2025 KTM 390 Adventure R: The Most Capable ADV Bike Ever?

[@fritz1281]

I have a 390 adventure with 31,000 km in 3 years. No major defects, just service. And I love this bike for its easy handling and versatility❤. We have already experienced more trips and adventures than most large adventure bikes😊. Lg fritz

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! Sometimes a lighter, easy to maneuver bike is best. And by sometimes, I mean all the time! Except on the freeway for long periods of time, but who likes freeway riding anyhow?

[@Macronvargas]

I own a 390 - 2020,... ->this 2025 model will be my next bike.!!! Waiting for the launch!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! Looks like an awesome ride!

[@Macronvargas]

@@SwankyCatProductions what I really like is the tank designs and height, the front face, the driving position and the new engine! 👍🏻

[@wudntulike2no32]

I won't buy anything KTM. They have far too much reliability problems across various models. Even worse is KTM doesn't like to own up to their mistakes. The RC390s were plagued with head gasket issues. The 690 had the rocker arms and clutch slave cylinder issues. The 790 and 890 camshafts have been giving out at an early mileage. These are problems I would expect out of a bike bought off Amazon, not a premium brand with a high price.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, anything can have issues, but it does seem that KTM has more than one would expect. Especially with the price tag!

[@TheScorp06]

Any of the 390s (after the first gen) have been quite reliable and without many issues. The bigger bikes that KTM makes do have problems but these smaller ones are built in India under Bajaj and are actually quite great and stress free.

[@RPG4meRS]

@@TheScorp06 The only bikes with massive problems are 790 & 890 Models.

[@bluezhawg2104]

@@TheScorp06 100% correct. I am a service manager at a large KTM dealer and the 390 series bikes have been super reliable and inexpensive to maintain. Second only to Kawasaki’s products.

[@constantinosschinas4503]

690 had rocker arms issues only in 2012-2013 models. The faulty castings write on them 12 or 13. Slave cylinders only affects specific years as well. Every manufacturer has issues. Even Hondas. The 790 890 issues are real and a disgrace, but that should not mess good bikes' reputations.

[@theomerian6102]

Totally looking forward to this release. These smaller ADV bikes are so hot right now. I'm skeptical of CF Moto too, but they sure seem to be gaining a good track record and building a large dealer network. It's a trade-off for sure, but the Ibex 450 being a twin would certainly have better road manners i would think. Great video!

[@BassMunn]

Nicely thought out breakdown of what we have seen so far. If they price it like you suggest I will be putting my order in soon after release.

[@joellikness2121]

If they can get it under 400 lb and under $7500.... I'd roll the dice on an orange bike.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I think I'm actually more excited to find out the weight than I am the price! Haha.

[@Ntmoffi]

I'll be happy if they keep it under $8k MSRP. I got my Gen 1 with low interest and a thousand bucks off. I could see that happening with the Gen 2.

[@BeatPatrol420]

Try 360 lb then we're talkin'

[@KillingitBrah]

IIts already existing Ktm 690

[@WyldKard]

@@BeatPatrol420Has to be lighter than the 690 or it’s not worth it.

[@OneOldManRiding]

This bike, like the entire range of small engine street bikes, is made by Bajaj in India. The 390 Engine dates back to 2013, and while KTM joint designed the engine (Claimed, what are the odds that in 2010 engineers in India and Austria were working jointly? More than likely Bajaj was designing and KTM was giving the OK.) has been made in India since. (Units are also assembled in the Philippines) Essentially this is a badged KTM bike, using some KTM electronics, but mechanically a product of India. This has lead to the 390 being more reliable than the traditional KTM bike. The primary point fo failure when the 390 was first released was the screen... One of the KTM Parts. The engine appears to eb bulletproof, with a KTM FB group of over 40K users having few complaints, and hundreds of posts showing mileage over 25K, and at least two at 100K. While it's not a Honda, it appears to be reliable to a point KTM can only dream of. Especially considering this is a budget bike. If you are not in North America, it's a very inexpensive bike. (KTM has a price penalty here!) - Frank TLDR: This engine is well tested for over a decade.

