I really don’t understand why you have only 4.5K subscribers.(Your videos are GREAT.All of them are straight to the point, great useful information about the topic. I have learned a lot from you and I’m very thankful for that ( I don’t even have the same bike). Thank you Sir.
Thanks for your feedback. I am not sure why my channel hasn't grown more either. It's okay, knowing viewers like you get something out my videos makes it worth it to me, and I enjoy it. Cheers, ride on.
Awesome stuff. I have done a few mods to my 390 after seeing you're vids. Thanks for helping. Really looking forward to seeing what you do with the muffler. Keep rolling 😎👍
I fitted a pre-filter on the snorkel this week on my 390, slight cutting was involved, but overall easy enough, as with any KTM air box, the more protection you can provide it the better. My 890 has the RP intake and virtually no dust passes that thing vs. how poorly the stock box performed. Riding here in AZ, dust is a big concern. Better safe than sorry I say.
@@advmatt I also added a. Booster plug to help with low end throttle response. The two together work well. Dave at best dual sport bikes has been very helpful. You can also see real dyno tests to prove the upgrade. I’m looking for spoked wheels now. They are hard to find Ktm set
Great vid. I recently purchased my 390 and enjoy it everyday. Looking at mods that may help commuting/long trips. Probably go with the atlas throttle lock after your recommendation. I wish I wouldve watched sooner though for the pannier racks. I ended up making my own and mounting the $250 KTM 15L trunk which handles most everything for now. I am excited to start longer trips/expeditions and will be looking out for your 390 updates. Stay safe and keep em coming.
@@advmatt I have seen more on it now. Just lazy when I had originally bought it. I have 4000 miles on it in 4 months. Maybe 700 of those off road. Loved every mile so far. And on the local trails/state parks I have outperformed my buddy on his 1290. The weight is such an advantage and until we hit rare open country/trail, the technical stuff keeps me on his heels.
I like your videos and the bike, my son has a 390 ADV. I am German and drive an 890 ADV. In Germany there is almost no off-road driving, but speed at >200 kmH Highway. The 890 is better suited for this (max 229 kmH, according to the speedometer). Your area makes me jealous. Keep it up...
Rottweiler performance has the Arrow mufflers available for the little adventure, that’s what a friend of mine ended up with along with the full Coober de-cat header and ECU package deal. It sounds really really good now for a small engine not obnoxiously loud by any means (still has the pre muffler thing)
Nice set up. I took your advice and put on a set of Black Dog foot pegs at the start of this summer and they are excellent. Took some getting used to, but standing is much improved. I have a season of riding with the Arrow GP2 slip on exhaust (ordered from Rottweiler) and it looks/sounds good IMHO. I banged it off a rock or two and it perversely looks even better somehow. The install was easy. Don't order a new gasket, you won't need it and it wouldn't fit anyway. Arrow provides a sachet of metal lube (insert joke here) that seals the deal.
@@Delgaarn I saw a fellow use a block of wood in the back side of this crash bars on his Royal Enfield Himalayan. It was kinda jenky, but it did work. It should not be overly difficult to remote the bars and weld a plate between then to mount the rotpax mount to.
After I added flat pegs (Rival industries in my case) I found that adjusting the brake pedal height properly wasn't ideal for when I was standing. So I added a dual level brake lever step plate. In my case by AltRider though SW-Motech also makes one for this bike. Really helps; perhaps not necessary if your peg height was lowered. I use my 390 primarily for dirt so I'm trying a 14t front sprocket. My first real ride on it will be soon so I don't know what I think about that mod yet.
Thanks for the great vid! Where did you purchase the small tactical bags on the front? I look forward to watching your next vid on the new seat. I’m up in Canada, so I’ll be parking my new ADV for the winter, but Santa will be bring some mods for next spring. Thanks for all the great vids.
Nice setup there! I have been looking at some mods for my ktm 390 adv. i have put on a phone mount so far :D I'm curiuos about your experience on the argo seat, i find the standard seat a bit hard. Realy like the glove on the licence plate mod ;D thanks for the video Matt! big fan :D
Best thing I can say about the ergo seat isn't I never noticed it out riding last weekend, meaning my butt didnt weary in the saddle until the 7 to 8 hour mark. I love the ergo seat.
