Please note: the 390 manual states oil/filter change interval as 7500km, not 10000km. However we change it at 5000km, probably a better option for off-road use.
Definitely a better option. For my 200 Duke, the recommended interval for oil change was 5000 km and the prescribed oil was Motul 7100 20W50. If memory serves, the BS3 390 Duke had the same interval until they revised it for the BS4 and the subsequent BS6 version. Manufacturer recommended oil is 7100 10W50 so it should be subject to the same amount of degradation, if not more, considering how high strung this engine is.
@@Davidlouis3 yeah I just changed my tires to some knobby tires and lowered the pressure in the dirt it flat-out hauls ass and I put a Leo Vance pipe on it
When you go in the dirt drop your air pressure lower your bike will handle a lot better in the dirt and turn everything off and put your ABS brakes set on off-road leave tract control completely off ABS brakes on
Hi Thanks for the honest comments to this bike. My 390 Adv is used on street and green lanes. For my use and my height of 192 cm it is perfect. Now I`m nearly 70 years old and I have ridden motocycles for more than 50 years. This small bike keeps me on two wheels.👍 Best regards from Germany
Good review. However, as a very experienced rider, I feel this bike is perfect for people like me too. A lot of people like me have bought it because we want a lightweight adventure bike that is good enough on the highways and pretty capable off road- esp when travelling- not necessarily enduro or just hooning around in the dirt. I have ridden all the adv bikes out there but there simplicity and ease of the 390 is what sold it to me. Done all kinds of gnarly stuff and a mx track too- wheels and everything else seemed to take the beating well haha. Keep up the good work!
Great review! I bought a 690 enduro r for a dirt bike and a 390 adv for day riding but found I’m taking the 390 out in the bush and camping trips more than the big bike, it’s a trooper.
Just got a DR650 and sat on one of these in the shop when looking around. Impressive bike and bigger than I thought it was going to be! You are right about the cost, you can spend a bit on upgrades and still be well under the cost of other bikes. If it suits your needs and does what you want, it's a great bike and the right one for you. Nat, you are a legend! It's hard enough in the rough stuff at times when you are tall and can reach the ground, it's impressive what you can do (being a bit short one end) and just shows the amount of skill and ability you have... Great review, loving your videos guys!
I love my 390. I use it for mainly road use here in Ireland. But sometimes intake a spin to my dads house, he 75, we open the gate and both have turns doing laps. Just like back in the old days. I love my 390. Its give me memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks guys loved the show 🫶
Great video! Agree on your conclusions. I am 67 years old and decided that my R 1200 GS was just too big off-road. So far, the KTM is fitting the bill nicely. Glad I found your channel!
I've been looking for a knowledgeable 10 km review of the KTM 390 ADV. Thanks Nat! You are definitely using your 390 ADV more aggressively than the designers intended. I tried to find a 390 ADV last fall but my local KTM dealer only stocks their dirt bikes and didn't seem that interested in ordering one for me. I got a BMW G310GS, which is in the same class. I'd always ridden dual sport thumpers but always wanted a smaller displacement ADV bike, and we finally have a few. I'm 60 so I decided for something more refined than the dual sport bikes, and I'm very happy with the baby GS. I'm keeping the alloy wheels. I might do mild off road but my trail bashing days are in the rear view mirror. My goal is back roads and dirt roads, with some motorcycle camping. The baby GS looks bigger than it is. I'm a big guy and it's too small for me. I mostly notice it where my knees extend beyond the tank cutouts. I'd like to find an aftermarket seat like yours that is flat so I can slide back a bit. I enjoyed seeing the mods you've done, and I was glad to hear that your 390 ADV has been reliable and low maintenance.
From someone who's thinking about changing to one of these, your review is very helpful thanks - the real nitty gritty from somebody who's properly used the bike for some time. All the best from England...
Nearly 30 minutes long, BUT oh how easily that time passed with this excellently presented and informative review. 9/10 guys. MVDBR - Awesome as ever :)
I've watched plenty of the vids on the 390 ADV and this is one of the better ones...congrats! I'm one of the niches for this bike you mention: older guy (66) who doesn't want a heavy bike off road, (I frequently ride alone). I have plenty of road experience but not so much off road. I bought one of these 390 ADVs and found it is confidence-inspiring off road (though as you point out, better tires for off road are essential). I'm doing more dirt on this one than I ever tried on my brief time with a DRZ400 (a fine bike but I never fell in love with it). You mentioned the real secret of this bike: its low initial cost allows you to mod the hell out of it and still come away for less than bikes similarly equipped new, (and which you'd also end up modding as well, adding to the price spread). I've found I much prefer bigger pegs with no angle, and tomorrow I'm trying my latest mod: a double-level brake step plate to help with braking while standing. I think the flatter pegs and the range of brake pedal adjustment made braking while standing more difficult with the stock, single level, brake step plate. Similar to your approach to the hand guards, I'm waiting until I bend a rim before shelling out for the spokes. So far, no problem.
Probably worth putting heavy duty tubes in the alloy wheels as a cheaper alternative, at least they will be able to hold pressure if they do get badly dinged 👍 But yer the spokes are a big expense.
I've been watching mid level adv bike videos for a while now I had a duke390 last year, that stalling issue is with most KTMs and I think you guys are the first Ive seen to solve it👏 Great video
Great detailed review. I bought a 390 Adv 12 months ago, but sold it after 8 months as I found it too low, too cramped, awfully in-the-face windy at speed, and a pain to lift for simple tasks like lubing the chain. I played around with the windscreen height, and a couple of wind deflectors, but just hated riding it over 80kmh. It must be my height or riding position, as I know others have been fine. It also wasn’t a good fit with my mostly off-road riding where it was too low and cramped, and felt vulnerable. As an ‘adventure bike’, ie mixed bitumen and dirt roads, as distinct from rough tracks, and for the right height person, I think it’d be a good bike. I also have a Wr250R, which has just been discontinued, and am hoping Yamaha bring out a bike that sits between it and a T700 ...
great impartial review guys you have made my mind up i turned 60 last year and was looking for a decent light and agile bike for weekend fun for when i retire this fits the bill for me i wont be doing silly motorway miles it will be for small roads and light off road so alloys wont be a problem or suspension just a bit of protection roll on the end of lockdown in the uk so i can get a test ride and get one ordered the futures bright the futures orange
Nice job Nat, you did really well in front of camera. I’m sure you blokes are already aware that KTM are bringing out a 490 Adventure in 2022, I’m looking forward to seeing and testing that bike. I did test ride the 390 just before the pestilence hit the UK, and I really liked it. I ride a Yam XT660Z Tenere normally, but I want a slightly smaller adventure machine to sit beside my Tenere for some fun adventures. Regards, Dazza. 🇬🇧
Yeah I have seen that the 490 is coming soon but in my opinion it's a lot of work setting up an adventure bike just the way you like it. I do love the 390 and I'm not in a hurry to change any time soon. It'd have to be a pretty fantastic bike for me to change.
I'm 59 years old and this is the first KTM I've ever owned it's a 2022 KTM 390 Adventure it's got plenty of powers Nimble it's got the clearance if you needed the bike is phenomenal with all the extras and all the goodies when you're in the dirt turn everything off please ABS brakes on and it will hook up like a dirt bike I just put some nice Nobbies on it it's going to fly it already hooks up love it
There are options for rerouting the exhaust it just requires outside the box thinking and some fabrication of heat shields plus exhaust tape ! Other manufacturers have bigger engine's V Twins that solve the problem you could use for reference material !
Guys, awesome review! Not interested in buying this bike (I use a Versys-X similarly off-road) but this may very well be one of the best bike reviews I have ever seen and I have seen a lot!