[@joshdoddadbod]

Isn't this model sporting an all new engine?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Awesome info!!! Makes me want one even more! If this new version proves to be just as reliable, this'll be a pretty hard bike for the Japanese Manufacturers to beat!

[@muralikannan0001]

Yes ktm 125 to 390 are made by Bajaj in India, few of my friends having KTM 390 adv with 35+k miles riding different riding conditions, never add any big problems and servicing ,spares are very much reasonable, Waiting to book the new KTM 390 Adv 2025

[@williamdillon7708]

Thanks Frank!

[@MattTofield]

Thanks Frank. This is so true, an Indian built bike is something I see as a bonus these days. I’m a Royal Enfield owner and appreciate the engineering quality. Can’t wait to see the new 390 here in France

[@adr2567]

Can't wait for this to be launched, I think it will he super capable! Re: weight, I think it'll be in the 179 KG range and be closer to a true dual sport. Both the Enduro and Adv R seem like they'll be an awesome option. Considering they're made in india but not necessarily cut throat cheap, I don't expect it to be cheap but hey you pay for the good stuff, I'd def pay a premium over the Himi450 for better weight, electronics and off road capability.

[@danielpoulis9855]

279kg? Are you thinking 179?

[@adr2567]

@@danielpoulis9855 Yeah 179, at 279 I wouldn't even consider it 🤣

[@danielpoulis9855]

@adr2567 was gonna say, you might be lucky if it moves 😂

[@OneOldManRiding]

I have a few comments, and will break them out. I have 27K miles on a 390 Adventure. - Frank

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's not bad at all! I hear it's a really fun bike!

[@kai-uweoch1159]

”…what they were never designed for” was an important point about big bikes! However the manufacturer’s advertisements wants us to believe that those bikes can go anywhere, even with average rider on top of them. Nothing could be more wrong and that’s why we every week see someone shout of for help in FB, who is stuck e g somewhere in a mudhole on the TET or is simply not even able to lift his bike - maybe for the fith time this day. Lighter is better, you can’t cheat physics! :-)

[@mutenroshi109]

I stay with the DR650, it has been a proven design for years, the newer 2017+ models have most of the defects removed or repaired, it is simple, less unreliable in the field and fewer things can break down, you can easily make 700-mile trips with them to places where you often don't have or expect there won't be any parts. and people who know repair, these are not all the reasons (the more important ones)

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Oh yeah, the DR can't be beat in that sense.

[@MattTofield]

Accept, the 390 is built in India and has consistently proven to be reliable, unlike the larger displacement KTM’s.

[@Macronvargas]

That DR 650 looks it was manufactured in 1970

[@stephanematis]

I own a Husky 401 and the trick of using the 1st gen Duke 390 exhaust routing, which gains more then 1" in clearance, is something lost on these new Duke derived family, without some extensive mods on the air--box that sits now next to the rear strut. That used to be the route for the exhaust. Honestly, I prefer the Ibex 450 for dual cylinder/less vibration, but I would welcome a Versys 450/500 even more.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Mmm that is unfortunate! Yeah, I think I'd probably prefer the parallel twin if given the choice as well.

[@TyB_23]

This is the Unicorn bike we’ve been waiting for.

[@traviskimbrell1209]

Maybe if the Ibex 450 didn’t exist. Or the Himalayan 450 or the Tuareg 457, Kove 450 or the Tenere 700, or the KLR650 etc. This is just a desperate attempt to stay relevant by KTM. They didn’t cut weight, add power or innovate anything. Just put a taller front wheel on the garbage 390 platform. It still weighs 430 lbs claimed. It’s a single cylinder that makes its power way up top. This is NOT even close to being the unicorn real adventure riders want.

[@nathanf1934]

Exactly. Will be way too heavy.

