Why is it so hard to find neutral on a KTM 390 Adventure?

Hey guys just a quick video on some adjustments I've made that make shifting way more enjoyable and also makes finding neutral every time a cinch.

[@alexdesamsonow822]

I’ve seen so many comments, on different channels, where people were complaining about finding neutral on the 390 KTM. One of the things that I really like about the bike , is how well the transmission shifts. The quick shifter isn’t the best I’ve seen, but my point is that I’ve never had problem finding neutral. 😎

[@MiguelMejia85]

Contrary to what you say in this video, not having free play means you could be not fully disengaging when leaver is released, cause the cable may still have tension on it. Every Motorcycle has a correct amount of free play recommended by the brand. Never heard of no free play.

[@thorstentrapp274]

It's a common problem with them...got the same issue myself. Try pushing the lever a bit to the center of the bike while pushing it up from gear 1...still not easy, but helps a little.

[@cossiedrifter]

Okay. So you adjust the clutch with... DEEZ NUTZ! 😆

[@roywilkie9577]

seriously! its taken me like 3-4 times trying each time.

[@C.A.MARSUPIAL]

Never had a problem with my Duke 390. I assume it's the same gear box. Gentle foot movement does it for me.

[@davidireland6952]

i just picked my new UK KTM390 Adventure today and have had no problem hitting neutral tbh..the only problem i have is missing the gear lever due to how short in width it is and how close it is to the motor 🤣 I will get used to it, but what a beautiful bike to ride, so light and flickable on road, definitely a bike that will embarrass bigger bikes on the twisties once it is run in 👍😁

[@Ntmoffi]

Yeah I have a 23' and finding neutral ain't that hard. I had a 700 gs before it. I had a heck of a time finding neutral while that bike was running.

[@pablo.michelin5362]

Two KTM’s here a 1290 Super Duke GT and a 500 EXC both are difficult, the 500 vertically impossible. With the SD I tend to knock it into neural as I’m slowing down coming down the gears from second just before I stop, otherwise I’m going from 1st onto 2nd a few times if stationary. Then there’s the 690 my previous bike which are known to have two neutrals one between 1st and 2nd and another between 5th and 6th 😂

[@KTMrider214]

Any tips for a 2022 ktm 390 ? Tired of looking like a dumbass trying to park finding neutral and clicking 30 times before I find neutral

[@nickreboot7466]

Just got my new 22' going to have to give this a whirl! neutral doesn't exist on my bike currently..

[@raydenny7197]

Is the Duke 390 different because I've never had a problem ever. It's just a very light foot movement. Gentle.

[@SheepGoat390]

another thing i have noticed is after i switched to Motul oil its makes a big difference on both my ADV and Duke 390s YMMV

[@alanwarren5846]

If neutral becomes hard to find, I change the oil, usually does the job. I think the old oil becomes sticky with age. I change the oil every 5000 kms regardless on the 390.

[@furadride852]

My bike is new and I changed the oil 1200 miles ago.

[@MrEtnorb]

You should try a KtM500. Virtually impossible to find neutral. I have given up and restart it with the clutch lever pulled in. It would be a disaster to ride one on city roads.

[@danbevis8297]

My 2020 500 is the same. Biggest annoyance.

[@DutchCountryBoy]

Very informative, thank you for that. I do have 1 question: what kind of levers do you have (brand, type, model)? I’m looking for a replacement of the stock ones, especially for leavers that are closer to the handle bars, as I am “short handed”…😂

[@furadride852]

hey hey these are actually chinese ebay levers but they're not closer to the bar unfortunately. Actually a little farther out by maybe a 1/2 inch.

[@discoveror9576]

on mine, it just takes a GENTLE push (up or down) ... barely touching the lever, rather than a gear-shifting KICK.

[@Tyr1001]

what levers are those? I looked everywhere for some shorty's after replacing the stock bar and handguards, but found naught. Ended up chopping and welding the billet levers down

[@furadride852]

They're actually just chinese levers off of ebay.

[@xanderFoxHound]

True

[@Hammerhead812]

IDK, never had this problem on mine. Sounds like "operator error".😜

[@appymarley]

Never had a problem with mine works perfectly everytime....

[@MyloMusica]

Just got a new 390 2023. The shifts feel clunky and sound hard. Is it normal?

[@niallroad7777]

I have a 2022. Changes (even selecting 1st) were clunky until I'd 3~4k miles. Much smoother / quieter now.

[@67daltonknox]

It's a KTM thing.

[@furadride852]

It's not. But that's what the video is for.

[@glennmcguire5571]

What foot pegs do you have? I'm looking. Thank You.

[@furadride852]

Ah those are Rival. Black Dog Cycle Works also makes nice pegs. They're more expensive but they're about a half inch lower if you're really tall.

[@Ntmoffi]

There's also NiceCNC that makes some pegs under $100.

[@myherokills7676]

What chain guide you using?

[@myherokills7676]

and foot pegs

[@furadride852]

lol chain guide is BRP from rottweiler. The pegs are by Rival.

[@RSourav_Dey_SINCE_1998]

​@@myherokills7676 thats footpeg emoji is just perfect 😂