/sand. Would you say spokes are essential? Would love to not spend another grand if possible. Thx again for a fantastic review!
@@philpilkington thanks man. The ride got cut short and yep, Fortnine is right. I did about a 3500 mi mix of mid-level off road to road riding and the cast rims held up fine. I do think the mitas e-07 tires i got helped as well.
For future videos, pretty much all video editors lets you change the audio from "stereo" to "mono". It's really useful if you get audio like this that is way more dominant on one side, it will change so both sides get the same levels and audio. The downside is you loose directional audio, but that is not necessary when just talking. Great review none-the-less.
Thanks for a very thorough review.A couple of months ago I had a test ride on its cousin the 390 Duke.It was a revelation and an excellent bike to ride,I didn't want to get off it.
all of the feedback i have seen about this bike boils down to "its a great bike that lacks in some areas that you wont notices unless you have the experience to find them."
Question is, with all mods that means a lot more money, you know ktm power parts are not cheap so that being said is you bought it stock and will not modify it that much its a pretty good options but i think if you are going for full mods it doesnt not worth it just something that already has all the mods on a stock version, mho
We switched the stock ones for the Motoz Tractionator RallZ. You can check out how they performed here: www.advpulse.com/adv-news/motoz-tractionator-rallz-dual-sport-tire-review/
This Adv is really really good. By the way which background is that peak where you have shot the video? You explained it in an excellent way 👍 Subscribed to your channel !
@@ADVPulseVideos Thanks for the reply and I appreciate your warm welcome and knowledge shared 💐 I would love to know how the 390 Adv performs in tight bumper to bumper traffic with less low end torque figures especially in the City. Thanks
Thanks for a great and informative review. I started having interest in purchasing this bike a year and a half ago.. when I moved from New York to Georgia.. in New York I had a Yamaha 650 cruiser. Which I rode not very often. So I thought moving to Georgia getting into the adventure world might be a more usable bike. At 57.. the one time I sat on one I was on my toes but I thought it would be light enough for someone in their late 50s and 160 lb to get used to and have some fun. Unfortunately with covid and demand I have been unable to purchase one in my area for that entire year and a half.. but your review gives me hope that when I can purchase it it should be a smart decision thanks again. 😎👍 Happy riding..
Hey Michael. I'm almost 50, 5'7", 160lb's. Been riding quite a while but this is the first adv i've owned. I really love how light it is and, as an aging rider, find it to be quite forgiving on the old joints, etc. I bought a used '20 btw. No new '22's in stock here in SoCal either. Good luck!
@@andrewpalermo2987 hey Andrew thanks for the input, the bike is still unavailable where I am they're saying maybe October.. do you have any problems with the seat being so high 🤔 the one time I sat on one I was on my toes but I guess if the bike is light enough it shouldn't be too bad 🤷
@@michaelbrowne541 Hey Michael. i'm on the balls of my feet, yes. but at stops i can shift to the side to get a whole foot down. i like how much leg room i have. the only times it's a little dicey is if i'm maneuvering the bike, say, backwards out of a parking spot/in tight quarters. Then again, it's so light that it's not hard to right the bike if it starts to tip.
I’ve got a BMW F759GS and I’m buying the 390 Adventure. I’d like to learn more off road biking without loosing traveling in the interstate and I do not want to deal with a heavy bike
KTM 390 Adventure First Ride Review:
www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/ktm-390-adventure-review/
KTM 390 Adventure Tire Reviews:
www.advpulse.com/adv-news/motoz-tractionator-rallz-dual-sport-tire-review/
www.advpulse.com/adv-news/continental-tkc70-rocks-adventure-tire-review/
KTM 390 Adventure Rides:
www.advpulse.com/adv-news/north-rim-grand-canyon-adventure-ride/
www.advpulse.com/adv-news/riding-californias-owens-valley/
www.advpulse.com/adv-news/a-ride-through-nevadas-vast-red-rock-landscapes/
on your motorcycle, the seat, exhaust, and protection are different, is this a factory solution, or have you already redone it yourself?
It isn’t that light 8:51 !
It weighs more than the crappy RE Himalayan !
only 18Kg lighter than a KTM 890R Adventure
@@Харьков-город Video or transcript ?
I think my right ear is deaf.
