KTM 390 Adventure and its Ugly Truth

Hello, and welcome to the episode! We are Nick & Jo, a married biker couple who loves to share our life adventures with you. In this episode we, explain the shortcomings of the ktm 390 from our point of view.

We would love for you to join us on this video! Hope you enjoy it, Please like, comment, and subscribe. Until then, We've been Nick & Jo, and we will catch you on the next episode! Ride safe.

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Nick's Motorcycle:
2021 KTM 390 adv

Jodie's Motorcycle:
2023 KTM 390 Adventure

Our cameras:
DJI OSMO ACTION 3

Our Helmets:

Location, Suffolk East Coast, UK

#ktm #390adv #motorcycle

[Interbeing_CDN]

While it is no unicorn, the little 390 Adventure is a bike with character. I do appreciate much of what you say, and also found some of your comments to be surprising. I live in South Central Texas where we have frequent temps over 38 degrees C and I have not experienced any warping of the plastic tank, or other plastic bits. Also in regards to the servicing of the bike, here in the US at least, tie-in-sales provisions are not allowed under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which means that as long as you properly perform the required maintenance as scheduled, regardless of where it is performed, the warrantor cannot void the warranty. The warrantor can, however, require you to use certain items or services if those items or services are free under the warranty. My dealer informed me that as long as I keep records of my DIY maintenance, and keep receipts of all parts and supplies, my warranty is not affected, unless it can be proven that my work was the cause of the malfunction. While the exhaust is ugly, it is functional, and I actually appreciate the quietness of the motor, especially when heading out early in the morning and not waking my wife. I do wish there was more ground clearance and that manufacturers would route the exhaust up high like on traditional scrambler type bikes, but from my understanding because of emission controls, catalytic convertors and resonators are needed, this is found on many small bikes, including Honda, Kawasaki, as well as KTM. The resonator can be bypassed with 3rd party products, and there are also exhaust end caps available which will give you a much better exhaust sound, and a small increase in HP for around $100 if you wish (i.e. BDSB), this may affect warranty though. As far as power and vibration, the 390 loves to rev high, and produces its maximum HP over 8K RPM, unlike RE's and in my experience, the vibration seems to be smoother at higher RPMs. I cannot speak for the long term durability of the bike, it is certainly not in the same league as Honda in that regard, but the basic motor has been around awhile. The Quickshifter is a bit of a ripoff, but this trend of having a SW switch is not unique to KTM, many other manufacturers are doing the same thing. I have ridden for over 50 years, and now at 65 years old, have sold my motocross bikes, and big GT's. I do about 50% of my riding around town as a commuter, and the rest of my riding is about 25% off the interstate doing about 65-75mph (100-130kph) on state and county roads, and the other 25% on gravel, dirt, and some two track trails, with occasional weekend bike camping. For this, the little KTM is perfect. There are a number of suspension and exhaust mods I have planned once off warranty, but even stock, with a proper bash plate and foot petals, it is a very serviceable bike and has been a hoot to ride. I hope you find your ride, maybe the Honda CB500X is in your future!

[gavinjones]

i agree with you on the quality of bolts etc. (chocolate) and the seat not being the most comfortable. I can`t agree on it not being up to long journeys, I recently had to take mind to the french alps, (2000miles) after having an accident on my Super Tenere just before the trip. It was faultless, and the fuel economy was fantastic (75 -80 MPG). Mine had vibrations to begin with but after about 1500 miles they eased up, at 70mph i have little or no vibs. I have to say that aside from the KTM service/warranty I am very happy with the bike, so much so it is my go to bike now and the Super 10 gets little use as a result. Keep up the good work.

[lunarluna]

I agree with you on the fastener quality. The manual is pdf and can be downloaded and is very comprehensive. My bike feels pretty smooth but I am used to thumpers. I think the stock seat is better than many bikes costing much more. 4k miles on mine so far and loving it.