Something I added were some metal hand guards. They saved my controls on the COBDR. I went with Highway Dirt Bikes Ultimate Hand Guards. Like the Black Dog skid plate, worth every penny. Tell me about that windshield extension? Where did you get and how much did it cost?
Windshield extension is a cheapy from Amazon. It's actually two different ones I put together. Nothing special. I am looking to do a big handlebar upgrade and will add the hadnguards then, but it is on my list. Thanks for reminding the value of hadnguards.
I would recommend a heat sheild over exhaust for ktm 390 adventure. It will protect your saddle bags if they come in contact with exhaust. I am waiting for that as well for my steed. Secondly, was curious don't you feel cold air on your wrist while riding in winter conditions. I think barkbuster storm would be handy.
Heat shield, yep, have that, forget to mention it. I use gauntlet gloves with heated liners in the winter. So far it has worked for me. I am looking to upgrade the handlebars which will include new handguards and possibly heated grips, we will see.
Deserved Like to those modifications, my only question is why you havent set up stoke wheels tubeless? I understand you paid 1000 usd for the pair wow!!! Greetings from Argentina
Thanks for the video, you were the inspiration for my latest upgrade which was the black dog skid plate. I've also added some travel pegs to be able to stretch out a little. Looking at going with Zana for my luggage options, how many liters are your soft bags that you got now? I have the KTM power parts panniers, they've done ok. But I'm looking for a better setup.
Would you get something like an RE Interceptor or a Ktm 390 if your main focus is prob road use? I will be going through Welsh and Spanish hills. I like both styles so its hard to choose. Ofc I can get into off roading I was thinking more in terms of reliability n mpg etc. (Also Welsh weather can be wet even in Summer) Greets from Uk. Great vid. 🏴🏴🇺🇸 P.s So yeah something like a retro cruiser etc in say Spanish heat circa 40c get very hot? An adventure better in extremes of temp is what am getting at.
I think you answered your own question. Air cooled verse water cooled might be as good of a question. I think the modern technology of the 390 might be a better fit, but I am biased. I dont have experience on RE bikes.
@@advmatt Yeah I think I prob did. Its a tricky one as I like both styles and I dont see many vids about re touring on retro style bikes etc. More of a sunday ride type bike. I guess naked bikes are also a possibility. Ta👍 P.s I guess I need to ask some Spanish riders...😉
Thanks for all the great info! Looking to pick one up next week. Any thoughts on KTM's upgraded aluminum skid plate? Probably not quite as sturdy but less than $200.
My thoughts on the skid plate really depends on what type of riding you plan to do. If you are planning any offroad riding that is anything more than some easy dirt roads and there is no chance of big rocks or ledges then KTM skid plate will probably work for you. It is better than stock but it is still mounted to the bottom of the engine. Any large impacts will be transmitted into the engine. There are two brands of skid plates that isolate the engine. Black Dog Cycles Works and one other brand that I can't recall. It all depends on what you plan to do.
KTM upgraded plate should work .. don't buy the the whole BS Black Dog Marketing around direct attachment. Bottom line tried the Black Dog Skid plate and it vibrated and would not stop - had to take it off - love their stuff - but that did not work for me - replaced w/ KTM upgraded plated - worked just fine. It takes quite a bit of work to put that Black Dog Plate on -
No mention of your tires. Wondering how they are performing ? I probably ride 50/50 on and off road. Stock tires are great on road, but fall short on the trails
You're right I didnt mention tires. I left tires off because I change them frequently and I dont have a go to tire. You're right the stock tires are okay, just dont push them too hard offroad. They are a good onroad tire for sure.
One of my main concerns with this bike is reliability as I’ve seen both good and bad reviews but from what I can tell, most people have very minimal issues. Also service intervals being twice as much as a Honda CRF. I’m looking at this and the CRF 300 Rally as a commuter and light adventure bike. Any thoughts on reliability and servicing? Do you find oil changes a pain or is it just normal compared to most bikes? Thanks for your vid’s!