I ride for more then 40 years and swopt the bike from a V Strom 1000. I don’t miss the power and enjoy the light weight and low fuel consumption. Your test is very good a tells the truth. Good job 👍
Great review of this very underrated adventure bike. A couple of things, KTM discontinued the spoked wheels last fall. A suspension upgrade on this bike makes a huge difference. With the stock springs the sag sits close to 50%. Progressive springs get it back into correct sag, which in turn also means the bike sits taller providing some additional ground clearance. The smaller wheelbase makes it more nimble offroad. I have taken my 390 ADV fully loaded with camping gear places I would never take a 500+ pound bike, because I know I can pick it up, turn it around and if it gets nasty I can go back the way I came, even if its really rough. I found this bike to be perfect the CABDR. I prefer riding it sand and loose gravel over the big heavy bikes any day, but I don't ride fast through those conditions. I even rode this bike to La Paz and back. It is equally suited for long distance travel, if you don't mind traveling a little slower. Cheers and "See you out there!"
Hi Matt, been following your channel. Do you think the progressive spring can also apply to the 250 adv? Since it had the same front fork minus the adjustable. Thanks
@@4730Aspire if the forks for the 250 are the Apex 43mm with 6.7 inches of travel I dont see why the progressive fork springs wint work, but I recommend talking to the supplier before buying.
@@advmatt the brochure said it's exactly the same forks yet if compared side by side the 250 adv sits lower than the 390. This is the reason why I try to look for an upgrade because I need more travel for the dirt road and sure I’ll ask the supplier first. Thanks for answering back
"With the stock springs the sag sits close to 50%." With how much weight on it? And is that with preload maxed out?
@@ZapperVT the forks dont have adjustable preload, it's done with internal spacers. The weight of the bike alone sags the forks over 30%. My weight, at 210 pounds, dropped it close to 50%.
Very comprehensive review Jon, well done. Thank you!
That means a lot! Thank you!
Great review that changed my mind on what I want for my first ADV bike. I'm getting up in years & really need to consider something I can manage if I have a fall over. Thanks!
Glad to hear it was helpful!
I bought this one year ago. Never had any two wheeler. Life is funny ☺️
When you fall over not if.
This was absolutely outstanding analysis and commentary. First rate! Well done!
I would have bought one, if KTM was known for reliability. I owned a 390 Duke before I made the decision to switch to ADV riding and in 13k km I experienced quite a few issues. So I went with a Honda cb500x, its not gonna break down on me in the middle of nowhere.
Meaning that cb500x much better than 390 Adv?
If you had problems with the ktm you will have problems with the honda as well
It's great watching the performance. YOU are My favourite ADV BIKES RIDERS. LOVE you And appreciate your kindness for your video
I hope you keep up w questions on this great video. I'm in my 60s and live in Medellin CO. My everyday bike here is a big Yammie 950 bolt and is great in the city splitting, and crawling around traffic ... Anything goes here and the loud Hines pipes let them all know I'm there. But now we have a Gringo riding group and about every other week they will do a long ride. I only am able to join them about 25% of the time when all road. My baby is so beautiful and a real head turner and want to keep her that way. 75% of rides are about 25 to 30% gravel road. So started looking at a used super low mileage 790 and a new 890 (a lot more than I had planned on paying but gets a guarantee for 2 years so less worrying). 790 has no warranty but less than 1000 miles. I can afford this and have the bolt and the KTM for the price of a GS. Just recently considered this bike. A guy in our group has this bike and loves it. I just haven't ridden a bike this small in over a decade. Any wisdom you could share?
It's a trend these days. People are figuring out how fun smaller bikes can be. When you first start to ride, there seems to be a rush to the top of the food chain. But there's plenty of great eating down at the lower rungs. Sounds like you can have a cruiser and an adventure bike for the price of a GS. Why not!
Great review! Thank you! I fall into that category as an older experienced rider, moving from a GS1200 to a BMW R1200RT for my touring. I want a bike that I could easily ride to the off road areas and have fun, then head home for the night. Also something I could easily load into the back of my truck to take it to farther, fun locations. Spot on with me not wanting to have to pick up a huge GSA when dropped (only happened to me once!), just think this little 390 might be that fun around town and forest service road bike. Thank you again for the insight.
Great review of a great bike. Thank you :)
Much appreciated!
what my adventure is for is for 99% of the day riding and it bring 70-80% of its dirt dna along with it if i need/want it, i’m always going to choose my 125/85 2 stroke just because i like it but it’s nice not needing a trailer
I own a 2021 model. I agree with your opinion. I will sell it because it hurts my butt really bad in longer trips. I love the bike except that... I hate the vibrations and the seat. Really bad bike to travel onroad. To the daily use is real nice. Nice vídeo 👍🏻
Looks like a fun to ride bike. Thanks for the info.
