Adventure bikes are ridden 90 percent on paved roads and the Honda would be superior, also if you want to keep your bike for years and put many trouble free miles on the Honda is a no brainer,they are built to last!
These 3 ADV's each draw a different audience with different roles to fill. BMW and KTM for those lucky enough to have lots of off road opportunities in their stomping ground, the Honda for those bound mostly to pavement and great for back-road touring.
In India we are getting a stripped down version of the 390 adv, called 390 adv x, it will not get tft display, quickshifter/autoblipper, cornering abs, traction control, also the Metzeller Tourance are gone, and it is cheaper by $900. What do you think about that?
Must admit it nearly put me off too but I'm glad I still bought mine. Tell you what it helps make you stand out in traffic, hardly ever get a dozy driver pull out on me.
it still looks real aggressive though. if u want to be center of attraction KTM will more than suffice. i ended up with the CB just because i cant get any negative review with it anywhere.
Honda is easily the best road bike out of the three. Seamless touring machine. And it's a Honda- reliable and cheap to maintain. I was tempted to buy the KTM but unfortunately the lack of dealerships near me, reliability issues and the single cylinder character drew me off. Who needs quickshifter and that much tech on a 390 cc thumper bike.. Anyway, great review guys- very fun.
@@HunterVlog350cc that's a good bike for cruising on minor roads with 80, 90 kph. The Honda will do that, or go all day with 120 -130 kph. It might seem boring first. But the truth is, it is the good friend which will show you love long term.
This was a great video! If you could get some better mics for outside use or perhaps just make the voices a bit louder and compressed this would be a 10/10 quality show!
BMW and KTM are indeed european brands but the GS310 and the Duke390 are made in India. As for the CB500X, it’s made in Thailand. To be honest, it’s almost impossible to find small displacement bikes still being made in Japan or in Europe…
Loved the banter and the insights. the review is smooth. Bike Show SA is one of the very few non Indian review channels I regularly turn to for my TH-cam two wheel therapy
Just bought a new 2022 KTM 390 Adventure and paid $5,700 for her. I love it! Maybe someday I'll go for a KLR or 890 Adventure R, but this lightweight 390 is so much fun. To anyone on the fence about one, buy it and have the time of your life!
Love my ktm 8k miles on it now fast fun and good off-road...had a 500x for a while but found it heavy and dull a typical honda its a road bike ..not ridden the little bmw but it looks fun...ktm has it nailed though
Interesting and thank you! I just wish that service intervals and running costs can be brought into the equation/reviews as well as to me, that is a major contributing factor....I'll easily pay a bit more for the the bike knowing the service intervals are futher apart etc...
I'm in Kenya with a 183 cc SYM adv, and I was just thinking down the road I feel like I'm going to outgrow it quickly... although it was half the price of these. If I could afford to, I'm considering which motorcycle I could get that would be slightly heavier than 150 kg and more powerful because 5th and 6th gear slough uphill, especially with a passenger which I have often. This was really funny and very enjoyable to watch... but it made me wonder which would be the best for traveling on dirt roads and tarmac for basically commuting and getting around. I've always wanted a BMW, the KTM is convincing but has an ugly face, and the Honda seems nice but heavy. Would love to know more about your opinion for getting around, hauling stuff, hauling people, off road, on road, riding for a few hours, riding around town etc as a do it all adv
I have no idea what the rand converts to U.S. dollars but I know I can get a new KTM 390 adventure for around $7,100 or about $1,000 more can get me a new KLR 650 adventure.
I really want to like the KTM, the weight is great, but can’t get past the style. Hondas are boring but reliable. I’m close to buying the CBX 500 to go with my Moto Guzzi (which I LOVE)!
