KTM 390 Adventure vs. 390 Duke | Is the Adventure Worth the Extra Money?

Okay... so 2 years before KTM announced the 390 Adventure I owned an R1200GSA, 950 Super Enduro and an 1190 Adv R and was looking for a SMALLER LIGHER ADV bike... Shop everything KTM 390 here: amzn.to/3w5pUHv I came across a USED 2016 Duke for just $3k. I changed the tires, added risers, an off-road handlebar, handguards, and a skid plate... READY to Roll!
Shop for all 390 Parts here:
www.motocitypa...
KTM PowerParts here for these two bikes!
390 Duke: www.ktmpartspr...
390 Adventure: www.ktmpartspr...
Now KTM has released the 390 Adventure but it is really worth $7k??? Today we took my well used KTM 390 Adventure Duke out and put it up against a Brand New 2021 KTM 390 Adventure. Well... This is how it did!
What do you think? Leave a comment with which bike YOU would choose... A $3k Duke or a $7k Adventure?
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Kyle
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[@advmatt]

Shift indicator on 390 Adv is rider configurable after the initial 620 miles. 390 Adv chassis is perfect for throwing on some luggage and doing BDRs. Not sure if you can do that on the Duke. These bikes are so much fun to ride and much harder to get into trouble unlike the over-sized adventure bikes. Smaller Adv bike market has a lot of potential. The 490 Adv might hit the sweet spot if it ever gets built.

[@manybikes]

I totally agree with yon on the 490 as long as they don't make it weigh as much as the 890 ;) The 390's are SUPER fun and way less intimidating than the bigger ADV bikes I am used to dropping A LOT. Thanks for watching Matt.

[@MrBrenno25]

I just sold my duke 390 2021 and boutht a brand new ktm 390 2021. In my own experience, duke is lighter and faster. But it is a small bike for a 1.75cm guy like me. People use to told me that it was a small bike. Added to this, my friends, who owned touring motorcycles, wanted to go on a trip to Cusco - Peru, yes I am peruvian. The trip from Lima is like 1500km away and the 390 adv was perfect for this. The comfort is a lot better than the duke and once youre riding you feel all the power and confidence of a bigger/touring bike. It works perfectly for the city and for trips. Mine came with quikshifter which is a blessing haha. I love 390 adv. the bad thing is that luggage powerparts from ktm is really expensive

[@chiboreache]

@@MrBrenno25 thanks for the metrics dude ;)

[@harturocarloportocarrerogi3284]

@@MrBrenno25 viajaste con la duke también? Porque pensaba viajar con la adv pero muy pocas veces al año y no sé si valgan la pena 1000 dólares más o algo así que está la adv solo por la suspensión, soy bajito (1.60 y algo)

[@davidzavala337]

@@MrBrenno25 yo mido 1.83 y peso 110 kilos. Crees que la Adveture sea mejor que la normal? Yo la quiere solo para ir al trabajo en la carretera a velocidades de 110 kilómetros. De hecho sería mi primera motom

[@MrDingus64]

Awesome video! Literally just picked up a duke 390 cuz i wanted to start getting on unpaved roads and didn't want a dirt bike or adv. A lot of people told me the duke couldn't handle it. They were obviously trippin

[@cristophermedina9860]

Dukes are not for unpaved roads. It’ll handle it for a while, but you will soon break a lot of expensive parts of the bike, trust me.

[@CPT_IDPS]

You directed me to this video from my comment on your deep sand video. Thank you! I have both of these bikes lol.

[@manybikes]

No way! That is awesome! Since this ride I have been scouring the internet for a set of ADV Suspension I can swap onto the Duke. That would be AMAZING. The Bridgestone AX41 or the TKC70 Rocks in the rear and a TKC80 up front is a fantastic combo on these bikes: Check this one out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHOQdY2ni5uAjqc

[@CPT_IDPS]

@@manybikes the best I could find on front forks die the duke is new internals unfortunately. I’m with you tho, would love to see what I could do on the duke off-road

[@manybikes]

Love it!

[@petergoudy9013]

Kyle, check this seller, I just bought a set of clutch/brake levers off a 2019 390 RC, they may have your suspension: www.ebay.com/usr/salvagedcycleparts

[@manybikes]

Thanks for the heads up! Well that was an hour long rabbit hole I just crawled out of.... Some good stuff there for sure!

