End of year review - KTM 390 Adventure + new one coming

Just a run through of the 390 Adventure I've had on fleet for 4.5 years. Plus a bit of chatter on the new 2025 model.

[@nicktaylor1550]

So great to see KTM getting back on top with the 390enduro and Adventure.

[@wesb6500]

Best motorcycle channel on KZbin

[@nathanthepostman]

Thanks uncle wes.

[@matusknives]

Amen to that!

[@mikerider58]

I agree

[@markchurchward482]

Good content as always Nathan. I think my 390 adv is probably all you need on or off road. Coming from 150 bhp sports bikes, this little bugger always puts a smile on my face and in some ways has taught me to ride again. Love it.

[@MCH1961]

I have two of these !!! - one in Pembrokeshire that I ride as a winter hack about and one in France that I bought brand new last autumn in a deal. As a winter bike, riding on muddy lanes and a roads that I don’t have to worry about too much it’s been brilliant - cheap, fun and frisky - but frankly I don’t worry about every minute aspect of its performance- just leg over and ride the darn thing! But then we come Alps - and oh wow, it’s bloody brilliant on the twisty roads round here - so easy to lean and boss about. Mine has a battery failure at 100km and the dealer said they’d had a batch with same issue - swapped mine out and it’s fine. Bearing in mind it lives under 12:48 a cover and starts first time at what’s often minus 10 in the winter mornings I’ve had no problems. At A2 my son can ride it too so all in all I’m happy. And frankly for the price it’s amazing. New bike was 6500 euros on the road ; Pembroke bike was £2800 with 7k on the clock and new tyres, chain and pads etc.

[@soggybawsmoto]

I'm setting off on Thursday on a RTW trip, on my 7k mile 2022 390 Adventure. Done the valves this week, took me 3 days, only because I couldnt get confirmation on what shim kit I needed, so had to tear bike apart, measure diameter of shims and order up Hotcams HCSHIM31 At 7k all valve clearances were tight, beyond tolerance. 1 took a single drop in shim. 3 tool two drops in shim.size. I'd call myself a spirited rider, but I've not thrashed it. At 51, I have a degree of mechanical sympathy. KTM Manual full of gaps on the process, as are all the videos on KZbin, but if you watch the three main videos available and observe the manual you'll get there. The reason I wanted to do it at 7k miles was I didn't want to have to don't on the road for the first time, but will do a detailed step by step video on the road, because it will need doing again before I get back. You defo need to drain the coolant and remove the radiator, ignition coil, disconnect the reg/rec and throttle body sensor cable and tuck all the wires/hoses out the way, but doing so let's you get a torque wrench in there. You won't get a torque wrench in with the rad in place or hanging as seen on videos. You don't need to remove the inlet cam to access the shins, just leave it in situ and lift it out the way, but you do need to remove the exhaust cam.(One less thing to go wrong) Retiming the cams was dead easy. Plenty of space to work the camchain around the sprockets to get back to original positions.

[@nathanthepostman]

Great info soggy and fair play for tackling it. All the best on the trip as well. Sounds like a great adventure. Can people follow you anywhere or are you doing it the old fashioned way; for your eyes only!

[@soggybawsmoto]

@nathanthepostman Cheers Nathan. I'll be publishing on SOGGY BAWS MOTO on YT on a weekly basis. Planning on riding and camping for 3 days, then taking 2 nights accommodation to give me an editing day. Safe travels to India.

[@1990-t1j]

Regarding the valve clearances. My mechanic in Chiang Rai is a trained Ducati mechanic and racer. He services all his own race bikes, so he's knows his stuff. He checked the compression on my 390 Duke at 20,000 km / 12,500 miles and said there was no point doing the valve shim. Ditto 5,000 km / 3,125 later. He has a race tuned RC390. It didn't need a shim until 49,000 km / 30,600 miles. My 390 has had zero issues. Nick

[@fevangelou]

Your "ramblings" are pretty enjoyable man. Keep it up!

[@stepneye1165]

My 390 adv is now on 25k miles, generally been reliable but: gear sensor has blown so I don’t get the Neutral/gear no. on the display. The Bosch OEM spark plug is garbage and had virtually melted away by the 9k replacement interval - replaced with iridium plug. Kept having the common low speed stalling issue which was due to a low quality clutch lever switch - modified to ensure consistent contact. Mine needed new valve shims at 9k , checked the clearances myself at 18k and were in spec (fiddly but wasn’t too hard and prob took 1.5 hrs - only 4 valves to check - KTM sell the PDF workshop manual on website. The oil looks like treacle after 4.5k so I change it every 2.5-3k. The engine burns oil when revved high and there’s only 1.7L in the sump so the level needs to be checked frequently - this is probably why not many 390 bikes survive into high mileages. This bike should have been marketed as a practical everyday supermoto, I have Road 5/6 tyres on mine and it will do silly lean angles and corner speed.

