KTM 390 Adventure - WATCH THIS before you buy your first ADV bike

In a market full of powerful offroad beasts, the KTM 390 Adventure offers something much needed; a versatile entry point to adventure riding with a modern tech package. 👌
We had a lot of fun on KTM's littlest Adventure model and in some ways that surprised us 😮.
It's not for everyone, but it can't be denied that it's an outstanding bike for anyone looking to get into adventure riding 🌳 with the need to commute 🚦 during the week, or riders needing something lighter and slightly lower but with the sweet adventure vibe and sprinkles of modern tech.
RIDE KIT: 🙌
Fly Racing Trekker Quantum helmet ✅
Fly Racing FR5 boots ✅
Fly Racing Patrol jersey ✅
Fly Racing Patrol pants ✅
Fly Racing Patrol XC gloves ✅
POD Active K8 knee braces ✅
Socks from Big W ✅
📱 @advlifeaus
🖥 www.advlife.com.au

[@speedfinder1]

I'm 56 years old having had a licence for 40 years. I'm looking at one of these because an older rider appreciates a lighter bike to pick up when you drop it. Yes, after 40 years I can still drop a bike like a 20 year old!😂

[@advlife]

I just dropped a big bike in my damn driveway. It happens! I really enjoyed riding the smaller bike.

[@AdventuringNZ]

Hey just do it, you won't regret it. I have just bought a 390 Adventure after a exhausting day out off road. Other than it being a super capable light bike ... they are super fun.

[@SUNILSHRIDHAR77]

Try the Indian made Hero Xpulse if its available at your place... 200cc, 157 kg, 20 kgs lighter than 390 Adv

[@freetasman2342]

I agree, I am 77

[@Davidlouis3]

I’m selling mine if anyone wants it, got a Tenere 700 now?

[@longhairwhocares]

Hey man, I'm pretty stingy with likes and comments, but your work here deserves some praise. Good footage, good breakdown of the bike's strengths and limits, and most importantly, *succinct*! Couldn't believe the six minute runtime -- perfect duration for what a video like this should be. Most YTers go on and on with their dialogue, their b-roll, etc. This was terrific, on the other hand. I don't live in Australia but I'll keep watching your channel. Kudos again.

[@nickredvideo]

There is one more category of rides that love it, those of us in countries where the big bikes are not available and where there are no big highways requiring hours of cruising. I live in Indonesia where this bike is near perfect for our typical mixed on/off-road trips that you can do all over this country.

[@650nelson]

Greetings from the USA, I got mine last December and I am loving it! 65 mpg, highway speeds all day, fun fun fun!

[@advlife]

NIce one mate! Have you made any modifications?

[@MrDimesy77]

Great video. Good info in a short amount of time and the music and footage was pro. Very tempted to try the Adv 390.

[@adriancullinane7626]

I want to compliment how amazing your film making is. I could never do such clean editing and video taking.

[@advlife]

Wow, thank you!

[@OneOldManRiding]

Great cinematic footage. It's certainly a great bike for what you pay for it. I will break something eventually, but in 10K miles, it's treated me very well. - Frank

[@advlife]

Cheers Frank! Really happy you're enjoying yours still after 10k miles and thanks for stopping by :)

[@brendancharleston1713]

Great review of the 390 mate and some excellent footage too, top job😀👍

[@advlife]

Cheers mate! Thanks for checking it out!

[@astramorikes224]

Great cinematic footage.

[@otlndsh]

Sick footage. You definitely put it in places where I don't want to go yet lol. Nicely done. I think with time more people will begin to realize that not only is it great off-road, but more than anything the limiting factor is the rider and not the bike :)

[@advlife]

I love that you can drop your feet to the ground easy and just paddle if you have to. Makes it pretty fun in slippery conditions. ☺️

[@jumior]

You could say that about any bike

[@Aastrov]

Very nice review!! I just bought 390 Adv! Can’t wait for spring!:) really nice video and audio footage! Greetings from 🇵🇱

[@advlife]

Nice one! Bring on Spring and go exploring!

[@AdventuringNZ]

What a fantastic review. Awsome footage. Love the slow mo in the mud

[@advlife]

Thank you! Mud is always fun :)

[@Charlieenmoto]

Amazing Video !!

