KTM 390 ADVENTURE UK Trails

[@michaelsupple6081]

Outstanding review. I just bought a 390 Adventure to compliment my KTM 690 Enduro R. I had a naked street bike but found myself passing up too many dirt roads when riding it. I've found the 390 to be the equal of the street bike on road while allowing me to explore a dirt road whenever I want. I hate it when reviewers put down the 390 Adventure for having limited capabilities off road. That's not what the bike is designed for so why criticize it for that. It is definitely on road biased but still does relatively well off road. I live in the USA in an area with fantastic twisty tarmac twisty roads interspersed with lots of easy double track dirt roads. This bike is absolutely perfect for that type of riding so judge it for that which is it's intended use. If I'll be riding dirt all day or anything challenging I'll be on my 690 Enduro R. My only complaint is the cramped cockpit. I have a set of bar risers on the way and will be purchasing the SW Motech lowered pegs which should solve the problem to a large degree. Again, I really enjoyed your honest and thorough review. I'll be checking out your other videos for sure.

[@jeffloucks2120]

A couple months later now... did you get the risers and lowered pegs and if so how has it worked out?

[@michaelsupple6081]

@@jeffloucks2120 I did get them and they made a significant difference. I rode five hours today and not once did I feel like I had to stretch my legs. Without the rises standing up was nearly impossible. With the 1.75” risers it’s well within the acceptable range. I only gained a half inch with the pegs but between the two I’m quite happy. Btw with the risers we had to rotate the left hand guard up so the clutch cable came under it..Going over it made the cable too tight. No buyers remorse on the pegs or risers.

[@jojitsu56]

I sold my 2020 KTM 690 enduro r recently and I'm missing it.. How does the 390 compare to the 690 on the road? Cheers

[@clunkygearbox]

Great Review Nathan! I think you have set the Gold Standard of honest down to earth reviewing!

[@Cowley46]

Wow that was a proper test if ever i saw one. Excellent vid and well done on cracking that hill.

[@nathanthepostman]

Cheers Cowley. Yeah I knew with a bit more gusto I'd get up it. Just needed a bit more commitment.

[@RandolphMaunder]

Great seeing a review from someone who knows what they are doing! Much appreciated.

[@sdefiel3719]

This is an absolutely perfect video for me. I bought my wife a Himalayan for her to re-learn two wheels and start some adventuring. Initially I was going to get a second one for me. Yesterday I walked into a bike store and saw the 390. It felt good but I was still in doubt. KTM reliability is not at the top and I had heard of some of its shortcomings that Nathan mentioned at the beginning of this video. At the end of the video I feel as if I will give it a go. It's more expensive but a wee bit better on the highway. It's also different and I enjoy riding different bikes. Thanks for the experience Nathan, S

[@maxflight777]

A Himalayan owner claiming that KTM reliability is “not good”…. I spat my coffee out at that one ! What a clown. 🤡.

[@sdefiel3719]

I said that I had heard that KTM quality was "not at the top." After three years we have had no troubles with either bike. They're great. I see no "clown" here. S

[@lunarluna]

Wow that was a proper test and a mesmerizing video. I will watch this one again.

[@MrDazza64]

That’s why I’m buying one! Took a demo bike out on test 3 weeks ago and was blown away by the thing on the road, light and so balanced and flickable. The suspension feels firm, but not overly so. The engine is a beaut and got a proper fizz about it, certainly got the grin factor when you wind it on! I wasn’t allowed to take it off road unfortunately, but I’ve seen many well respected KZbin riders, far more capable than me take it to extremes I’d never achieve now at my age. I’ve been after something smaller capacity, lighter and manageable to sit alongside my beloved XT660Z Tenere and I think this bike is the cookie! Regards, Dazza. 🇬🇧

[@nathanthepostman]

Hope you enjoy the new bike Dazza!

