Colorado Alpine Passes - A KTM 390 Adventure

[@advmatt]

I know there are some glitches with the sound. I am sorry for that. I spent countless hours attempting to fix the glitches with very little success. Layering multiple videos and sound takes a lot of processing power which my computer doesn't quite have. I hope you still enjoy what I was able to put together and it inspires you to get out and ride.

[@woundedtiger7547]

Been thinking about the 390. All the boxes are checked except two. First Concern about the stalling that keeps being brought up. Second is no body has one. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to your future videos.

[@advmatt]

Stalling is fixed by getting the valve clearances checked. I had the stalling issue but after the shims were replaced issue went away. I have ridden 10k miles since the valves were done without any stalling issues.

[@neilmackinnon3371]

I'm watching this on a wet day in the UK, and I have to say WOW! Those passes are amazing and I loved the fact you rode them on a 390. Great video.

[@gordonsmithsa115]

Hey Matt, I’m really starting to like the 390, looks like a way easier bike to handle than my 990... keep the videos coming... cheers

[@louvega8414]

Nice, Matt! If the little 390 will go there, it'll go anywhere I'd want to take it. Enjoy the ride, man.

[@stephaniemusick171]

The southwest part of our state, Colorado, is spectacular. I hope you got a chance to ride the asphalt too. The Million Dollar highway over Red Mountain pass from Ouray to Silverton is an incredible ride. So much to see and do down there. We are blessed here in Colorado to have so many great paved, dirt and mountain pass roads all over our state. Great video, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@advmatt]

I did ride the Million Dollar Highway, and lots of roads around the area. I grew up in Northern CO and know the state pretty well. I am amazed every time I ride there. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Geo.Andrews]

Hi Matt, Amazing video, thoroughly enjoyed it. In these parts of the world (India), KTM 390 Adv is a pretty decent sized bike when compared to the regular ones. Of course, there are bigger bikes too, then happy to see what this bike can do. More importantly, I love the way to take to this challenge, inspires me to go out there and do it. KTM 390 Adv, here I come!!!

[@advmatt]

Thanks for watching. This bike has really impressed me. I love riding it.

[@lofimountain7523]

Channel is incredible. I just got a 22.

[@olliechristopher467]

Right on Matt!! What a difference a lighter bike makes!!

[@juliancain6128]

Great rise Matt , and better info!

[@michaelsupple6081]

I subbed after watching one of your videos. This is my second and you did not disappoint!

[@MobMoto]

Nice, I dig it. Looks like you're having your way with that 390.

[@marshall3498]

Awesome video to show what all the bike is capable of. I have watched all of your videos on the 390 as I am very interested in it for second bike just to go on the back roads and to do some light offroad riding on like just easy gravel roads. I have ridden for 5 years now but I have never ridden offroad.

[@advmatt]

This is a great bike to start riding offroad. Thanks for watching.

[@johannjacobs6401]

Great bike, i love it, much nicer to handle than the big monstrosities BMW gs's , 1200KTM's, huge Tenere etch, a nice video and great adventure,

[@advmatt]

It is such a pleasure to ride. I am coming off a 1200GS, dont miss riding it at all.

[@johannjacobs6401]

@@advmatt, Great Matt, thank you for your reply, i am 69 and a returning rider on a pristine 2012 low km Honda cbf 600 s and also love the bike, but your of road excursions sometimes make we wish i had a dual sport, Regards from rsa South Coast.

[@SoundMindADV]

Great video. I would be in over my head on that ride. I would need a different bike and more skills, but you handled it. Thanks for sharing the adventure.

[@moonlight-xm4fm]

Nice, thanks for sharing that!

[@mikemills5144]

Glad you left the 'brain fart' in there! Lol, made me laugh! I did many of the passes last year on my Tenere and loved Colorado. Really awesome riding you need to see and do.

[@percyc123]

Cognitive overload !

[@donwatkins9769]

Do you think Ophir would have been easier on a smaller bike like a Honda crf300l? Great video. FYI Last Dollar Road in the fall, 3rd week September, is really great. Come back for fall.

[@advmatt]

I road last dollar road to get over to telluride before Ophir. It was awesome. I don't know the weight difference between these two bikes, but the CRF300L might be easier to ride up steep rocky side. I haven't ridden that bike so I really can't say for sure. Only one way to find out. Go ride it!

[@brucekendall52]

Looked a great ride,although a little rough in places for the 390 to handle but you did it.Thks.JHB-SA

[@brucekendall52]

@UCTc80qlVMGCRnZtOrTDspJg I have recently bought one so early days but I am not a light person so that does not help.I still believe the travel on the front fork is limited.I have owned many bikes.Will just have some light hearted fun and see how she copes.Cheers.