[@yfzrider729]

You got me with the photoshopped image of you as a thumbnail.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

🤣 Sorry! I just tossed the first image I could find of myself in the helmet and it worked out a little better than I'd planned! Haha.

[@joshdoddadbod]

Dude definitely get a 390 adv. You'd get a ton of views and help out a lot of folks as this will be a great bike for newer riders and experienced alike. Looking forward to seeing some. Don't think I'll be trading in the T7 for one tho.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It is definitely pretty inciting! Would be fun to compare it to the T7, XR & DR!

[@gregweeks4980]

It looks to me like a dual sport bike. They are always fun. I don't know much about their reliability, but at least while it is running it would be fun. I do not like the low pipe exit. I have actually drowned out most of my low slung exhaust dual sports bikes. That would be my older Hondas. Oh well, I usually change out my favorite dual sport exhaust pipes anyway. From my knowledge of off-road styled motorcycles, everything is fun off-road... Large or small. I have only ridden one KTM motorcycle and that was back in the 1970s when it was called a Penton. I have never seen so many neutrals on one motorcycle. False neutrals. Good use of your computer putting your headshot inside the bikers helmet... Cute Texas on the prairie

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, it seems to fall somewhere between an ADV and dual sport. In fact, without the fairing there's not much about it that would make you think ADV at all. Which is I think why it interests me so much! 🤣 I just tossed the first picture I could find of myself in there and it worked out much better than expected! Haha.

[@marklanders630]

I used to make fun of my friends that play golf. Every year they would ooh and ahh at the latest and greatest drivers, putters and training devices even though they were really no better than stuff that had been available forever. Now that laugh at me and my lust for every new bike model😂

[@jakeviolet2195]

This bike (and the other new 450s from CFMoto and Royal Enfield) are head and shoulders above the crap that has been available forever. At least on paper. Hopefully one or all of them can bring reliability to the table too.

[@jakeviolet2195]

This looks much better than any of the crap that has been around forever. At least on paper. Hopefully they can bring the reliability.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha, yeah I'm sure from the outside, people probably think we're nuts. But I love it!!!

[@adr2567]

As a biker and golfer, imagine the hole both activities are burning in my pocket!

[@thebridman225]

I would think the Kove 450 would fit you needs pretty well. Have you considered it? I would like to hear your thoughts.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

No, I really need to do some research on those and make a video on them as well!

[@utkarshanu88]

What do you think about the difference between the upcoming 390R vs the 390X.

[@joellikness2121]

Really excited to see some actual testing of this bike, as I'm really interested in the Himmy 450 and the Ibex 450. Is it bad though that I kinda trust the CFMoto more than the KTM? I know, I know, it'll be built in India.... but the Austrian engineers don't give me warm fuzzies reliability wise.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I know! I thought that right after I said it... KTM knows bikes and especially performance bikes, yet they often seem to be more concerned with performance than longevity... So it really could be a toss up!

[@adr2567]

TBF the India made KTM's are made by Bajaj and have been proven to be extremely reliable (apart from the first few years). We don't get the larger ones here so can't say if it's an issue only with large bikes but that's the feeling I get from the info available online.

[@BMiobW]

I just made my choice: the Himalayan. I don't trust KTM and it will be more expensive. The Himi suits me slightly better than the MT450

[@ryanbrandenburg1882]

Feeling it's going to be a touch better than the ibex 450. It's gotta be right!?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I would think so... but honestly I'm not all that sure. I've heard some pretty good things about the IBEX, especially in comparison to the old 390. Should be pretty interesting!!!

[@alexstan5358]

Ktm390 or Bajaj which produced more than 10 million engines last 13 years and can confirm this is probably most reliable single cylinder small displacement engine in the world…

[@avgjoerides]

I think it could be a toss-up between this and the CFMoto Ibex 450. The CFMoto 450 engine is not exactly new, and I do not think I have heard anything bad about it. It's going to come down to test riding each one and seeing how I feel.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, they really do seem to be very similar in a lot of ways. I think a test ride on both would have to be the determining factor!