[@vibhujha7142]

One of the best reviews man👍 Top class and real. God bless🙏

[@davidholmes3449]

Since buying i think I have watched every review on the 390 adventure this is the best by a long shot you just earned urself a subscriber great job

[@michaelh6002]

It’s sold as an adventure bike ride it as an adventure bike and you will be very happy with this ADVENTURE BIKE. Coming from a back ground of Japanese bikes I too was unsure of it’s dependability until I rode it on the GREAT CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL, 3000 miles, 90% dirt total trip 5500 miles and it was flawless it surpassed all expectations it proved it’s self s a dependable motorcycle.

[@appymarley]

At last a review from a man that can ride a bike and talks sense.. thanks nathan

[@musique2005]

That's the video and comparison I was looking for. Thank you!

[@teneretraveller8980]

I am amazed how well the bike did. I'm currently using those 70's on my bike and didn't think they'd manage that. Which says a lot about the sort of off reading I do I suppose, but knowing I'm rubbish keeps ne safe enough. Great bike. Impressed. Happy travels

[@davyboycolon530]

Best review of the 390 i have seen so far good job

[@stanleylawson9015]

Great review Nathan loved the fact you never gave up, just grabbing one of these beauty’s

[@vanveen8472]

thank you the best informative reviews ever, the miles tell

[@markmccann-wood2225]

Cracking review 👍 real life, stock tyres bit of everything - brilliant! Currently riding a CRF300L mostly on road but still want to be able to go off road got a test ride planned on a KTM 390 Adventure. Cheers Nathan 🍻

[@ridelifenz]

Couple of mods would transform this bike for off road, just wack on some blackdog footpegs, offset bar risers that raise it straight up by 30mm. then add some motoz adventure tires and you will have a go anywhere bike.

[@RYwoodview]

Great review of a great bike (mine too, 2023). You do need crash bars for when it will inevitably happen. But just switch to more off-roadworthy tires and, ta-dah!, no more of the limitations you felt!

[@matthewsylvester3013]

I didn’t get a notification this posted because it’s set as “made for kids”. Cracking video as ever!

[@nathanthepostman]

Interesting. I've just checked and at my end it says it's not suitable for kids. Will check again.

[@matthewsylvester3013]

@@nathanthepostman have sent you a pic in FB Messenger

[@jerzywoking1699]

Could the reason have been use the "f" word at 18.00 perhaps? Great review-are you going to do the same for the CRF, Himalayan and BMW? I'd be interested in seeing them anyway

[@VermontMan]

People just like to complain and be negative. I’d replace my Vstrom 650 with either this or the upcoming 490. Depends on how much overtime I work 👌🏻

[@anxiousappliance]

A BMW with a characterless engine - the deuce you say! LOL. Not sure if I just watched a motorcycle test or the conquest of the New World. Fab-tastic.

[@howardcrane4258]

Good work, I admire your honest review.

[@Screamifyoumeanit]

I put a deposit down on one of these today... I want it for medium road travel to some light green lanes, I wasn't expecting it to be that capable! I shall find some more challenging lanes to ride too.

[@simunic79]

Awesome Nathan, keep up with tests! Tried 390 adv.loved it, so light and nimble, a refreshing after my nc 750 x. Really enjoyed it, speedy little thumper. On test day with 390 adv. I had problems with finding a neutral, and then I wanted to try the quick shifter, but I had a bad feeling like..hopefully nothing goes wrong( never used it before on other bikes), and just after that a bloody warning light starter flashing on display=quickshiter malfunction!!? Sh..t! I turn the ignition off and started again, it went away.. :/ Not a good start, but I really love the bike, lots of fun..except these niggles which give you bad stomach feeling for future days, and I really don't dig the front light look. Cheers mate and keep up the good work, stay healthy!

[@MarkOneMoto]

Excellent video Nathan, really enjoyed it. You were worried about it being too long and I could've easily watched for longer ha ha!.. Tbf, the ktm did way better than I thought and expected that it was capable of there. As you said, change the tyres, maybe bar risers and a set of sw motech rotating pegs to flatten those out and change the standing position and it could be a winner. I'd love to see more videos like this please, great stuff lad.. Atb, Mark

[@nathanthepostman]

Cheers Mark. Yeah I reckon those few changes - the pegs mainly - and it'd be an even sweeter ride.