A wonderful and very helpful test. Thank you. How tall are you?
Thanks Artur! 5'11"
One thing is if the bike can handle some off road, another thing is that if it's worth it to spend that money on something that it's obviously not meant to go hard in the first place, and that looks pretty ugly. Just because a tool works, doesn't mean there is no benefit in using a different tool for the same job.
The point is, yes, the 390 Adventure can go off road, just like i used to go on very harsh roads on a Bajaj Pulsar NS 200, just because it can do it, doesn't mean you should get it.
The Pulsar NS 200 is almost the same as the KTM Duke 200, which is almost the same bike as the Duke 390 which is 90% the same as the adventure. For off road purposes, they're all almost the same, you're taking a bike built for the street, slightly modded to be more capable off road.
Question: how the bike deals with bad fuiel quality? In example in Iran principally two types of fuel are available: diesel an gasoline (pure quality, around ROZ81 or similar). The 390ADV has s high compression ration 13,5:1, so it could be a problem reg. bad fuel quality.
What do you think about it?
Thank you
Is the KTM 390 Adventure big enough for someone 6’4” who wants to get into lightweight Adv Riding? When I was young I rode MX and had a street bike, but now am much older and haven’t ridden in decades and want a taste of the freedom once again. If not, what do you recommend?
Do you know the 2021 electrical power output in city driving vs. highway speeds with everything stock maxed out (e.g. high beams, display brightness etc)? It would be nice to know for planning to add heated and other power gear. How many watts to we have to work with after the bike draws power for stock systems?
Would this bike be good for someone 6’4” tall 340 pounds? Or should I look at the 890 adventure instead. I haven’t ridden in decades but used to ride street and dirt bike tracks for fun when I was younger.
890! Without question
It’s definitely a cool little bike that seems like it is more versatile than people give it credit for. I can’t help but feel like a 490 with 21/18 wheels would be perfect though.
I have a 390 and it is a great small ADV bike. The 490 would really hit that sweet spot of being a unicorn do it all bike.
There are definitely a lot of riders wishing for a 490 Adventure R.
@@ADVPulseVideos it sure sounds like it.
I think they r working on one fully offroad oriented
The question is, would a 490 be that much lighter than their 790? Because if not it'll just be worse in every way.
Excellent and accurate review. I have the same mods plus a Rekluse Clutch. I also own a Tiger 800 and KTM 690, however, for mixed on road/off-road and pure ADV off-road ….my bike of choice is the KTM 390Adv. One of the biggest pluses is the very lowest centre of gravity which gives you incredible control and confidence. The bikes behaves and feels like a bike that is 40-50kg lighter.
Very comprehensive review. Though as an owner, I would not say it comes with a skidplate and handguards, those parts are almost purely cosmetic. Fortunately there are fine aftermarket options. - Frank
I wish KTM would offer an Adventure R version of the 390. 21/18 tubeless spoked rims and more ground clearance with longer suspension travel. I think they would sell well.
It’s made in India and that would make it too expensive…unfortunately
Looks like they did, no? SW now with Spoked Wheels? 2023..
@@kidcopernicus Not tubeless though.
Mr. Beck,
Rarely can I endure watching an entire road test before rapidly skipping to the conclusion.
The engaging style of these insights backed by the depth of your off-road experience easily held my attention to the end.
You’ve represented KTM and ADV Pulse well.
(Authoritative Moto journalism done right) = Subscribed!
Couldn’t agree more. Perfect review
One of the best review of KTM 390 ADV on UA-cam by an expert rider. Otherwise there are some journalists or newbies telling their stories with this bike. Thanks a lot for revealing every aspect of this bike. And elaborating the benefits of it being small Adv bike.
