KTM 390 Adventure Off Road - Raw footage | Knox Armour

KTM 390 Adventure Off Road - Raw footage | Knox Armour
A few weeks ago, we published our review of the KTM 390 Adventure where we took it on some of the best roads and trails in the Lake District. We thought the bike was awesome and incredibly capable off road for an adventure bike. You can see the full review here - • Where Adventure starts... .
Therefore, we thought we'd share some of the raw GoPro footage of some of the trail action so you can see the sort of terrain we put the bike on and that it is well capable of riding.
Typically, our Lake District trails are steep and full of sharp rocks and while the Go Pro flattens all of it, hopefully this video gives you a good idea of the KTM 390 Adventure's capability.
Hope you like this video, please like, comment and subscribe and check out the Knox collection!
Thanks,
Aaron
KNOX
Products worn on test:
Knox Urbane Pro MK2 - www.planet-kno....
Knox Urbane Pro Trousers - www.planet-kno....
Knox Urbane Pro Gloves - www.planet-kno....
Knox Max Base Layer - www.planet-kno....
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Knox Wellbeck waterproof Over Jacket - www.planet-kno....
Trekker Rucksack - www.planet-kno....

[@vess6934]

This is harder stuff than most people take bigger ADVs. Advantage of a smaller ADV is obviously less weight. And that's a huge plus. And the suspension of this thing is the best in its category.

[@KnoxArmour]

Totally agree. Tried the same trails on bigger adv bikes and failed.. Aaron Knox

[@pierrecaron9464]

I own a 390 Adventure and a 890 Adventure R. The 390 is light and fun. I have a black dog cycle works skid plate installed on each bike. I’ve taken the 390 on terrain similar to the video and had just as much fun as on the 890R. Suspension isn’t as good, you need to choose your lines a bit better and drop your speed a tiny bit but the 390 will easily get you where you want to go. FANTASTIC little machine. BTW your filming and the narrative of your videos is very well done.

[@VKumar-zy1rb]

How you best differentiate 890r n 390

[@DetlefMahlow]

This bike is absolutely awesome. Nobody needs more.

[@1990-t1j]

I'd be interested to see how well the 390 lasted when ridden like that on a regular basis: fork seals, rear shock, engine etc. I have a 390 Duke, and I am mightily impressed with it.

[@KnoxArmour]

Sure, if it was my own bike, I would buy the tougher metal sump guard, but other than that should be ok. Thanks!

[@briangc1972]

ADV Matt has your answers. He has been adventuring with one for a couple years. As you suggested, the forks and rear shock did not hold up to constant off road use; he blew out 2 OEM shocks in 8 months. KTM told him that the 390 ADV is not designed for real off-road use. The engine is reliable as it is under tuned for it's displacement.

[@a.m.6752]

No nonsense video. No talking.just pure ride. Which we wanted to see. 100/100. 👍👍

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks ✌️

[@paulmullany7147]

Nice. Your review and the postmans are what convinced me to trade my 690 Duke r and get one of these. Its really opened up a whole other side of riding, though I'll need more practice before I can ride like that. Your videos always make me and the misses miss the Lakes. Keep up the good work. Cheers Paul Sweden

[@KnoxArmour]

Many thanks Paul. Thats cool, hope you enjoy it and make is back to the Lakes one day! Aaron KNOX

[@sahilbalmiki813]

Beautiful videography. Just amazing. And that Beautiful KTM 390 adventure 🤩❤️

[@IntrovertOp007]

I love off-roading beacuse there is no traffic ⛔🚦😂

[@flyinryan7340]

I loved your review on the Ktm! I am curious though, how would this ride of differed had you been on a 300cc dual sport? Would the pace be much different? I've spent years on pavement and trying to transition to some dirt. Fell in love with the 390 after watching reviews, but I do wonder if a crf300l or klx300 would be much better for the trails