This isn't even a contest, the CB500X is the clear winner. I rode a KTM 390 Duke in Kauai and, although I had fun with it, the thumper engine on the KTM pulls strong but it's so unrefined compared to the Honda parallel twin. Also, your dirt traction and braking tests simply prove that the KTM comes with the more dirt biased stock tires, nothing more. Also, for a taller rider like me, the KTM is definitely less comfortable on any ride longer than an hour. The final deciding factor is Honda's reputation for reliability vs KTMs reputation for persistent issues.
You rode a Duke 390 not a 390 adv, they’re on the same platform but have significant differences. Ergonomics, suspension, wheel size, and ground clearance are the major ones that come to mind. I’ve done 8-10 hour days on the 390 adv, 60% off-road and 40% on road. It’s a very comfortable bike with much better ergonomics suited for adventure riding. The Honda isn’t an adventure bike, so yeah it’s not a contest because it shouldn’t be included.
@@njwolf2k9 Are you 6'-3" and 210 lbs? As you say, a 390 Duke isn't the same as a 390 ADV, but I find it hard to believe that the ergos are that much different for someone my size. Also, it's the same thumper engine - I just don't like it and that's my prerogative. If you don't think the CB500X is an ADV bike, that's your prerogative. I doubt you've ever ridden a 2022/2023 CB500X though.
@@thebikeshowsa if the rider isn’t paying attention your way will also have you both on the ground. Try getting on that way with a top box or side boxes. You can’t. All you need is the pillion to tap you on the shoulder to say ‘getting on’ (or off) and you brace. Simple. No scratched body work, no hernias, no strained groins.
Yeah, because of that here in India the Cb500x is almost twice as pricey as the 390 ADV. While I do think Cb500x is a better bike overall it's hard to justify the huge price difference!
@@rj-gd3pc 310 gs is the cheapest of the three. On road price (after tax, insurance etc) will be around 89k in rands. 390 ADV is 97k and Cb500x is around 165k I guess.
Great video guys! May I know how tall Skinny is? I’m asking as I’m a short rider (168cm) and looking to go back riding again. My final three choices fall to these bikes, so any info from someone who tested these bikes would be great. Cheers.
Ok, the Honda is good as an everyday bike, the KTM is good for the offroad. And what is a BMW good for? For which type of driver and which type of driving?
If i wanna hit the offroads lighter bikes wud b my choice😌. Big advs r definitely good highway tourers. If i were given a choice of picking up a bike for long adventure touring i wud go for something not too heavy or light. Yes something like KTM 390 wud do the job.
Quite the insiteghtfull video. I'm also wondering wich one of these three will be best suited for my needs, but I'm slightly more inclined into de cb500X. Also 8:40, this is a terrible technique for picking up bigger bikes so please don't do it this way, y'all
14:03 let me see you try that way with a top case on. by the way th cb is street oriented CB= city bike . limited power to a2 licence . its 471 twin engine could make easily 55-60 hp . overall a bad comparison
@@thebikeshowsa , that is the headquarters. It is still a made in China product. Not much made in the USA anymore sadly. Just like KTM, BMW and many others seeking out cheap labor.
To be quite honest, putting ones leg out or foot down when cornering at speed on an adventure bike is a no no. Skinny should learn to corner while standing 😮
Really? Jorge Prado (world champion) and the rest of the motocrossers of the world beg to differ. You certainly are not more skillful than they are. You do not stick your foot out on pavement but to go faster in the dirt you certainly do. You use the outstretched leg for balance as well.
I have looked at all 3 of these. I decided to go with the ktm 390 adventure as my first motorcycle and I love it. I will say tho it’s not the best bike for cruising on the interstate but I got a Harley if I just want to cruise lol. I’ve heard the Honda is good at cruising on the interstate but honestly I just think it’s such an ugly looking motorcycle. Idk why, but I just can’t buy an ugly motorcycle even if it rides great lol. It gotta look good.
Man, you gotta loose some weight. Not fat shaming,but not normalising being overweight as well. I’ve been there with high BP and type 2 diabetes. Never going back
Adventure bikes are ridden 90 percent on paved roads and the Honda would be superior, also if you want to keep your bike for years and put many trouble free miles on the Honda is a no brainer,they are built to last!