You buy a bike saying "its great for riding on flat and dirt roads" then criticise it not being fit for scrub and bush riding, its not designed for that.... Still, great vid cheers
I looked at the 390 adventure and always curious about it. Another great option is a factory method lowered DR650. Flip some parts for and aft and it's 40mm lower and feels like sitting on a DR200. Lowered a DR has a lower seat than the 390 with much more ground clearance and you can raise it later easily if you want. Weight is similar between 2 of them. You could spend money to improve both but DR's have a lot of options from a long 25 year history of being unchanged. I've highway toured on mine doing several 1000km days and you just have to do a quick search to find their capability off the road. I've only ever had to fix a very easy cam chain tensioner gasket that started to leak - $4. Not a bad record in over 50,000km. Weight is similar between 2 of them. You could spend money to improve both. A DR is as 50/50 on/off road as bikes get. Same price for both in Canada.
Yeah, it's been mentioned before. DRs are a solid choice but no 6th gear and no FI are it's main downfalls, the only things that really can't be easily fixed with them. But those things aren't important to everyone, that's for sure 🙌
Our tiny little backyard had a bit of a situation on the weekend with a blocked drain during a heavy downpour but other than that all good so far we have missed the worst of it thanks Dolly 🙏 In Australia if the country isn't burning or flooding something is wrong lol
Great review and interesting to see your mods. I am 177 cm (5”10) tall newbeginner and I am considering this bike. Today I am running a 2015 xt660r, but miss having the modern safety systems when on the tarmac. Thanks again!
Great review - best on youtube. Just wondered if Nat considered the 690 Enduro? I have one and use it as a lightweight adventure bike. Dealer fitted the KTM lowering kit as I am not very tall. Then I got a Seat Concept seat for comfort over distance. Lightweight comfy and tons of grunt....only thing missing is windscreen and decent dash - no fuel gauge and gear indicator! Not sure about Aussie prices but only about £2,200 more in UK for a 690 v 390 new when I bought mine.
Great review! Might be getting rid of my 690 supermoto for one. Also, being from the US and hearing aluminum pronounced as aloomineyum always puts a smile on my face. Keep up the good work!
Awesome again guys. Always love the humour you get into the vids. And some nice editing there too 😉 (no scary ass clowns this time though!) Keep up the good work, looking forward to the next one!
That's it. Covers everything thoroughly. TC drives me nuts, have to disconnect the ABS to rear wheel off-rd. Review covers mainly off-road, but the stock bike does 170km top speed on-road, which for me makes it a good commuter/weekend back roader. It survives easily on the super-highways, fuel mileage is great. Engine was born to rev, so you really have to give 'er hard off road sometimes. I'm over 16,000km and only had a fender come loose. No other problems, though I expect the plastic components will break with age. Yeah, good review. I will buy KTM again because of this bike.
Simple solution for the front fork not bottoming out so fast... Your fork is made of a spring and a piston with shims where oil is pushed trough providing damping. But there's one more often overseen part, the air in the tube is being compressed as well, it acts as a extra spring. You can simply increase the amount of oil in each fork leg to reduce the air space, that makes the fork stiffer and it bottoms out less. Even 20ml more in each fork leg can make a difference. It's not quite as good as fully adjustable suspension tuned to your needs but it is almost free, so it's worth a try. Of course this is an add on on springs (front and rear) that are a good fit for your weight and gear, your springs and preload need to be correct for the bike to have the right sag which translates to the right geometry.
I read somewhere (ADVrider I think?) that if you upgrade your KTM 390 software to V1.09 it will fix the problem of resetting the traction control every time you stop the bike.
Great well rounded review. The bang for dollar seems great , but the ground clearance and lack of tire choice are what have kept me purchasing one yet.
Aside from a longer suspension, this is basically what an R model would look like! I hope its in KTM’s road map 🔥 Amazing review and insights on long term actual off road review on the bike
Great Vid Guys, i have a CRF1000 and brought a 390 as the Big bike doesn't have the fun Factor that i miss. I love the 390, but yes it has it's limitations. But overall a blast to ride !!!
Great bike and surprisingly capable off-road. Just a heads up on the bash plate. I HAD the same one until it caught on fire last weekend. It must have flexed onto the exhaust and made a bond. I pulled up to check a track out and smelt the plastic only to look down and there was fire licking my left leg. Lucky a 4x4 was passing and I used their fire extinguisher to put it out. I have a photo but don’t know how to load it here. Anyway, it was ablaze with a hole about 5inches long melted away.
Finally!!!! Yeeehaaa! I bought same bike to my sweetie. Following your path with AXP, spoked rims, etc. Love you guys! Best of luck to you, and keep making love in the bushes :-) Thanks again for good vids.
congrats on 10K eh Nat! always a treat to spend some time with you folks, thanks for sharing, inspiring and just being a couple of kick ass people, have a beauty day eh, smiles, good vibes and safe rides my friends, bless up from BC, B^)
Great vid guys, there is a whole lot of truth in your review. Only those that truly ride ADV will appreciate the facts voiced and what you actually need. All well and good having a 100hp 220kg+ bush missile, but try pulling that up at offroad, or picking it up half a dozen times. Loved it! Thanks for the share
The air filter pre-filter looks like a type of foam that could purchased at a craft & material store. As they sell different types of foams here. I heard on some videos that a Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle clutch cable is near an exact fit but longer and people use it when installing bar riser. So it is an ADV not an enduro.
Great video Nat and Josh! So much better than most of the journalists reviews. A real owners review! Although seeing the one bar left on the fuel gauge in massive Yowie country had me concerned for your well-being! Subscribe to their Patreon if you can, it's well worth it.
Hi Josh & Nat have u guy's been to film school or something ? U's stepped it up in this one WOW, just what my eyeballs needed, The KTM does look like a lot of fun, ATB Wayne UK,
Seeing the Tenere and 390 side by side really shows the stark difference between the two bikes. Seeing the 390 by itself it looks a lot larger and higher then it actually is
Great review! Can you please make a video on the front fender when you change it? Im really interested in that. I think it would look so much less dorky
They should've sold these with spokes wheels and an enduro option like the ktm 690 enduro, I reckon they would have got more interest. Theres a gap in the market between the crf300l and the ktm 690 enduro for technical offroad capabable adventure bikes.
Another great video! Cheers guys. Your great work and dedication were once again shared in the KTM 390 Adventure Forum Facebook group! It is a global Group for KTM390 riders to share their experiences. Feel free to shout out there once in a while and make our community even more knowledgeable and fun.
Good review. I bought one of these last October and due to lockdown in the UK still haven't done the first 600 miles for the first service. I don't really do the stuff you do but travel all over continental Europe each summer doing a lot of fire roads etc on the way. Always ride something that can if necessary keep up with traffic on the motorways but is OK on rough tracks. For many years rode big BMW's and Triumphs but in 2108 dropped my Triumph 800 xc on a gravel track in Spain and me and my son spent half hour getting the luggage off it to stand it up. Decided at the time if I'd been on my own would have been stuck miles from anywhere so needed something lighter. Bought a couple of Kawasaki 300 X for the same price as replacing the Triumph and did three thousand mile trip through France the next year. So much cheaper and they did everything we wanted. The only thing that annoyed me was the screaming engine at motorway speeds so tried out one of these last summer and fell in love with it. Took weeks to get one because of back orders, obviously lots of people waiting for it to come out in the UK. LIke you say it's a pity about the cast wheels but I guess they were working to a budget. The little kawasaki had spokes but of course it didn't have the tech. Thanks again for the review, I can't wait to really try it out this summer.