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

Someone that has finely given the 390 it’s true potential off road . Watch MVBDR ( Nat on her 390 with other half Josh on his T7 ) she takes that bike we’re most ADV riders wouldn’t. But she did invest in Spoked rims , crash bars and bash plate . Obviously a new channel “ fantastic job mate “ , good to have sound Aussie content.

[@advlife]

Cheers mate! A baseplate is a MUST for sure.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

@@thelonewolf666 depends on the type of off road you do and how fast you go throw hard terrain.

[@Flatlower]

@@thelonewolf666 2023 has spoked rims...but i never seen a 390 with bent cast rim in Colorado trails. Most people don't even has the skills to push the bike that far.

[@bullsharkdb]

Outstanding shooting Love the KTM 390 adventure Greetings from Argentina

[@advlife]

Hey there Argentina! Thank you and I hope to visit there someday and ride around your beautiful country.

[@robdotcom71]

I wouldn't mind getting one these.... I'm 50.... and this would probably be a good pick as a starter bike and something to use up in the Flinders Ranges.

[@terryperrier2893]

I love my 2020 KTM 390!!! Bought new in Oct. 2020 for $7200CAD. Great bike for the price. Stator went this past August at around 18000km. It was repaired under warranty. Got 22000km on it now and 70% of that milage was on dirt roads, logging roads and bush trail in La Belle Province du Canada...otherwise known as Quebec. But all good things come to an end...next spring I will be riding an Aprilia Tuareg 660!

[@advlife]

You've definitely got a lot from the 390 and the Tuareg is a brilliant next choice. Would love to spend time riding in Canada someday!

[@thetrailwaychildren]

I've just got one of these brand new in the uk. I normally ride dirt bikes but have never enjoyed the bigger adv bikes. Hoping this will be the perfect compromise between travel and trails for my longer trips and will make a great bike for commuting

[@advlife]

Happy riding mate!

[@Khmersupra]

is it what you thought or hoped to be

[@aaron8106]

Any update?

[@travelinben1966]

I’d fly mine down under on Quantas,tear up some trails, and wash down the dust with an ice cold Fosters.Thanks for the review on this cool little bike! 🇺🇸🇦🇺

[@advlife]

Great idea! Always up for a ride with quality folks. We honestly don't drink Fosters in Australia BUT, we have a LOT of other beers to share after a good ride!

[@robdotcom71]

Stay away from Fosters... LOL. Try Coopers Pale Ale or something else.....

[@JabboRockets]

I just sold my 390 but it's an excellent bike. Heaps of fun, plenty of power and features. Great review.

[@advlife]

Thank you! I just came off a four-day ride in difficult, wet conditions and a rider on a 390 finished it all just as happy as all the riders on bigger bikes.

[@wasimakram4145]

Did you upgraded or you didn't like it?

[@JabboRockets]

@@wasimakram4145 I really liked the 390, I still think it's the best equipped adv bike for the price. I bought the KLR because I really liked the look of it and it's more comfortable for longer trips. I'm still not sure if it was a good decision to sell the 390 😅

[@Davidlouis3]

Brilliant bike

[@2WheelTT]

Nice camera work and riding on the TKC70's no less. One of the better overall insights as to what the 390Adv actually is. Patiently waiting on delivery of my 2022. Thank you.

[@advlife]

Cheers mate! Hope the wait isn't too long!

[@2WheelTT]

@@advlife Feb/Mar so not too long especially considering Oregon's weather. I've owned 24 bikes in the 54 years I've been riding and ridden a lot more..... this bike just looks to be great versatile entertainment for the dollar! Thanks for your review, Cheers mate!

[@Onyx0690]

Awsome review! Greetings from Serbia 🇷🇸

[@advlife]

Thank you and welcome Serbia!

[@LifeMyWay007]

What would you consider "mandatory" upgrades for a 250 pound rider with gear, riding mostly street but often off of pavement (nothing crazy though lol)? I'm gonna start say start with Risers and/or a new Bar, Wider/lower Foot Pegs (anyone found an economical yet good set?), but what about Suspension? Way too soft at that weight? Anyone have an Economical yet worthy front and rear suspension recommendation? Anything else to consider while deciding to purchase a 2022 or not?

[@mitchellburton7230]

Great video! I've owned my 390 for a year now and the only thing I would add is that if you're a taller rider you'll find it pretty uncomfortable to stand on the pegs. I'm 6 ft and I find myself almost falling over the handlebars when I get into the really gnarly stuff. Otherwise it's a sweet little cruiser and an awesome way to get into the market!