Good ol reason why I absolutely love Honda's and Suzuki's
Me too 👍
I only ride on the tarmac. Adventure bikes give wind protection and more upright position which is more comfortable for long distance.
Hell yeah. ❤ Honda is Honda
The lack of electronics is more appealing to me.
This was one of the most entertaining & informative reviews on TH-cam regarding these 3 choices 👏🏼👏🏼
These 3 ADV's each draw a different audience with different roles to fill. BMW and KTM for those lucky enough to have lots of off road opportunities in their stomping ground, the Honda for those bound mostly to pavement and great for back-road touring.
Versys 300X is the glaring omission. 😊
In India we are getting a stripped down version of the 390 adv, called 390 adv x, it will not get tft display, quickshifter/autoblipper, cornering abs, traction control, also the Metzeller Tourance are gone, and it is cheaper by $900. What do you think about that?
For this video test run, I will choose Honda CB500X.
Do you guys ever consider cost-of-ownership. One of the key considerations when purchasing yet seems no one mentions it anymore. Why?
If it wasn't for that headlight, I'd go for the KTM.
Must admit it nearly put me off too but I'm glad I still bought mine. Tell you what it helps make you stand out in traffic, hardly ever get a dozy driver pull out on me.
it still looks real aggressive though. if u want to be center of attraction KTM will more than suffice. i ended up with the CB just because i cant get any negative review with it anywhere.
The KTM is butt ugly. Headlight looking like a praying mantis and too much orange.
WHAT ABOUT THE SUZUKI V STROM 250 SX ????
Honda cb500x. Its great bike. Love my cb500x
Honda is easily the best road bike out of the three. Seamless touring machine. And it's a Honda- reliable and cheap to maintain. I was tempted to buy the KTM but unfortunately the lack of dealerships near me, reliability issues and the single cylinder character drew me off. Who needs quickshifter and that much tech on a 390 cc thumper bike.. Anyway, great review guys- very fun.
i have honder dealer 15 miles from me gotto be the honda
The dullest bike of the three though
What is the reliability issues of the KTM you speak off?
buy himalayan if u can and achieve nirvana with the raw chatacter
@@HunterVlog350cc that's a good bike for cruising on minor roads with 80, 90 kph. The Honda will do that, or go all day with 120 -130 kph. It might seem boring first. But the truth is, it is the good friend which will show you love long term.
Here in India, honda is priced twice the amount of ktm
You want a radar to measure the speed for comparison purposes, not the bike speedo. They could all be off by any proportion of 10%.
Good video...but why not include the Kawasaki Versys 300 to really round out the competition of these small Adventure class bikes
Agreed. But then we would have to get another friend to ride it. We are struggling with the ones we have as it is.
Great video! Full of information and very funny! When is the next video coming out?
This was a great video! If you could get some better mics for outside use or perhaps just make the voices a bit louder and compressed this would be a 10/10 quality show!
BMW and KTM are indeed european brands but the GS310 and the Duke390 are made in India.
As for the CB500X, it’s made in Thailand.
To be honest, it’s almost impossible to find small displacement bikes still being made in Japan or in Europe…
They would cost way too much money.
W250 from Kawasaki Japan costs almost the same as 500cc bikes.
It does not metter where is made but what standards.
Loved the banter and the insights. the review is smooth. Bike Show SA is one of the very few non Indian review channels I regularly turn to for my TH-cam two wheel therapy
Just bought a new 2022 KTM 390 Adventure and paid $5,700 for her. I love it! Maybe someday I'll go for a KLR or 890 Adventure R, but this lightweight 390 is so much fun. To anyone on the fence about one, buy it and have the time of your life!
Was looking at the BMW but ended up with the KTM and love it........ love the looks of the BMW but those spoke wheels on the KTM won out......