Good review. 4k miles on mine and I had pretty much to same experience. I think you're gonna love the Coober ECU + decat - looking forward to your impressions.
I actually like the mods you’ve done. Made the bike a lot more useful off-road. I felt the adventure 390 was a waste over the basic but watching this changed my mind. Cheers.
Hey guys, excelent video! But let me tell you, that I came accross an article from MotoBlog, that KTM India, released an actualización software to include the new driving mods Street and Offroad for the KTMs 390 ADV from 2020 and 2021 models, that on th Offroad Mod it keeps the traccion control off, even if you turn off the motor, so you don't have to go through the process of setting it off again, just lik in the 2022 model! You'll have to chech with your deeler in Australia! 👌
For the ABS issue you can run a rocker switch inline before the ABS fuse so you can switch it on and off manually. Try pulling the fuse and starting the bike if it doesn't have have any problems with the fuse removed you are good to wire in a switch.
Wonderful bike.Owned one for about 6 weeks(more as a test).Agree with everything you say.Suspension travel would be ok if it were at least 200mm.Cheers.
Great review, thanks! I'm 54, 178cm, and after having owned many bikes decided to downsize to a 2023 390 spoked wheel version. I should receive it in about 2 weeks, can't wait. Reason why I downsized and sold my last bike the T7 was simply becuase of its fun factor, weight, looks, TFT screen with all the great info, and fuel consumption since I live in a country where you can only fill up the KTM tank 17 times with a regular retirement salary. Yeah, don't ask how I'm still alive with the inflation here. I live in Turkey. I'm not even going to do more than 5% offroading with it but chose the 390 with spoked wheels regardless, simply coz I like being a street holigan where I will be able to open the throttle instead of pressing the brakes every time I see huge potholes, speed bumps, etc, and like jumping off sidewalks, and gassing through city and country roads which are no different from doing off-road over here.
Nice review... everything you said was pretty much 'spot on'. (I have a 390A with about 7k miles.) If you get a chance... ride the 2022 Honda CB500X. They have a lower seat height than the 390A ! Heavier though, ground clearance about the same, better low pull from the engine. New adventure bike... KTM 390A or the CB500X would be the two I would look at.
Nice review you two. Hell im 6 ft. 300 lbs. My 390 pulls my ass up hills just fine. It goes fast enough for me. I did get the axp rear rack, love it. I am definitely going to put some paint or skin on it tho. Hate the white.
Thanks for this nice review (and your other videos)... My 390 has about 10,500 km now and I just love it! Might be 'cos I'm target group: Short (1,63m), older (50 years) and (offroad)beginner 😂. Greetings from Germany 🤩!
Nice video, well done! Also have the problem with the traction control ON mode on the sand! But will try to make as you said , put 2 buttons for enduro mode and switch off the TC otherwise is so annoying.... wish one day change the wheels like yours and make higher the handle bar for more off road stuff! Good luck!
I was wondering why someone would choose the 390 over a (lowered DR650)? The DR is the same weight and both will probably be the same on the highway. The DR is actually lower seat height but has more travel and clearance. I have never heard of anyone complain about the DR breaking down because it's so simple. No electronics to break or go wrong. 5 million parts to upgrade it and has a 21 inch front tire. I'm not convinced anything about the ktm390 is better than the DR besides maybe brakes. At least not after mods are done. Great video guy's! 👍I think I saw you in biker bits one or 2 times in the comments maybe.. live that channel.
Come back with the DR650 spiel when they've got 6-speed gearbox and fuel injection mods for it 😁 I know these things aren't important to some people, and maybe rightly so... the DRs may be dinosaurs but they've well & truly proven themselves over the years. Definitely more dirt capable than the 390 too. However when you're talking about people of the female persuasion, looks and style have a part to play also. The DR probably just isn't "cool" enough. Actually I shouldn't knock the chicks, it's pretty much the same reason I went for the T7 over the dinosaurs 😄🙏 Thanks for the comment mate
@@markku2857 I think it is the most popular bike is n her country, "hands down".Maybe second to the Postie bikes. drz400 probably is top 3 somewhere and the. Yamaha WR250 R is in top 5
Excellent video, guys. Nice to hear straight talking reviews without the money sitting in the pocket bullshit. Thank you. Greetings from rural Southwest Victoria. Enjoy
Still sounds OK for me. 75% of my riding is on the black top, but I need something that can handle dirt roads as well as going interstate. I've had a few bikes, and my Honda CBR500 has been the best. Getting it bogged, being light its easy to get out but it is very low being a street bike. Paint fade is a thing and the chain\sprocket it comes with are really cheap. Replaced these at 6000 for better.
Your video is very helpful and I appreciate you taking the time. As an older VERY NEW rider, I have ridden the 390 Baby Duke and love that. Looking to purchase first bike and I don't want to be restricted to the road. The KTM 690 Enduro is just too tall for me so not sure what direction to take (but it does have spoked wheels and better tires). May get the 390 then sell it in a year or two when my confidence grows.
Missus just got one as a learner bike, she done a lot of research and wanted something safe, light, and easy to steer for her more mature age 😜 she loves it,......great review Nat, done an awesome job.....glad there was still plenty of video left after Josh edited most of swearing out roflmao 😘👍
For the suspension, I ordered the Hyperpro front springs and shock spring. Arriving soon. Apparently they are a game changer! Will let you know how they go.
Nat teeters on her 390 like I do on my 350 xc-f. It's either one tippy toe or the other, never both lol. I test rode the 390 and enjoyed it. If I wasn't still making payments on my Z900RS, I'd pick up the 390 tomorrow. It would be a great machine for state forest fire roads.
Having a set of 19/17" wire spoked wheels that nobody seams to want to buy for one of these(eBay for months at half of KTM's price), I hadn't even looked into these, and I've just realised these are a good replacement for the Suzuki DR-Z400! Power/torque very similar, just made in different centuries by the look of them? Spent about 5hrs there after watching this, yup, interested... 390cc is more than enough off-road, I've a Husaberg FE390, that thing takes me where other bikes wont(mate's new SWM 500 doesn't look near it).
Great review! I just bought one because I just like lighter and affordable bikes. Used to own a 1290 adventure, but that was just way to much to handle and I have been riding (alot) for 26 years. I'm 183cm and about 90kg so not small and still I find it very comfortable. I just hate fighting a bike, huge power can be fun but I find it mostly just annoying. I seriously doubt there are many people around that can use the full 160HP 1290. But I won't be riding the stuff you guys do....damn! Well, there isn't any offroad anywhere where I live.....nothing at all. I mainly buy adv bikes to ride shit quality roads without any problems.
I highly recommend the 14 tooth front sprocket. Huge difference. I can now pop up the front wheel without popping the clutch. Quick fix for more low end torque. Also tires suggestions. The Pirelli Scorpion rally front tire is awesome. Expensive but has worn well and handled great offroad. I also recommend the Motoz Tractionator for the rear. Both are stock sizes. Huge upgrades. I took this setup through the Continental divide 1656 miles in 6 days. Went through some serious gnar on optional tracks during that time with no issues. Just fyi
@@advryan1 nah I couldn't find where we mentioned it 🤦🏻♂️ And no still running the low fender, might as well put a high one on cause the radiator gets clogged with mud with the low fender anyway 😫
@@MVDBR so my bike is in the shop currently. Trying to get some free software updates before my manufacturers warranty runs out. I have the final draft bracket on the bike and need it to make more. As soon as I get the bike back I'll take it off and make you a bracket. As long as it's not super expensive to ship i'll send you one for free. Its basic. I used the Acerbis KTM 85 19inch front fender for mine. If I had a way to send you a pic on here I would. I agree about the radiator ha. I got a cheap guard for mine. Have yet to test it but seems much better than stock. If there is a way I can send photos let me know. And if your interested in a free bracket I'll hook you guys up. 🤘
@@advryan1 legend mate, I'm not sure where you are but would probably be cheaper for me to knock one up rather than post. Email ******** if you wanna send some pics cheers 👌
Man I love your channel. I've been binging the shit out of it since I've found you. Anyway we are looking for a bike for my wife. She is a beginner but picking it up quickly coz she's got the bug so is right into it. We are so excited about getting ourselves a couple of new bikes when we can decide what the bloody hell to get. Thanks for the review. Its really helpful
After trying the 790 and living in Vietnam, the 790 has too much heat. It's not comfortable to ride when your legs are so hot. My 390 runs much cooler especially if you run the premium fuel. It gets thru traffic great. It tours vietnam the best and gets thru the trails.