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it! I think a CRF300 or a Wr250f (which we own), or even a 701 Enduro (which we also own), eat this terrain a bit easier. They have a higher ground clearance so picking the correct line is not as important and fair much better after a crash (which happens). Having said that, the 390 Adventure is the easiest and probably most capable Adventure bike for novice/intermediate riders available and did a fantastic job on everything I rode it on. And, as it is ultimately a road based bike, is better on the road than all your examples. Hope that helps, Aaron KNOX

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

Traded my Versys 300 X in on the KTM 390 Adventure and am glad I did, hands down over the Versys, better on the highway and better off road, One + is I get farther on a 14 liter tank of gas on the KTM than I got with a 17 Liter tank on the Versys. On the KTM I got GIVI 33/46 liter hard bags and even fully loaded, it still handles great. KTM hit the nail on the head with this bike just would like a larger gas tank so I could get over 500 + km per tank of gas now I am getting over 400 Km per tank of gas. I did up grade the bash plate and hand guards to the better KTM ones. They also need a few more dealers hear in Canada, would be nice to have when touring, Knowing if you did have a problem you would not have far to go. I also went with the Dunlop TrailMax Mission tires and they handle every thing great and last a long time over 10,000 and only down 2 mm still another 8 mm of tread left.

[@OneOldManRiding]

Truly enjoy my 390 Adventure. It's more fun torride than one would expect. Great footage. Looks like a lot of fun to ride there.

[@KnoxArmour]

Totally agree, this bike is super fun to ride! Thanks for watching. 🙌

[@apexxxx10]

KRONREIF TRUNKENPOLZ MATTIGHOFEN “KTM” Greetings from sunny tropical 🌴 THAILAND kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJvXqZJrrNqIoas

[@tammygardiner7162]

Sorry to rain on your parade m8 !! I still ride my 1981 XR 500 in the bush !!! Now THATS a handful !!! Stop complaining about ridding a state of the art bike because your Clutch fingers getting SORE !! Maybe it’s time to stop riding and start BAKING!!!😢😢

[@CPT_IDPS]

I recently took my 390 over some pretty rocky terrain that I wasn’t expecting to encounter. Can’t say it didn’t handle it, but I’m a lightweight rider and I feel like if I had some more weight I wouldn’t feel like the bike wants to throw me off lol. It’s still not as wild as my old 250r so there’s that.

[@kevincrockett5155]

Most riders don't wish for more weight when negotiating rocky terrain.

[@chrisharris1641]

Getting mine on the 26th . Can’t wait . I’m an old man so probably won’t try anything to hard off road 😂

[@christian-piskulla]

Wonderful. Great video. Breathtaking. Thanx.

[@whiterabit09]

acts like a mini sports bike on the road and is capable, lightweight and fuel efficient offroad.

[@DatBRejectz]

Absolutely loved this footage, that view at the end was breathtaking!.. Could I ask what trail this is please in the Lake district? I'm there next week and would love to do it myself. Thank you 😁

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks! Its Parkamoor. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@sheoyabut255]

Insane! I thought all KTM ADV users were all talks but to see it in action convinces me to get one!

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks! Sure you'll love it. Aaron KNOX

[@c.g.c2067]

These shitty rocky trails are the good example to show how to destroy a bike 😆

I think suspensions are too bad for offroad. Im riding Xpulse200, its suspensions are too soft for offroad drive. I've riden adv250 it was too unconfortable to ride. I'm still looking for adv 390 but this riding position and suspensions are making hard to decide .

[@piccololuke]

Hi all, I'm a rookie in off-road, after 15 Year of on-road bike I'd like to approach off, do you suggest to buy KTM 390 adv or Himalayan 450 ?

[@KnoxArmour]

Both are good options in my opinion... or go proper and buy an enduro bike?? Much easier off road and designed to be crashed! Aaron KNOX

[@sandeeppilankar9220]

I own one & its really wonderful machine.

