One year overview of KTM 390 Adventure

An overview of my KTM 390 Adventure, showing modifications and what the bike is like to live with. For reference I’m 5’10” 200lbs.
My Gear
Helmet www.cyclegear.com/gear/bell-m...
Jacket www.cyclegear.com/gear/thor-j...
Pants www.cyclegear.com/gear/thor-t...
Boots www.rockymountainatvmc.com/ri...
Knee protectors www.cyclegear.com/gear/alpine...
Chest protector www.cyclegear.com/gear/alpine...
Hip protection www.cyclegear.com/gear/oneal-...
The motorcycle
Fuel controller powertronicecu.com/product/fu...
Skid plate www.t-rex-racing.com/2021-KTM...
Radiator guard www.ktm.com/en-us/parts---wea...
Seat www.ktm.com/en-us/parts---wea...
Chain guide www.ktm.com/en-us/parts---wea...
Mirrors www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pa...
Rear tire www.cyclegear.com/tires/shink...
Chain www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pa...
Handlebars www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pa...
Phone mount www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pa...
Spools Xitomer Aftermarket POM Plastic Swing Arm Bobbins/Sliders/Spools M10, Fit for ZX-6R, ZX-10R, Z1000, Ninja 250/300/ 650R, Versys 650, ZX-14, 1090/1290 Adv a.co/d/dRM2nBx
Bar raisers JFG RACING Dirt Bike Handlebar Riser,Dirt Bike Adjustable Handlebar Risers Bar Mounts Clamps CNC for 125 SX/150 SX/250 SX/250 SX-F/250 XC/300 XC/450 SX-F/350 SX-F/350 XC-F/200 EXC (Black+Orange) a.co/d/eHnuQhh
Screen protector Speedo Angels Dashboard Screen Protector for 390 ADVENTURE (2020+) 1 x Ultra Clear & 1 x Anti Glare a.co/d/3QD2S4k
Headlight guard Motorcycle Headlight Protector Guard Cover Protection For KTM 390 ADVENTURE FOR KTM 890 790 ADVENTURE S R 2019 2020 2021 Abajur frontal de motocicleta a.co/d/8VPftkw
Engine guard www.t-rex-racing.com/2016-202...
Exhaust dominator.pl/en_US/p/KTM-390-...
Pannier racks: www.carpimoto.it/en-US/Bike_K...
Bags: www.carpimoto.it/en-US/51364_...
Top rack: www.carpimoto.it/en-US/Bags-T...
Top rack mount: www.carpimoto.it/en-US/Bike_K...

[@TheKopfFamilyAdventures]

Nice thorough and honest overview!

[@realzeti]

Thank you for sharing your upgrades. I have made similar upgrades to my 390 and very happy with the results. Most importantly, you are riding the bike (unlike other youtubers). I did upgrade to Dominator HP1 exhaust, and totally agreed on the amazing sound. I'm planning to replace my wheels to spoked wheels, if/when my cast wheels bend - don't think that will happen soon. The '22 models have Offroad traction control settings which does not disables the TC, but subdues it a little (like a delay), this allows for some wheel spin. Of course you can still disable TC. I have (purposefully) rode with full TC on and yes the bike will stall but the best remedy is to keep your revs higher and modulate the clutch, which is how dirt and dual-sport bikes need to be ridden anyway. Of course 390 doesn't have low enough gearing to provide better torque; I have not changed the sprockets. Watching some of the Indian youtubers and the places they take these bikes, proves that the problem is with how some of us ride this bike and not totally bike's fault. See you on the trail!

[@matthewkopf6243]

Thanks. The 390 is a great bike and I think overlooked by too many. I hope KTM can make an R model without the price exploding.