Oil changes are dead simple and relatively cheap compared to big bikes. I have ridden this bike hard and the only major issue was the rear shock failed at 10k miles. As for a commuting bike, I think the 390 Adv might be a bit better because it has almost 10 more horsepower. The bad reviews I have seen for this bike are from people that rode them for an hour. These bikes do require some modifications but are great bikes, but then again I am biased.
Did you ever consider going with a rackless luggage system like the Mosko Moto Reckless system or the Tusk Highland X2? I'm getting a new 390 Adventure (waiting for the 2022 model) and am debating between the Tusk Highland x2 rackless system versus the Tusk pannier rack with the Tusk Pilot bags. I know the pannier system holds more and is easier to load and unload, but I have felt all the components that come with the rack and the quick-release plates for the bag and it has to weigh a good 30-40 lbs which is a lot for a small displacement bike. I also don't like the idea of having the racks on the bike when I just want to go riding without luggage. I'm so torn.
Yes, I did strongly consider going with a rackless system. I have the Giant Loop Great Basin that I used on my first multi day trip but I found it cumbersome to use. I already had the Givi Canyon panniers on another bike I could move over so I only needed new racks. It was more cost effective from the start for me to stay with pannier bags. If I didnt have luggage and needed something new I would go with the rackless system. I am just not sure which one, probably the Tusk because of the price point but there are a number of options available now. Which ever you choose will still get you out camping and traveling so you cant go wrong.
@@advmatt Thanks! I think you helped sell it for me. I received the Tusk Highland X2 set today, so now I have both the Tusk rackless Higland and the Tusk Pilot pannier systems in my possession. I just wanted to get both before spring comes and they all sell out due to the continuing product shortages we have been seeing during COVID. I just need to return one. I also had looked at the Giant Loop bag, but the inability to compartmentalize things for easier access turned me off. With the HIghland X2 I get about 76 liters of storage and can always go with a bigger tail bag.
Matt have you ridden the TAT from Colorado to Oregon on the 390? Now that you have 14k under your belt would you still choose the 390 if you had it to over again, or would you choose the 890 or Tenere 700? What is your favorite tire for the 390? Why?
I have not knowingly ridden the TAT but I think I have ridden a few sections in NM and CO. I would not choose another bike. The light weight if this bike and the power it puts out is perfect. I have ridden the T700, I didnt like where it carried its weight, too high. I havent ridden the 790/890. The 390 is an affordable bike and easy to really modify, which is what I wanted. If you are planning to do a lot of offroad on this bike I recommend the Bridgestone Battle Axe AX41. It is a great offroad tire with decent on road manners. The front tire wears well but the back tire, not so much. I liked the K60 scout rear tire for this bike but I didnt do a lot of offroad riding on it.
HI Matt, do you still own/ride your GS? Been a while since i've seen any video's associated w/ it. If you still own/ride it i'd be interested in more GS videos:) Enjoy your AZ fall/winter while I'm winterizing my bike up here in OR:(
I do still have it. I ride only for touring trips now. I will try to get some more GS videos. I rode it across the Golden Gate Bridge, I need to get that video edited soon.
@@advmatt good to hear...im looking forward to that video. I hate riding through SF. Used to ride through there going to Laguna Seca USGP/WSBK races. I was pissed they charged mc's the same $ as cars to cross yrs ago lol.
Matt great vids and info I’m just a bit confused so much info been consuming last couple weeks trying to decide between versys 300 ,reh,or this ktm390 and now is my feedback correct that you can no longer get spoked wheels aftermarket for this bike like you did and anyone wanting to get intense with it off road would want? So once the mag wheels bend then only choice is more mag wheels?
Yes and no to your question. KTM Powerparts is no longer offering spoked wheels. However, you can get a set of custom spoked wheels from Rottweiler Performance. They cost a bit more, but are a better wheel set.
I dont change tire pressure to preserve the wheels. Lowering the tire pressure on the stock cast wheels puts them at risk if you hit a sharp edged object. If you are in deep sand you can drop them about 10psi until you get out and then air back up. These heavier bikes make lowering air pressure risky. You are better off getting more offroad focused tires. Just my thoughts and experience.
