2020 KTM 390 Adventure Review | First Ride
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- Опубликовано: 20 окт 2024
- The 2020 KTM 390 Adventure is small in displacement but is mighty on and off road. Cycle World puts this $6,199 small-bore adventure motorcycle to the test.
Third gear, flat out, pitched sideways, and standing on the pegs on an uphill sandy wash road I thought, Yeah, I could be very happy with this bike. And would I have plenty of cash left in my pocket to travel. KTM’s 2020 390 Adventure may only have 373cc, but it has plenty of big-bike attitude. This isn’t a beginner’s-only, low-spec and -tech affair. No, this is a motorcycle befitting KTM’s Adventure badge.
Quinn Cody joined me for the first ride of the 390 Adventure. Cody is a four-time Baja champ, Dakar racer, and is now an R&D rider for KTM. His input shaped much of how this smaller adventure performs, especially when it comes to suspension and handling. For me, this is where the 390 Adventure shines. Cody has helped KTM move away from soft, street-focused suspension settings that compromised off-road capability and performance.
And it’s a great direction to take, the 390’s 43mm WP Apex fork is stiff enough to handle some serious off-road, albeit at a sane pace as you still only have 170mm (or 6.7 inches) of travel available to you. Compression and rebound damping is adjustable via clicker knobs at the top of the fork caps. The baseline setting handled dirt roads and small bumps with ease, a few more clicks to the compression (right) side added a bit more resilience when the going got rough.
At the back, a WP Apex monoshock is mounted directly to the aluminum-die-cast lattice-form swingarm and supplies 177mm (or 7 inches) of wheel travel. It is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping only, but I had no valid complaints. Yes, you will bottom the suspension if you ride it like a dual sport, but even when you do, the rear doesn’t buck sideways and forward control is maintained. The 390 Adventure can handle any terrain put before it as long as you attack it at the proper speed.
Street handling does not suffer for off-road ability. Suspension balance on the street makes for a planted and very taut ride on the road. At 387 pounds fully fueled, the 390 is light and agile, easily tipping into corners on the 19-inch front and 17-rear cast wheels fitted with Continental TKC70 tires. Communication from both ends is great, especially considering the 50/50 dirt to street composition of the tires. I feel the off-road-level spring rates actually help with bike balance and fore and aft weight transfer when acceleration and braking.
KTM also helps the rider out in the two aforementioned actions with big-bike-level rider aids. Although there are no rider modes-you don’t really need them with a rear wheel output of 37.5 hp and 23.2 pound-feet of torque as measured on the Cycle World dyno-there is lean-sensitive traction control that has two options: on or off. Lean-sensing also applies to the ABS braking system that has an off-road mode that turns off the ABS to the rear tire for sliding in the dirt while keeping the ABS engaged at the front. You cannot turn the ABS off completely-one of the only gripes I have on the bike.
Braking performance from the Bybre units was excellent. The front 320mm slowed the 390 with authority and communicative feel on the street while still having a light touch in the dirt. Rush into a dirt corner too fast, however, and you will quickly find the dirt-ABS setting is not as refined as on the bigger KTM Adventures. One blown corner and desert detour was all it took for me to remember.
KTM’s plucky single lifted from the 390 Duke is highly entertaining and gives enough motor to get down the freeway. Although you will be buzzing the engine pretty high up in the digital tach at a California-normal 80 mph. Top speed will break into the triple digits if you have the wind at your back. The power is lower than the last 390 Duke (40.5 hp and 26.1 pound-feet), yet the torquey nature of the 390 Adventure’s engine is a blast on twisting roads and really comes into its own in the dirt. Forward thrust is only limited by the TKC70 tires that do like to spin up when the dirt is loose. More aggressive tires would really wake this thing up in the dirt.
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Read the full review of the 2020 KTM 390 Adventure on Cycle World: www.cycleworld.com/story/bikes/2020-ktm-390-adventure-first-ride/
The more videos I see on this bike I really think this may be the "one" for me! Thanks for the video!
Did you go for it? I'm thinking the same thing, starting to win me over from the cb500x
I pulled the trigger for both me and my son. I absolutely Love it!
@@billfinch800 Sounds awesome hope you two have lots of fun!! 😎
Same I can’t stop looking this bike up and watching reviews. Also love the duke 790 but would really like to get into some off road adventures. I’m am curious how buzzy it is at say 80 miles an hour
40-45 BHP and 35-40 Nm Torque is enough for a light adventure bike. I bought it. Loved it. Though Indian version of it doesn't have adjustable Suspensions which is a letdown considering it was developed here.