[@Tyr1001]

nice review, I discovered all of the same problems with mine as you did, it seems. I'd really like to see a guard or something for the shifter and rear brake, because as you pointed out theyre soft and no one makes good replacements. the two times I've gone down on the trail, I've bent the rear brake. I did replace the plastic cylinder guards as well, since I had little confidence they would do much

[@timmy24540]

I'm an old guy (62) and looking to downsize the Tiger 800. This bike is on the top of my list and seems to fit the requirements, light, just enough power, just enough technical stuff, and probably a blast to zip around on. I'm done with the tough trails, and I'm getting old. Just need to get a test ride someplace to make up my mind. Btw, I also have a 690 R and plan on keeping that one, it's just too much fun to ride around on. Maybe this 390 will convince me to part with the 690..thanks for the videos you've posted. ✌️

[@gsrider214]

hum sirf prabhjot paaji ke fan aap toh humari rajjo raani hai good job brother

[@erlynnerly8989]

Nice view!

[@tatatatarata4429]

Great flick. I have this bike. Orange one. Love it

[@makmoto0606]

Glad to know you're having a great time with these great bikes!

[@wassabee001]

Considering getting a 2020 model, read that some ppl experienced their bikes stalling often, have you had any issues?

[@ramblingram1373]

Thanks for your review, I've been between the 390 and the yamaha xt250 for my first bike. It's like the 390 I could drive to the trails the other I could load in my truck and haul to the trails.

[@makmoto0606]

If you’re not looking to do anything very technical or radical off-road I think you’re getting a much better deal with the ktm. Has more versatility and room for growth. But if you just want a cheap trail bike I recently talked with a xt250 owner and he was very happy with his. However if you want something in between I’d look at the klx300 or Crf 300L. Thanks for watching!

[@brockjohnson4116]

@@makmoto0606 I have a WR250R will need a bigger fuel tank and (seat maybe) for longer trips

[@WadeMade]

Great video, thanks!!

[@matthewkopf6243]

Appreciate that!

[@WShep]

@@matthewkopf6243 Yeah thanks for the video. I was doing my research because I was working on a trade for a used one with my dealer. I was all ready to go ahead and crunch numbers after seeing your video but ends up that he sold it. Bummer! I have a Royal Enfield Himalayan and was hoping to pick the 390 up so my son and I could do some BDR's. Unfortunately, it will have to wait. Fingers crossed next year I might try and get a Norden 901 unless another good used deal pops up. Happy adventuring!!

[@makmoto0606]

I’d say if you’re thinking of a Norden 901 and you can stomach the price get the Expedition while you can. Looks like a great value for the added price. All the additions are worth way more than the increased price in my book. I’m just not sure about a bigger bike like that for myself, and my riding.

[@WadeMade]

@@makmoto0606 Definitely! Fingers crossed I can come up with the cash.

[@renatolourinho2636]

Great overview of your bike! Big fan of your customization choices. I should be getting my 2023 this month and I'm going in a very similar direction to yours. One thing I'm curious about - all that weight up top by having a rear rack, pannier racks and tank bag. Do you think it makes it a bit too tipsy? I'd definitely consider the T-Rex bash plate if it was available in Europe. Can't find it, so I'm going with the KTM powerparts one, not as protective but it's the lightest

[@matthewkopf6243]

Thanks! My tank bag is just miscellaneous stuff, nothing heavy and if I’m out riding hard I don’t carry much on the back. The racks are pretty light and I don’t make much of a difference. When I go on a trip I’ll be sure to have very light items on the tail rack. I’m excited that you’re getting a spoke wheel model?

[@renatolourinho2636]

@@matthewkopf6243 yes, spoke wheel. Trading in my Yamaha XSR900 as I'm looking to downsize. Simpler single cylinder maintenance, single front brake rotor. Much smaller road tax for sub-500 CC bikes here in Portugal. I waited for news on the supposed to-be-in-development 490, but since that was axed and spoke wheels are a good value added, I just decided to go for it. Also I'm at peace with an engine that has 10 years worth of public road development versus a brand new engineered piece. I distinctly remember how problematic this engine was in the RC & Duke when it came out.

[@makmoto0606]

I’m sure you’ll have a great time with that spoked wheel version, enjoy!

[@rustyupton168]

Givi airflow windshield...best w/s ever, I've had a bunch

[@human1513]

Nice video. Never a waste of time when working on your own bike(s).