I really enjoyed that. Having lived through a KLR650 and a Himalayan, and now a new Versys X 300 I've got to say I kinda wish I'd explored this bike before getting the Versys. However, I wish you had a versys to compare this to as I really enjoyed your opinion on the KTM. I like the Versys a LOT more than either of my other two adventure bikes (the Himalayan being my biggest disappointment in my 55+ years of riding and owning 64 bikes). I liked the KLR but didn't like the weight. The Versys looks and feels just like the KLR when sitting on it, but that Ninja engine sound is what really makes it. Yes, like you said about the KTM, it is a little underpowered at times. I noticed when I put big saddlebags on it (lots of wind resistance) that going into a headwind it killed my mpg and top speed by a LOT. And like the KTM, it gets very good mpg if you are riding it 45-55 mph, but when you get on the interstate at 75-85 mph the gas mileage drops to almost half. And if you're fully loaded and climbing a steep hill on the interstate and going into a headwind, your top speed might be in the 60s (although normally you can run 75-85 all day if running light and light winds and pretty flat roads). While the KTM is rated at 112 mph the Versys is rated at 103. I've had it to 97. The Versys is a lot of fun and comfortable to ride (even though almost every UA-cam video says the seat is REALLY HARD, I did not find it that uncomfortable on long 400 mile rides). It's very smooth on the highway with only a little vibration from that tiny twin at 57 mph, and being only about 40 lbs heavier than the KTM, it is also a very lightweight adventure bike that inspires confidence and I can pick it up if I drop it (and I'm 71 years old, 125 lbs, 5' 10"). I think this bike is going to be a keeper, but I might get rid of my 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Centenario and get a KTM 390 just so I can compare it to the Versys.
Thanks for this post ! Very helpful for me
Can you please elaborate why you are disappointed with the Himalayan? I'm in the crossroads between KTM 390 ADV and Himalayan and the purpose is touring.
@@travelworld2738 After extensive research and owning a Himalayan, I'd pass on both of those bikes for touring. The KTM is designed more for off-road and the Versys is designed more for on-road. The KTM is not a comfortable road machine so if you are planning on traveling long distances and doing a little off-road riding, pass on the KTM. The Himmy was a big disappointment in so many areas that it would take me an hour to outline them here but just a few things I'll say, that bike is soooo underpowered that it won't even do 60 mph into a stiff headwind. The fuel injection is junk and the bike won't even keep running until you hold it at 2000 rpm for 45 seconds before you can start suiting-up. It is really a 1950s bike. It sounds like it and runs and handles like one. Noisiest engine I ever heard. the welding is terrible on the frame like a high school student trained on it. the assembly is the worst (as most of the India bikes are) and sometimes they come to you with no grease in the head bearings or in the swing-arm. The list goes on and on. And that's another reason I wouldn't get the India-made KTM. That's my personal opinion and I'm sticking to it!
@@spydie And you'd recommend which light weight bike for adventure instead?
@@bseidem5112 Versys X 300 for the reasons in the last post.
This was a great option for me. Rode a KLR 2nd Gen for 13yrs. I recently switched over to this, with many initial mods. Still tweaking but big difference for the better. I no longer throw my back out when picking the bike back up.
I rode a pig too and looking at this 390. I'm over the KLRs. They are a decent bike for what they are though. They are simply too big and heavy and not much fun at all on a windy interstate or single tracks. I rode the 2nd Gen also.
KTM 390 is a really good value dual purpose bike. BUT clearance, as the review says, is a serious limitation. Mainly, the biggest flaw of this bike.
Another thing that bothers me is the limited turn radius, which funny enough was not mentioned in this video. Making a U turn with this bike in some places won´t be a given.
Price is ok and power, for a 390cc, is rather acceptable. I would say this bike is ok for a 65% road and 35% light off-road use. Mainly because of its height.
Very well done, I wish he had mentioned the CRF300 Rally in the comparison.
On the pavement: 390 ADV is awesome on the twisty’s, no comparison.
Dirt road and trails: again the 390 ADV. Better suspension and pwr. Rally’s suspension is very mushy and bottoms out.
Technical single track: Rally, more clearance and lighter than the 390 ADV.
Great mule bike for anything. That’s what I love about mine.
Fantastic review, gives me more confidence in my 390 now. I think my problem is, im just not good enough and this makes me apprehensive about sand and river crossing etcetera. my friend says last week that he wants to ride to Cape York, which is the northern most part of Australia. So I was thinking of swapping my bike for a 500 exc f. After watching this video and some of Adventure Matt's video, im thinking now I will stick with the 390 and try to improve in the sand and the rough stuff!