Hey Matt. Mine is going in Saturday for a warranty issue. Seems the plastic thermostat is cracked. The transmission often shifts like a Harley. Down shifting only. Big clunk. I found being very precise with the clutch helps. Have you ever had this?
I only have issues when I use the quick shifter, if I stick with the clutch it seems fine. I have noticed now it doesnt go from neutral to first right every time but i think my clutch adjustment was off, not fully disengaging. I adjusted it and it seems to engage 1st gear right away.
Hey Matt, my buddy and myself bought 390s a couple months ago and we've been having issues with them dying several times on start up. Do you know of a fix?
I had to reroute my shift cable when I installed bar risers and had to get some help dialing the pull on my clutch lever, once I had the correct settings it lost the clunk and is buttery smooth now. Ask at your local shop/dealer.
Did you install a headlight guard by chance? Curious if you found anything for a reasonable price? $90 for a piece of plastic seems a little excessive :)
I have not installed a headlight guard. I agree, $90 is way too much for a piece of shaped plastic. I ride alone most of the time so I haven't been concerned about a rock kicking up into my headlight, but I do need to get a guard. I might buy once of those honeycomb style guards and then inset some plexiglass to keep smaller stuff from going through.
@@advmatt As a follow-up, I ordered a $38 Ebay one on 1/19. Arrived 1/30 and looks identical to the OEM piece. Looks nice and thick, so looks like it could take a serious hit.
Always great easy listening video's 👍😊. Now youve had it and used it well how is the bike itself holding up , I have heard the factory chain doesnt cut the mustard and needs to be replaced fairly early and have you changed the drive sprockets for better gearing with the added weights... Cheers and keep it upright 👍 I was going to go a Honda rally but this looks more the bike for my adventures
The chain went fast, here is a link the video I put together on it. ua-cam.com/video/8k6EQ9Vq5xs/v-deo.html Blown shock at 10k miles. So far no other issues. It is a really fun bike.
@@advmatt thanks heaps , I haven't ridden for close to 25 years so am on the fence as to one of these or Honda Rally due to weights and my health , thankyou again I'll go an watch more of your great video's 👍
@@shanegreen9019 that is correct, there is a resonate frequency between 4k and 5k RPM that can be loud. I used rubber washers to isolated the bash plate that really helped.
I really don’t understand why you have only 4.5K subscribers.(Your videos are GREAT.All of them are straight to the point, great useful information about the topic. I have learned a lot from you and I’m very thankful for that ( I don’t even have the same bike). Thank you Sir.
Thanks for your feedback. I am not sure why my channel hasn't grown more either. It's okay, knowing viewers like you get something out my videos makes it worth it to me, and I enjoy it. Cheers, ride on.
4.5 k smart ones no sheeples and or zombies though
Wow that's an intense set up. Very cool to hear the breakdown and see how it all comes together. Thanks for posting! 💪
Definitely one of the best modification videos I have seen for the 390 Adventure. Thanks!
Awesome stuff. I have done a few mods to my 390 after seeing you're vids. Thanks for helping. Really looking forward to seeing what you do with the muffler. Keep rolling 😎👍
Nice background!
You've taken that thing all over, a bunch of pretty impressive places.
Looks like you've got it all set up, nice rig Matt.
Thanks, I have more to do to it for sure, but it had worked pretty well as it is.
Love your enthusiasm. Keep on goin.
Thanks for the video Matt.
I fitted a pre-filter on the snorkel this week on my 390, slight cutting was involved, but overall easy enough, as with any KTM air box, the more protection you can provide it the better. My 890 has the RP intake and virtually no dust passes that thing vs. how poorly the stock box performed. Riding here in AZ, dust is a big concern. Better safe than sorry I say.
Great suggestion, I will look into it. Thanks.
I have a best dual sports bikes endcap on my exhaust. Cost only 99 bucks and picked up two horsepower. Actually sounds like a bike now
I have looked at those, I would like to get a lighter exhaust, but may consider an end cap.
@@advmatt I also added a. Booster plug to help with low end throttle response. The two together work well. Dave at best dual sport bikes has been very helpful. You can also see real dyno tests to prove the upgrade. I’m looking for spoked wheels now. They are hard to find Ktm set
@@tomcharles7755 thanks, I will also look at the booster plug. Rottweiler has a really heavy duty set of custom wheels.