[@makmoto0606]

Thanks!

[@edz0314]

nice review...

[@SmokinZen]

KLX300 great dual sport

[@gregjoubert5118]

Just came across this. Great video and insights on the bike. I may have missed it, but did you mention your height? I am really interested in the 390 but many reviews say it is not great for taller riders even with risers and peg lowering.

[@makmoto0606]

I’m 5-10, 200lbs. I could see if your above 6ft that it might begin to feel small, though I think it has enough flexibility that bars would fix most of that.

[@chasingtrail]

Knew I recognized The Lookout from the thumbnail. I'll be getting another ADV soon, let me know if you ever want to ride!

[@johndefalque5061]

I want to get a scooter or minmoto next year and take up camping in Quebec.

[@Brian.A.Simmons]

Great looking bike! I have been thinking about getting one to add to my stable. My problem is dumping money into these bikes. I wish I could find a bike that I don't have to spend any additional money on. I'm also thinking about the Kove 450 Rally. Cheers 🤙

[@makmoto0606]

HAHA! Yeah it does feel like a lot of mods and money. I'm planning on doing a video going over everything I've spent on my bike and perhaps breaking down what is necessary and what was a waste. My gut says I'm still far from more expensive bike, especially if you consider even most of those bikes need many of the same accessories.

[@slakk5093]

Every bike needs mods, especially adventure bikes. The most frustrating thing with the ktm390 is spending $200usd on flat foot pegs 🤦‍♂️

[@jona1475]

I had same bike nice ride

[@makmoto0606]

Thanks, did you get something else?

[@airfoil]

Nice video and mods. 11:05 though - your chain looks dry and dirty. Granted the OEM chain isn't the best quality; but periodic cleaning and oiling will go a really long way in lengthening chain life. Chain alignment and correct slack are also important. Cheers.

[@makmoto0606]

Haha, well that is actually the brand new chain, with the factory coating. So it was properly lubed for an o-ring chain. But I did maintain the original chain, cleaning and lubing it. Thanks

[@martyn_g]

I went from a DR to this, as I wanted something more street oriented till I’m off restrictions and could buy a 690. The 390 is a lot of fun through the bends, but I wouldn’t bother taking it off road - the suspension is awful on a bumpy road, and the engine doesn’t like low revs. This bike is more of 390 Duke “GT” - bigger fuel range and more comfortable seating position

[@makmoto0606]

Yeah I’m sure if you’re used to the torque of a DRZ it is a step back. But I’ve had decent results adjusting the forks to do well with most bumps, just not jumps.

[@6699noa]

I disagree I ride mine offroad regularly

[@Dani-hh3qd]

Suspension is not awful, it’s your opinion. In my opinion this is great balance between tarmac and offroad. Clearance could be bigger but it’s not meant to be an enduro…

[@erkutgurun]

Great video bro. Thanks. You might want to save up and get ready to sell your bike towards the end of 2024, and beginning of 2025 since KTm I heard will be bringing out a R version for the 390 Adventure. This bike as you say is no more than 5-10% light off-road, the main reason being, since it's using the Chassy of the 390 Duke, I cannot get the ground clearance it needs.

[@makmoto0606]

Will be great if that happens!

[@ThomasJacker]

kTm for bad BOY . evil bike 👍

[@Dani-hh3qd]

I’ve had this bike for a year now pretty much stock and am now doing similar mods. To me you nailed it with yours! Would you say 14T front sprocket is recommended if you do 80 road/20 off-road?

[@makmoto0606]

I’d say if you don’t need the bit more low end for off-road and you’ll be on road 80% of the time, I’d probably leave it alone. Bike will be just a little more at ease on the highway and get you better mpgs. Thanks!

[@Dani-hh3qd]

Thanks for the reply! I got another question. It looks you got a black spacer at the upper mount of the can. I just installed the same exhaust yesterday but I didn’t have that piece. Was it included with the system? I bought mine second hand

[@makmoto0606]

@@Dani-hh3qd Actually that exhaust spacer came with the Givi pannier racks. Cool idea from them that lowers the exhaust so they don’t have to put the panniers so far out. That’s another great thing about those panniers compared to others like the Tusk setup I’ve seen. They keep your bike narrow.