[@yorkchris10]

I'd take the Duke over the Adventure or stock CB500X. Great for a blast to Bajia. The used prices on Duke are fairly good I think.

[@manybikes]

100% my thoughts exactly. Used Dukes can be found for $3500 to $4500 all day long... I LUCKED out and picked up my Duke with 700 miles on it for just $3k. Screaming Deal. 12k miles later with zero issues. That is pretty kickass.

[@BlackdogADV]

The 390 Duke has never been on my radar. I’m 75, I love dual sport and adventure bikes but I can’t handle a tall bike anymore so that little Duke makes a lot of sense. I just put a TKC 70 Rocks on my Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 that I converted to a Scrambler to give me a little bit of off-road capability. I love it so far.

[@manybikes]

The Duke is so much fun! I am sure you will love that Interceptor!

[@flyinryan7340]

As an experienced sport bike rider (some street/mostly track) I'm really falling for these 390 adventure's as an intro to adv 50/50 option. Any areas you feel a cbr500x would really outshine one of these? I saw you had a very positive review on one of those as well

[@manybikes]

They are both great machines. The KTM is "more fun to ride" as even though it has 1/5 the cc's it is FASTER and the motor is more "lively." The seat height on the CB500X was much lower than the KTM making it easier to ride in the hard stuff. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmPNcoekn6eiac0 The Honda also felt like it has more traction and was a bit more stable... the wheels and tires are significantly wider than the KTM's. The CB500X feels more top heavy than the KTM too. When it comes to reliability and maintenance the Honda will win hands down All Day Long. The Honda is smooth and refined where the KTM has more vibrations and is a little more rough. Both are great bikes... and either would be a good choice.

[@kennywheelus6857]

The new 2024 duke 390 I'm getting does have adjustable forks on rebound an compression,check it out when you get a chance.

[@manybikes]

Its about time!

[@kennywheelus6857]

@@manybikes ,yes I know right,I'm super pumped about it,not only for the super dukes,1390,1290,790 an 990 ,I believe an now our 390,KTM keeps stepping up their game

[@manybikes]

They sure do! I like seeing that!

[@kennywheelus6857]

@@manybikes ,ty,yeah I think it's awesome to adjust it to your liking and riding style

[@dr.x4050]

Just watching the videos, it looks like Duke and Adv are very similar even on and off-road- within a few percent. The Duke actually looked faster off-road because of the tires. So it looked like the tires made a bigger difference off-road than the suspension.

[@manybikes]

Pretty much!

[@Roadghost88]

Notice how the MTC doesn't really turn off on the 390A? I mean, on mine you can turn it off but even then it is cutting power to some degree. If you stall it you have to turn it off all over again because it automatically turns on. Very annoying.

[@manybikes]

YES! IT IS HORRIBLE! I thought it was just me... but David felt the same! Even fully OFF it was still restricted. SUPER noticeable, especially when jumping back an forth between the ADV and the Duke! The Duke was "tight and grippy" feeling where as the ADV was "slow to pick up" ... really strange. I felt the same thing on the 890 Adv Rally too... "engine slip" they call it. I am not a fan!

[@herodotus425]

The 2022 model the mtc has an offroad mode that doesn't reset when restarting the bike. I had the 2014 Duke 390 and I'm getting a new Adv 390. The new Adv or even the new Duke 390 doesn't have the peppiness of the old model, but I took it for the comfort.

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

Great review! I’ve ridden the two bikes back to bike - both 2020 models so traction control on both, the adventure is definitely the one to take if you intend to have relaxed highway riding and go off-road all time and commuting it has a nice commanding position. The duke shines on the road and city and is very nimble and does everything you want it to turn immediately. I would say spend extra and take the 390 adventure. 👌👏🏻

[@manybikes]

Thanks for your feedback!!!

[@MrSalcedoKinder]

So if I’m mainly riding roads and occasionally going off road the duke is for me?

[@davidzavala337]

I'll mostly do highway 🛣 commute and I'm 6 feet tall and I'm into offroading, but I know I won't take it since it will be my main form of transportation.