[@nealmcmillan5675]

You forgot to mention the cruise control that is installed on this prototype. I've installed cruise on my 390 and think it's very worth while.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That would be pretty nice to have!

[@gregweeks4980]

The rally look of the KTM is kind of cool. It's like a rally dual sport. Probably an ideal size. I think it's suspension travel is probably longer than you estimate and it's seat height is taller. I am thinking around 9 1/2 inches of travel with a seat height of 35 inches plus. I just measured my Gen 1 KLR 650 which supposedly has 10 inches of suspension travel and my seat height is 35 1/2 inches... Measured with some motorcycle weight sag. You know what would be nice is, if the KTM is about the size of your old XL 250 with the red engine. I have the same model as well and as I get older and older, it seems more and more comfortable. Maybe the size of your dad's 250. That XL 250 looks miniscule next to my XRL. My apologies for the long comment... T.O.T.P.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

No apology needed! I agree, I think there's a good chance my numbers are on the conservative side. A lower, easier to handle mini-ADV would be really nice!

[@queenslander954]

Wonder what the cams are like or more importantly the oil pump which seemingly is turning out to be the problem with a lot of failures , running several ponds lower than what the KTM manuals specify , KTM’s warranty problems being ignored have seem a once thriving company become the manufacturer to stay away from.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I've heard that the 390s aren't really the same type of KTM as the ones having problems. I've been told by owners that they are designed and manufactured by a different team and seem to not have any of the same issues as the big ADV bikes.

[@SmalltimR]

DR650 - you're welcome!

[@deltaskyhawk]

Another bike du jour!

[@terrarecon]

I am not even considering the CFMoto. What is on my radar is the Himalayan 450. I think it appears to be very capable on and off-road, for what it is intended for. The new KTM 390 Adventure R, if it appears like these photos suggest, may be what I am actually looking for, with a lot extra over the Himi 450. If the bike comes out at $7,500, I am not sure that is worth it for me. Adventure bikes have gained too much weight, size, and cost. KTM seems to have addressed the first two issues, but can they be competitive price wise with both the FCMoto and Himi 450? It remains to be seen. Simplicity of smaller ADVs and lower cost to me is my unicorn.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, I'll have to do a direct comparison of the 390/450 when the official numbers come out. I think the 450 seems a little more aggressive than the previous model. However, the KTM seems like it's a bit more off road oriented and from what I've heard, may be much more reliable than its larger displacement relatives. Heard to beat simple and reliable!

[@terrarecon]

@@SwankyCatProductions I'll be looking forward to it. Thanks.

[@Weltbummler23]

As an ultralight adv rider, this bike wont cut it. Since this is on the duke 390 platform which is at the A2 power/weight limit, this bike will be 375+ lbs curb. But as a lightweight inexpensive adv bike, it seems a toss up between the ibex and the new 390 adv, since the ibex comes at a sizeable discount.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, it's definitely not the "ideal bike". But they're getting closer, and if it comes in near where I'm guessing, it'll definitely be a great entry level ADV/DS!

[@Weltbummler23]

@@SwankyCatProductions yeah it will probably be the best begginer adv available (mostly because i think a crf300l rally is a bit underpowered for beginners on the highway). Because of these A2 rules, im actually more excited for the new DRZ400 if it is real! With EFI it prob wont get much above 35hp, so the drz can keep its lightweight diet of ~320lbs. Then that bike could finally be converted to a nice lightweight modern adv! Of course would love if ktm makes me eat my words and releases a lightweight enduro 390 R. Its just so sad that ktm produces a beautiful, new, efficient, torquey, powerful 399cc motor, but between the market/manufacturing constraints and the stupid government licensing laws these engines will only ever be in bikes weighing 364lbs+

[@RYwoodview]

The larger wheels are welcome along with a little more ground clearance and, it appears, a more solid bash plate. Otherwise, the changes seem marginal compared to my 2023 KTM Adventure SW which, after some mods, I am delighted riding. Cruise control and tubeless spoked wheels would be logical next steps.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah it'll be interesting to see the final specs, but it looks pretty decent so far!