[@Dani-hh3qd]

That’s really cool! I got a KTM powerparts top rack with a mosko moto setup both of which I got second hand for a good price but if I ever decide to switch I will take the Givi setup aswell!

[@Dani-hh3qd]

Are your crash bars KTM Powerparts or Givi?

[@MrAST834]

if you don't care about looks Madstad is the best windshield money can buy, Givi airflow is also very good and cheaper.

[@joealtona2532]

👋 Might be a false alarm, but I noticed a missing nut where the skid plate mounts to the right crash bar.

[@makmoto0606]

Thanks. Yeah I must have been too gentle and not torqued a few fasteners down enough and lost them.

[@yuriyishchuk4515]

Hi there , is it good to go around 110/120kmph? What fuel consumption should i expect? Not sure if i should buy a ktm 399adv or a cb500x

[@makmoto0606]

No problem at those speeds. You’ll fuel consumption with go up. At higher speeds I might see around 50 miles per a gallon and at lower speeds up to 60-65mpg.

[@wassabee001]

I’m considering getting a 2020 model, read lots about those models stalling often. Not sure if the North American specs have the same issue ?

[@makmoto0606]

My 390 and Svartpilen 401 both can be pretty easily stalled in stock configuration if you’re not being careful. The fuelx controller totally changed that and now it’s very hard to stall.

[@sumtingwong4693]

At 15:25 I noticed that your crash bar nut was missing. I am sure you noticed it by now though =)

[@makmoto0606]

Yep. I had a couple rattle loose after doing some work on it. Unfortunately I skipped the lock tight

[@leeinwis]

All about accessories this should be called .

[@human1513]

What is your weight, leg inseam & over all height as this will help me learn how I would relate to the Givi windhsield / wind for example.

[@makmoto0606]

5’10”, 205lbs, 32” inseam.

[@human1513]

@@makmoto0606 Thanx. I am near that but skinny. LOL.

[@gtnhawd]

Hi what brand is the panier and rack ?

[@makmoto0606]

Sorry, added links to in the description. Givi: Pannier Racks: Givi Pannier PL7711 for KTM 390 Adventure Bags: Givi Bag GRT720 Top rack: Givi Rack EX2M in Top Case Plates Top rack mount: Givi Rack SR7711 for KTM 390 Adventure

[@trailrider1980]

I bought a 390 adv last week. It takes 2-3 times to start up for the first ti m e during the day or cold. Do you experience the same?

[@makmoto0606]

No I don’t recall such an issue. Perhaps they’ve changed the fueling in newer models.

[@tomfagro6744]

You have to let the fuel system prime..... turn key on.... turn kill switch on and wait like 15 seconds... you'll hear 2 distinct "priming" cycles... each one you'll hear a click. Hit start button after 2nd priming cycle.

[@trailrider1980]

@@tomfagro6744 they just replaced the fuel pump and throttle body. My issue was more than just letting it prime.

[@brockjohnson4116]

Maybe I missed the part of your foot peg change? can't recall it (pivot)?

[@makmoto0606]

Still riding stock pegs. I don’t mind them.

[@scottsmith1897]

Notice any extra noise with the T rex skid plate ? I have another brand and have a hum and its annoying as hell.......

[@makmoto0606]

Once it’s properly installed it’s good. But you have to do a little modification if you’re using the KTM crash bars.

[@scottsmith1897]

@@makmoto0606 yeah would stiuck with factory bars...... mods are no issue..... I just hatethe vibes of the one I have now and the noise...... granted the motoz ralz dont help much either........

[@nickreboot7466]

Having a hard time deciding between the 390 and the cb500x. Planning a RTW trip and want something smaller than the mid weight bikes to get off the roads more often. currently on a 800gs and it feels cumbersome and not really made for anything other than fireroads.