Great set up, I love my 390 adv, I measure 1.81 and weight 110 kg. I don't have to worry about it being heavy I can drop it and not be so worried about $$. It's like riding Mtb. great review
I really love you guys! so informative and easy to listen to. I have a 2022 KTM 390 Adventure and will be accessorizing the heck out of it to make it my own and better. My KTM is an awesome bike for what i do. Power to weight ratio is amazing too. Every bike needs to be accessorized so buy a great foundational bike and build from there. Happy riding my friends!
Greetings from India! Excellent review! You covered a lot of aspects of this motorcycle which overcame my short attention span and had me watching the whole thing! I am a bit disappointed to know that the front suspension bottoms out even for you, Nat, who probably weighs somewhere in the mid 50 kg range. I picked up a 390 Duke in 2019 instead of the Adventure even though I was waiting for this bike to come out since maybe 2016. I wasn't impressed by the street oriented suspension and didn't want to deal with first batch issues. I think it turned out to be a good decision. But why am I disappointed? Because I still have my old 200 Duke and wanted to fit the front suspension of the 390 Adventure on it. Now, that bike weighs only 136 kg wet (40 kg lighter than your bike!) but I weigh close to 100 kg myself so I will face that problem even more. About the stalling, that clutch lever sensor issue is well known among the 390 community as it also affects the BS6 390 Duke. I have a suggestion about the exhaust, if you are planning a cat delete. You could check if the BS4 390 Duke exhaust header (the one that wraps around the engine) fits your bike. Getting that will free up around 20 mm of space under the engine. The BS6 emission norm necessitated a bigger cat closer to the engine because of which the 390/250 Duke/Adventure have the exhaust routed underneath the engine instead of around it. Just a suggestion.
I will say, the few times I have ridden the bike I've launched it off some erosion mounds and not had the forks bottom out. On stuff that the T7 would have my teeth rattling. The rear did bottom out tho yeah.
I think KTM missed a trick with the 390, as they mounted the engine really low in the chassis. If they had lifted up a few inches it would have given much more ground clearance and made it a much better off road bike. Great job though. 10k has flown by!
Kind of a late comment, but adding a Rekluse clutch pack might also help with power delivery because the Torq clutch has 30 percent more surface area and can squeeze out a little more torque from an already overworked engine. Couldn't hurt.
Great 👍 review Nat and Josh , was waiting for the 390 review with the new wheels. I often defended the 390 when others say they are not very off road capable, I ALWAYS point them in your direction to put them in there place 👍😂😂😂 . On another note maybe approach Funnelwebfilters - ( made in Australia they may look at making a form filter ) you may just need to provide them an airbox .
Ik it's an older video but. I was looking for a woman point of view on this bike since my wife is looking to get one. Now it definitely made up her mind on getting one 👍👍
I'm 51 and considering this bike as a first "legit" bike... I haven't ridden for over 30 years now and the last one I rode was my brother's Yamaha DT175 (that he crashed in to a truck while drunk twisting/warping the handlebar.... still rideable on the dirt.... just.). I wouldn't mind something I can zip around on here in little Radelaide and maybe bugger off up to the Flinders Ranges or so... nothing too extreme... I know this won't be the bike I'd ever consider doing the Simpson Desert one... but hey... go to start somewhere though... great review. Cheers.
Lovely video and I really appreciate you guys sharing your experiences. Since you ride the 390 on trails mostly, may I recommend the FuelX Pro. It basically richens up the air-fuel mix, it has 10 settings and I use the map 8 which works fantastic off the road. I think you should try it out, would make a world of difference. Cheers and keep those videos coming.
Great review guys, it seems to me that the 390 adventure is a good option for a person who likes to explore back gravel roads and camp in the bush. Is light, so if riding solo and it is dropped, it can be lifted upright. My old bike was a BMW r850r and bit heavy and low for some NP tracks.
To me this bike seems perfect for road warriors like me who live in cities with fucked up roads like Los Angeles. I wouldn't need or want to take this bike off road because I get the same experience with all the dips, potholes, debris, and train tracks out here. 😅
Please note: the 390 manual states oil/filter change interval as 7500km, not 10000km. However we change it at 5000km, probably a better option for off-road use.
Definitely a better option. For my 200 Duke, the recommended interval for oil change was 5000 km and the prescribed oil was Motul 7100 20W50. If memory serves, the BS3 390 Duke had the same interval until they revised it for the BS4 and the subsequent BS6 version. Manufacturer recommended oil is 7100 10W50 so it should be subject to the same amount of degradation, if not more, considering how high strung this engine is.
Brilliant keep up the good work, I love mine also and I’m 58 and in Scotland 👍
Every 3500 mild I service my bike change the oil filter the screens all that
@@Davidlouis3 yeah I just changed my tires to some knobby tires and lowered the pressure in the dirt it flat-out hauls ass and I put a Leo Vance pipe on it
When you go in the dirt drop your air pressure lower your bike will handle a lot better in the dirt and turn everything off and put your ABS brakes set on off-road leave tract control completely off ABS brakes on
Hi
Thanks for the honest comments to this bike.
My 390 Adv is used on street and green lanes.
For my use and my height of 192 cm it is perfect.
Now I`m nearly 70 years old and I have ridden motocycles for more than 50 years.
This small bike keeps me on two wheels.👍
Best regards from Germany
Good on you mate, keep on riding 🙏💪
Good review. However, as a very experienced rider, I feel this bike is perfect for people like me too. A lot of people like me have bought it because we want a lightweight adventure bike that is good enough on the highways and pretty capable off road- esp when travelling- not necessarily enduro or just hooning around in the dirt. I have ridden all the adv bikes out there but there simplicity and ease of the 390 is what sold it to me. Done all kinds of gnarly stuff and a mx track too- wheels and everything else seemed to take the beating well haha. Keep up the good work!
Best bloody bike review I have ever seen! Well done Nat and Josh 👍 Cheers... Mark
That's a big call Mark haha but thanks for the vote of confidence mate cheers 👍
Spot on with who these bikes are aimed at!! Im 50 not very big and ive had my 390 now for about 6 months. I love this bike!!!
That has to be the most honest review of a bike I've ever seen. Good video. Nat kicks ass on that bike so it can't be that bad!
Great review! I bought a 690 enduro r for a dirt bike and a 390 adv for day riding but found I’m taking the 390 out in the bush and camping trips more than the big bike, it’s a trooper.
You’ve taken that 390 through some pretty gnarly stuff!
It’s treated you well!
Just got a DR650 and sat on one of these in the shop when looking around. Impressive bike and bigger than I thought it was going to be! You are right about the cost, you can spend a bit on upgrades and still be well under the cost of other bikes. If it suits your needs and does what you want, it's a great bike and the right one for you. Nat, you are a legend! It's hard enough in the rough stuff at times when you are tall and can reach the ground, it's impressive what you can do (being a bit short one end) and just shows the amount of skill and ability you have... Great review, loving your videos guys!