[@mdragon99]

The KTM 390 is the Beagle of the adventure line. 690 is the Coyote, 890 is maybe the Golden Retriever and the 1290 is the German Shepard.

[@manybikes]

Great Analogy! And the BMW R1250GS is the Bernese Mountain Dog ;)

[@MadM0nkey]

I see you have doggedly stuck with the KTM line-up

[@DigiMannen]

Wrong info on Hp and Torque here. Rev warning is set for use during first 1000 km only.

[@manybikes]

The numbers came straight from KTM. There were several different published numbers.

[@DigiMannen]

@@manybikes oh, bad info from KTM then, strange.

[@davexs]

If your doing a lot of off road riding then the adv is better. Shift indicator can be recalibrated after 1000km, it is factory set low for the breaking in period. I use my Duke for everything and has proved it can do it all. The emphasis is fun. I've been off road, raced on track, carved through traffic in Bangkok and kept up with bigger capacity bikes on twisties. I run Corsa 2's on mine so heavy off road is a struggle!!!!! With those chunky tyres you got on yours I would say your more off road riding than me. I do like the SuperMoto mode on the newer 390's, great fun.

[@manybikes]

Oh heck yeah!!!! Thanks for your feedback. That is pretty awesome!

[@OlafThorbjorn]

I know this is an old video but that makes it the perfect time for this question: Did the Duke develop any major mechanical issue from this kind of use? Cracks in the frame, anything? I would really like to know.

[@manybikes]

Nope! I have over 3k miles off off-road riding on the Duke. It is solid. Having run the 2016 390 Duke next to the 2021 390 Adventure I purchased in Feb of this year I can say that IF I could get an oversize tank for the Duke, I would like it much better than the ADV. But the 4 gallons on the ADV makes me pick it over the Duke on many a day...

[@samjohnson3124]

what you did in this video was perfect for simulating what I think I want to do in the philippines, we have some remote property, that might push the limit of this machine, but there's plenty of regular street driving too. light weight enough too, compared to a 1200(heavy!). I think I've seen enough (I've heard KTM was better for forests, and KTM is the oldest for dirt-bike like bikes isnt it?)

[@manybikes]

Yup! Well I purchased a ‘21 Adventure a few weeks back. The ‘16 Duke is still more fun around town but the suspension on the Adv sure is nice! Either bike will work perfectly for you.

[@samjohnson3124]

that terrain there is interesting, looks similar to my local columbia basin in washington, though the rocks seem to be like large river bed rocks, ours here are all just basalt gray. yours there are more colorful

[@manybikes]

It’s all great fun!!!

[@findtherightbeat]

Go with the suspension swap!

[@manybikes]

Yeah right?! I am thinking that will be the ticket!

[@chrisd933]

I def thought at a few points you guys were crazy but it turned out alright

[@manybikes]

Ha! Ha! It was a blast!

[@w.c.wilson8753]

Was really attracted to the idea of the 390 Adventure, right up until I saw this video. How big are you guys? The bikes look like toys!

[@manybikes]

I’m 5’ 9” and 215 lbs. David is taller.

[@t4vertixoli385]

you mean the duke right?

[@joelruiz6137]

My 390 adv goes up to 108-109 factory

[@manybikes]

Nice!!!

[@godinminaar9024]

21 390 Duke. got it up to 107 factory. My Backpack? Maybe...

[@roehlrosales5020]

Awesome comparison giving me ideas what to do with my 2020 Svartpilen 401. What size rear and front tires are you running on the the Duke 390 and will that fit a 2020 Svartpilen 401? Thanks.

[@manybikes]

Super fun! The Duke is wearing a 120/70-17 in the front and a 150/60-17 in the rear.

[@krishtinbee8990]

Race 390 duke bs4 vs 390 bs6

[@godinminaar9024]

I love what you've done with the 16 Duke, and yes you can get racks and bags. I have a 21 Duke, and I live in the Rockies(for now) do you recommend turning the Duke into an ADV setup? Would you sell the Duke and buy an ADV instead?? (I'm not selling my first bike..) 490cc might hit the sweet spot indeed, rumored est. 60hp 37 torque, higher quality components.