Nice review guys!
Thank you
Bmw is very comfortable bike indeed ❤ Cheers for your good review guys
Love my ktm 8k miles on it now fast fun and good off-road...had a 500x for a while but found it heavy and dull a typical honda its a road bike ..not ridden the little bmw but it looks fun...ktm has it nailed though
this was the review I needed, but I miss a touring test, as you'll spend 90% of the time on tarmac with these bikes, but still the best comparison
Interesting and thank you!
I just wish that service intervals and running costs can be brought into the equation/reviews as well as to me, that is a major contributing factor....I'll easily pay a bit more for the the bike knowing the service intervals are futher apart etc...
Its much easier to put your foot first on the peg and climb on. Just make sure you put your weight as close as on the motorcycle.
Yeah, and always wait until the rider is ready for you to mount or dismount.
How is Honda xadv in comparison? A solid choice as well?
The most entertaining motorcycle reviews on TH-cam, bar none!
That’s the best compliment we’ve ever received. Thank you!
Forgot the triumph 400 X and fantic 500 rally,
Thanks for the ride Don! Was a treat! Can I keep the dress?
Only if you wear it every day.
Howdy Vincent 'Speed' King
@@artoswr Hey Arthur! How are you doing man?
nicely done comparison, is it the Persian rug?
Great fun video guys and gal. I laughed out loud at Domenic's role reversals
I'm in Kenya with a 183 cc SYM adv, and I was just thinking down the road I feel like I'm going to outgrow it quickly... although it was half the price of these. If I could afford to, I'm considering which motorcycle I could get that would be slightly heavier than 150 kg and more powerful because 5th and 6th gear slough uphill, especially with a passenger which I have often. This was really funny and very enjoyable to watch... but it made me wonder which would be the best for traveling on dirt roads and tarmac for basically commuting and getting around. I've always wanted a BMW, the KTM is convincing but has an ugly face, and the Honda seems nice but heavy. Would love to know more about your opinion for getting around, hauling stuff, hauling people, off road, on road, riding for a few hours, riding around town etc as a do it all adv
Get s Royal Enfield 650. A lot more bike for less money. And cheaper to maintain. Or wait until they unvail their new 450 line.
Y'all need to stand up and put your weight on the pegs while riding off-road.
I have no idea what the rand converts to U.S. dollars but I know I can get a new KTM 390 adventure for around $7,100 or about $1,000 more can get me a new KLR 650 adventure.
The KLR650 has been out-homologated in most places because it doesn't meet Euro standards. That's a real pity.
So for more time on the road vs the dirt I guess the Honda would be the best choice?
That was a flippen awesome video, a great review and endlessly entertaining
Cheers fellas!
Nice video, thanks! I am very happy with the Honda CB500X, it is a very good bike here on the other side of the world.
Thinking of swapping my BMW 1200 GSA for a HondaCB500X
Amazing for your KTM 390 Adventure vs BMW G310 GS vs Honda CB500X, I admire your driving.❤
I really want to like the KTM, the weight is great, but can’t get past the style. Hondas are boring but reliable. I’m close to buying the CBX 500 to go with my Moto Guzzi (which I LOVE)!
Same for me. Good features, ugly bike.
Cb500x and 390 Adventure are so much ahead of the 310 there's no even comparison...
Excellent review guys - one of the most useful formats i've seen. Thanks. Also - Skinny sounds like the girl from Die Antwoord :)
I have BMW 310 GS for the last 2.5 years. It cost me 4.4K USD here in India. Nice decent bike.
You guys are great. 🙌
Thanks!
The windscreen doesn't slow you down, it actually reduces resistance.
This isn't even a contest, the CB500X is the clear winner. I rode a KTM 390 Duke in Kauai and, although I had fun with it, the thumper engine on the KTM pulls strong but it's so unrefined compared to the Honda parallel twin.