[@jorgealc1748]

Hey Matt, great video. I will be exploring that route next summer. I'm in the process of buying an adv bike and I like the KTM 390 a lot, any issues so far with your bike? I know the KLR is about to arrive this year too. Thanks

[@advmatt]

I havent had any issues with the bike. It needs a few modifications like bar risers, proper skid plate and new footpegs, but every bike needs something. I love this bike. I have a lot 390 Adv content you should check out.

[@cliftondugan5295]

I just bought one here in Kentucky and I live in Wyoming. Considering riding this thing home

[@advmatt]

Depending on the weather that sounds like a great ride. It is up for it. This bike is so fun to ride.

[@cliftondugan5295]

@@advmatt I bought it to use when I’m at work in Kentucky after riding it for a whole day I’ve realized it’s capable of a lot more than I originally intended it for. it was an impulse buy lol but turns out a very good one

[@cliftondugan5295]

@@advmatt we don’t live to awful far appart I’m from Laramie Wyoming

[@johnhunter8753]

Awesome video mate. Most impressed. Keep up the great work 👍👍👍

[@johnjohnson5496]

Awesome video!

[@davidzyber7009]

Great video👍. I have this bike also, replacing a Yamaha WR250R that I unfortunately drowned in a water crossing ...hydrolocked and broke the con rod....love it! Just wondering where you got the windshield on yours? I have the Barkbusters and folding mirrors but would like to get a little higher windshield. I also ride a BMW R 1200 GS Rallye for longer trips, but the 390 gives me more grins per mile😁

[@advmatt]

The windscreen is the Givi Sport Screen for the 790s. I bought it from Capri Moto out of Italy because no U.S. vendors have any in stock. It cost $120 for the screen, bracket and shipping. I will have a video on the screen posted next week. I have an R1200GS Rallye too. Taking out this weekend for big highway mileage ride. Thanks for watching.

[@bobthomas2812]

If you had a factory or proper bash plate, bark busters and wire wheels, is the bike capable of this kind of riding. I am seriously looking at a 390 adventure. I cant put either foot on the ground on a 790 R, and the standard 790 other then power does not add that much for twice the price? I am 71 and riding and racing for over 50 years but the fast days where a long time ago and I am not going long distances on the freeway where more power might be an issue. Nice ride, appreciate your thoughts.

[@advmatt]

Jimmy Lewis's review is good, although I think he missed on who this bike can be for. It is for everyone, you dont have to be a beginner rider or woman to enjoy this bike. Bob, to answer your question with a future Black Dog Cycle Works skid plate and hand guards this bike is pretty close to a take it most anywhere bike. It is so light the cast wheels will likely work pretty well for all but the most extreme. I had so much fun riding this bike. It was a breathe of fresh air offroad. I could it turn it around anywhere I wanted, even on steep rocky climbs. It climbed better than I expected and never thought I needed more power. Just keep in mind you might have to pick your way through the most of extreme riding or find an easier route. I rode 300 miles of road up to Colorado, rode 600 some miles of offroad with bits of payment mixed in and another 300 miles of road home. It was perfectly suited for everything and comfortable. I am going to do a video about what this bike can do in a few weeks. Thanks for watching.

[@bobthomas2812]

ADV Matt I saw his review, MAD in Australia has another good one. I feel many people in different stages of life can use this bike. I would get a set of spiked rims as he noted bending them being is an expert rider. I rode the KTM ADVENTURE ride in Breckenridge on my 08 KTM 690, and struggled breathing over 11,500 with oxygenated (COPD) so those birches passes are out of reach on a bike. Good luck and a great video and ride.

[@markcollins5026]

Man, I'm 66, I just bought a new 2020 kawasaki versys X300, love it so far !

[@advmatt]

@@markcollins5026 that's awesome. Those are great bikes.

[@davidsnipes7297]

Hi Matt- great videos ... so I want to ask, you walked away from the big BMW and picked this small bike... Any thoughts on that after you've now had some time to sleep on it and ride with it? I'm about to do the same thing, go small and would like to hear your current thoughts on this choice. I can buy about any bike as I've saved up but somehow I'm drawn to the small inexpensive lower tech bike like this... Maybe you have a video that addresses this already and I just missed it... Thanks for the great videos and keep up the encouraging messages! Dave.