[tommyNix]

I have a 2023 390 Adventure and haven't experienced many of the problems you described. I had a little trouble finding neutral when it was new, but no problems now. The bike does have some vibrations that I find a little distracting. Other than that, it has been a great bike for me, and I would buy it again.

[robbcraig]

I think your comments are on the harsh side. Mine has never let me down and is confy and fun to ride with no sign of wear and tear after 8k

[perfectlynormal]

I agree that KTM's policy of giving you things and then taking them away unless you pay more is outlandish.

[yowser]

Bought one of the first ones out. In a short time, I also bought several assorted boxes of Chinese stainless fasteners... every time I take a fastener out... usually replace it with stainless. Best Dualsport Bikes used to have a replacement end cap. It really altered the power output of the engine... now it pulls much lower down in the RPM range. Living in the Western USA... bars, skid plate, mirrors, 'comfort saddle', tires, chains/sprockets etc.
Other than that... it's basically a dressed-up Duke, it performs fine for it's 'intended' usage.

[chriswest]

Ive had a 390 duke 2019 for 35k kilometers now. No real issues at all. The duke has a metal tank so no issues there with deforming.
I would say the most annoying thing is the heat from the fan contantly running. I kive in a hot tropical country and the fan is nearly always on.
The seat comfort isnt good after about an hour in the saddle.
But all in all. Its been a great purchase. Perfect little down bike. 👍

[guystevens]

Hiya. Yes have a 2021 model. White and orange. Done 4035 miles. And yes neutral is a bit lol yes. Vibes I can live with. Yes the exhaust is crap. But I have a nice one and said it before don't Need to spend loads on a Akrapovic. And every one is built differently so comfort may differ. 😊

[brettwicks]

We've all been down this road in buying a bike thinking this is the one, only to be disappointed after a short time of ownership, unfortunately, it can come with an expensive learning curve to find the right bike again, and a lot of times you have to buy without a test ride if you are keen on a certain model of bike, and issues are only noticed after a short time of ownership . As i am aging now, and with all my aches and pains, its more about comfort now , ease of maintenance, lighter, smaller capicity bikes, and hopefully with some quality in the build , rather than more cc 's, more gadgets, and more tech . I recently purchased a new YAMAHA XMAX 300 scooter, what a ton of fun that is, great bike, does everything i need in a bike, easily does all speed limits, and ive had many bikes like you, including a few BMW GS/A s . In all honesty, if i could only have one bike to own now , ide go a decent scooter, but i still have a few bikes at this stage still in my life that i can choose to ride, not down to one bike only yet . Take Jo For a test ride on a XMAX 300, im sure she would like it . Take care you guys, and
all the best on your next rides .

[DJ-vlim]

At first I disagreed with your video. I just bought a 2023 of the same model and I’ve driven a few hundred miles. I love my bike a lot. For the money it’s by far a solid value. But as I watch the video you brought up very legit points, the muffler is got awful ugly so I spray paint it black cause I don’t wanna spend the money for a different one. The maintenance schedule is not that bad so having to go to the dealership isn’t too painful thank you for the video.

[rexeverything]

Ive got a 2020 duke 125 i bought it used it came with ktm zip up folder, manuel, leaflets etc even got an orange ktm pen. I think the build quality is pretty good, you talk of vibrations i dont feel any i ride it for hours, i literally rag the living daylights out of daily, fantastic little bike cant fault it at the moment, its covered 6000 miles so far, i do my own servicing not paying garage prices, handles and stop really well. Each to there own i suppose, maybe the 390 adventure is made to budget im pretty confident the duke isn't.

[simonbowen]

We can all find issues with our bikes and but once rhe negatives outweigh the positives its time to go.