Just waiting for the R version. Longer travel suspension and spoked 18/21 wheels and KTM have nailed it.
agree...and how light can they make it? under 300 lb for the same price and you won't be able to keep up with demand (one dual sport to rule them all)
@@mjp431982 Supposedly a 490 is coming let's see
The dual sport to rulem all is the 690 enduro r, keep in mind this come from India, and its one of the primary markets in this size of bikes, and there they don like to go off road the way western people do, also the price it’s a deal breaker, if you throw in WP xplore suspensión and spoked wheels will be 1 or 1.5k usd more.
@@davidrespect6471 yeah and its sepeculated to be a parallel twin (270 crank ofc)
@@BBR-sp5qt yes, this bike is developed in India but the Indian version doesn’t have adjustable suspension (biggest letdown) or brembo discs (Bybre instead). They really did cost cutting there. Even in 2022 model they didn’t launched the international market version of it with adjustable parts. India is packed with people so you can’t open the throttle wide open whenever you feel like to… that’s the main reason the smaller displacement bikes (125s, 200s, 300s CC) are very common in India. Though 650, 800, 1200 cc (Suzuki, Triumph, BMW) are present in India but what will they do with that much power in a people packed country? So unfortunately I had to buy 390 ADV with no adjustability. Even Honda CRF300 is not in the market.
Iv avoided this bike while considering dual sport bikes. It caught my eye quite a few times, but due to its styling I shyed away. Well, after seeing how he put this bike through the ringer in the dirt and sand it has changed my mind. Put some more aggressive tires on this bike and it can probably keep up with other dirt oriented dual sports. I wanted the street comfort motorcycle that can be abused off-road without harming the motorcycle. I guess the 390 is it. I don’t plan to bush wack but mud holes and rough single tracks with the right tires looks like it would be fine in this.
This looks like good competition for the BMW G310GS. It'd be a great commuter bike during the week with some weekend camping trips on twisty divided two lane and gravel fire roads. I've always liked the 300-400cc thumpers and I love that it seems the world is moving in that direction and we're getting some very nice features in these new bikes. I love that KTM provided a 3.8 gallon fuel tank. Personally, I'd like a 5 gallon tank. I'm sure the after market will supply parts and accessories to make this more off road capable - pegs that allow a proper standing riding position, beefier hand guards, spoke wheels, etc. Those wanting a 21" front wheel and more than 7" of suspension will need to wait for the R version that is apparently in the works.
On the KTM there is:
- adjustable clutch and brake levers
- cornering ABS with off-road mode
- traction control
- slipper and assist clutch
- TFT display with BT connection to a smartphone
and KTM MY RIDE Navigation app
- adjustable compression and rebound damping on the front suspension
- 7 Nm more torque
- 10 hp more power
- led lights front, rear and flashing lights
- 35 kg more load capacity
- ride by wire trothle
- quick shifter pro (as an option)
And, right, without all those features the BMW is 400 € cheaper (in Europe).
This bike can easily handle what you described. Put some aftermarket parts in it.
- barkbuster
- continental TKC
- bigger windshield
- footpegs
- 1-2 inch handlebar risers
- saddle stay
- sprocket in rear
- may be rear bigger suspension
And this little beast will take you to where you want to go. It's a fun little bike to play with.
@@travellorgy - I tried to look at the KTM 390 Adventure just before buying the G310GS but the local KTM dealer only stocked the KTM off road bikes for some reason. Even though the KTM has some nicer features, I'm glad I git the baby GS. I'm concerned about KTM Race Ready Reliability. I'm also not a fan of orange. :-)
Being in Greece which has had a recession for 10 years, I thought this bike was expensive for 400cc. Comparatively to the competition though, I think it's actually the best value, given its equipment
thank you great video, I trading my Versys 300 X in for the KTM 390 Adventure and glad to see you think it is a step up. See a lot of video between the KTM 390 Adventure and the Honda 500 X bit nothing comparing it to the Versys 300 X.
I just bought one same year in auto, so far love it...
Good review! Looking forward to have it available down here in Brazil.
do they make spoked wheels that bolt on? or from another bike line... saw one review where they bent the stock mag wheel...
if it had more suspension travel and ground clearance i'd consider it over my crf250l rally.. and 21/18 spoke wheels..
Picked up my KTM 390 Adventure about a month ago got 3,500 + km on it and loving it. I went with the Dunlop TrailMax Mission tires and better hand guards and waiting for the better bash plate, all so put the GIVI trekker 33/46 hard bags on, and heated grips, finding it great on the paved roads as well as the gravel and dirt roads, waiting for the better bash plate before taking it on much single track. The only complaint I have is that the low fuel light comes on at 250 Km and after putting 300 Km on still have 4 liters in the tank, which will give me more than another 100 Km It would be nice if it did not come on till 300 Km. Just do not like the low fuel light flashing when I still have over 150 Km to go.