[@carterschichtel9678]

Will they be making a enduro version too? If so I’m ordering one

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'm not sure what we'll get, but I've seen spy shots of a dual sport version!

[@212driller]

I think you should pre order one. Many will watch videos for it and it would grow your channel.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That might not be a bad move!

[@ericashwell1392]

I'll keep my CRF 300 Rally tyvm. ECU and full suspension upgrades still keeps me lighter and less expensive in this baby-ADV category, with proven Honda reliability.

[@toddbenfield6546]

The CF Moto 450 MT looks good also✌️

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Indeed. Hard to beat that parallel twin sound and power!

[@Hanky_Bannist8r]

I personally would save the cash and go with the Cf Moto iBex it's genetically the same machine made in the same factory in China. A 390cc doesn't sound like it would be able to stand the highway runs without buzzing you to death.

[@adr2567]

It's got about 47hp though which should be sufficient for highways I think?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I do sort of wish this was a parallel twin as well...

[@leberkas_adv]

hopefully, they put on a xplor suspension!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I believe it's the same brand as they have on the old 390 Adventure.

[@giuliobuccini208]

Unfortunately, one should wait for the 2nd generation to avoid defects and problems that seems a characteristics of any KTM... 😞

[@davejessee7173]

Come on ktm, just give us an exc f 500 with a rally tower and subframe suitable for mounting reckless luggage.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

RIGHT??? I still can't believe no one is making their bigger dual sports with rally options. I thought we would for sure see a CRF450 Rally after the 300 came out, YEARS AGO, Haha. Oh well, just have to build them ourselves I suppose!

[@michaelanderson3771]

If it has the same frame as the 390 duke it will be cramped for larger riders over 180 cm 5'9" I recently rode the duke and whilst it had plenty of pace it lacked the low down grunt. Reliability and expensive pricing will keep me away. The Himilayan or the CF Moto 450 are looking more attractive everyday. The Suzy Vstrom 650 just to fat and heavy. The Honda 450 just not great on service intervals and flame out. The Honda 500 twin in an XR650 frame might be a far better option.. But Honda have lost their vision and don't give a toss what bikers want. Kove and CF moto and royal Enfield seem to be listening whilst the others bury their heads in the sand.

[@drd3816]

I hear you need a subscription for teh engine to start haha

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha! Lets hope not!

[@andrewm190E]

That's a lot of guesses....

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Indeed.

[@terrarecon]

That's kinda all any of us can do for now...

[@rs9301]

The rally seat is 885 the specs have leaked..

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Oh yeah? So I wasn't to far off then!

[@joshdoddadbod]

Take notes japanese manufacturers.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

YES!!!

[@wudntulike2no32]

New DRZ400? Suzuki has paid attention. Can't speak for the rest.

[@TheFoxyt2]

Always dreaming about a Japan parallel twin in 500 cc ish under 300 lbs.

[@joshdoddadbod]

😂

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'll take one of those too!

[@jimtitt3571]

Never happen, the A2 licence is minimum 386lbs for 47hp and they wouldn't build (even if the could) just for the USA. It would be horribly expensive to get a twin that light, I know I have two of them!

[@donkeizluv]

build it yourself then sell it back to Japan

[@airadaimagery692]

Honda needs to create an entirely different machine. I don’t want a race engine in my dual sport, and I wouldn’t be installing a big bore kit in my 300 if they got it right the first time. KTM? You get one first, then I’ll let you know. Lol... But what in the world is up with that tail pipe?! It’s no higher than the axles...

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Agreed! I think Honda could make a pretty great light-ish ADV, if only they'd try!!! Ha ha, I've actually been hearing that the 390s aren't created equal to the other ADV bikes they make, and that's apparently not such a bad thing! We'll see though, I too would prefer a Japanese option... and a higher exit point for my trail pipe 🤣

[@justsomedude445]

give me a 390 Adv platform but with the 690/701 engine and suspension and ill put a deposit down right right now !!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That would be AWESOME!!!