[@LetsROLLLLL]

I love this video. No loud music, just engine sound.

[@nomading_in]

After deliberating on various options for months I finally put one on order today, partly down to the first part of this video pair. Rode the Bajaj Dominar over in India for a while so know what I'm in for I think...but excited all the same. Be over to the Lakes before long!

[@KnoxArmour]

Wow that's cool, Im sure you'll love it! All the best, Aaron KNOX

[@kshitijgenext]

I'm debating between the same two bikes!

[@nomading_in]

@@kshitijgenext I found the Dominar a bit "rough" and vibey but this was a few years back and I'm sure the refinement is better by now. Such value for money in the Bajaj though, the new tour version looks even better.

[@kshitijgenext]

@@nomading_in agreed, however when I rode a mate's 390adv and the dominar back to back, I immediately noted the suspension was much softer on the dominar despite having less travel - which made offroading easier in contrast to me feeling every road bump through the handlebar on the ktm. I also ended up stalling the 390adv more frequently, perhaps due to the gearing borrowed straight from the duke. I'm 6' tall so seat height isn't a bother for me. However, given a choice, and leaving your ownership bias aside, which one would you pick for indian riding conditions (80% road, 20% off), if both were priced the same?

[@nomading_in]

@@kshitijgenext it sounds like you already have your answer! I think a lot of choice comes down to how you feel when you're actually on it. If I were to rely purely on opinions I might think the Himalayan is trash, but I loved riding that bike. I do think I'd be attracted Dominar mainly because of the price though, otherwise the 390 is just a bit more premium across the board.

[@sudaesh]

Fantastic video. Subbed you. ❤️ In your opinion, Is it a bike on which one can take someone around the world???

[@KnoxArmour]

Thabks and welcome aboard! Yes you could definitely go around the world on the 390! Aaron Knox

[@sudaesh]

@@KnoxArmour thx for the response Aaron. Best wishes for 2022. Keep making such great videos. ❤️

[@davidray4128]

I thinks it's more the rider than the bike. That rock trail would kick the crap out of me on a real dirtbike. Cool bike though.

[@JourneyThroughNature]

The second time i watched the video , my eyes were glued to the gear indicator stuck at 1 all the time :D Wow so impressed with the capability of this bike. Do you see KTM going to refresh this bike anytime sooner to fix any smaller stuff or may be add anything new to make it even better ?

[@KnoxArmour]

Yes, tbh, just kept it in first off road and revved it to the moon! :). Personally find it easier to do that sometimes on this type of adventure bike, not too much engine braking so its easy to just keep it in first gear and concentrate on the road ahead! Hard to say what KTM's plans are, but I cant see them changing the 390 Adventure for a while, it has the latest engine (capped at 44hp for A2 license), latest dash and other modern KTM styling... Hope that helps, Aaron KNOX

[@jonasbaine3538]

Stay tuned for the 490 R which everyone will trade their bikes for lol

[@scapflci]

What a gorgeous trail. Enjoying my 390 as well.

[@mikhailkalashnik0v]

You can take it out of 1st hear you know... Also Two guys hiking in the middle of nowhere is kinda sus

[@5Aerim]

I died 20 times and broke all my bones just from watching you ride like that

[@TheSparkratos]

Really confused between this or the interceptor 650

[@dazsyvo8499]

Waw giving that bike some pain just couldn't sus out were it was

[@thindriver3307]

Who’s the rider? He’s brilliant! Doesn’t stall it even

[@mjk2929]

Amazing video with that beautiful scenery! I'm impressed by what that bike can cope with 😯 By PURE coincidence I've just got a 390 Adventure AND am just about to move to the Lakes. 😁 I know a lot of the bridleways from mountain biking but not these wider byways. I recognise the Parkamoor trail with the view over Coniston, but where was the trail at the start of the video?