I really wanted to like this bike but have lost confidence in KTM reliability so i probably won't keep it. I've had many KTMs since the late 90s with no mechanical issues until my 790 adv.-it was months of downtime and inconveniences with warped rotors, defective hubs, brakes, faulty TFT display, etc. After all the bugs were worked out I just didn't trust it, so traded it for an 890 adv and so far the 890 has been great. A couple of months ago I purchased a new, 2021 390 adv for lighter off-road travel/camp use. At 900 miles the throttle quit working. It's on its second trip to the dealership to resolve the throttle issue and this time they think it's resolved with a new throttle sensor and wiring harness-we'll see. On the bright side the 390 adv is a kick to ride. The ergos are a little goofy but very easy to adapt to. On the street it's capabilities are well beyond what you think such a small motor should be. Off road the quick shifter comes in handy on technical sections where clutching is awkward and the slipper clutch is great for braking corners on sketchy hard pack. Its a fun bike but i'm not sure if it's a keeper.
Sorry for the way too late response. It was a pain to get the dealership to finally diagnose the problem correctly and replace the throttle sensor and wiring harness. Shortly after the throttle repair the display began to show condensation. I got frustrated with the KTM experience so sold it, and the 890 adv and bought a triumph 900 rally and recently a Honda crf 300 l. The buyer of my 890 adv reports that it was working well until about 6 k miles, then the cruise control quit working and the engine developed a significant rattle in the top end they think is a valve train issue. They’re fighting with KTM to honor the warranty for those issues. KTM says unless you use KTM oil filters and screens they will not honor engine failures. Fortunately I did use them but they are still reluctant to assist the new owner.
Since the 70's 400's have always been the sweet spot to this day! You can toss them around and ring the piss out of em with a grin! Road or dirt. Some things never change.
Totally enjoyed this video! Down to the point proper, no extra bullocks explanation. Subscribed!
I think it's perfect with my 5'7 height. Plus it's light and nimble as well. KTM should go with spoked wheels and never be an option over the cast wheels.
This is such a great / comprehensive review. Bravo 👏🏾
Thank you so much Matt!
Do you think the new CF Moto MT450/Ibex 450 will be a serius contender to the KTM?
Best review I've come across. Thank you, did a really great job
Thank you so much Kyle!
The vibrations through the handlebars at highway speeds put my hands to sleep after an hour sadly. Mako 360, bar inserts and led shot aren't enough to smooth it out.
That's good to know. I hate high-frequency buzzing through the bar and/or pegs. I had a buzzy bike that, after riding for a couple of hours on the highway, I'd come to a stop, put my foot out - and fall right over, leg asleep. 'Very embarrassing at a gas station.
One of the best motorcycle reviews I've ever listened to. Informative, great performance details, awesome video to reinforce the analysis.
I might get one of the bikes. I'm a dirt bike, enduro, Hypermotard type, but this looks like fun for some road/ offroad fun.
no
You are the best UA-cam presenter I have come across. Clear, no rubbish, no theatrical comments. Well done!
It’s wild to me the HP output of this thumper,on paper it’s equivalent to other brands inline twins.
You nailed it! 🤩 Had mine for 2+ years and everything you said is spot on.
Thanks for the feedback! Great to hear from a long-time owner!
I have a 390 Duke. It is reliable and doesn't use any oil between 3,000 mile oil changes. A great riding bike. This seems to be just as good. Regarding the economy, my bike has a K&N filter and an airbox mod, allowing the bike to be geared up a touch, making for a relaxed feel on the highway. Short shifting over distance, I get a staggering 103 miles per imperial gallon [4.54609 litres - significantly bigger than the US gallon].
I first saw you reviewing the Africa Twin 1100 some time ago. This review is just as thorough. Excellent stuff.
Did you mean 103 Km??? 103 Imp MPG seems pretty high.
@@wolverine1068 103 mp imp/gall according to the readout, which may be inaccurate.
This shty motorcycle lasts nothing. Not to say about the warranty, a little bit of off-road and the rear shock broke, and they don't want to warranty it because they say it is not made for those terrains 🤣🤣🤣 unbelievable!!! I recommend not to purchase this crab at all
Your microphone is on the left side only
I have had mine since May of 2020. I have put in it 16 000km. I have ridden it on highways, twisties, off road and fucking hell offroad. All with a 50kg passenger in the back. This is my first bike ever and it has set expectations for bigger bikes really high. I dont think anything could beat this versatility at this price point. Having had no serious durability issues it seems to also last for quite a while. Im very happy I got mine. It got me into the hobby and it has provided me with plenty of experiences and fun!
Any problems of the bike until now; i like that.
@@zetalita3241 What do you mean? I'm at 18500km currently. I havent ridden alot this year and I still have had no issues. I even ordered custom made cruise control module and will be installing it this month.