[@basedpatriotLT]

Yes, you can not stand comfortably on it and ut is a HUGE let down/mistake. I read that this alone discouraged many buyers and made them choose competing adv

[@needcd3628]

Can the handlebar raisers help for this problem

[@LiveLNXgaming]

@@needcd3628 them plus replacing the pegs is one of the first mods most people make and then its fine.

[@needcd3628]

@@LiveLNXgaming oh man. I should have studied about it a little more. I just went with RE Himalayan instead of ktm 390 adventure just due to this reason. Pretty happy with the bike but now i wonder what i have missed

[@LiveLNXgaming]

@@needcd3628 honestly, if you love the bike you have then you dident miss anything. It's about the fun and experience you have.

[@interstellarv0id]

$9390 in Australia and $10600 here in Belarus. I want to send a globe as a Christmas gift to our dealership to help them resolve their logistic issues

[@glennboy66]

Waiting in anticipation for the 2025 390 adventure R with 21/18 and proper off road suspension

[@googlenutzer1188]

Very good review, I own the bike myself and I enjoy all the positive features you mentioned. Talking about the price, round about OZ 2000$ more than here in Germany....wow. All the best and regards from Munich.

[@advlife]

Great to hear from you Germany! That’s a big price difference. But everything costs more when you have to ship all the way downunder I guess.

[@googlenutzer1188]

@@advlife That's right. But the bike is "Made in India" :-)

[@motorbright]

Nice video, I was looking at another Cfmoto 450Mt but this bikes looks good. Can you tour on it? I think the lighter smaller bikes have come a long way and look like a good option for the older crowd.

[@mindfulrider]

I would like a lot of comments on sustained long hours on the highway to get to those off road adventures too.

[@krummdiddlyumptious1784]

I’m so close to trading in my 2019 dr200 towards one of these. I wish I had got one in 2020 instead of the dr but the Suzuki is a blast to ride regardless.

[@advlife]

That DR will outlast civilization! They're mighty little machines.

[@garyteague9555]

That dr will be going when this 390 is worn out

[@MrT-ig6tx]

Im 5ft 6 do you think ill fit the bike ok?

[@aditya.ishan27]

Would you like to try and review the new KTM 390 adventure SW version one. It got tubeless spoked wheels and adjustable suspension.

[@advlife]

Have spoken to KTM about this and may ride the new 390 soon. Thanks!

[@TheGercek53]

Greetings from Turkey mate, amazing video. I wanted to buy ktm and i spoke well over 20 current ktm owners and all said the same thing, after 5000 km back suspension explodes and during the rain water leaks in to screen. Did you experience any of these?

[@advlife]

Hey mate! I didn't have the bike long enough to discover anything going wrong, but those stories don't sound great at all.

[@AlRodgers]

Great video! Sold me on getting one. You didn't say how tall you are and you you fit on it

[@advlife]

180cm

[@vogelwild382]

I like long trips and need some reliable bike. Does anybody know about going 5000 miles without any issues with this bike.

[@QueEstaPasando_YT]

I work in sound design and let me tell ya, someone made me see the bike for what it is, based solely on take angle and track design/selection. Was already getting the bike anyway but now i feel overly confident in my decision! What a great production overall, and awesome bike. Well done!

[@advlife]

Thank you so much Drak! It really is a very capable little bike.

[@ayounghosh9218]

nice

[@shivamg3738]

Nice :)

[@888jimmy]

Nice review mate. Thinking of trading my 2022 TRK502X for one of these?? TRK great bike but find it a little too heavy / bulky in slower & rough off-road tracks. Interested to hear your thought between the 2 bikes? Cheers 🍻

[@advlife]

Good question mate. I've spent a fair bit of time on both bikes and would go the 390 over the Benelli. I like the Benelli's engine and found the bike super comfortable, but its geometry is off and the forks aren't great so it struggles to corner offroad, wanting to push straight instead of tip in. Also, I had a few things break on the Benelli and I didn't ride it anywhere near what I took the KTM into. That said - both are built for more dirt road riding than serious offroad tracks. As a weekday commuter, they're both good but the lightness of the 390 makes it a bit more fun on the streets. Bottom line - I'd go with the 390 over the 502X.