[@KnoxArmour]

It is at Grizedale. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@ReneNYG1]

Just put money on one coming in soon,can't wait to get it I'm really excited.

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Bit put off by reports of stalling/tech issues re this bike. Otherwise am tempted!

[@KnoxArmour]

New 2022 model looks to rectify some of that I think. :)

[@guitarguync]

How are the ergonomics standing up? I'm 6'0" and worried the footpegs are too high to be able to grip the tank with my knees.

[@KnoxArmour]

Think you'll be OK at 6'0"... but it isn't a big bike either. best try one out before you buy. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@HerrDeacon]

Awesome! Thanks for posting this extra footage.

[@KnoxArmour]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hellopaji89]

Great both videos for this bike. For someone looking forward to get a bike in India, to do versatility of touring long and the all so often bad roads no matter the city, I am really just confused if it’s the ADV 390 or duke 390 to go with. Why the confusion? Well for 1, adv has me flat foot one and toe the others and 2, many YTrs conclude as a street bike with adventure added on as plastic Arguably duke 390 saves you a good chunk and is capable of doing all that adv does, additionally can do some track days. What makes for a better for single bike garage in India? P.S I mention India coz I am not sure where you’re at, but adv in India doesn’t come with adjustable front shocks.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Aman. Touch choice for you, but the 390 Adventure is definitely not just a Duke with extra plastics on it, it is much more than that, and you definitely couldn't ride the type of terrain I did on a 390 Duke! Course if you want to do track days, then that is a different thing.. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@DigitalSamTV]

These pov videos are so boring to watch... Get some off bike camera footage mixed in

[@KnoxArmour]

We did another video with full review which you can see on our channel. Actually, some people really like this stuff.. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@Geshmaal]

It's so hard to find POV footage like this with raw audio, whereas there are plenty of overproduced spin pieces about bikes available!

[@dr.x4050]

Great GoPro work to keep the video on the trail and the console at the same time! This gave a great view of the trail roughness and the bike speed. You also looked experienced instead of an off-road noob to better show what the bike is capable of. As a reference: Do you know if a soft dual-sport CRF300L or KLX300 have done much better on that trail?

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks! I guess those Dual sport bikes may be a bit more hardy than the 390 adventure and have spoked wheels etc.. But the 390 did a really great job! Aaron KNOX

[@mionggg]

Test bike looks stock. Did you feel the need for handlebar risers standing up?

[@KnoxArmour]

Yes it was stock. If you are taller, you may want to have bar risers, although I didnt find it a problem. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@sanketmhatre9242]

Can we install 790 adv forks on this?

[@akifhafie8561]

Saw a review by Fortnine who pointed out that the slanted pegs tend to want to throw their riders over the handlebar. Does this ever presented itself as an issue to you? I don't mind the lower ground clearance, since I'm not THAT adventurous. But if the slanted footpegs are a real problem then I hope there's a way of fixing it.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thats definitely very dramatical and i didnt fid it an issue at all Hope that helps, Aaron Knox

[@jojitsu56]

I fitter aliexpress pivot pegs for £40, and they are great.

[@curnobullen]

Great video. Awesome riding 👏

[@KnoxArmour]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching. 😎

[@PixelRuzt]

Did the rider know the trail beforehand? He seemed relatively fast. What were the tyre pressures like? ( I'm a novice off-roader.)

[@KnoxArmour]

I've ridden the trail once before but a few years ago. Tyre pressures around 20psi. Speed wise, yes, suppose wasn't hanging around, but tbh, find on a heavier bike (Adventure bike vs Enduro) speed and momentum can help getting over obstacles. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@UniversalBikers16]

Looks like great fun. The bike takes everything in its stride! Fair play 👏

[@RahulSingh-ri3mo]

How?

[@puspobhowmick5925]

What do you guys think about duke390 let us know by dropping a video .😁

[@KnoxArmour]

Hopefully will one day!