Also, your dirt traction and braking tests simply prove that the KTM comes with the more dirt biased stock tires, nothing more.
Also, for a taller rider like me, the KTM is definitely less comfortable on any ride longer than an hour. The final deciding factor is Honda's reputation for reliability vs KTMs reputation for persistent issues.
Clear winner for touring maybe lol. Heaviest bike with the least amount of suspension travel... no thank you.
You rode a Duke 390 not a 390 adv, they’re on the same platform but have significant differences. Ergonomics, suspension, wheel size, and ground clearance are the major ones that come to mind. I’ve done 8-10 hour days on the 390 adv, 60% off-road and 40% on road. It’s a very comfortable bike with much better ergonomics suited for adventure riding.
The Honda isn’t an adventure bike, so yeah it’s not a contest because it shouldn’t be included.
@@njwolf2k9 Are you 6'-3" and 210 lbs? As you say, a 390 Duke isn't the same as a 390 ADV, but I find it hard to believe that the ergos are that much different for someone my size. Also, it's the same thumper engine - I just don't like it and that's my prerogative. If you don't think the CB500X is an ADV bike, that's your prerogative. I doubt you've ever ridden a 2022/2023 CB500X though.
@@Furadi th-cam.com/video/snXcA9FHj-I/w-d-xo.html
@@njwolf2k9 Of course cb500x is adventure bike, it is fine offroad, '22./'23. model is great, ok clearance, good front fork, very fun on trails...
Good video. I just got my 390 4 days ago
You guys had me in splits😅😅. You went too easy on the BMW. I think the ktm still holds that crown, by a slim margin tho.
Which isnto buy out of 3 bikes
I would punch anyone who got on the pillion like that! Stand on the foot peg and mount like a horse.
If the rider isn't paying attention, or is on unsteady ground, the whole lot could go over the moment the passenger applies pressure to the foot peg.
@@thebikeshowsa if the rider isn’t paying attention your way will also have you both on the ground. Try getting on that way with a top box or side boxes. You can’t. All you need is the pillion to tap you on the shoulder to say ‘getting on’ (or off) and you brace. Simple. No scratched body work, no hernias, no strained groins.
@@thebikeshowsa no one should ever mount a bike if the rider isn't paying attention and giving the go ahead.
Those «european» bikes are both made in India. And the CB500X is made in Thailand…😊
Yeah, because of that here in India the Cb500x is almost twice as pricey as the 390 ADV. While I do think Cb500x is a better bike overall it's hard to justify the huge price difference!
@@DarkHorse2305how much is that BMW 310 Down there?
@@rj-gd3pc 310 gs is the cheapest of the three. On road price (after tax, insurance etc) will be around 89k in rands. 390 ADV is 97k and Cb500x is around 165k I guess.
@@DarkHorse2305 Your country must have ridiculous import tax.
@@DarkHorse2305my 400x (japan spec) has 198k kms on it. It probably got another 150k kms of life in it
Great! Do a review on the V-Strom SX 250 too, most anticipated "all rounder"
We are on it!
@@thebikeshowsa Excited.
Great video guys!
May I know how tall Skinny is? I’m asking as I’m a short rider (168cm) and looking to go back riding again. My final three choices fall to these bikes, so any info from someone who tested these bikes would be great. Cheers.
Don is the shortest. The KTM is tallest, the Honda second and the BMW third.
I'm 1.8m tall. None of these bikes felt very tall, but best would be to go out and have a sit on all of them ;-)
Ok, the Honda is good as an everyday bike, the KTM is good for the offroad. And what is a BMW good for? For which type of driver and which type of driving?
Nice video, good work
Intro was a little longer
If i wanna hit the offroads lighter bikes wud b my choice😌. Big advs r definitely good highway tourers. If i were given a choice of picking up a bike for long adventure touring i wud go for something not too heavy or light. Yes something like KTM 390 wud do the job.
thanks for the quality content
What are the maintenance schedules, which ones have tubeless tires and what's the wind protection like ?🤷♂
"mag" wheels mean no tubes, spokes mean has a tube. Honda maintenance always wins .