Great vid. I recently purchased my 390 and enjoy it everyday. Looking at mods that may help commuting/long trips. Probably go with the atlas throttle lock after your recommendation. I wish I wouldve watched sooner though for the pannier racks. I ended up making my own and mounting the $250 KTM 15L trunk which handles most everything for now. I am excited to start longer trips/expeditions and will be looking out for your 390 updates. Stay safe and keep em coming.
If you havent looked, I have a lot of 390 content starting from the end of 2020. This is a great bike. You will get lots of fun miles in.
@@advmatt I have seen more on it now. Just lazy when I had originally bought it. I have 4000 miles on it in 4 months. Maybe 700 of those off road. Loved every mile so far. And on the local trails/state parks I have outperformed my buddy on his 1290. The weight is such an advantage and until we hit rare open country/trail, the technical stuff keeps me on his heels.
I like your videos and the bike, my son has a 390 ADV.
I am German and drive an 890 ADV.
In Germany there is almost no off-road driving, but speed at >200 kmH Highway.
The 890 is better suited for this (max 229 kmH, according to the speedometer).
Your area makes me jealous.
Keep it up...
Much more to come for sure. You just need to get over here at some point.
Rottweiler performance has the Arrow mufflers available for the little adventure, that’s what a friend of mine ended up with along with the full Coober de-cat header and ECU package deal. It sounds really really good now for a small engine not obnoxiously loud by any means (still has the pre muffler thing)
Thanks, I will take a look. Not so sure about the Coober header but I am looking for a good muffler.
Super Video, Thx. Go on!
Nice set up. I took your advice and put on a set of Black Dog foot pegs at the start of this summer and they are excellent. Took some getting used to, but standing is much improved. I have a season of riding with the Arrow GP2 slip on exhaust (ordered from Rottweiler) and it looks/sounds good IMHO. I banged it off a rock or two and it perversely looks even better somehow. The install was easy. Don't order a new gasket, you won't need it and it wouldn't fit anyway. Arrow provides a sachet of metal lube (insert joke here) that seals the deal.
Nice, rode scars are the best. It tells a story and gives character. Exhaust is on my list for next spring. Thanks for info on the Arrow.
I have stolen several of your ideas, and am happy with them all.
I am planning to weld some plates on my crash bars to mount a Rotopax on each.
Send me picture when you finish. I want to see what they look like.
i'm interested in the rotopax on the guards. I have seen people do them but i dont see a mount for it
@@Delgaarn I saw a fellow use a block of wood in the back side of this crash bars on his Royal Enfield Himalayan. It was kinda jenky, but it did work. It should not be overly difficult to remote the bars and weld a plate between then to mount the rotpax mount to.
@@OneOldManRiding i was just looking at the bars today. think im going to try heavy plastic. Bars do look easy to remove though
After I added flat pegs (Rival industries in my case) I found that adjusting the brake pedal height properly wasn't ideal for when I was standing. So I added a dual level brake lever step plate. In my case by AltRider though SW-Motech also makes one for this bike. Really helps; perhaps not necessary if your peg height was lowered. I use my 390 primarily for dirt so I'm trying a 14t front sprocket. My first real ride on it will be soon so I don't know what I think about that mod yet.
Let me know about the sprocket change. The lowered pegs put the brake lever at the perfect location.
Thanks for the great vid! Where did you purchase the small tactical bags on the front? I look forward to watching your next vid on the new seat. I’m up in Canada, so I’ll be parking my new ADV for the winter, but Santa will be bring some mods for next spring. Thanks for all the great vids.
Tactical bags are from Amazon. The supporting video has links. Thanks for the positive feedback.
Nice setup there! I have been looking at some mods for my ktm 390 adv. i have put on a phone mount so far :D I'm curiuos about your experience on the argo seat, i find the standard seat a bit hard. Realy like the glove on the licence plate mod ;D thanks for the video Matt! big fan :D
Best thing I can say about the ergo seat isn't I never noticed it out riding last weekend, meaning my butt didnt weary in the saddle until the 7 to 8 hour mark. I love the ergo seat.