[@imadeeplyspanishman]

Fantastic I’ve been looking at smaller engined dual purpose bikes and had discounted the KTM thinking it was a dressed up road bike, well that’s me shown I’ll be contacting you for a group test for sure 👍 Brilliant vid by the way

[@libertyliberty4371]

You good driver man 😀👍👍👍

[@BreezyRider66]

Seriously tempted by one of these but only just got a 2012 VStrom 650 which came from the SV650/Gladius in a similar way that the 390 Duke (eventually!) spawned the 390 Adv. The VStrom 650 was and still is very successfulI and I think this will do pretty well too because it's good enough off road for most but way more capable of realistically doing some longer road trips than some of the others...

[@rickmcnelly]

Very impressed!

[@markdearlove8634]

You made that look very good. I might be keen to come up for a ride from Cornwall and try those bikes out. I ride a drz 400 and a xf 650 freewind atm. Interchange both on any trails depending on mood. Thanks for another great vid

[@nathanthepostman]

I used to have a Freewind. Loved it when I could get it running right. Bloody twin carbs!. Always welcome if you fancy a ride up.

[@Bowlin01]

Great review with well articulated descriptive observations on how the KTM performed. Apart from crash bars, lower pegs, different tyres and bar risers, what else would you do to it to make it better for trails? (Or would you not bother and use one of the other bikes)?

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah I think I'd just change the tyres, fit the crash bars and I believe SW Motech now make some adjustable pegs for it, and that'd be it. You just have to accept that it was never built to be a proper rock hopper and so going down the path of fitting spoked wheels and all the rest is just a waste of time. The Honda would definitely be the one to go for is off road was all you were interested in.

[@davidhall2298]

Great video, Nathan. Shows what the bike can really do, which is more than enough will ask of it. Heard a few concerns about the reliability of the KTM engine - any views?

[@danielschrodt9992]

Great Video! Keep it up. Favorite quote, "Not a lot of effort made over the 390 Duke". Any of the four bikes are a great choice. I'm glad I didn't wait the two years for the 390 adventure over a modified 310 GS. If KTM wants my money on the next bike I hope they do a better job on the 490 adventure.

[@nathanthepostman]

Cheers Daniel. For sure a modified 310 will run it close. Great bikes with the Rally Raid kit on.

[@guystevens162]

Nice did you ever go back with a more Off road tyre ??

[@clunkygearbox]

Great Video as always Nathan, Im just wondering what it is like with a pillion?

[@johnniefritzamatong5639]

Nice video! Clearly shows what that Orange is capable off road! (Is there a way to keep the side mirror from swinging)? I mean, I have watched several videos already where that mirror distracts the rider, forces him/her to stop…..yeah i know, I know, tightened it up. But any other alternative? Loved the muddy trail dude!

[@skelevrask3627]

Nice vid.

[@MyMednas]

Could you run an EXC-F? I know they are high maintenance, but woul be a good comparison for many people.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah that'd be interesting but not really the market I'm going for at the moment. More the small capacity road derived adventure bikes. Full on enduro/trail bikes are probably for a different crowd and most of the riding we do on the days out is on Tarmac. Something like a honda cb500x is what I'd be looking to add next

[@erwinm4492]

@@nathanthepostman and what about the Kawasaki versys 300x. I saw you tested that one before with the CRF and the Himalayan. Would that bike hold up on the roads you tested the KTM in this vid or is it to high revving for this kind of stuff? Would be nice if you can make this videos for all of your bikes. Thanks for the nice 35 minutes this Sunday!

[@claretbuck1882]

Awesome bud cheers 👍🏻

[@leslieaustin151]

Loved this, I always wondered what was up that track that you had several goes at. I lived not far up the main road for 15 years! (You’ll know the name of the village). BTW, in the middle of that village there is a track you might find worth exploring. Keep pedalling mate! Les

[@nathanthepostman]

Cheers Leslie. What was the name of the village, I'll have a look for that lane!