[@makmoto0606]

I'd say go with the KTM. Better part of a hundred pounds lighter, the new spoke wheel model is same price as CB500X, but 500 doesn't have spoke wheels. If you don't care about the wheels find a 2022 390 and it will probably be thousands less. Near me they're 5700$, crazy good deal and then you have plenty of money to farkle out your bike for the trip.

[@packfan1946]

I had the same dilemma before I purchased the 390 cause it was more off roadable than the CB500X. The Honda has more power, a bigger gas tank, low compression motor for regular gas, but no skid plate and no spoked wheels and no TFT display with different riding modes and its more a road bike than an ADV bike like the 390. It was a tough call. I like the orange and black color scheme on my 390 better than the olive and black color scheme of the Honda. Olive green is the color of my downstairs bathroom which makes me wonder who at Honda is making these goofy color earth tone color choices. I would have bought the Honda if it was red realizing that a skid plate, crash bars and spoked wheels will cost over $1500. You can't go wrong with either bike. I hope I helped.

[@makmoto0606]

@@packfan1946 🤣 I thought the same thing when I saw the new Trail 125 is some Olive color this year instead of the classic red.

[@johnnygeorgopoulos4072]

Just so you know, a "-6db difference", if a correct reading from the manufacturer, is effectively HALF the audible sound, seems people don't understand the way sound works, every 6db is twice, or half (whichever way you're going) the amount of sound....so if correct, that -6db reduction is pretty big lol.

[@makmoto0606]

I understand but even at the most reduced level it is borderline for me. Don’t even want to know what unrestricted would sound like.

[@johnnygeorgopoulos4072]

@@makmoto0606 🤣 I agree, there's certain engines that sound fantastic through a good exhaust and louder than typical, then there's some that shouldn't be that loud because it's just straight annoying, single cylinders are one of those you really can't make sound great 😅

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Binge watching a bit to catch up on your content. Have you set up a Reddit account in your channel name? Don't put your video links but chat in the threads for Enduro, adventure bikes, KTM 399 threads etc. Let them know you have more examples or info on your channel then put the name without link. Also asking for feedback on your videos, mods in your videos etc.

[@packfan1946]

Why not just use the 12 volt socket on the bike and an usb adapter to charge you phone on power other devices like a Garmin. it's what I do on my 2023 model.

[@makmoto0606]

I just wanted the extra option and avoids needing an adapter. But definitely more work than I expected for such a seemingly simple addition.

[@packfan1946]

@@makmoto0606 I bought a 2023 390 ADV and its fine except for stalling sometimes when sitting at a stop light. Did you experience this at times?

[@makmoto0606]

@@packfan1946 No, I think at times it might stall when taking off. My Svartpilen which is still stock did that to me recently. But My 390 now has the FuelX control and runs very well.

[@captsam54]

Where is that your riding??

[@makmoto0606]

Chappie-Shasta off-road park outside of Redding CA.

[@CristianGheorghita]

Lots of information in the video, too bad it has a very poor narrative, actually boring. Cheap Amazon "fixes" for most of the things that don't actually need replacement.

[@vinniemax8274]

Too much unnecessary details

[@holden3083]

What do u mean? Eg. Give examples

[@discoveror9576]

Pointing with your middle finger is offensive and RUDE ... think about it

[@makmoto0606]

Why is it offensive?

[@discoveror9576]

@@makmoto0606 it looks like flipping the viewer 'the bird' ... visually distracting, at BEST. If you can't curl your fingers and point with your index finger (normally), using a pointer (pointing device) would be FAR preferable. Also, the video was less about the bike than accessories, you installed on it ... making the 'Subject' rather deceptive.

[@makmoto0606]

I’m sure you don’t believe I was intending to offend any viewers. I think people are smart enough to know the difference and that I mean no offense. I just don’t see why anyone would miss interpret me pointing with two fingers to giving the bird, and I don’t see any reason to inconvenience myself to please any possible person’s proclivities. Thanks!

[@zoolzoo4434]

@@discoveror9576cry some more kid

[@leesops710]

Lol cry the bird really only pro butt hurt people notice that.