You can fit ktm RC 390 rear wheel fender on it I have fitted that on my bike.
Something I added were some metal hand guards. They saved my controls on the COBDR. I went with Highway Dirt Bikes Ultimate Hand Guards. Like the Black Dog skid plate, worth every penny.
Tell me about that windshield extension? Where did you get and how much did it cost?
Windshield extension is a cheapy from Amazon. It's actually two different ones I put together. Nothing special. I am looking to do a big handlebar upgrade and will add the hadnguards then, but it is on my list. Thanks for reminding the value of hadnguards.
I would recommend a heat sheild over exhaust for ktm 390 adventure. It will protect your saddle bags if they come in contact with exhaust. I am waiting for that as well for my steed.
Secondly, was curious don't you feel cold air on your wrist while riding in winter conditions. I think barkbuster storm would be handy.
Heat shield, yep, have that, forget to mention it. I use gauntlet gloves with heated liners in the winter. So far it has worked for me. I am looking to upgrade the handlebars which will include new handguards and possibly heated grips, we will see.
@@advmatt thanks Matt, happy riding !!!
Deserved Like to those modifications, my only question is why you havent set up stoke wheels tubeless? I understand you paid 1000 usd for the pair wow!!!
Greetings from Argentina
I am planning to do the tubeless conversion, I just didnt have time when I first recieved the wheels.
Thanks for the video, you were the inspiration for my latest upgrade which was the black dog skid plate. I've also added some travel pegs to be able to stretch out a little. Looking at going with Zana for my luggage options, how many liters are your soft bags that you got now? I have the KTM power parts panniers, they've done ok. But I'm looking for a better setup.
The Wolfman bags ar 36 liters each side. They seem huge. Glad you found inspiration from my videos.
@Hinerick Himler 卐ϟϟ sometimes my boot will hit the stand causing the bike to shutdown, but its foot placement.
Would you get something like an RE Interceptor or a Ktm 390 if your main focus is prob road use?
I will be going through Welsh and Spanish hills. I like both styles so its hard to choose.
Ofc I can get into off roading I was thinking more in terms of reliability n mpg etc. (Also Welsh weather can be wet even in Summer)
Greets from Uk. Great vid. 🏴🏴🇺🇸
P.s So yeah something like a retro cruiser etc in say Spanish heat circa 40c get very hot? An adventure better in extremes of temp is what am getting at.
I think you answered your own question. Air cooled verse water cooled might be as good of a question. I think the modern technology of the 390 might be a better fit, but I am biased. I dont have experience on RE bikes.
@@advmatt Yeah I think I prob did. Its a tricky one as I like both styles and I dont see many vids about re touring on retro style bikes etc. More of a sunday ride type bike.
I guess naked bikes are also a possibility. Ta👍
P.s I guess I need to ask some Spanish riders...😉
Thanks for all the great info! Looking to pick one up next week. Any thoughts on KTM's upgraded aluminum skid plate? Probably not quite as sturdy but less than $200.
My thoughts on the skid plate really depends on what type of riding you plan to do. If you are planning any offroad riding that is anything more than some easy dirt roads and there is no chance of big rocks or ledges then KTM skid plate will probably work for you. It is better than stock but it is still mounted to the bottom of the engine. Any large impacts will be transmitted into the engine. There are two brands of skid plates that isolate the engine. Black Dog Cycles Works and one other brand that I can't recall. It all depends on what you plan to do.
@@advmatt Thanks so much! Not entirely sure yet but I'm in Socal, so rocks are definitely a risk. I thnk the BDCW one will be the safest bet.
KTM upgraded plate should work .. don't buy the the whole BS Black Dog Marketing around direct attachment. Bottom line tried the Black Dog Skid plate and it vibrated and would not stop - had to take it off - love their stuff - but that did not work for me - replaced w/ KTM upgraded plated - worked just fine. It takes quite a bit of work to put that Black Dog Plate on -
@@jstraw9706 I did end up with the Black Dog. No vibration issues on mine. Definitely feels very solid; seems like I can ride over a landmine LOL
I subbed for buffering...