[@leslieaustin151]

@@nathanthepostman Nathan, Its Bratton Fleming. You need to look just below the garage. Regards, Les

[@mohba01]

Hi Nathan nice video. its worthwhile to mention that the KTM 390 adventure shares the chassis with the Duke with different steering geometry offered by the leading axel WP forks. I have already been seeing a lot of electrical-related issues (screen goes blank, ECU failure message, quick shifter sporadically malfunctioning etc) on some bikes here in India. Now I wonder if so much tech is needed on an entry-level travel bike.

[@liamhoad8445]

Nice video Nathan, I'd love one of thee to share with my wife when she moves up from her 125 Duke (hopefully next spring), at that point we'll be down for a play

[@Worldabetterplace]

just saw your both videos on same uphill trail Himalayan and KTM what’s your comparison 😊

[@nathanthepostman]

Both bikes will cover the same terrain. The KTM will be a bit faster and engaging. The himalayan will take impact better and be better doing it with luggage on. But they're both very capable on dirt.

[@gordonblackley8863]

Ref the CRF, I have one, throw on a proper rear shock, YSS for £250 will do, and the bike is transformed! Literally night and day difference to finding traction and stability of the bike. Try it and smile, be good to see a review on it, I run Hyperpro, but tried YSS first, which was still very good compared to stock

[@nathanthepostman]

Cheers Gordon. Yeah I should have mentioned that about the CRF and how a rear shock upgrade improves it greatly. It's a shame Honda sent it out with such a soft spring as the idea of the four bikes is to ride them back to back as stock, but to be fair the GS is another bike that benefits massively from a suspension upgrade. I think that's why I have a soft spot for the KTM and the Himalayan, because the stock suspension is perfectly decent for the types of bike they are. Will maybe try an upgrade on the Honda shock though.

[@gordonblackley8863]

@@nathanthepostman yeah, I’ve got 2 mates onto Himalayans, mega. The CRF also benefits hugely from pulling the snorkel out of the airbox, cutting another similar size hole in the top of it, and pulling the metal plate off the stock air filter. I tested mine as a sceptic against the stopwatch, saw 17% improvement between 3&6000, and 10% between 5&10,000, total cost....... fuck all. I’m an ex BSB and TT racer, so understand objective testing. The final thing is to swap the stupid ‘judder spring’ in the clutch for a stock friction plate, £10 far better bite, nicer action and doesn’t concentrate the heat of slipping the clutch on the one, (half) judder plate. If you want, give me an email address or similar and I can send you the details and testing data.

[@andrewonmyway8184]

Well done for not giving up. Be nice to get decent off road tyres on there and compare. At leat next time you change them.

[@Davidlouis3]

Brilliant I want one

[@motohobo]

Hope you're well mate and thanks for this review. I think the 390"adventure" is pretty much what most of us expcted but not hoped for. Agree with everything you said in the vid. The ktm isn't bad. It's just a bit half hearted. For me the ktm's end of term school report would read "could do better"😉 Cheers Ps. And by half hearted I meant ktm's effort to produce the complete package.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah I totally understand why they've gone down this route. After all, the UK trail market isn't where the money is these days. As a result it's a compromised bike to some extent, but I was surprised how it will still do it if you want it to, and by being compromised as a dirt bike it means it's still a lot of fun on the road. So I kinda forgive them!

[@motohobo]

@@nathanthepostman after general feedback I wonder if ktm will up their game a bit with the rumoured 490adventure. I'm still tempted by the 390 though. I'm in the market for a bike I can keep at my Mums house in the UK so when I visit I've got some transport and can have a bit of fun. Been looking at old Translaps,Teneres etc etc. Want something dual purpose. I rode a little 310gs around Morocco and was pleasantly surprised by that. And I love the Himalayan but I know I'd occasionally get frustrated with its lack of oomph. Decisions, decisions🙄

[@nathanthepostman]

@@motohobo Tough one. I think I'd be tempted to go for an older Transalp or something, just mindful that if you leave it stood in the UK for any length of time the carbs are going to gum up if you don't drain them

[@motohobo]

@@nathanthepostman thanks Nathan, I was veering towards and older Transalp. Your input has made my mind up. I'm usually back in the UK every couple of months so hopefully the carbs won't get too shitty. But it wouldn't be the end of the world. Cant be worse than the carb on my beloved 2001 drz400 🤣.