[@tsdmoto]

Do you need to lower your tyre pressure when riding around sharp rocks? Nice vid.

[@KnoxArmour]

Yes, we did a bit, but not too much as didnt want to damage the rims. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@tsdmoto]

Thanks for the tip ! @@KnoxArmour

[@xaxabat1]

I's sure lugging the engine like that cannot be good long term.

[@KnoxArmour]

Guess its a low capacity machine and they're designed to take a fair bit of abuse! Aaron KNOX

[@Geshmaal]

Funny comparing this with the Himalayan video, that thing seemed to struggle less despite having less than half the power and being in the wet!

[@alwyncrasta412]

Nice joke😂

[@Geshmaal]

@@alwyncrasta412 did you watch the Knox Himalayan video? Compared with that one the guy is all over the place on the KTM despite having the advantage of riding in dry conditions.

[@kmbot]

is that kmph or mph?

[@KnoxArmour]

MPH. thanks

[@discoveror9576]

I wouldn't have guessed that it could do THAT ! I reckon this wasn't your first day learning to ride? 😄

[@KnoxArmour]

It handled the terrain amazingly and was really confidence inspiring. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@discoveror9576]

@@KnoxArmour Seeing these capabilities was especially valuable to me, considering purchase options (looking for that 'unicorn'). Media 'reviews' give the impression that cycles can't go over an off-road pebble without yards of suspension travel. Uphill in 1st gear, that thing goes like a tractor!!! THANKS - for the insights! May your riding be S A F E.

[@owenregan1]

Great video, good to see you unlock the potential of this great little mochine, without spending anything on aftermarket bling!

[@KnoxArmour]

Many thanks, yes an awesome motorcycle and glad you enjoyed the production! Aaron KNOX

[@ajoymahato46]

Best light weight off road bike

[@easylogy4825]

Bhai how uncomfortable was it?

[@KnoxArmour]

V comfortable! Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@2ride_along]

Forks seal servicing after that…..

[@KnoxArmour]

They definitely got a good work out! Aaron KNOX

[@dirty125girl]

I loved the previous video you had for the 390, and helped me to decide on getting one. I got mine few weeks ago and with less than 100kms, I got it into the KTM ADVENTURE RALLY. The bike is AMAZING off road.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks a lot, that's really cool and hope you enjoyed the KTM Adventure Rally!! Many thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@billfinch800]

When is the KTM Adventure Rally? Or had it already happened? If so, how did the 390 Adventure hold up? VERY Interested to know that

[@dirty125girl]

@@billfinch800 hi :) I was referring to the KTM ADVENTURE RALLY 2021 EUROPE that took place at late Septmeber in Nafpaktos, Greece. Although kinda "snobbed" from the older ADVENTURE brothers and sisters, from the beloved 690 to the intimidating 1290, my amazing 390 hold up pretty well. Through river beds with no drama, downhills like riding an enduro, uphills - well, i had to remove the TC sensor, but after that, pure fun! The good thing was that up to a speed, it was working well and smooth, and i m not that a fast rider to have problems with flat tyres (we had tricky rocks at some parts). The only thing i had to keep in mind were the shorter suspensions (not sure if that's correct?), compared to the enduro i m used to ride, meaning i had to avoid hitting rocks or stepups. As agreed with a friend, to sum up this bike "It can give you all the extra fun of being silly, but you have to ask it/make it. It won't happen accidently, like on a 950 Superenduro". What are you thinking?

[@billfinch800]

@@dirty125girl Thanks for the reply. I have had a blast riding my 390 too. I kind of figured the whole "snobbing" would happen after watching all the bigger bikes in years past. Thanks again for letting me know how it held up. I am glad you had a great time.

[@laminasglassdynamics3893]

nice video!! you are the only one who shows that the ktm 390 is capable on hard terrain.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks! 👍

[@gaiusII]

Compared to the Royal Enfield Himalayan, which has better suspension for off roading on this type of terrain?