[@advmatt]

Hey Dave, I have really been blown away by this bike. This trip that included riding the alpine passes had two 300 mile days on each side of the trip. It was really easy to travel on this bike. I am working on two videos, one to address my experiences and what to expect from this bike on the road and the other one to discuss what you get offroad. I hope to have the on road video done by the end of next week. I can ride at 85 mph on the interstate on this bike to pass trucks without too much trouble. I am not screaming past them like I would on a big bike but I find it adequate. I have to use the gear box a little more and plan passes but I actually like that riding this bike has made me slow down a bit and just take everything in. I just spent 200 miles on it Sunday riding backroads and it was so easy to ride. I have no fear of getting my self stuck in a bad situation, and as you saw, I put myself in some bad situations. Really, the only thing I miss from the big BMW is electronic cruise control. I added an Atlas throttle lock that works well enough to allow me to relax while crunching miles. I did a ride in north east New Mexico three weeks ago on the BMW, about 900 miles, and the whole time I was wishing I was on the smaller bike. At the end of the day it comes down to personal choice but I really like riding this bike. I will try to get the video out next week to cover my thoughts on a lot topics to give you some more to consider with this bike. The only thing I would change is 1" more of suspension travel which would give 1" more of ground clearance, but I only need that 10% of the time. Thanks for watching.

[@BreezyRider66]

Would you have enjoyed this trip more or less on the 1200GS? I wouldn't even attempt it with the GS, I absolutely would with the 390...

[@advmatt]

Definitely would have enjoyed it less with the R1200GS. It is so much harder to ride in this kind of stuff because of the weight, especially if you get stuck or stall it.

[@mrbobolos]

Nice adventure!!!! I want to ask you about your helmet. I am between this one and the airoh commander. I don't know if rpha70 is OK in situations like the Adventure you just had. Where you able to breathe without opening the shield? Did you get air inside the helmet. Airoh should be better but noiser and not good for 120km and above... Please tell me your opinion!!! Thanks

[@advmatt]

I really like my HJC. I dont like adventure helmets. They are too loud and wind really pulls on them. I just open the visor on my helmet and I get plenty of air flow, even in slow speed offroad riding. This helmet is vented really well. The only time I want a peak of an adventure helmet is the last 30 minutes of daylight traveling into the sun. For me, I wont go back to an adventure style helmet. I do too much road riding to get to cool places.

[@mrbobolos]

@@advmatt so you have used Adv helmet and you like hjc better! I have a hjc helmet also for 10 years and works perfectly. But now I should change it. So I tried rpha 70 and it's very good. Airoh I have not tried yet. I am from Greece and summer is too hot here, that's why I thought airoh maybe vent better. I'm not sure what to buy.

[@advmatt]

Helmet choice is very personal. I have ridden in very hot conditions and I have been happy with my HJC. Good luck finding a new helmet.

[@dr.x4050]

The for sharing your experience. It seems you didn't talk much about the bike having problems like parts falling off or failing, problems starting, oil-burning/leaking, vibration, overheating, etc. It seems the only limits were the environment, bikes designed capability, and personal capability. The bike seems great for thousands of wide-range trouble-free miles.

[@advmatt]

I went 10k miles before my first real issue. The shock failed at 10k. Other than that, I havent had any issues. I have ran the bike hard.

[@CCShad]

Great video! I ride alone often as well, sometimes I’m concerned about safety alone should I have an incident... but I guess considering how many people on this trail it’s not a concern for you. Up here in Canada on a back road / trail I might not see anyone all day...

[@advmatt]

I ride a lot in the back country as well. The rest of my trip I barely saw anyone. Compared to riding my R1200GS Rallye, I am much less concerned about things going wrong on this bike. It was so much more enjoyable to ride. The stress levels were nearly go e compared to riding a bike that is 180 pounds heavier. Thanks for watching.

[@SalaKaland]

Great video! Sala from Hungary/Ktm Adv390😁/ 🇭🇺🇺🇸

[@michaelh6002]

Matt would you recommend the 390 for the great continental divide ride or what would you suggest for that? Much appreciated, great videos.

[@advmatt]

Absolutely, this is a great bike for that trail. I recommend this bike for everything, if properly setup. It needs a proper skid plate. It is way easier to handle than a mid or large adv bike. It can do a lot.

[@myphilippineodyssey9451]

Hey... great video!

[@advmatt]

Thank you.

[@paulresop2112]

New subscriber, love the video, I'm an inspiring adv rider at 60 years old , I would love to spend a few days doing this. Did the elevation cause you any physical problems?

[@advmatt]

I dont start having issues with elevation until about 14k feet. My cardio is pretty good from mountain biking which I think helps.. I highly recommend mountain biking, even easy stuff for the cardio and the bike handling skills that transfer over. Great to hear you liked this video.