@@dogshithandle111 I mean i like this bike. It is wonderful! I ask some owner's because i want to know about its realibility . ( Sorry for my English) . I wonder if it can do 60.000 or 70.000 without any problems..? I wish you have good kilometres with your bike. Greetings from Greece.
@@zetalita3241 I doubt there are many people with that amount of travel since the bike released only in 2020. I hope that it will last, and so far it had. I have ridden it quite hard and dropped it several times. I have traveled internationally with it to Greece as well as Turkey!
@@dogshithandle111 Thats amazing. You managed to travel too many kilometres with a single cylinder moto!!
I also have the 390Adv and It is the first time I ride a bike to travel around my country. I can say that it is the best bike for one who is novice as me. Nice video you filmed.
The 390adv is a good bike. But after a year I sold mine as its more of a on road, and gravel light off road use.
It failed in many ways for me:
No spoke wheels stock (over $2,000 to buy them and after 3 month's of owning the bike they were unavailable for a year) the rider position on the bike is garbage. When you stand up it feels like your body weight is over the handle bars and you're going to get bucked off. Bar risers didn't help just felt more cramped. Constantly bottoming out the suspension (I'm 170lbs and 5'10") Come with a plastic skid plate.. Why? Useless. Why would I buy a motorcycle for over 10,000 just to put at least 5,000 into just do I can ride it off road the way I want.
So I went back to my 1987 suzuki dr600 dakar. Only cost me $3,000, has more power, more suspension, thick alloy skid plate, holds more fuel, far more comfortable. Only down side is I have to kick start it.
I'll wait for the 2nd generation or 3rd generation of the KTM 390 adventure to come out and then I'll give it another go as I do love ktm bikes and I own a rc390
Ok KTM, add 21/18 wheel set, raise the suspension to 10 inches, and I'd be willing to trade in my DRZ...
Great review. Thankyou.
KTM have nailed it with this bike.
A bike for older riders looking for a lighter bike capable on all road surfaces.
I will keep the sports tourer as well, but I can see it gathering cobwebs.
It's been modded so much the review is not relevant .
Great review!! I’m going to check one out, my only concern is I’m 6”1 230. I feel to big on some smaller bikes.
Almost bought it. I didn't like the stock wheels and seat. And the 300 rally was the same price so i got that one. I would have needed to put all the upgrades ADV Pulse put in to go on the trails I go on with a stock crf300.
Great review! I don't believe this 390 is for me, as I have two "larger" adventure bikes. But, the manner in which you presented and edited this video kept me intrigued and I watched until the end. Great job! Impressive bike from KTM also.
I am now very curious about the upcoming new version of the 390 adventure, which will adress (asseen on the spyshots) e g the issue of the small 19“ front wheel - I am preferring 21“. If that bike offers good suspension and reasonable mileage, I might actually downgrade from my current Norden 901!
Question.
How does the quick shift option compare to Honda DCT system. Does it work the same, if not how does it differ in its use?
Excellent well done test/review! What kind of top rack is that (shows well at the 3:42 point)?
That's the KTM Powerparts Factory Accessory Rack.
Thanks great video. I have the 390 and love it, but am tired of watching videos and reviews where they say in is not good off road, as I take mine on some pretty gnarly dirt and have never had a problem. One thing I have found over the years in most cases on off road vehicles, with shorter wheel bases you can get away with less ground clearance and it show on the 390, and the suspension also helps a lot. I find with the cast wheels running a tire with stiffer side walls helps a lot. I am running Dunlop TrailMax Missions and hit some pretty deep and sharp pot holes and no damage to the rims. Again thanks for the great video.
How have you resolved the weak low end while offroading.. this one really stalls quickly. I am just torn apart between this and gs 310
Install a 48 tooth rear sprocket. Take it to ktm have the traction control updated so it stays off even it stalling. Ride it like you stole it. Funniest bike you will ever own.
@@scottporter0069 thanks will do . 🥂
Got solid info on this model. Mostly on the street with dirt roads in mind but a long history of off road. Less than 2 years till 70 egad where did the time go? Riding 2 models of DL's 650/1000 V-Stroms and they are heavy. Fav as a kid Sachs 125 Enduro!
Excellent report, the best that I have found.
I read that by fitting a 14 front sprocket, the torque/rpm improves the bike.
Have you considered it?
We didn't try it but would be worth a try.