[stevephillips]

I have a 2021 390 ADV and I agree with every one of your points.
Particularly the seat. Mine has the 'Comfort' seat option and it is anything but comfortable. I'm putting a sheepskin cover on it like my Guzzi, what a difference they make!
The quick shift isn't as useful as you would think and a complete rip off!
The plastics are not very durable I have a cracked retainer tab on the front fairing already and it isn't due to trauma just flexing.
However the price was well below the opposition and because I am used to well sorted road bikes and only go offroad once in a while (I live in Western Australia), I find it the perfect compromise.
It's road manners even at the limit are impeccable, I'd have to get a 390 Duke to better it.
It can overtake at the limit and will always do 450kms+ to the 14L tank.Even when I flog it.
I like the fact that it weighs 30kgs+ less than it's closest rivals. Which means when I drop it (and I've dropped it a few times on back tracks) I can pick it up without straining a foofer valve.
Mine was a low Km 2nd hand and came with the full touring pack of Carriers, Panniers, expandable Top Box and tall screen. So I am set for a while.
I did add crash bars and they've paid for themselves already.
I think mine is the Indian made version and haven't had issues with soft bolts.
I will fabricate a new exhaust for it at some stage (I'm a welder) and get rid of some of the restrictions as well as making it sound like a motorbike instead of a 'bucket of bolts' being shaken.

[dougbach]

I have one and love it. Sorry you don’t like it. Sell it and get what you want. I’m also getting a 890 SMT soon.

[erkutgurun]

Thanks for the video. The 5 things I hate about my 390 adv are, vibration, hard seat DESPITE having bought the comfort seat, wimpy and ugly exhaust, and lack of power (just needs 10hp more) to travel within cities, and the disgusting quickshifter packet price. IT's a great bike despite. The off-road capability depite them using a Duke chassy, extreme fuel efficient, extreme fun to rev and ride hard, and great looks (especially the spoke wheel version), nice dashboard, cornering abs, traction control, extremely powerful front brakes and other things I may have forgotten. I use my own free quickshifter on this bike. Just completely close the gas and change gear without clutch. It works up or down. Just MAKE SURE you turn off gas for that milisecond just as you change gears if you don't want to destroy the bike. By the way, the comfort seat drastically cuts down on the buzz below your butt, and keeping the plastic on the footpegs somewhat cuts out the buzz on your feet. I'm sure the vibration will decrease with use. But despite it being a great bike, just coz It's not got that umph as far as going upto 140km/h in 2 seconds (this bike does that in 4 seconds) to overtake, I'll be considering either the KTM790adv, Honda Transalp, or the Honda XADV 750 or perhaps a Triumph 900 GT PRo.

[nedasbertasius]

I am an old school guy .and when I purchased my bike from KTM I was so exited that I noticed they didn't give me any manuals and booklets week after and I call them 😅

[taelerpfenning]

Bros mad about the appearance of the exhaust, you bought it😂

[phil]

Quite a shame that KTM isn't what it used to be. Perhaps thr 390 is just a "cheap" bike trading on the name but it would then turn you off buying one of the bigger models. The Royal Enfield has similar restrictions re servicing and warranty but in Australia, at least, so long as it is serviced by a qualified mechanic the warranty is valid. Warranty repairs still have to be through an authorised dealer.

[weddincoyote]

Just wanted to add to the discussion.

Vibes - Im a little on the fence. I have ridden a mash x trail 650 which is also a single cylinder bike. It is much more viby than the ktm. The ktm is so much smoother than any of the 125cc bikes I have owned bar a honda cub 125cc. Its buzzy at 8k and over. Yet to see how I feel about it over a long ride.

Exhaust - yeah its ugly and its quiet. I have no issues with the sound as i need it to be quiet for where i live and yeah its ugly but I dont look at it when i ride. What I can say about the exhause is that its a bit of a pain to clean.

Servicing - its expensive so my plan is to service at the main dealer untill warrentee is over then look at getting it serviced at a cheaper garage once its up.

To be honest I like the bike, its fun and nippy. Great for city and backroads. Dash is super easy to read. It also fits me which is something i find difficult with most bikes. I have really bad outurned feet and its one of the few bikes that I can use the rear brake pedel without serious modification or going down the scooter route.