[@terryomara9403]

Great vid 😀👍

[@guystevens162]

Nice video. After riding few bikes in the past. And last one my VFR800. I wanted something smaller lighter and newer. So in 2022. Got a 2021 390 adventure and love it gives me smiles. All the time. Yes some vibes. But not to bad as everyone is built differently so might not be as bad. So will be keeping it lol. 😊

[@GraemeRobinson]

I've had my 390 Adventure since new in 23 and done 18,000km - its been great and taken me far and wide across NSW and South Australia. It hasn't missed a beat. I did the valves myself at 15K- not such a difficult job if you allow time and don't need it for a few days and get your shims and gaskets ahead of the job ( I destroyed the valve gasket on reinstall and had to wait a week for that). I fitted cruise control - nice to see the new bike has that stock. Its a keeper.

[@drprzekora]

New 390 lineup is fantastic. 390 Enduro for all, ADV R for enthusiasts, X for weekend rides. Very good price point. 2024 390 adv rider. All CRF300 „killers” with great suspention out of the box

[@zorrotreps]

Nice one. Also looking forward to the BMW 450... Great to have more options

[@kennethheldreich6604]

Brilliant bikes, love ktm and redline motorcycles of Loughborough are a fantastic dealership 🏍🇬🇧👍

[@atthesummitMTBskills]

Nathan casually lifts the Honda off the stand with one hand 💪🏼 - great overview and watching the new KtM with interest.

[@BassMunn]

You forgot to mention that KTM has a new Adventure-X too, that is basically the successor to the old one, with 19/17 cast wheel combo, cheaper 200mm WP suspension and brand new is £5399 on the road, lower seat height too for those vertically challenged. I will be ordering an Adv-R as soon as I can. I think they finally built the true spiritual successor to the old 640 Adv.

[@ogasi1798]

seen these yesterday at 4grand brand new pre registered as a 24 model, massive amount of bike for that money and would make many people very very happy so long as they know what it is/isn't 🙂 cheers nathan

[@nathanthepostman]

No brainer at that price

[@BobsBikingAdventures]

I hope these new KTMs give Honda the kick up the derriere they need to bring something new and exciting to the lightweight market.

[@RikkyTang]

I had a 390 Adv for about six months...the thing that got to me eventually (that I didn't really notice in the honeymoon period) was the vibration from the engine. On faster roads I just couldn't get away from the high-frequency thrumming that I felt through the bike and my whole body! I guess I'm not cut out for single life 😂

[@teddybowker7309]

Great reviews on the KTM.

[@timothybrockbank7474]

The new 390 looks the business 👍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Good video Nathan

[@hikerbikerallnightcamper1393]

I like the KTM adv R I’m on the waiting list for the MT450 but if the KTM lands first it could well be a change in direction 🤔 nice to have this much choice 😀 I bought the 411 from your recommendation and wasn’t disappointed so I’m also going for the MT450 for the same reason so much appreciate the reviews on these bikes 👌🏻👍🏻

[@nathanthepostman]

You know what, I don't think you can go wrong with either to be honest. Or obviously keep the mighty 411 and to hell with more power!

[@nathanthepostman]

You know what, I don't think you can go wrong with either to be honest. Or obviously keep the mighty 411 and to hell with more power!

[@andik.4235]

Good summary of the bike. Hopefully this KTM makes it on the market with everything going on at Mattighofen. The old 390 adventure may be not impressive of pavement, but on pavement I would it prefer over e. g. a V-Storm 650, as it is much lighter, nearly as quick, but especially the fork is way better then the Suzukis one. On bad roads you can carry a lot of speed with this little Kati. Lets hope KTM added some of pavement capabilites to the new one.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

The new ADV model looks really good to me. I've seen the negative comments about weight but those people should buy the enduro or motocross bikes. I had a couple KTM ADV bikes, a 1290 and 890 I moved them on but they were sold bikes. Recently added a Husqvarna Svartpilen to help out my local dealer and the company. It isn't a do it all bike like the ADV bikes but it's been a hoot to ride locally.

[@jimtitt3571]

There are a hell of a lot of riders who want something more humane than an EXC but have no interest in bikes built to conform to A2 licences, I'm one of them.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@ Wow, a hell of a lot of em. 😂

[@nathanthepostman]

​@@jimtitt3571690 adventure?

[@jimtitt3571]

@@pinkiewerewolf Certainly amongst my buddies, none of them are A2 restricted and when you look worldwide it's the vast majority. As Nathan points out the only notable bike is probably the 690 platform but that is still a fair lump for a bit of Sunday trail riding and not exactly in the budget end of the market. The last bike I can think of that got the sub 130kg/50hp mark was the CCM GP 450 though there's a few boutique Italian ones I expect.