I have a 2022 H-D Pan America, which I bought more for light off-roading and adventure touring. However, I want to learn and do harder off-roading. Seeing that I have an adventure touring bike, would you recommend the KTM 390 Adventure over a Honda CRF300L? Which would be the better option for off-road in Florida (heavy sand)?
Outstanding review. Refreshingly good content.
Thanks Arthur! That means a lot!
good test. If it had 100 cc more and 2 or 3 centimeters of suspension more… maybe it would be perfect!
43hp is a bit low. i mean the A2 license limit is 47/48hp so would make more sense to kind of just have it be 47/48hp.
You made a lot of comparisons to large adv bikes, which is very helpful, but how does it compare to a small dual sport like the CRF300L?
Not really the same class of bike. The 300L is more of an Enduro trail bike vs the 390 being more of an Adventure bike.
390 will win out in terms of Comfort and on road handling. It's got more power and features and will handle highways, daily commutes and even dirt roads better. It will do offroad but nothing like a bike designed specifically for it.
The 300L is A LOT more offroad focused. It's lighter, has more ground clearance, has proper offroad wheel and tire setup. It's essentially a street legal dirt bike. You'll be able to tackle more difficult trails and with greater speed and confidence. But you sacrifice on road performance and comfort.
So the choice comes down to what YOU actually plan on doing with it.
As a KLX owner (very similar to the 300L) I can tell you they're a lot of fun. But they're miserable if you're riding them for any distance or going on the highway. But It can be done. I've taken mine on 2-300 mile trips. You just won't walk right for a few days after lol.
4:10 - on compared 390A to a couple other single-cylinder adv bikes. CRF300L not mentioned because I haven’t spent time on one worthy to offer an informed comparison with that bike.
This is how a review is done.
Thank you! That means a lot!
you number one !
Amazing for your video of KTM 390 Adventure | Road & Off-Road Long-Term Test. I love your video. Thanks for sharing.🥰
Very good review. You showcased the bike's capabilities and shortcomings quite well. You didn't mention it's one damn ugly motorcycle though 😅, or is it just me lol
My 2022 KTM 350 EXC-F is twice as capable as this 390. But why do I still want one..? and a lot cheaper too..
Great review. I’m thinking of getting this for my spouse after ditching the Honda crf250 Rally as it can’t do highway speeds well
Ok, my advice is get rid of both the stock muffler and resonator which will drop over 4kgs off the bike, otherwise I think buying an expensive Akro is waste of time and money. IMO Also I added fork extenders which slightly increases ground clearence and improves handling and stability in sand. Yes Motoz are the way to go and defineatley bar risers. I'm not short so I have just over 2" from stock. Agreed pegs also need to go. A big help would also be adding a FuelX fuel tuning system and if off road is more your thing add a 14 thooth front sprocket. Seat is not too bad but not comfy so you could add the Ergo seat with CoolCovers cover. As you can see I have done a fair bit of work to get this bike close to how I like it. Is it perfect? NO. Hence I will test ride the new CFMOTO 450 MT in March or I might just hang on for the new 2025 KTM 390 Adventure which is bound to be a winner. Thanks for the great video, awesome review!! BTW I own a 2023 model.
a good solid honest balanced thorough review… thank you!😊😊😊
That means a lot, Nick! Thanks for watching!
I have a '17 AT and I've decided I need a smaller bike. First, the AT is 600Lbs full of fuel. I can't pick it up without a bike lift. I'm not a road tripper. I come from sub-400 dual sports. I've been on sportbikes for a few years and thought the AT would give me the power I'm used to with the ability to go off road. I found out the hard way (dropped it 3 times) that the AT just isn't able to ride in the terrain I ride in. I need a lighter bike I can muscle around easier. I'm not used to the "push through it" style required on a big big. I'm more of a "maneuver around it" rider. I think the 390 would be better suited to my style of riding.
How much are you looking forward to the KTM 490 Adv upcoming? For me that one could be sweat spot of all capabilities.
Bought a lightly used '20 recently and I'm really enjoying it. Did a ton of research and I've come back to this review many times. Following your mod advice. Buddy and I are riding from SoCal to Tiera del Fuego this fall. Mixed on/off/sand. Would you say spokes are essential? Would love to not spend another grand if possible. Thx again for a fantastic review!
Check out fortnines review of this bike. He feels spokes are not essential for majority of riders.
@@philpilkington thanks man. The ride got cut short and yep, Fortnine is right. I did about a 3500 mi mix of mid-level off road to road riding and the cast rims held up fine. I do think the mitas e-07 tires i got helped as well.