Looking for a bike to commute with daily & take off road on occasion... Looking pretty nice imo.
It does its 0-60 is pretty much the same as my old heavier 58hp cb 500honda.Though it has higher topspeed than the ktm. That was fine n fun to scratch off the metal of that bike on twisty roads(thoughi it's a small people bike, low). You don't miss power but could go bit faster sometimes and you keep it on max Rev. Can't imagine you'd miss anything at 40hp offroad, just Rev it
I was looking at a CRF250L Rally but the KTM has more features and twice the power for nearly the same price.
Are crash bars and hand guards standard in the US? Have you tried the quick shift option?
Standard for the US
Excellent review, thank you.
Could be a good stablemate for my F850GS.
Nice handling in the sand there at the end.
I would much rather have a motorcycle built by Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki or Yamaha than a KTM. The reliability of the “ big four” is world renowned as opposed to the offerings of KTM. If Honda was to build a proper small displacement ADV motorcycle I would feel comfortable buying it. KTM... not so much.. I do off-road rides quite far from the cities and the reliability of the Japanese machines trumps KTM every time. Im sure that if the Japanese built a bike as capable as this little KTM it would cost $9,000 instead of $6000. Nobody wants to pay 9k for a small displacement ADV bike.
Bike looks great. Have one on order here in BC
Awesome review! Seems like a great motorcycle!
I want one
Have ‘23 sw version. Great little bike, likes it best when you ride it like ya stole it!
Where can you get it serviced , the'rs so few service places .
Amazing review... 👍 Awesome bike.... 👍
Sir how is it when low end torque can we change its sprocket.
You keep saying for Americans , can you get it with snow tires ......for the Canadians? I've sent inquires to 4 dealers here in Ontario Canada to get a quote to buy one. Not one dealer has responded, their website state they have them in stock . Maybe a dealer will see this and contact me. I have An 2016 Africa twin I have to downsize because it getting heavy or maybe I'm getting old and my brain is not keeping pace with the body .
Good video, answered some more questions I had thank you .
Can you add Cruise control like you can on the 790?
Its an option - replacement LH switch cluster and software activation. Check out the KTM configurator
Sure sounds like its a winner
Was contemplating between buying KTM 390 Adventure v/s BMW G310 GS. What is your recommendation?
if u do more road go for the bmw, if you prefer more offroad go for this
@@lucassoares4084 thank you
in india it doesn't come with front adjustable suspension.
not too thrilled and disappointed in how it came out! i was expecting a more traditional adventure bike in the same line as a 690 with an 18 sized rear wheel and 21 front wheel and then follow it up with an enduro and supermoto models a more traditional KTM bike that poor riders such as myself fantasize about owning. this model is just a regular comfortable standard model a more comfortable duke model. in fact this model should be named Duke Touring model. its what it is.
Could this bike handle a KTM Adventure Rally?
India model does not get adjustable suspension and we hate it..
This is NOT the bike people wanted. We all want the 390 motor in a EXC-F frame. Wish I could work on the KTM design team. I'd take a new 500 EXC-F...fire up the cutting torch...cut the 500cc motor out...fire up the welder...weld the 390 motor in its place. It be a CRF450L killer! It have 3000 mile oil changes! It would be super fun! Also, I'd sale it for less than $7k, in the U.S., out the door!!!! KTM would have 100% market share for adventure/enduro!!! Is anyone listening?
Good review what’s that bike standing next to it
It's an adventure 790 that they are making a hardcore version of.
Just bought it ;-)
How it goes so far?
@@dusanjovanovski8752 Its was great, but I ride a 790 Ade. meanwhile ;-)
Has ktm addressed the over heating issues of the 390 engine?
Wicked Woodsman I think it has a bigger fan and radiator.
It’s got 2 fans and a curved big radiater than the 390 Duke
HAVE they now? THAT'S the issue.
Pena que não encontro essas filmagens em português, porque afinal eu estou no Brasil,
It is better than the CB500X?
How is it in the highway? Is it buzzy at 80 mph?
It's a single cylinder. Very minor buzzes. Not a huge problem.
Ought to be a great small ADV & get newer riders into the genre.
For India its big not small adv
Great video thanks 👍
is there a cruise control button on the right handlebar?
No, cruise control isn't provided.
I like this bike for a commuter.
I am in the market for a commuter, I had an Africa 1000 1 year ago, and this 390 is making me thinking... Do I need a huge engine to enjoy going to work?
@@Vilmir power you don't actually use is just weight.
It's more like touring bike than offroader..front suspension is not gud for offroading..I'm case my suspension is not gud.. highway touring it's superb..130- 140 km/h for day
Well explained!
Bet you enjoyed riding in Borrego!