[@gregs5738]

Excellent video, Matt. I wish we had roads like that in Florida. Did you have a black ear piece in or were they earplugs? If earplugs, what type were they?

[@advmatt]

Ear plugs, just basic ones. Nothing special. I often ride with noise canceling earbuds but opted for ear plugs this trip. Thanks for watching.

[@RetiredCHP13374]

Thanks! Awesome!

[@pepa007]

6:11 those folks on bikes - they have no suspension whatsoever? not even forks? that's hard core!

[@advmatt]

I was thinking the same thing, and loaded with camping gear.

[@hg7240]

Great video Matt. I'd love to test drive this bike in the spring. I have a 30" inseam, how did you feel on the bike? I've owned the big BMW GSA, and have a lowered WR 250R, but I'm still looking for something I can get my feet almost down now that I'm a little older and have a foot injury to protect. I rode over one of those passes a few years ago while riding the TAT. I'd love to get back out there on something a little more comfortable than the WR 250R. Thanks for any input. cheers

[@advmatt]

I have a GS Rallye, as tall as a GSA. Compared to this bike is really easy to get feet down on the 390 and because of the weight way easier to manage. I love riding this bike. Thanks for watching.

[@4sapphireb]

I’d like to do Colorado Passes this September with my 390 but I don’t think it’s up to it in stock form. Instead of buying a second bike I was thinking about spoked wheels, heavy duty tubes, and knobbies. I already have a black dog skid plate on your advice. I would swap wheels back and forth from road to dirt. I’d buy a dual sport but they are top dollar and you can’t get them anyways. Do you think 390 adv conversation is an idea or am I better if with a drz 400?

[@advmatt]

I think you can do that. My plan is to convert the spoked wheels to tubeless when I finally get them. Just ride the bike within its limits and dont try to blast anything and it will work.

[@4sapphireb]

Thanks , I’ll hold off on the drz 400. My KTM 390 adv can pack TONS of gear anyways. I’m in New Mexico and my new passion is mountain passes north of Santa Fe.

[@advmatt]

I have ridden many of those passes. Riding in Northen NM is amazing.

[@Topper_Harley68]

That windscreen bracket is that an aftermarket in metal?

[@advmatt]

Are you referring to the bracket the main windscreen is attached? If so that is the adapter bracket for the windscreen from Givi. I also use a windscreen extension which is aftermarket.

[@LegionarHR]

Hi man, thank you for making this video, can I ask you, how tall you are? I am 6'1 240lbs and I am not sure am I to big for this bike..

[@advmatt]

I just answered the height question, I weigh about 210. The bike has a stiff rear spring, you can dial up the preload. You might feel a little cramped. I still have room to slide back on the seat while riding so I think you will have arm room. I think your legs might feel a bit tight. Mine were when I started riding the bike but I have gotten used to it and I find it to be fine, even spending all day riding. Try to get a test ride in. Hope this helps.

[@LegionarHR]

@@advmatt thank you brother!

[@mikebrown4266]

How was the highway performance at those altitudes, did you feel a big horsepower drop, can the bike still do highway speeds at 8-9k ft?

[@advmatt]

Yeah, it can still do highway speeds but I had to use 4th and 5th gear a lot more, especially on the steeper climbs. It seemed to okay for me.

[@Nico-ze8nk]

Holaa matt buen video amigo Saludos desde Argentina! Abrazo

[@pepa007]

May I ask you, please: the orange stripes on the bike are stickers or paint? Do they seem to be removable? Thinking of this bike, but not a huge fan of that graphics, plain black & white would work better for me personally. Thank you!

[@advmatt]

That is a great question. I am looking at it now. There is an edge to decal which is one big one across the side of the tank. I can feel the edge to it but it feels as if it is molded into the plastic. I cant get my finger nail to grab an edge. Not sure if this helps.

[@pepa007]

@@advmatt thank you. I guess I’ll need to check myself in the store once they reopen. Always possible to cover it with another layer of white foil I guess.

[@bradb2514]

Very cool! Any concerns for the security of your gear while you left it to go ride the trails?

[@advmatt]

No concerns at all. It never even crossed my mind. It was a state ran campsite. Everyone minded there own business. Lots of people were leaving their campsites to explore during the day. I wouldn't do that in a primitive site.

[@bradb2514]

Good to know! Thanks.

[@justinloveland8488]

Is that the tkc70 rocks you are running for your rear?

[@advmatt]

Yes it was. It was a great tire.

[@hornet224]

5:03 It's 20X more difficult for the gravel bicycle riders. Try it.