[@manybikes]

Dude... the 490 will be wicked if they don't add 100 lbs to it!!! If they can keep the weight the same but bump up the power, it will be a WINNER! I LOVE the Duke set-up as it is much more nimble on the road than the ADV version. It really needs a suspension overhaul to be "good off-road"... I make it work but it is harsh to say the least. It is FUN though... Really fun!

[@deejanappanna]

@@manybikes Do you think its wise to plonk a dual sport , WRF or KLE, suspension on the Duke? the rake angle is 1.5 degree more. will the headstcok be able to take such a mod? Thanks.

[@davidroos2]

This comparison isn't apples to apples because you're using a 2016 Duke. The 2017 Duke is a considerably different model and compares more evenly with the 390 Adventure.

[@manybikes]

In my opinion, the 2016 as a much better models in the 2017 Duke.

[@rethinking-h8k]

@@manybikes what are the different bitwin the models?

[@ashishgari2377]

😊🙏🙏 great comparison. In India seeing the guy doing offroad in Duke feels normal but it's a torture to Duke. Adv is gud adv tourer.

[@manybikes]

I really like the "compact" feeling of the Duke but the suspension of the Adv was AWESOME!!!

[@paoloc3318]

I'm a tall 6.1 187 cm height . Which bike is more suitable for me 390 adventure or 390 Duke ?? Are their seat heights same ??

[@manybikes]

The 390 Adventure has a much larger cockpit than the 390 Duke. For your height the ADV will be a more comfortable ride.

[@africatwinman]

This proves I don’t need a adv just a duke is as good.

[@larryford9732]

My local dealer has a used 390 duke with only 700 miles on it for 5k don't know if that's a good deal or not but the new adventure is 6699

[@manybikes]

$1600 more... I would do the Adventure. The suspension is WORTH It!

[@deejanappanna]

Hi, loved the review. I loved the adventure but hate it's electronics and lack of power compared to the Duke. Is it wise to buy 2017 Duke and plonk a dual sport suspension, front and back , on it?? The rake differs by 1.5 degree. Will thsi affect the handling of the bike and will the headstock be able to take the beating off-road. Thanks , in advance.

[@manybikes]

I was so bummed that the electronics made that big of a difference in the feel of the power delivery. VERY surprising. I do think that adding a good dirt bike suspension to the Duke would transform it. The triple clamp on the Duke and Adv look super similar and therefore I think it would take the abuse just fine. If not, they are cheap to replace ;)

[@deejanappanna]

@@manybikes cheers. Thank you.

[@chucklesthefireguy5356]

Kyle, I just got a 390. I'm a fanboy of TKC80 front, then motoZ rear. Any new thoughts or stick with this?

[@manybikes]

It hasn’t yet been announced but I just Picked up a 390 adv too! The TKC80 will be discontinued… I’d recommend a Motoz Dual Venture in the front and the Adventure in the rear.

[@red-moto]

@@manybikes Any issue or handling changes going to the different tire size to get the Dual Venture on the 390 ADV? These are the exact tires I'm looking at.

[@gcm4312]

1:54 this sounds like an advantage if you are doing real adventure..

[@manybikes]

Yeah right!?

[@ashleighwilliamson593]

You did the top speed for the adventure but not the duke; is it the same?

[@manybikes]

This Duke is a 2016 model and I have had it up over 107 mph. With the knobbies I lost 10mph off the top.

[@harturocarloportocarrerogi3284]

So if I want to go highway like 4 times per year doing about 1k km each time and the rest of the time being in the city and also off road, should I pay 1000$ por the adv? Or its enough with the Duke? Also I thought in a Mt03, but I keep thinking wich can give me mor effort

[@manybikes]

For all around city riding the Duke is a much more suitable bike and more fun in my opinion. As you can see... it handles off road really well too. I really like the suspension on the 390 Adventure but I myself prefer the Duke.

[@hansaemwu2951]

Hi from Australia-- I'm brand new to riding and tossing up either buying a new duke 390 or 390 ADV as my first bike, will be on the road mostly but definetely want to give off roading a go as there are so many tracks of all difficulty level in my area. Also going to be making 2+ hour trips home maybe once every 2 months, just wanted your help to decide if the ADV is worth $2000 more, or if they've fixed the suspension on the 2022 duke 390, cheers.