Aww thanks David 😊
I love my 390. I use it for mainly road use here in Ireland. But sometimes intake a spin to my dads house, he 75, we open the gate and both have turns doing laps. Just like back in the old days. I love my 390. Its give me memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks guys loved the show 🫶
Great video! Agree on your conclusions. I am 67 years old and decided that my R 1200 GS was just too big off-road. So far, the KTM is fitting the bill nicely. Glad I found your channel!
I've been looking for a knowledgeable 10 km review of the KTM 390 ADV. Thanks Nat! You are definitely using your 390 ADV more aggressively than the designers intended.
I tried to find a 390 ADV last fall but my local KTM dealer only stocks their dirt bikes and didn't seem that interested in ordering one for me. I got a BMW G310GS, which is in the same class. I'd always ridden dual sport thumpers but always wanted a smaller displacement ADV bike, and we finally have a few. I'm 60 so I decided for something more refined than the dual sport bikes, and I'm very happy with the baby GS. I'm keeping the alloy wheels. I might do mild off road but my trail bashing days are in the rear view mirror. My goal is back roads and dirt roads, with some motorcycle camping.
The baby GS looks bigger than it is. I'm a big guy and it's too small for me. I mostly notice it where my knees extend beyond the tank cutouts. I'd like to find an aftermarket seat like yours that is flat so I can slide back a bit.
I enjoyed seeing the mods you've done, and I was glad to hear that your 390 ADV has been reliable and low maintenance.
From someone who's thinking about changing to one of these, your review is very helpful thanks - the real nitty gritty from somebody who's properly used the bike for some time. All the best from England...
Best no BS review I've seen in a long time, well done
Nearly 30 minutes long, BUT oh how easily that time passed with this excellently presented and informative review. 9/10 guys. MVDBR - Awesome as ever :)
I've watched plenty of the vids on the 390 ADV and this is one of the better ones...congrats! I'm one of the niches for this bike you mention: older guy (66) who doesn't want a heavy bike off road, (I frequently ride alone). I have plenty of road experience but not so much off road. I bought one of these 390 ADVs and found it is confidence-inspiring off road (though as you point out, better tires for off road are essential). I'm doing more dirt on this one than I ever tried on my brief time with a DRZ400 (a fine bike but I never fell in love with it). You mentioned the real secret of this bike: its low initial cost allows you to mod the hell out of it and still come away for less than bikes similarly equipped new, (and which you'd also end up modding as well, adding to the price spread). I've found I much prefer bigger pegs with no angle, and tomorrow I'm trying my latest mod: a double-level brake step plate to help with braking while standing. I think the flatter pegs and the range of brake pedal adjustment made braking while standing more difficult with the stock, single level, brake step plate. Similar to your approach to the hand guards, I'm waiting until I bend a rim before shelling out for the spokes. So far, no problem.
If you're driving in your area, no problem.
It's worse if you damage the rim during the longer trip.
Steel rims with tubes are easier to repair.
Probably worth putting heavy duty tubes in the alloy wheels as a cheaper alternative, at least they will be able to hold pressure if they do get badly dinged 👍 But yer the spokes are a big expense.
I've been watching mid level adv bike videos for a while now I had a duke390 last year, that stalling issue is with most KTMs and I think you guys are the first Ive seen to solve it👏 Great video
Great detailed review. I bought a 390 Adv 12 months ago, but sold it after 8 months as I found it too low, too cramped, awfully in-the-face windy at speed, and a pain to lift for simple tasks like lubing the chain. I played around with the windscreen height, and a couple of wind deflectors, but just hated riding it over 80kmh. It must be my height or riding position, as I know others have been fine. It also wasn’t a good fit with my mostly off-road riding where it was too low and cramped, and felt vulnerable. As an ‘adventure bike’, ie mixed bitumen and dirt roads, as distinct from rough tracks, and for the right height person, I think it’d be a good bike. I also have a Wr250R, which has just been discontinued, and am hoping Yamaha bring out a bike that sits between it and a T700 ...
Yeahhh imagine a WR400R... DRZ with 6-speed box, FI, and decent suspension. Mmmm 😍
How tall are you?
@@stevescott4763 182cm
Really appreciate your no bs review. Really looking into this as my first adventure bike
great impartial review guys you have made my mind up i turned 60 last year and was looking for a decent light and agile bike for weekend fun for when i retire this fits the bill for me i wont be doing silly motorway miles it will be for small roads and light off road
so alloys wont be a problem or suspension just a bit of protection
roll on the end of lockdown in the uk so i can get a test ride and get one ordered the futures bright the futures orange
Superb allround review of the 390, exactly the review I was searching for. Many thanks for posting.
Good review Nat. That's crazy the lack of ground clearance on it.
Nice job Nat, you did really well in front of camera. I’m sure you blokes are already aware that KTM are bringing out a 490 Adventure in 2022, I’m looking forward to seeing and testing that bike. I did test ride the 390 just before the pestilence hit the UK, and I really liked it. I ride a Yam XT660Z Tenere normally, but I want a slightly smaller adventure machine to sit beside my Tenere for some fun adventures.
Regards,
Dazza. 🇬🇧
Yeah I have seen that the 490 is coming soon but in my opinion it's a lot of work setting up an adventure bike just the way you like it. I do love the 390 and I'm not in a hurry to change any time soon. It'd have to be a pretty fantastic bike for me to change.
I'm 59 years old and this is the first KTM I've ever owned it's a 2022 KTM 390 Adventure it's got plenty of powers Nimble it's got the clearance if you needed the bike is phenomenal with all the extras and all the goodies when you're in the dirt turn everything off please ABS brakes on and it will hook up like a dirt bike I just put some nice Nobbies on it it's going to fly it already hooks up love it
When you're in the dirt you have those knobby tires you have to have the traction control off
Best review on the internet about 390 adv 👏👏👏
if you can route the exhaust and relocate coolant resorvoir you can gain crucial ground clearance.
There are options for rerouting the exhaust it just requires outside the box thinking and some fabrication of heat shields plus exhaust tape !
Other manufacturers have bigger engine's V Twins that solve the problem you could use for reference material !
Guys, awesome review! Not interested in buying this bike (I use a Versys-X similarly off-road) but this may very well be one of the best bike reviews I have ever seen and I have seen a lot!
Thanks! 🙌
You buy a bike saying "its great for riding on flat and dirt roads" then criticise it not being fit for scrub and bush riding, its not designed for that....
Still, great vid cheers
I looked at the 390 adventure and always curious about it. Another great option is a factory method lowered DR650. Flip some parts for and aft and it's 40mm lower and feels like sitting on a DR200. Lowered a DR has a lower seat than the 390 with much more ground clearance and you can raise it later easily if you want. Weight is similar between 2 of them. You could spend money to improve both but DR's have a lot of options from a long 25 year history of being unchanged. I've highway toured on mine doing several 1000km days and you just have to do a quick search to find their capability off the road. I've only ever had to fix a very easy cam chain tensioner gasket that started to leak - $4. Not a bad record in over 50,000km. Weight is similar between 2 of them. You could spend money to improve both. A DR is as 50/50 on/off road as bikes get. Same price for both in Canada.
Yeah, it's been mentioned before. DRs are a solid choice but no 6th gear and no FI are it's main downfalls, the only things that really can't be easily fixed with them. But those things aren't important to everyone, that's for sure 🙌
Great video Nat and Josh! A wonderful review of the bike. I hope you guys are safe from the floods that are happening right now and Australia
Our tiny little backyard had a bit of a situation on the weekend with a blocked drain during a heavy downpour but other than that all good so far we have missed the worst of it thanks Dolly 🙏 In Australia if the country isn't burning or flooding something is wrong lol
You're a fantastic rider and an inspiration to beginners like me. You have turned this tame bike into a beast! Ride safe!