[@nathanthepostman]

​@@jimtitt3571the ccm was actually 164 kilos fuelled up. It was very good, but to be fair I think this KTM will be better in every way, trail and road. And reliability! And price!

[@MrWilboBaggins]

I was holding out for that 390 ADV R, but was wanting to trade my 800xca in before a big service / winter. So ended up with the 690 Enduro R, but will be keeping eye on the ADV R

[@gnarlybadger690]

I reckon it will out sell every other bike on the market. I think this will appeal to all adventure riders

[@weddincoyote2440]

I like ktm, obviously the current situation with ktm worries me. I think it will be a good bike but I am concerned that the reputation damage ktm has had will put people off.

[@dononebullen]

I've already ordered 😂

[@steves5382]

Good review Nathan, I've always had Japanese and like their bikes, the last bike was a T7 and brilliant off road however, the weight was an issue because of how it fatigues you when more extreme green laning. Yes could be persuaded to buy a KTM and the 390 R Adv will sell out very quickly. I think if the rumours are true I may wait for the new KDX300 if this is correct.

[@nathanthepostman]

Thanks Steve. Yes I know when I had the gs1200 I loved it for the first few hours - the challenge of it - but by lunchtime I was cooked. Any of these A2 bikes I find you can go all day and not get too done in. This new KTM could be a real sweetspot

[@guyonacub4335]

Well Nathan I think the KTM comeback is on The Honda has had its day and now they need to up there game The fuss regarding the CF 450 will fizzle out now, and I'm sure we will see many more KTM's on the road Strange how it's all turning out really It's taken KTM to get into trouble to probably getting themselves out of trouble with this new bike

[@Paul_Grace]

Agreed.

[@sensesworkingovertime]

some ebikes are dearer than £5.5k and people buy them all day long

[@planefrog]

At last the big manufacturers seem to be getting the message. The massive power/massive weight formula isn't a realistic option for most people, especially anyone thinking about risking it on anything other than smooth tarmac.

[@nathanthepostman]

I think you're right. I'd assume it's dwindling sales of the big bikes or the fear of missing out on what's hot right now. I think the customers are also increasingly ready for something more affordable and manageable. I never wish to judge but the number of people who are over biked out there is a testament to some great corporate marketing and the human desire for biggest/bestest. But I think that grip is slipping

[@TimothyGreen-ko2vm]

Interesting to see a test of the New DRZ vs new 390 Adv and Tuareg 457 and Kawasaki KLR500 when they come out. 2025 the best year for adventure bikes in a while.

[@nathanthepostman]

Add the himi 450 and CF moto 450 and you've got a great sixsome of capable but different machines.

[@garysmith4007]

Really great video. I’m currently looking to sell my 68 plate 1290 Super Adventure S, and get either the 390 Enduro or Adventure R. Can I ask why you chose the Enduro over the Adventure? Thanks

[@HW-kf7hi]

Didn't know the Adventure R price had been announced. Think they've got it spot on for price but can see it being sold out quickly like the CFMoto for the first year. Between the KTM and new DRZ4S (depending on how Suzuki price it) for my next bike at the moment as looking for a second bike to use over winter and on the green lanes come next winter.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes, I think it was the day I made the video they announced it. Quote surprised by it myself!

[@timothybrockbank7474]

Be interesting to see what the new BMW 450 will be like

[@frogclip1]

Nice run down. I thought the new 390 Adventure R was tubeless though?

[@vincenthodge5141]

Old 390 adventure is a good deal. For a beginner on the trails do you think the 19inch is a problem? Thinking in terms of learning the trails in uk and tyre choice?

[@nathanthepostman]

I probably wouldn't buy one for trail riding if that's your main intention. it's ok. Pretty light. But only going to get you so far. A crf250/300?

[@nockianlifter661]

Tall seat height is the kicker on the new 390.

[@nathanthepostman]

Depending on it's width it might not be too much taller than the old one. We'll soon find out. Isnt there an X version as well with a lower seat, cast wheels I think

[@nockianlifter661]

@ Yes, you’re right, there is an x version. That’s a juggle though. I decided to go back to the idea of the MT450 after considering what I really want out of a bike and in general, having tried a few slightly harder -for me - green lanes on the Serrow, I decided that challenging myself in that way represented a low fun to misery quotient. Have you done any of the classics in the Yorkshire dales such as Cam High Road and Scar House Reservoir ? Great views, but just a bit too much for me. I’m just going to do the easier stuff and turn around if the going gets too hard on the more difficult bits of the easier stuff. So, the thought goes, does the X then offer a better alternative than the MT because it’s slightly lighter ? Probably not. It’s nice to have all these choices though.