@@andrewpalermo2987 Sounds like a great trip anyway!
@@philpilkington thank you. It was! Highly recommend a big Mexican moto trip 🤙🏼
For future videos, pretty much all video editors lets you change the audio from "stereo" to "mono". It's really useful if you get audio like this that is way more dominant on one side, it will change so both sides get the same levels and audio. The downside is you loose directional audio, but that is not necessary when just talking.
Great review none-the-less.
Fantastic video, ive had mine a year now. What brand is the luggage you are using with the top bag and two side bags? (7:00 min point)
Thanks for the feedback Tom! That is the Wolfman unrack system with the medium zip-r rolies and the small expedition duffel top bag.
Thanks for a very thorough review.A couple of months ago I had a test ride on its cousin the 390 Duke.It was a revelation and an excellent bike to ride,I didn't want to get off it.
I’m really not sure it has enough travel.
It seems like a road bike dressed up to look like an enduro bike.
all of the feedback i have seen about this bike boils down to "its a great bike that lacks in some areas that you wont notices unless you have the experience to find them."
So youre 5ft11? 180cm? How much do you weight? /Thanks for a good review!
Υou have installed fork springs ? Great video and review!
Thank you! Springs are stock.
Funny how the 890 non R version has a lower seat height and more ground clearance.
Question is, with all mods that means a lot more money, you know ktm power parts are not cheap so that being said is you bought it stock and will not modify it that much its a pretty good options but i think if you are going for full mods it doesnt not worth it just something that already has all the mods on a stock version, mho
Super comprehensive review...awesome!
Much appreciated, glad it was helpful!
Nice review. Booked it. Can you please tell which tyre set are you using in this video
We switched the stock ones for the Motoz Tractionator RallZ. You can check out how they performed here: www.advpulse.com/adv-news/motoz-tractionator-rallz-dual-sport-tire-review/
Awesome review, you’ve covered it very well!
This Adv is really really good. By the way which background is that peak where you have shot the video? You explained it in an excellent way 👍 Subscribed to your channel !
Thank you and welcome to our channel! The tall snow covered peak is Mt San Antonio (AKA Mt Baldy).
@@ADVPulseVideos Thanks for the reply and I appreciate your warm welcome and knowledge shared 💐
I would love to know how the 390 Adv performs in tight bumper to bumper traffic with less low end torque figures especially in the City. Thanks
Great video and great review..!! thanks
Thanks a lot, Greg!
Thanks for a great and informative review. I started having interest in purchasing this bike a year and a half ago.. when I moved from New York to Georgia.. in New York I had a Yamaha 650 cruiser. Which I rode not very often. So I thought moving to Georgia getting into the adventure world might be a more usable bike. At 57.. the one time I sat on one I was on my toes but I thought it would be light enough for someone in their late 50s and 160 lb to get used to and have some fun. Unfortunately with covid and demand I have been unable to purchase one in my area for that entire year and a half.. but your review gives me hope that when I can purchase it it should be a smart decision thanks again. 😎👍 Happy riding..
Hey Michael. I'm almost 50, 5'7", 160lb's. Been riding quite a while but this is the first adv i've owned. I really love how light it is and, as an aging rider, find it to be quite forgiving on the old joints, etc. I bought a used '20 btw. No new '22's in stock here in SoCal either. Good luck!
@@andrewpalermo2987 hey Andrew thanks for the input, the bike is still unavailable where I am they're saying maybe October.. do you have any problems with the seat being so high 🤔 the one time I sat on one I was on my toes but I guess if the bike is light enough it shouldn't be too bad 🤷
@@michaelbrowne541 Hey Michael. i'm on the balls of my feet, yes. but at stops i can shift to the side to get a whole foot down. i like how much leg room i have. the only times it's a little dicey is if i'm maneuvering the bike, say, backwards out of a parking spot/in tight quarters. Then again, it's so light that it's not hard to right the bike if it starts to tip.
How tall should rider be to use this bike comfortable? I ask upper limit of rider.
Exceptional thorough and honest review!
2023, ktm got rid of the cast wheels and back to spokes ü
Fantastic review!!
Thank you! Cheers!
Would you recommend this bike as a first bike for someone?
I’ve got a BMW F759GS and I’m buying the 390 Adventure. I’d like to learn more off road biking without loosing traveling in the interstate and I do not want to deal with a heavy bike