Great review and interesting to see your mods. I am 177 cm (5”10) tall newbeginner and I am considering this bike. Today I am running a 2015 xt660r, but miss having the modern safety systems when on the tarmac. Thanks again!
Great review - best on youtube.
Just wondered if Nat considered the 690 Enduro?
I have one and use it as a lightweight adventure bike. Dealer fitted the KTM lowering kit as I am not very tall. Then I got a Seat Concept seat for comfort over distance. Lightweight comfy and tons of grunt....only thing missing is windscreen and decent dash - no fuel gauge and gear indicator! Not sure about Aussie prices but only about £2,200 more in UK for a 690 v 390 new when I bought mine.
Hey Tim 😊 I'm sure the 690 has a lot to offer but it was never a bike I considered no.
I reckon she just can't get past the exhaust being on the wrong side. No wait that was me haha
Great review! Might be getting rid of my 690 supermoto for one. Also, being from the US and hearing aluminum pronounced as aloomineyum always puts a smile on my face. Keep up the good work!
Awesome again guys. Always love the humour you get into the vids. And some nice editing there too 😉 (no scary ass clowns this time though!) Keep up the good work, looking forward to the next one!
That's it. Covers everything thoroughly. TC drives me nuts, have to disconnect the ABS to rear wheel off-rd. Review covers mainly off-road, but the stock bike does 170km top speed on-road, which for me makes it a good commuter/weekend back roader. It survives easily on the super-highways, fuel mileage is great. Engine was born to rev, so you really have to give 'er hard off road sometimes. I'm over 16,000km and only had a fender come loose. No other problems, though I expect the plastic components will break with age. Yeah, good review. I will buy KTM again because of this bike.
390ADV的tc在每次熄火后，默认为打开状态，需要手动关闭，官方貌似有屏蔽器可以进行选装！
Simple solution for the front fork not bottoming out so fast...
Your fork is made of a spring and a piston with shims where oil is pushed trough providing damping.
But there's one more often overseen part, the air in the tube is being compressed as well, it acts as a extra spring.
You can simply increase the amount of oil in each fork leg to reduce the air space, that makes the fork stiffer and it bottoms out less.
Even 20ml more in each fork leg can make a difference.
It's not quite as good as fully adjustable suspension tuned to your needs but it is almost free, so it's worth a try.
Of course this is an add on on springs (front and rear) that are a good fit for your weight and gear, your springs and preload need to be correct for the bike to have the right sag which translates to the right geometry.
I've done the more/thicker oil on my Tenere, works a treat 👌
@@MVDBR Yep, thicker oil increases damping and more oil increases air spring 'tension'
I read somewhere (ADVrider I think?) that if you upgrade your KTM 390 software to V1.09 it will fix the problem of resetting the traction control every time you stop the bike.
Not that I noticed. I will have to check that out :P
Great well rounded review. The bang for dollar seems great , but the ground clearance and lack of tire choice are what have kept me purchasing one yet.
Aside from a longer suspension, this is basically what an R model would look like! I hope its in KTM’s road map 🔥 Amazing review and insights on long term actual off road review on the bike
Cheers Chris 👍
Great Vid Guys, i have a CRF1000 and brought a 390 as the Big bike doesn't have the fun Factor that i miss. I love the 390, but yes it has it's limitations. But overall a blast to ride !!!
Great bike and surprisingly capable off-road.
Just a heads up on the bash plate.
I HAD the same one until it caught on fire last weekend. It must have flexed onto the exhaust and made a bond. I pulled up to check a track out and smelt the plastic only to look down and there was fire licking my left leg. Lucky a 4x4 was passing and I used their fire extinguisher to put it out. I have a photo but don’t know how to load it here. Anyway, it was ablaze with a hole about 5inches long melted away.
😱😱😱😱 holy shit that's crazy. I've had leaf litter smoldering in the bash plate before and that was scary enough.
Perhaps a little bit of heat shielding is in order?
Finally!!!! Yeeehaaa!
I bought same bike to my sweetie. Following your path with AXP, spoked rims, etc.
Love you guys!
Best of luck to you, and keep making love in the bushes :-)
Thanks again for good vids.
👍😆
congrats on 10K eh Nat!
always a treat to spend some time with you folks,
thanks for sharing, inspiring and just being a couple of kick ass people,
have a beauty day eh,
smiles, good vibes and safe rides my friends,
bless up from BC,
B^)
🤟
Great vid guys, there is a whole lot of truth in your review. Only those that truly ride ADV will appreciate the facts voiced and what you actually need. All well and good having a 100hp 220kg+ bush missile, but try pulling that up at offroad, or picking it up half a dozen times. Loved it!
Thanks for the share
Hehehe bush missile. Cheers Glenno 🤟
The air filter pre-filter looks like a type of foam that could purchased at a craft & material store. As they sell different types of foams here.
I heard on some videos that a Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle clutch cable is near an exact fit but longer and people use it when installing bar riser.
So it is an ADV not an enduro.
Great video Nat and Josh! So much better than most of the journalists reviews. A real owners review! Although seeing the one bar left on the fuel gauge in massive Yowie country had me concerned for your well-being! Subscribe to their Patreon if you can, it's well worth it.
Here's for hoping a 390 Enduro R actually comes to fruition. Great review!
Hi Josh & Nat have u guy's been to film school or something ? U's stepped it up in this one WOW, just what my eyeballs needed, The KTM does look like a lot of fun, ATB Wayne UK,
Seeing the Tenere and 390 side by side really shows the stark difference between the two bikes. Seeing the 390 by itself it looks a lot larger and higher then it actually is
Great information. Love the “this didn’t come stock” explanation and ensuing giggles.
😁
Amazing for your video of KTM 390 Adventure: 10,000km Owners Review. I admire you. you are a good driver. I love your video. Thanks for sharing.🥰
Great review! Can you please make a video on the front fender when you change it? Im really interested in that. I think it would look so much less dorky
They should've sold these with spokes wheels and an enduro option like the ktm 690 enduro, I reckon they would have got more interest. Theres a gap in the market between the crf300l and the ktm 690 enduro for technical offroad capabable adventure bikes.
Very clear and useful video. Thanks for sharing. Greetings and respect to all from Durango Mexico 🇲🇽
Another great video! Cheers guys.
Your great work and dedication were once again shared in the KTM 390 Adventure Forum Facebook group! It is a global Group for KTM390 riders to share their experiences. Feel free to shout out there once in a while and make our community even more knowledgeable and fun.
Special friendly mention from Biker Bits riders......Thanks for the video. lots of fun and inspiring....keep safe and stay dry!
Great video. You hit on many questions I was having about the model. Thanks much for putting it together.
Good review. I bought one of these last October and due to lockdown in the UK still haven't done the first 600 miles for the first service. I don't really do the stuff you do but travel all over continental Europe each summer doing a lot of fire roads etc on the way. Always ride something that can if necessary keep up with traffic on the motorways but is OK on rough tracks. For many years rode big BMW's and Triumphs but in 2108 dropped my Triumph 800 xc on a gravel track in Spain and me and my son spent half hour getting the luggage off it to stand it up. Decided at the time if I'd been on my own would have been stuck miles from anywhere so needed something lighter. Bought a couple of Kawasaki 300 X for the same price as replacing the Triumph and did three thousand mile trip through France the next year. So much cheaper and they did everything we wanted. The only thing that annoyed me was the screaming engine at motorway speeds so tried out one of these last summer and fell in love with it. Took weeks to get one because of back orders, obviously lots of people waiting for it to come out in the UK. LIke you say it's a pity about the cast wheels but I guess they were working to a budget. The little kawasaki had spokes but of course it didn't have the tech.