[@advmatt]

I know it's much harder for them for sure, especially at altitude.

[@cegann9706]

What were you turning down before you took your boots off?

[@advmatt]

Not sure what you are referring to, I only put my boots on. I tucked my waterproof pants liner into my boots.

[@scotty2307]

Hello ADV Matt, I am a first time viewer. I am just now taking notice of the KTM 390ADV. How have you found it to be from a reliability, and ease of maintenance viewpoint? Have you found any glaring issues? Is it relatively easy to maintain without paying for shop time? I have been looking at a CRF250L Rally, but I am a big guy, and would appreciate more power, and a tougher suspension, though I am well within the 250s carrying capacity. I am also now waiting to see what Kawasaki is going to do this year. Possibly a modern replacement for the KLR?? I really love spending time in the high mountains, and find that stark, rocky terrain awesome to be in. One of my favorite places is the Walker river valley along Hwy 395, on the eastern side of the California Sierras. Spent a lot of time at Annette's Mono Village Resort up out of Bridgeport. I just subbed, and took a look at your channel lineup. I am with you on the Doubletake Mirrors. I am a fan of ram mounts in any form, coming from a marine background. 55 and looking to get back in to riding. Cheers

[@advmatt]

I am working on two videos that should answer most of your questions. One will focus on road riding and the other will focus on offroad riding. It will be easy to address your questions once the videos post. I think it will answer most of your questions. If not I can answer them later. Sorry to put it off but I have a lot planned for these. Thanks for watching.

[@markcollins5026]

Man, the rally is under powered !

[@advmatt]

I agree, the 250 rally is underpowered, only 25hp. I was concerned I would notice it when I briefly considered them.

[@craigjones1854]

I looks like your bike does have hand guards on it.

[@advmatt]

Only the plastic original hand guards, I havent replaced them yet.

[@dragannikolic6488]

Hello, do you think that this bike is suitable for 6'2" rider?

[@advmatt]

I think this bike will feel cramped in its stock form. With bar risers and foot pegs that drop some will help open up some space. I just dont know if it will be enough to make it comfortable. It really depends on personal feel.

[@dragannikolic6488]

@@advmatt thank you for your answer. i was thinking just like for a commuting, not for offroad fides.. i already have a ktm sm 950, but it is just too powerful for town, going to job and back. just love ktm, and duke is smaller than this one i guess.

[@leominsterpowdercoat8722]

Hi matt what screen is that on the 390 please thanks!

[@advmatt]

Givi Sport Screen, 7710, I just released a video talking about.

[@FranksBmwAdv]

great video, would you do it on a GSA?

[@advmatt]

Not Ophir, but the rest is doable, but would be challenging on a heavy bike. Lots of people ride GSs up there, but I would not do it loaded.

[@yowser8780]

Did you turn traction control off ???

[@advmatt]

Yes, every time the tires touch dirt.

[@MrRplo]

Is the GS gone?

[@advmatt]

Not yet. I wanted to wait six to nine months after getting the 390 to make sure I was completely happy with the 390 after the newness and enthusiasm for it had worn off. I may just turn the GS into a touring bike or just sell it or trade. Not really sure what to do with it right now. I am hardly riding it anymore.

[@joedunne9492]

Awesome ride! And to all those that say you need a giant ADV bike that costs 30 grand to have a good time are flat out wrong! Will be picking up a 390 in the spring!

[@advmatt]

This bike is so much fun to ride. I have zero regrets getting it.

[@ndrejs]

why don't you just pass those jeeps on 4:05?

[@advmatt]

They were weaving left and right to edges of the road and had no awareness I was behind them. I run into this a lot. I also run into jeepers that have the "I was here first attitude." I just waited for the first cutout.

[@jennaleen6216]

Beautifully done video, but not too much the music.

[@bensaheb9869]

Rode my Ktm duke 390 over engineer to shoot the impossible routt episode 4. Go check it out. This was awesome to see. I love that motorcycle

[@advmatt]

Awesome, I will check it out. Where do I find your videos, I dont see them on your channel?

[@daviddew1945]

Stock Bash Plate, Stock Tires in Colorado!!!!.... You have some nerve ADV Matt....

[@advmatt]

I changed out the rear tire to the TKC70 Rocks, it is an open block tread. The tires performed remarkably well. TKC70s on a light weight bike were amazing. I didn't have a single issue with traction. Bash plate, well that's a different story. I don't ride fast, I try to pick my way through everything so overall it was fine, well that was until Ophir Pass. Thanks for watching.

[@MotoCampAdv]

Honda's are vanilla KTM is Kinky

[@advmatt]

Ain't that the truth!