[@davidwhiteford4936]

It still looks like a mini bike. That and a submerged exhaust count me out! Frustrating, the ADV/Dual Sport market is full of under engineered problem bikes; building bikes must be difficult!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, I think it might be a little on the small side, but probably not too far off from my XR and DR. The exhaust is... odd. At least it'll be tough to snap off when the bike gets dropped 🤣

[@falc0n_forcegaming839]

This will be my next bike, just waiting to put the deposit down

[@SwankyCatProductions]

NICE!

[@akiuliano]

Game over if Aprilia throws their 457 on a smaller Tuareg.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Mmm, that would be sweet!

[@kevinb.7491]

Yeah no thanks on the bike that seat is way too thin. I would have to spend another $400 just to get custom cushion put on that seat to make it comfortable. But that is a beautiful bike

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Mmm yeah, doesn't look very comfy does it? It is neat looking though!

[@kevinb.7491]

@@SwankyCatProductions it is a beautiful bike and I would sure like to ride it at least once. But you know the coolest thing about owning a motorcycle especially an off-road time is you can do any kind of customized you want to it to make it suits you better. I have a KLX 250 and a trail ride all the time and next month I'm having the upholstery shop make me a thicker seat and raise up the elevation in the front so it's not as angle towards the tank. It'll be in between the 80s style and 90 style dirt bike seats where they're straight across thick this will have just a couple degrees downward slope towards the tape but it'll be twice as thick but not old school thick.

[@davechavis4275]

sold 450 , sold 990 , if i wanted to walk id bea golfer. never again the ktm.

[@sicsempertyrannis4104]

lol drz400 is technically a 398.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

😆

[@toddwmac]

A KLR and a T7.... "Giant".... really? You must be new to ADV bikes?

[@BiztoryTime]

And you have been living under a rock

[@constantinosschinas4503]

KTM has the knowhow to fit a rear tank to have a flat saddle and hurray there is the "rally style" front piece of tank garbage. Bikes will never be the same, blame the "marketing" departments.

[@drd2834]

Rather own a CF450 for reliability and price

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I think the 390 may be a bit not comfy, but other than that I think I'd rather have a 450 with a Rally Fairing long term as well.

[@jakeviolet2195]

Comparing the reliability and price of a bike that has existed for five minutes and another on that doesn't even exist yet.

[@constantinosschinas4503]

I am sure 390 ADV (enduro or sm too) will be heavy due to the absurd A2 power to weight restrictions. As if those stupid young riders must buy anything below 48hp FFS. Low saddle too...

[@wesleymeer3173]

The KTM 390 adventure is really really really ugly. How can you design something like that. The new 390 adventure look really cool.

[@virafbillimoria8324]

Sure will get 2😂

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha.

[@212driller]

Hoping Yamaha comes out with a mini tenere with a single cylinder engine similar to this KTM. Just can't trust KTM reliability. They are cool bikes and they perform well when they work.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, I think between the CF Moto and this they'll have to do something! I love my Husky(KTM) but I would definitely put more trust in a Honda, Yamaha or Kawasaki.

[@Ntmoffi]

So....a Tenere 600.

[@DrazenCika]

Me too, meanwhile I am keeping my Yamaha single Tenere, tha last air cooled, the 3AJ :-)

[@DavidBarrett-u3f]

But ADV's are SOOOO ugly. I'd rather walk, thanks

[@SwankyCatProductions]

They may be an acquired taste, but I think they look cool!

[@rolandrodriguez3854]

Why speaking one word at a time is annoying & Bothersome!

[@jkmarshall3553]

You must really hate William Shatner and Christopher Walken. : )

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Noted.

[@OffTheBeatenPage]

How do you speak more than one word at once? Surely that is hard to understand?