[@nathanthepostman]

@@motohobo ha. Tell me about it. I had a Suzuki Freewind which was a twin carb single. Nightmare!

[@Jaffa1951]

Really good video, Nathan. It looked great fun, although, I think I'm more of a dry lane man, myself. Have you seen the new Zontes 310T2. Adventure bike. It's a very highly specced bike, and the latest version has an optional 19" front wheel with tubeless wire wheels. Only weighs about 160kilos And all for about £4200 - £4400 ( I think the price difference is for the larger wire wheels ) I've seen a few reviews and everyone seems to like it. Maybe, they'll bring out a dual sport.

[@nathanthepostman]

Hi Geoff. Yes I've seen the zontes but didn't realise there was a 19inch front wheel model. I'm a bit wary of it to be frank. Seems like a poorly supported bike without a lot of consistency or back up. But you never know, it could be a decent ride.

[@jamesdspaderf2883]

3:41 damn, only getting sound through left ear phone - can't do it!

[@smrangers22]

it would of been nice to see you doing that off road test with all your luggage on just like if you were on a tour etc etc ... i am looking at a plodder for touring and i like your review on the HIMALAYAN but would love a bigger engine on it 500cc or 650cc . just my thoughts .Ride safe .

[@nathanthepostman]

Cheers Stephen that is a great suggestion about trying it with luggage. To be honest I don't currently have a luggage set up for the KTM and in fairness I don't think I'd be tackling those kinds of lanes with luggage on. If I was on a tour then I'd probably avoid stuff like that, especially the muddy climbs. But if you needed to then either the KTM or the Himalayan would still do it with luggage, you'd just have a bit more weight to pick up if things went wrong.

[@kaneEvro]

I had a feeling you’d like it more once you gave it a good ride off-road Nathan. The 390 likes momentum, luckily the suspension deals with the extra speed off-road really well. Top man for cracking that hill, and a very helpful informative video. All the best. Kane

[@nathanthepostman]

Cheers Kane. Yeah I just needed to get stuck into it a bit more. Great machine

[@owenregan1]

G'day from downunder, just want to say a good honest to goodness review in the wet slushy UK lanes, good job mate! I hadn't seen your review before i took the plunge on the 390, but like yourself I'm glad I gave it a go. Friends said I was making a mistake getting rid of my 350 EXC-f and stepping onto this little ripper, you will always get nay sayers who just like to move their lips without actually giving it a go! I love the fact that both my feet touch the ground and I can paddle through tough obstacles if need be. Also if you whiskey throttle it by mistake you wont end up on your arse! Somebody commented on luggage etc, here is a link to an Australian review, this guy takes it of a two or three day tour: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f56QmYCVrLt8qMk&start_radio=1&t=2220 Anyway thanks again from a grinning KTM 390 Adventure ride :-)

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah I reckon there's a lot of folk who are a bit over biked with the perky enduro machines. I know these adventure bikes have their limitations but I generally find them easier to ride and a lot of the fun comes in the challenge of getting them up more moderate terrain without having to break your neck on the tough stuff. Great to hear you're enjoying the bike!

[@morgfleet]

Think you might be having issues with your right audio channel. ;)

[@MrAskhaldi]

Thanks for very good video brother.. I reserved one 2021 .. and I was thinking to take or not . But your great video encourage me to go ahead and buying one .. thanks

[@ayounghosh9218]

nice

[@johna6968]

Id need to move to a warmer drier climate first.

[@nathanthepostman]

Definitely. Some warm dry lanes would be perfect right now