No mention of your tires. Wondering how they are performing ? I probably ride 50/50 on and off road. Stock tires are great on road, but fall short on the trails
You're right I didnt mention tires. I left tires off because I change them frequently and I dont have a go to tire. You're right the stock tires are okay, just dont push them too hard offroad. They are a good onroad tire for sure.
Nice
One of my main concerns with this bike is reliability as I’ve seen both good and bad reviews but from what I can tell, most people have very minimal issues. Also service intervals being twice as much as a Honda CRF. I’m looking at this and the CRF 300 Rally as a commuter and light adventure bike. Any thoughts on reliability and servicing? Do you find oil changes a pain or is it just normal compared to most bikes? Thanks for your vid’s!
Oil changes are dead simple and relatively cheap compared to big bikes. I have ridden this bike hard and the only major issue was the rear shock failed at 10k miles. As for a commuting bike, I think the 390 Adv might be a bit better because it has almost 10 more horsepower. The bad reviews I have seen for this bike are from people that rode them for an hour. These bikes do require some modifications but are great bikes, but then again I am biased.
I was quite annoyed about the screen that drips oil right in the exhaust myself.
@@OneOldManRiding I get that, but my SUVs drip oil all over from the filters so I wasnt too upset, it's easy enough to wipe off.
Did you ever consider going with a rackless luggage system like the Mosko Moto Reckless system or the Tusk Highland X2? I'm getting a new 390 Adventure (waiting for the 2022 model) and am debating between the Tusk Highland x2 rackless system versus the Tusk pannier rack with the Tusk Pilot bags. I know the pannier system holds more and is easier to load and unload, but I have felt all the components that come with the rack and the quick-release plates for the bag and it has to weigh a good 30-40 lbs which is a lot for a small displacement bike. I also don't like the idea of having the racks on the bike when I just want to go riding without luggage. I'm so torn.
Yes, I did strongly consider going with a rackless system. I have the Giant Loop Great Basin that I used on my first multi day trip but I found it cumbersome to use. I already had the Givi Canyon panniers on another bike I could move over so I only needed new racks. It was more cost effective from the start for me to stay with pannier bags. If I didnt have luggage and needed something new I would go with the rackless system. I am just not sure which one, probably the Tusk because of the price point but there are a number of options available now. Which ever you choose will still get you out camping and traveling so you cant go wrong.
@@advmatt Thanks! I think you helped sell it for me. I received the Tusk Highland X2 set today, so now I have both the Tusk rackless Higland and the Tusk Pilot pannier systems in my possession. I just wanted to get both before spring comes and they all sell out due to the continuing product shortages we have been seeing during COVID. I just need to return one. I also had looked at the Giant Loop bag, but the inability to compartmentalize things for easier access turned me off. With the HIghland X2 I get about 76 liters of storage and can always go with a bigger tail bag.
Matt have you ridden the TAT from Colorado to Oregon on the 390? Now that you have 14k under your belt would you still choose the 390 if you had it to over again, or would you choose the 890 or Tenere 700? What is your favorite tire for the 390? Why?
I have not knowingly ridden the TAT but I think I have ridden a few sections in NM and CO. I would not choose another bike. The light weight if this bike and the power it puts out is perfect. I have ridden the T700, I didnt like where it carried its weight, too high. I havent ridden the 790/890. The 390 is an affordable bike and easy to really modify, which is what I wanted. If you are planning to do a lot of offroad on this bike I recommend the Bridgestone Battle Axe AX41. It is a great offroad tire with decent on road manners. The front tire wears well but the back tire, not so much. I liked the K60 scout rear tire for this bike but I didnt do a lot of offroad riding on it.
HI Matt, do you still own/ride your GS? Been a while since i've seen any video's associated w/ it. If you still own/ride it i'd be interested in more GS videos:) Enjoy your AZ fall/winter while I'm winterizing my bike up here in OR:(
I do still have it. I ride only for touring trips now. I will try to get some more GS videos. I rode it across the Golden Gate Bridge, I need to get that video edited soon.
@@advmatt good to hear...im looking forward to that video. I hate riding through SF. Used to ride through there going to Laguna Seca USGP/WSBK races. I was pissed they charged mc's the same $ as cars to cross yrs ago lol.