[@manybikes]

Hello there! Well, I just added a 390 Adv to the stable today! I really wanted the larger tank of the Adv... getting fuel every 90 miles (once a day) on the commute was getting old. MAN... the Suspension of the Adv is so much better and the cockpit is much larger. The Duke is sporty and fun but the ADV is much more versatile.

[@twowheeledparadox]

The suspension on the 2017+ 390 Duke is far better than that on the older models. The internals were revised that year to open cartridges and split function (compression and rebound on separate fork legs) that improved ride quality tremendously.

[@stephanematis]

I am now even more tempted with the Svartpilen, the in-between of these two. I don't see the Adventure as having anything standout in this generation. 2025+ will be a different story from what we see in spy-shots.

[@manybikes]

Go for it! It is an in between bike for sure.

[@rethinking-h8k]

The 390 duke is rhe perfect grom? How about 690 duke?

[@manybikes]

390 over the 690 all day long!!!!

[@rethinking-h8k]

@manybikes how the svartpilen 401 compars? Are the 690 that noticeable different? Great Chanel 👍 Awesome informatio 👍 Thanks a lot 🙏

[@manybikes]

Very very different. Not to different on top speed due to gearing. The 401 is way lighter and more flickable. Much better street geometry. The 690 feels like an ADV bike in the dirt and like a dirt bike on the highway. I would go with the 401...

[@AuSSiEJaZzA]

Does it have 4 miles on it and your pinging it as hard as it goes? Isn't the red line set lower for run in?

[@manybikes]

This bike was a Demo bike set-up for Demo use. It has all of the features turned on.

[@possumtrapper1]

I'm 6ft 5 tall, are the seat heights between the two KTM's that different?

[@manybikes]

WAY different. I sit flat footed / bent knee on the Duke and tippy toe on the Adventure.

[@Steve.is_steve]

Would you recommend the 390 adv for someone who is 6.15 feet ?

[@manybikes]

Yes, for sure. It’s all adjustable ergonomically

[@Steve.is_steve]

@@manybikes Thanks!

[@josephlilley9249]

Is it possible to up the performance of the 390 ADV to make it faster and more acceleration??

[@manybikes]

Great question. I just purchased a 2021 Asv and am working on it!

[@josephlilley9249]

@@manybikes be sure to let me know as I'm possible buying a new one next week. Went and looked at it today but after watching videos I just don't know if it has enough top end for me

[@manybikes]

I have put 3k miles on mine so far this year. I have had it up to 106 mph... and it cruises at 80mph all day long. 90 is not quite as comfortable. It is a great machine.

[@josephlilley9249]

@@manybikes I see, well I did end up getting a new 2022 390 adv and I have to say I love it so far. The only thing I dislike is that it's rev limit is 7000rpm. I was told after my first service at 600 mikes that it unlocks the bike or something like that???

[@wrf277]

Bought a new 390Adv in Jan 21, its so much fun and versatile that I use it all the time and my other bikes dont get much of a look in. I’ve a spare set of rims with Tkc80’s for sandy off road use, and have even done a trackday on the Tkc70’s where it happily competed all evening with an Rc390. A menu is unlocked at 620 miles which allows you to adjust the rpm warning level or disable it as you wish. I run one tooth smaller sprocket on the front which pep’s up acceleration a lot and makes 6th feel less of an overdrive on the street, although it restricts comfortable cruising to 70-75mph. Also fitted a Rapidbike Easy which like the Fuel x makes bottom end rpm’s more solid and smooth running.

[@t_rex8767]

is the duke smaller than the adventure? my closest dealer says adventure should be tall/low enough for me to have my feet flat on the ground while sitting on it, im 6`1

[@manybikes]

Yes, the ADV is bigger than the Duke. Longer in wheel base and taller at the bars and seat.

[@windridermaui]

I use to have a 2019 390 Duke with on/off road tires. I recently traded it in for the 2022 390 Adventure. I'm still wondering if that was right thing to do?

[@manybikes]

Ha! Ha! I still have my 2016 Duke and last weekend bought a 2021 Adventure! We shall see ;)

[@trailrider1980]

​@@manybikes i am really considering the 390 adv. Would you say that these bikes are reliable?