Thanks again for the review, I can't wait to really try it out this summer.
Good stuff mate hope it turns out to be all you need it to be 🤙 thanks for the comment
What is the problem with cast wheels?
They're weak
Good review. 4k miles on mine and I had pretty much to same experience. I think you're gonna love the Coober ECU + decat - looking forward to your impressions.
Yeah I'm interested to see how it performs 😊😊
I actually like the mods you’ve done. Made the bike a lot more useful off-road. I felt the adventure 390 was a waste over the basic but watching this changed my mind. Cheers.
Hey guys, excelent video! But let me tell you, that I came accross an article from MotoBlog, that KTM India, released an actualización software to include the new driving mods Street and Offroad for the KTMs 390 ADV from 2020 and 2021 models, that on th Offroad Mod it keeps the traccion control off, even if you turn off the motor, so you don't have to go through the process of setting it off again, just lik in the 2022 model! You'll have to chech with your deeler in Australia! 👌
For the ABS issue you can run a rocker switch inline before the ABS fuse so you can switch it on and off manually. Try pulling the fuse and starting the bike if it doesn't have have any problems with the fuse removed you are good to wire in a switch.
The ABS seems to stay set where it's at it's mostly the MTC that's really annoying 😫
@@MVDBR Yes it is. I don´t understand why it cant behave like ABS.
Wonderful bike.Owned one for about 6 weeks(more as a test).Agree with everything you say.Suspension travel would be ok if it were at least 200mm.Cheers.
Great review great banter between you too as always 😎👍
Thanks for watching Craigo 🙌
Great review, thanks! I'm 54, 178cm, and after having owned many bikes decided to downsize to a 2023 390 spoked wheel version. I should receive it in about 2 weeks, can't wait. Reason why I downsized and sold my last bike the T7 was simply becuase of its fun factor, weight, looks, TFT screen with all the great info, and fuel consumption since I live in a country where you can only fill up the KTM tank 17 times with a regular retirement salary. Yeah, don't ask how I'm still alive with the inflation here. I live in Turkey. I'm not even going to do more than 5% offroading with it but chose the 390 with spoked wheels regardless, simply coz I like being a street holigan where I will be able to open the throttle instead of pressing the brakes every time I see huge potholes, speed bumps, etc, and like jumping off sidewalks, and gassing through city and country roads which are no different from doing off-road over here.
Tebrikler🎉 Ülkeni İngilizce bir şekilde yabancılara kötüleyerek ülkedeki tüm sorunları çözdün 😎
Nice review... everything you said was pretty much 'spot on'.
(I have a 390A with about 7k miles.) If you get a chance... ride the 2022 Honda CB500X. They have a lower seat height than the 390A ! Heavier though, ground clearance about the same, better low pull from the engine. New adventure bike... KTM 390A or the CB500X would be the two I would look at.
Nice review you two. Hell im 6 ft. 300 lbs. My 390 pulls my ass up hills just fine. It goes fast enough for me. I did get the axp rear rack, love it. I am definitely going to put some paint or skin on it tho. Hate the white.
Thanks for this nice review (and your other videos)...
My 390 has about 10,500 km now and I just love it! Might be 'cos I'm target group: Short (1,63m), older (50 years) and (offroad)beginner 😂.
Greetings from Germany 🤩!
Nice video, well done! Also have the problem with the traction control ON mode on the sand! But will try to make as you said , put 2 buttons for enduro mode and switch off the TC otherwise is so annoying.... wish one day change the wheels like yours and make higher the handle bar for more off road stuff! Good luck!
I was wondering why someone would choose the 390 over a (lowered DR650)? The DR is the same weight and both will probably be the same on the highway. The DR is actually lower seat height but has more travel and clearance. I have never heard of anyone complain about the DR breaking down because it's so simple. No electronics to break or go wrong. 5 million parts to upgrade it and has a 21 inch front tire. I'm not convinced anything about the ktm390 is better than the DR besides maybe brakes. At least not after mods are done. Great video guy's! 👍I think I saw you in biker bits one or 2 times in the comments maybe.. live that channel.
Come back with the DR650 spiel when they've got 6-speed gearbox and fuel injection mods for it 😁 I know these things aren't important to some people, and maybe rightly so... the DRs may be dinosaurs but they've well & truly proven themselves over the years. Definitely more dirt capable than the 390 too. However when you're talking about people of the female persuasion, looks and style have a part to play also. The DR probably just isn't "cool" enough. Actually I shouldn't knock the chicks, it's pretty much the same reason I went for the T7 over the dinosaurs 😄🙏 Thanks for the comment mate
@@MVDBR 😂
DR is not imported to Europe, that's one reason!
@@markku2857 I think it is the most popular bike is n her country, "hands down".Maybe second to the Postie bikes. drz400 probably is top 3 somewhere and the. Yamaha WR250 R is in top 5
Well don Nat great breakdown, you’re a natural on camera👍
Excellent video, guys. Nice to hear straight talking reviews without the money sitting in the pocket bullshit. Thank you. Greetings from rural Southwest Victoria. Enjoy
I'm digging your keeping it and further upgrading it. Maybe a coast to coast trip in the works😳😆👍
Still sounds OK for me. 75% of my riding is on the black top, but I need something that can handle dirt roads as well as going interstate. I've had a few bikes, and my Honda CBR500 has been the best. Getting it bogged, being light its easy to get out but it is very low being a street bike. Paint fade is a thing and the chain\sprocket it comes with are really cheap. Replaced these at 6000 for better.
Your video is very helpful and I appreciate you taking the time. As an older VERY NEW rider, I have ridden the 390 Baby Duke and love that. Looking to purchase first bike and I don't want to be restricted to the road. The KTM 690 Enduro is just too tall for me so not sure what direction to take (but it does have spoked wheels and better tires). May get the 390 then sell it in a year or two when my confidence grows.
Missus just got one as a learner bike, she done a lot of research and wanted something safe, light, and easy to steer for her more mature age 😜 she loves it,......great review Nat, done an awesome job.....glad there was still plenty of video left after Josh edited most of swearing out roflmao 😘👍
😁👍 just tell her not to drop it in the water, there's a bit of a wait for the O2 sensor and it runs like shit without it working right 🤨
For the suspension, I ordered the Hyperpro front springs and shock spring. Arriving soon. Apparently they are a game changer! Will let you know how they go.
Nat teeters on her 390 like I do on my 350 xc-f. It's either one tippy toe or the other, never both lol. I test rode the 390 and enjoyed it. If I wasn't still making payments on my Z900RS, I'd pick up the 390 tomorrow. It would be a great machine for state forest fire roads.
Having a set of 19/17" wire spoked wheels that nobody seams to want to buy for one of these(eBay for months at half of KTM's price), I hadn't even looked into these, and I've just realised these are a good replacement for the Suzuki DR-Z400! Power/torque very similar, just made in different centuries by the look of them? Spent about 5hrs there after watching this, yup, interested... 390cc is more than enough off-road, I've a Husaberg FE390, that thing takes me where other bikes wont(mate's new SWM 500 doesn't look near it).
Great review! I just bought one because I just like lighter and affordable bikes. Used to own a 1290 adventure, but that was just way to much to handle and I have been riding (alot) for 26 years. I'm 183cm and about 90kg so not small and still I find it very comfortable.