Matt great vids and info I’m just a bit confused so much info been consuming last couple weeks trying to decide between versys 300 ,reh,or this ktm390 and now is my feedback correct that you can no longer get spoked wheels aftermarket for this bike like you did and anyone wanting to get intense with it off road would want? So once the mag wheels bend then only choice is more mag wheels?
Yes and no to your question. KTM Powerparts is no longer offering spoked wheels. However, you can get a set of custom spoked wheels from Rottweiler Performance. They cost a bit more, but are a better wheel set.
I found my fuel tank splitting little of road after 9 thousand miles no drops on ground under filler cap front lower bracket
Interesting, I will take a look at mine. That doesn't sound good.
Hey Matt, I have a 390 with stock wheels and tires. What tire pressure would you suggest I run off road? Thanks!
I dont change tire pressure to preserve the wheels. Lowering the tire pressure on the stock cast wheels puts them at risk if you hit a sharp edged object. If you are in deep sand you can drop them about 10psi until you get out and then air back up. These heavier bikes make lowering air pressure risky. You are better off getting more offroad focused tires. Just my thoughts and experience.
Hey Matt. Mine is going in Saturday for a warranty issue. Seems the plastic thermostat is cracked. The transmission often shifts like a Harley. Down shifting only. Big clunk. I found being very precise with the clutch helps. Have you ever had this?
I have.
I only have issues when I use the quick shifter, if I stick with the clutch it seems fine. I have noticed now it doesnt go from neutral to first right every time but i think my clutch adjustment was off, not fully disengaging. I adjusted it and it seems to engage 1st gear right away.
Hey Matt, my buddy and myself bought 390s a couple months ago and we've been having issues with them dying several times on start up. Do you know of a fix?
@@zachstamper4696 I havent heard of that problem. Sorry, I am not sure what it could be.
I had to reroute my shift cable when I installed bar risers and had to get some help dialing the pull on my clutch lever, once I had the correct settings it lost the clunk and is buttery smooth now. Ask at your local shop/dealer.
Did you install a headlight guard by chance? Curious if you found anything for a reasonable price? $90 for a piece of plastic seems a little excessive :)
I have not installed a headlight guard. I agree, $90 is way too much for a piece of shaped plastic. I ride alone most of the time so I haven't been concerned about a rock kicking up into my headlight, but I do need to get a guard. I might buy once of those honeycomb style guards and then inset some plexiglass to keep smaller stuff from going through.
@@advmatt Yea, I plan on mostly riding solo as well but there is the occasional dirt bike flying by 😀
@@advmatt I ordered a $40 plastic one from China. I'll let you know if it's any good :)
@@advmatt As a follow-up, I ordered a $38 Ebay one on 1/19. Arrived 1/30 and looks identical to the OEM piece. Looks nice and thick, so looks like it could take a serious hit.
How about long term reliabitity problems with elektronics?
Here is a link to the video I did on the reliability. ua-cam.com/video/ZvlOYKMtlaE/v-deo.html
Always great easy listening video's 👍😊.
Now youve had it and used it well how is the bike itself holding up , I have heard the factory chain doesnt cut the mustard and needs to be replaced fairly early and have you changed the drive sprockets for better gearing with the added weights...
Cheers and keep it upright 👍
I was going to go a Honda rally but this looks more the bike for my adventures
The chain went fast, here is a link the video I put together on it. ua-cam.com/video/8k6EQ9Vq5xs/v-deo.html
Blown shock at 10k miles. So far no other issues. It is a really fun bike.
@@advmatt thanks heaps , I haven't ridden for close to 25 years so am on the fence as to one of these or Honda Rally due to weights and my health , thankyou again I'll go an watch more of your great video's 👍
Is the skid plate loud.
Yes, when rocks kick up. It's a great noise to remind me just important it is to have a good skid plate.
@@advmatt I’m sorry. I meant when it comes to engine noise. I have heard that metal plates rezenate engine noise a lot.
@@shanegreen9019 that is correct, there is a resonate frequency between 4k and 5k RPM that can be loud. I used rubber washers to isolated the bash plate that really helped.