[@KnoxArmour]

Great question. 390 adventure has the better set up. The himalayan will do it, but it's not got enough ground clearance and we damaged it quite a bit, whereas the 390 was perfect 👌

[@Tashyncho-Sapa-CEKTAHT]

Himalayan is cheap and ugly, who's buying it, I really dont know

[@dank9288639]

@@Tashyncho-Sapa-CEKTAHT it's nice man... it has more character than most bikes out there including this 390

[@tkiblawi1]

Would it be easy to ride in jammed city roads?

[@KnoxArmour]

The 390 itself is very manoeuvrable and easy to handle so sure, it would cope well filtering through traffic! 😎 Olly - Knox

[@juandamol]

Excelente!! how do you think about comaparing this ktm with the Himalayan in the same hard terrain? thanks from Colombia...

[@herr__mika]

You can't compare Himalayan with KTM, no sir.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Juan! We tried one of the same trails on the Himalayan and it did great too. You can find it on our KZbin channel. Only difference is that we did damage the Himalayan a bit in the process as it lacks ground clearance. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@herr__mika]

@@KnoxArmour I would like to know is KTM’s ground clearance enough to take it downstairs?

[@KnoxArmour]

@@herr__mika easily!

[@juandamol]

@@KnoxArmour off course o saw that one too. A great one as well . Best regards

[@saturatedfat6542]

give it the gas matey !!!!

[@a.m.6752]

I always thought that shock absorbers on this bike was hard. But in this video. Seems like they worked beautifully. It took all the beating. Not sure if you have access to RE himalayan can u do its video on same track please.

[@KnoxArmour]

Hi, I actually softened the front forks off a bit and they were much nicer. We did one of the same tracks on the Himalayan and you can find it on our KZbin channel. Himalayan also managed it, but did get a bit damaged. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@a.m.6752]

@@KnoxArmour does KTM comes with adjustable shock absorbers , can that be customised manually at home?

[@francesboy2]

@@a.m.6752 Maybe a bit late of me but the shock and forks are fully adjustable WP suspension, you can actually see the clicker handles on the top of the forks in this video. You don't need any tools to adjust the forks, I don't know about the shock.

[@smitty16784]

that is so cool bro :)

[@AntonioSanchez-nr8lq]

Himalayan o Ktm 390 adv??

[@KnoxArmour]

KTM 390 adventure for performance, Himalayan for looks... :)

[@daniboy0811]

Just bought one 2 days ago... lovely bike.

[@KnoxArmour]

Enjoy it! :)

[@adriannigel8764]

I'm impressed

[@bretthawton]

Did you bend or damage the wheels at all?

[@KnoxArmour]

No bends or marks at all, perfect 👌

[@zavkafa]

супер!👍

[@musique2005]

Impressive video Mate. Did you use stock tires?

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks! Yes, stock TKC70 tyres. My preconceived impression was that they would be terrible, but actually, in practice they were pretty good with the pressures dropped. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@JoanMorell]

@@KnoxArmour do you remember wich pressures ?

[@Tashyncho-Sapa-CEKTAHT]

@@JoanMorell 1.3-1.5

[@darylotero6505]

Hello from Philippines!

[@KnoxArmour]

Hi from UK! Aaron Knox

[@Fee.1]

That motor almost sounds broken 🧐

[@KnoxArmour]

Tried my best to break it... but failed! Aaron KNOX

[@Fee.1]

@@KnoxArmour lol, yea it’s just that sound of a thumper at idle

[@scubadoonorway4960]

How many parts of this India produced bike was broken after this ride ? :) . Heavy test I like :) /Regards Tom from Norway.

[@KnoxArmour]

Actually none, it was really good! Aaron KNOX

[@rafenatho5406]

Title says "off road" Where I come from those are roads.

[@SantoshS1279]

Okay, you get asteroid hit bang! And then you ride that terrain.