I just hate fighting a bike, huge power can be fun but I find it mostly just annoying. I seriously doubt there are many people around that can use the full 160HP 1290.
But I won't be riding the stuff you guys do....damn! Well, there isn't any offroad anywhere where I live.....nothing at all. I mainly buy adv bikes to ride shit quality roads without any problems.
Good stuff mate glad you're enjoying the 390. I wish my T7 had 160HP! Skids and wheelies are the best 😁🍻 Thanks for dropping a comment cheers
I highly recommend the 14 tooth front sprocket. Huge difference. I can now pop up the front wheel without popping the clutch. Quick fix for more low end torque. Also tires suggestions. The Pirelli Scorpion rally front tire is awesome. Expensive but has worn well and handled great offroad. I also recommend the Motoz Tractionator for the rear. Both are stock sizes. Huge upgrades. I took this setup through the Continental divide 1656 miles in 6 days. Went through some serious gnar on optional tracks during that time with no issues. Just fyi
Hmm, I thought we mentioned the 14 tooth sprocket in this vid 🤔 Was one of the first changes we made to it. Thanks for the tyre info 👍
@@MVDBR you may have mentioned it and I missed it. I've also designed a high front fender bracket as well. Did yall ever make one?
@@advryan1 nah I couldn't find where we mentioned it 🤦🏻♂️ And no still running the low fender, might as well put a high one on cause the radiator gets clogged with mud with the low fender anyway 😫
@@MVDBR so my bike is in the shop currently. Trying to get some free software updates before my manufacturers warranty runs out. I have the final draft bracket on the bike and need it to make more. As soon as I get the bike back I'll take it off and make you a bracket. As long as it's not super expensive to ship i'll send you one for free. Its basic. I used the Acerbis KTM 85 19inch front fender for mine. If I had a way to send you a pic on here I would. I agree about the radiator ha. I got a cheap guard for mine. Have yet to test it but seems much better than stock. If there is a way I can send photos let me know. And if your interested in a free bracket I'll hook you guys up. 🤘
@@advryan1 legend mate, I'm not sure where you are but would probably be cheaper for me to knock one up rather than post. Email ******** if you wanna send some pics cheers 👌
Man I love your channel. I've been binging the shit out of it since I've found you. Anyway we are looking for a bike for my wife. She is a beginner but picking it up quickly coz she's got the bug so is right into it. We are so excited about getting ourselves a couple of new bikes when we can decide what the bloody hell to get. Thanks for the review. Its really helpful
🙏
After trying the 790 and living in Vietnam, the 790 has too much heat. It's not comfortable to ride when your legs are so hot. My 390 runs much cooler especially if you run the premium fuel. It gets thru traffic great. It tours vietnam the best and gets thru the trails.
Great set up, I love my 390 adv, I measure 1.81 and weight 110 kg. I don't have to worry about it being heavy I can drop it and not be so worried about $$. It's like riding Mtb.
great review
I really love you guys! so informative and easy to listen to. I have a 2022 KTM 390 Adventure and will be accessorizing the heck out of it to make it my own and better. My KTM is an awesome bike for what i do. Power to weight ratio is amazing too. Every bike needs to be accessorized so buy a great foundational bike and build from there. Happy riding my friends!
🙏👌
This review made me subscribe. Thank you for this review.
Greetings from India! Excellent review! You covered a lot of aspects of this motorcycle which overcame my short attention span and had me watching the whole thing!
I am a bit disappointed to know that the front suspension bottoms out even for you, Nat, who probably weighs somewhere in the mid 50 kg range. I picked up a 390 Duke in 2019 instead of the Adventure even though I was waiting for this bike to come out since maybe 2016. I wasn't impressed by the street oriented suspension and didn't want to deal with first batch issues. I think it turned out to be a good decision. But why am I disappointed? Because I still have my old 200 Duke and wanted to fit the front suspension of the 390 Adventure on it. Now, that bike weighs only 136 kg wet (40 kg lighter than your bike!) but I weigh close to 100 kg myself so I will face that problem even more.
About the stalling, that clutch lever sensor issue is well known among the 390 community as it also affects the BS6 390 Duke.
I have a suggestion about the exhaust, if you are planning a cat delete. You could check if the BS4 390 Duke exhaust header (the one that wraps around the engine) fits your bike. Getting that will free up around 20 mm of space under the engine. The BS6 emission norm necessitated a bigger cat closer to the engine because of which the 390/250 Duke/Adventure have the exhaust routed underneath the engine instead of around it. Just a suggestion.
Yeah nice, thank you for that, I'll keep that in mind
I will say, the few times I have ridden the bike I've launched it off some erosion mounds and not had the forks bottom out. On stuff that the T7 would have my teeth rattling. The rear did bottom out tho yeah.
@@390advmotochick7 :)
@@MVDBR Ok, so it is not that bad then. Nice.
Great review, have you considered a Rekluse clutch? Put one on my wr250, makes a world of difference in the slow stuff, never stalls.
That purple piece of the cables did not come to me, have I been ripped off? 🤔
I liked the review very much, the things as they are, good work 😃
I think KTM missed a trick with the 390, as they mounted the engine really low in the chassis. If they had lifted up a few inches it would have given much more ground clearance and made it a much better off road bike.
Great job though. 10k has flown by!
Yeah agreed, the ground clearance is probably the biggest flaw with the bike
Kind of a late comment, but adding a Rekluse clutch pack might also help with power delivery because the Torq clutch has 30 percent more surface area and can squeeze out a little more torque from an already overworked engine. Couldn't hurt.
You guys are amazing!!!! Loved this review!!! Thank you guys!!!! 💖☮️
Cheers 🙌
Great review guys..i'm sure that will help a lot of people, awesome job Nat 👍
Great 👍 review Nat and Josh , was waiting for the 390 review with the new wheels. I often defended the 390 when others say they are not very off road capable, I ALWAYS point them in your direction to put them in there place 👍😂😂😂 . On another note maybe approach Funnelwebfilters - ( made in Australia they may look at making a form filter ) you may just need to provide them an airbox .
Ik it's an older video but. I was looking for a woman point of view on this bike since my wife is looking to get one. Now it definitely made up her mind on getting one 👍👍
I'm 51 and considering this bike as a first "legit" bike... I haven't ridden for over 30 years now and the last one I rode was my brother's Yamaha DT175 (that he crashed in to a truck while drunk twisting/warping the handlebar.... still rideable on the dirt.... just.). I wouldn't mind something I can zip around on here in little Radelaide and maybe bugger off up to the Flinders Ranges or so... nothing too extreme... I know this won't be the bike I'd ever consider doing the Simpson Desert one... but hey... go to start somewhere though... great review. Cheers.
If you can find one to have a ride on mate that would be the go, sounds like a good option for what you want to do though 🤘
Lovely video and I really appreciate you guys sharing your experiences. Since you ride the 390 on trails mostly, may I recommend the FuelX Pro. It basically richens up the air-fuel mix, it has 10 settings and I use the map 8 which works fantastic off the road. I think you should try it out, would make a world of difference. Cheers and keep those videos coming.
Thanks mate we already have the Coober ECU and pipe kit to fit, just haven't gotten around to it yet 😬 Cheers
Thanks for this detailed review. I'm very interested in this bike.
Great review guys, it seems to me that the 390 adventure is a good option for a person who likes to explore back gravel roads and camp in the bush.
Is light, so if riding solo and it is dropped, it can be lifted upright.
My old bike was a BMW r850r and bit heavy and low for some NP tracks.
To me this bike seems perfect for road warriors like me who live in cities with fucked up roads like Los Angeles. I wouldn't need or want to take this bike off road because I get the same experience with all the dips, potholes, debris, and train tracks out here. 😅