15:53 hilarious pillion test ! Super fun
Nice test Donovan but you certainly don’t get on pillion like my wife 😂
Is the pillion experience that bad?
Loved this! Thanks for a fun review 👌🏼😎
Quite the insiteghtfull video. I'm also wondering wich one of these three will be best suited for my needs, but I'm slightly more inclined into de cb500X.
Also 8:40, this is a terrible technique for picking up bigger bikes so please don't do it this way, y'all
Fix the voice mixing/volume. Otherwise a good video none the less.
bybre is short form of "by brembo", we pronounce as the same as how we would say "by bre ---- mbo"
Please stop it with the background music while talking 😢
Was someone having a laugh suggesting that pillion challenge ? Poor fella.
14:03 let me see you try that way with a top case on.
by the way th cb is street oriented CB= city bike . limited power to a2 licence .
its 471 twin engine could make easily 55-60 hp .
overall a bad comparison
Nice match up
benelli 502x bhi lena tha
The honda is the best bike hands down.Excellent value for money.
The BMW, so pretty 😍
Your video didn't really help me make decision. so I'm gonna have to buy all 3 then.
Pick the bikes up the right way maybe.
I didn't know India was in Europe. Both are made in India.
Apple is an American company even though your iPhone was built in China.
@@thebikeshowsa , that is the headquarters. It is still a made in China product. Not much made in the USA anymore sadly. Just like KTM, BMW and many others seeking out cheap labor.
honestly i think the Honda for me
The KTM need to turn off the motion control and you will see how the Honda looks like a rookie
Honda and bmw are a lot more expensive in India than the a ktm
To be quite honest, putting ones leg out or foot down when cornering at speed on an adventure bike is a no no. Skinny should learn to corner while standing 😮
Skinny was horsing around in the clip. She’s actually a bloody competent rider, she’s got no issues with throwing a dualsport bike around on dirt.🤗😉😁
@@pikipikioverland ok that makes sense 😄
@@ontheirktms4828 😁🤟🏼
Gotta love the 390.
I had CB500x...dumbest thing I ever did was sell it...
I like this nice motorcykles😊👍👏
CB500X cut off is at 180, you could reach 205 if removed limiter
I get 182km /hr on cb500x 2017
Skilled riders dont stick their foot out on corners. Less bike control.
Really? Jorge Prado (world champion) and the rest of the motocrossers of the world beg to differ. You certainly are not more skillful than they are. You do not stick your foot out on pavement but to go faster in the dirt you certainly do. You use the outstretched leg for balance as well.
I have looked at all 3 of these. I decided to go with the ktm 390 adventure as my first motorcycle and I love it. I will say tho it’s not the best bike for cruising on the interstate but I got a Harley if I just want to cruise lol. I’ve heard the Honda is good at cruising on the interstate but honestly I just think it’s such an ugly looking motorcycle. Idk why, but I just can’t buy an ugly motorcycle even if it rides great lol. It gotta look good.
why dont you test the bikes on the road? then the bmw will be the winner
About as BMW as a curry! It is a TVS! 😂
Good job.
We like skinny, she’s gorgeous… but for heavens sake… buy her some proper MX boots.
no one should ride on dirt in ankle boots
KTM and BMW build quality and life time costs are noticably worse than Honda.
Nice
I have the 390, great bike
Vincent is young and expendable 🤣
I will take the Honda and some oil and be good for a generation
Only KTM, is the best bike in this category, Honda is very heavy, very weak engine for its capacity
Man, you gotta loose some weight. Not fat shaming,but not normalising being overweight as well. I’ve been there with high BP and type 2 diabetes. Never going back
That's why I was made to do all the physical stuff.
I considered all of them but ended up buying a Himalayan. I'm loving it!