[@888jimmy]

Appreciate your insight. I had a CRF250L which was great off-road but too under powered on-road. Then I had a SWM SDX. A good bike also, but a little too much of a pig on road. I want something that can commute comfortably to work and then on the occasional weekend be the off-road warrior. Where are you my unicorn bike! I was going to try more aggressive adv tires on the 502X. Like you say I think the 390 sounds the better way to go. Cheers 🍻

[@advlife]

@@888jimmy Might be worth having a look at Honda's CB500X too. It's a great all-rounder 👍

[@ericstephenson3607]

Don't they do a spoked wheel version?

[@advlife]

Sadly not :(

[@KevinLearAdventures]

Can I ask, what height are you and weight please - I am being offered one to have an adventure but I am 6ft 3 and 15stone and wonder if I might be too big?

[@advlife]

5'11 and 15 stone. You might feel a bit cramped

[@Weltbummler23]

Will the 490 replace the 390? Or will they keep making the 390 when the 490 arrives?

[@advlife]

Good question. The 390 is EU5 compliant so I think they might keep both at least for a couple of years.

[@Weltbummler23]

@@advlife yeah thats what I figured. This means the new 390 R with 21" and 18" spoked wheels is likely a 390 Enduro R model. Don't see them continuing the 390 adventure after 2025.

[@James-jd7ik]

Great review of this under sung little 390 KTM. This is primarily a ‘road bike’……with its cast alloy wheels and its ‘front wheel hugging fender. One of our top Adventure bike journo’s here in Australia, Dave Darcy ( Mad TV) crashed and broke, collar bone, ribs and a leg, due to having the wrong front mud guard set up on his KTM 690. If it rains in the ‘Aussie Outback’ things quickly go ‘Pear shape’ and becomes a sea of mud !! Once mud accumulates under a ‘low mud guard’ mud can set like concrete and spontaneously ‘seize’ your front wheel, result, you go down hard !! Don’t believe me ? watch Dave’s Simpson Desert Crossing episode. Just saying.

[@creamcookies8022]

This channel is so fckin underrated xDD

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

I really wish someone had told me about these before I got my crf 250 l last year. A glorified moped and none of the features , comfort , or power of these for the same cost damn near.

[@advlife]

Good point...the 390 does offer a fair bit more than a CRF250 when it comes to tech

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

@@advlife yeah the ability to go 55 without it having to be down a hill with the wind behind you would be nice. Now if I can just find one of these it would be great. But that seems to be impossible.

[@advlife]

@@SticksAandstonesBozo Mate finding bikes these days is a nightmare!

[@coachpato]

Great review. Whats your height?

[@advlife]

5'11 (180CM) mate

[@___SSS___]

Made in India 😍

[@luissantos4264]

Assembled in india!

[@anthonyperkins6364]

Is the 390a good fit for a 6’2” person ?? 230 lbs ???

[@advlife]

Beginner or experienced?

[@anthonyperkins6364]

@@advlife I am an experienced rider , last bike was an SV 650 in 2008. I motocrossed for 25 years.

[@crigar001]

LA PRIMERA FALLA DE ESA MOTO ES QUE SOLO SIRVE PARA CARRETERA ES UNA MENTIRA PENSAR QUE SIRVE PARA ALGO MAS.

[@user-bz1fp2tf4j]

Greetings from Russia🇷🇺 What is your height? Am 180 cm, will this KTM comfortable for me?

[@advlife]

I'm about the same height. It's absolutely fine sitting, but I'd consider bar risers - noting too high - to improve the standing position.

[@petervanoosterom2794]

Hey mate, what’s the panier setup you have on that bike?

[@advlife]

They're were actually KTM bags from the Powerparts collection mate. They were pretty good too.

[@crigar001]

Me perdonaran pero esta moto es mas naked que adv como la quieren vender y eso que algunas publicidades la quieren hacer ver casi una trial, sobre todo en Latinoamérica cosa q no es. lastima por los que caen en eso. ES UNA NAKED.

[@leonrawls892]

I wish KTM would give us a 390 adventure R! With top of line suspension but not the electronic crap! And no nanny crap! Get rid of the BULLSHIT electronics and put money in suspension! My 2013 KTM990SMT has better suspension than anything new I have ridden! I have have set it up and I can adapt to different conditions! That's the RIDER and don't need a DAM computer controlling my DAM BIKE!

[@Finnv893]

Just run to your destination, your legs have built in suspension called ligaments and electronics called neurons.