[@nathanthepostman]

​@@nockianlifter661yes could be a strong alternative to the mt. Nice low seat as well Haven't done those routes you mention. So much up there. I think the X would be easier to manage on them than the CF

[@nockianlifter661]

@ I’d love to see you ride the three routes as you tend to see them from the more realistic novices perspective. I’ve watched riders with T7s making them look so easy that it made me wonder what I was doing wrong. After a one to one training session at sweetlamb I’m definitely more confident, but we really didnt tackle the very loose, rock garden type climbs which terrify me-with good reason due to the number of hard crashes I’ve had. On the Sweetlamb climbs, I was very comfortable blasting up and down them on a 790 - actually preferred the heavier bike to the little CRF 250 I chose. You should have a ride up here and stay with us and you could have a few days filming the classic routes on the CF Moto.

[@pimozidecentre9189]

I'll be really interested to see how the new 390s ride. Looking at the power, weight, travel and seat height the enduro R looks to be filling a DR650 shaped hole in the market and I'm here for that

[@The1977andi]

It's a shame the ktm 790 issues have took the shine of the other ktm models which are probably good reliable bikes.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes the 790 issue has really tainted them all with the same brush. Shame

[@CosmicSeeker69]

I hope that you had a great birthday Mr Millward? ♒🎂🎁🍰

[@mikepierson5239]

What tires are you running on your 390. I have the spoke wheel version and can’t wait til I replace the stock tires with something a little more off road bias. Like a 60/40 or 50/50.

[@ogasi1798]

short of proper enduro bikes like my ktm 500 there will be NOTHING (certainly in this class) that rides like the new 400enduro R - that is going to be one hell of a fun bike, i simply can't wait to swing my leg over one as i reckon it will join my 500 as the bike i use for the longer days when i need to ride 100 miles to a days trail riding then back home in the dark

[@fatpigeonadventurerider2118]

How does it compare to the Kawasaki Versus 300X?

[@nathanthepostman]

Quicker. Better suspension, sharper handling, better brakes.

[@gamingwithhellboy5099]

Do you think ktm adv x will be better for touring than the himi450? I’m planning for a new one.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes I think so. More power, lighter weight.

[@gamingwithhellboy5099]

@nathan what you think about the reliability? The engine is already with the new duke for some time now but still do you think it will be more reliable than the himi?

[@stepneye1165]

The new 390 adv x is cheaper but a significant downgrade on the current model, no-name tires, non adjustable suspension, no TFT, no IMU/cornering ABS/TC and 2 pot sliding calliper brakes. It’s probably almost identical to the Indian market version, which in the past has been lower spec.

[@simonfullalove4403]

What do you think about the Adventure X?

[@nathanthepostman]

Just checked the price and it's £5399. Which is a bargain I'd say. 825mm seat height is also good, plus the 14 litre tank

[@nathanthepostman]

Just checked the price and it's £5399. Which is a bargain I'd say. 825mm seat height is also good, plus the 14 litre tank

[@PaulJackson-w6m]

Typical KTM marketing,priced right but unavailable.i guess thats better than paying full price and then knocking a couple of grand off at the end of the year and ruining the trade in price.

[@PaulJackson-w6m]

I don't want this comment to sound like I'm knocking KTM because I really like their off road bikes and have bought at least 7 I can think of.But when I was racing the next years bikes came out in June the year before and the 125exc were neigh on unabtainable When the first baja built 125,s and 390,s arrived I never understood why they didn't put that engine in a exc frame and running gear.My son is 6.5 and dwarfed his 125 at the time.

[@andyand100]

I came to this video with open mind then you drop handle bars size again let’s squeeze buyer and kick over bars makers ktm need to remember road riders do not fall for racing shills I’ve watched worlds best motocross riders on stock bikes during testing the only advantage of factory bike is to beat other factory riders ! Sorry for rant I havnt been on track for few years due to lack of funds , back this year helping a mate with his new yz450 vet motocross with app and Bluetooth is this the game changer I hope so cause I can get wr 450 that not going to rip my arms off in forest then get me home without need for van win win fingers crossed and there sends to be a lot of ktm mx bikes but not a lot of Yamaha left in stock wonder why happy trails everybody even the gate people

[@trevorsmith8487]

Spread the wprd people, Nathan really ahould have YT followers numbering hundreds of thousands

[@keithquinn5624]

34hp 410lbs no thanks.😂🤣🤡

[@nathanthepostman]

44

[@keithquinn5624]

@ not at the rear wheel. Do u even know what a dyno is? 😂🤣🤡

[@nathanthepostman]

​@@keithquinn5624clear as mud