[@manybikes]

@@trailrider1980 In own both and I beat the tar out of them. They are good… just rode the 390 Adv 1400 miles in 2 two days with 200 of that pretty rough off-road. 80 mph all day on the highway.

[@manybikes]

@@trailrider1980 the on-road manners of the 390’s are fantastic. They are stable and they travel freeway speeds with ease. I ride them daily 40 miles each direction on California 5 lane freeways at 80 to 90 mph. At higher speeds they “drink fuel faster” 48 mpg but 75 mph or lower they get 55 to 65mpg. Great little machines. The trip I referenced with the 1400 miles in 2 days was fully loaded with saddlebags, duffle bag and a tank bag. Rode side by side with an 1190 and we went all the same places… great bikes.

[@manybikes]

@@trailrider1980 that’s awesome! Just rolled over 6500 miles on the 21’ 390 Adv I picked up a few months back. Great machine.

[@nekonofuchan]

Horsepower is the same

[@manybikes]

Depends on the source... conflicting info and not even my KTM rep has the answer.

[@davidzavala337]

I'm a new rider and I'm 6 feet tall at 250 pounds who mostly will be doing freeway commute at 70 mph, so which one do you recommend? I love Scramblers, café racers, cruisers and ADV but not sport bikes. I love knobby tires, so regardless of the bike, I'll swap the tires for some nice knobby ones.

[@manybikes]

The Adventure is a bit more roomy but the Duke is a bit more fun to ride and it would be my recommendation.

[@ozama01j37]

Sooo duke 390 with off road tires and better suspension. Say no more

[@manybikes]

If the suspension was "similar" the Duke would have killed it!

[@petergoudy9013]

This is good science. Anybody giving this a thumbs down can kick rocks.

[@manybikes]

Give me a HIGH FIVE Peter! Thanks for your support. It is probably the 390 Adv owners seeing how their bike is being kept up with by the "street bike." Ha! Ha!

[@petergoudy9013]

@@manybikes Anybody who under estimates the 390 Duke is in for a rude awakening. I need to get my act together and shoot the installation of a Coober ECU and de-cat on my 2020, and then the factory crash cage that I heard doesn't fit properly.

[@manybikes]

Love it! I really really need a set of the Adv suspension to throw under the Duke. That would make it AMAZING. I should do some performance mods too... But it works so well as it is. I really want to keep my underbelly exhaust too... I have not found anyone willing to modify if for me. Basically cut it apart, remove the guts and put it all back together. Ha! Ha!

[@DoglinsShadow]

Very interested in these 2 bikes. What do you think is better - getting a DUKE 390 for Street and Honda CRF300L for off road? I’m a new off roader, currently got a Kawasaki Z250 for the road. But I like the idea of an Adventure 390 for all my riding needs…. You never know when you’ll see a dirt road asking to be rode… and I reckon the CRF300L Can’t provide the same fun on road for the trips TO the dirt roads.

[@manybikes]

Yes... Each bike is "perfect" for certain rides and is "fun" and it "will do it" but it's not the most fun or best performance in that "other" situation. The Duke is most fun on-road and is a blast off-road too. The Adventure suspension was SO MUCH better that it made me question what I was doing on the Duke ;) Now I have also ridden the CRF300L as well as the KLX300 and while they "can cruise the highway" and can "carve canyons" it really was not that much fun... The suspension was so soft that it was not that responsive in the twisties and bombing down the highway it was just blah... Off road though... it was super fun and in its element. The 390 Adventure is a great do it all bike... but will not be as "dirt friendly" as any of the 300cc dirt / dual sport bikes. It is bigger, heavier and does not turn or flick as well.

[@godinminaar9024]

What about the Husqvarna TR 650cc Terra?

[@wereyouaking]

Sorry but this review is all over the place

[@manybikes]

Yes... I'm a bit scatterbrained.

[@fmontes30]

'95 top speed... that is not correct

[@manybikes]

Well, that is as fast as I could get it to go!

[@Rlrrlrll100]

is that 390 duke the standard road bike?

[@manybikes]

Yes sir road bike with knobby tires

[@Rlrrlrll100]

oops got it! THATS AWESOME,GREAT RIDING.

[@manybikes]

Thanks for watching glad you enjoyed it