Can anyone ship adjustable Suspension to India ? In India they're giving Quick Shifter but the shocks are non- adjustable
I bet those forks are made in India too. Just try to find some contacts in BAJAJ/KTM production line.
Those footpegs look too me like the $150 accessory parts, not stock.
I can confirm: this footpegs are stock (I bought me this motorcycle).
1080p?
Thanks for including real measurements with the metric stuff. Its appreciated so most of us in the States can reference/visualize what you're talking about.
Can‘t help noticing the MC GARAGE
Hi, the protection bars are optional or are included in the price?
Standard on U.S. version.
Standard across countries. I own one and I'm loving it.
"It's...pretty good."
That means it's not good.
ktm went to bed w cfmoto, now we have this shits comming out and quality going down
Means its worth the price just has limitations offroad. Unlike the 790R, with hardly any limitations offroad but $15K.
@@Sustrii The motorcycle is made at Bajaj
@@shyamganeshkandasamy and you can't see the problem?
Pretty good means it's good, but it could be better.
how does it compare to BMW G310GS ?? I'm pretty much confused between them..in my country the KTM doesn't come with adjustable front forks but with standard quick shifter and auto-blipper which is not smooth and crappy.. can u plz do a comparison between the G310GS and the 390 adv?
According to foreign reviews: sufficient lower end torque and very flexible engine.
Indian reviews: insufficient torque .
@@SuperImbadude I was confused by the same. Low end torque not having enough grunt is an issue reported by Indian journalists.
@@SuperImbadude how can indian journalists say that when people in India think the Duke 390 is too much engine and a death trap....
@@tomvarghese1770 sounds like Indian guys are not passionate. Just commuters. 40hp in a, 390single cylinder is alot. Of course it revs high. Low-end? No sport rider ever demanded low-end punch. That is something only found in oversize engines or when you got 50hp more than you'll ever use.
Honestly I think, in India, BMW has very limited service centres compared to KTM. so if any issue arise, BMW may be in trouble when you are traveling distance. I have no experience with BMW by so far. But I think, 40bhp for a bike is good enough if someone is not doing illegal speeds or going to a racetrack. Now passion is everything. So rest of the power is just all about passion.
Otherwise, KTM is providing it as a real bang for bucks. No other company provide this amount of materials and power at this price. Price is lucrative.
MSRP on a DR-Z400 is $6749, $550 more than this.
@matty d No doubt. But it's still hard to justify its price.
What I'd contend is that the "better street bike" edge of the KTM is even bigger than the "better dirt bike" edge of the Suzuki. Especially if you put any value on electronics, etc.
do us a favor and sit that ass on a 5 year old duke (125, 250 or 390) and then come back and say w a strait face that is a good bike and is worth the price
@@Sustrii You seem grumpy. Go for a ride.
@@stevemillerecon doing it atm!
I don't know about moving out from a versys or honda 250 Rally. I would rather any of those bikes instead of this 390. It does have things to its favor like the ajustable suspension.... But for example suspension travel isn't enough and the wheels seem to belong to a Street bike rather than a dual purpose one. On top of other things too, I just don't like how it looks and I seriously doubt of its realibilty.
It looks like is a very good bike but with engine which has major issues with overheating and leaking head sealant....shame
Well, the 390 adventure comes with 2 radiator fans and big curved grille. :)
Acho essa moto linda, quero saber mais sobre ela, tenho interesse mas não entendo o que estão dizendo nem se tem revenda na minha cidade ,Porto Alegre rs Brasil
Nice 👍🏼
1:35 how tall is this guy?
XD
6´7"
still made in India ? right
Yep
Yeah, that's why Price has come down upto this level. Just like, Royal Enfield 650 twins. Same case here.
On paper I think this is going to take the G310GS and eat it’s lunch all day long...
In my opinion ktm makes great bikes but the ugliest bikes
Yup. I had a 690 Enduro ; great on dirt, but ugly as hell. That's why I now own a Triumph Scrambler 1200... Better on long distance, just as good on dirt and makes chicks swoon
In what que world the Dukes serie has ugly bikes?
Who else out there wants to trade their 390 Duke for one of these!!!?!!!
Yeah, I am a little sour that I bought a ‘19 Duke 390 and now this came out. I like the black wheels better than the orange but all and all I’m happy with my Duke. I’ll be upgrading to a 790 in a couple years and I have to decide between the ADV and the Duke. We’ll see.
You can see why KTM is really moving up in selling bikes.
new 2022 version is $6799 + $800 destination +$500 setup + $543 nys tax + $300 miscellaneous dealer fees= almost $9000.....so much for MSRP. fucking bullshit.
Seems like a great tourer, but it's just not an adventure bike
Kindley gift 4me ktm390 adventure 4me
Made in India, no thanks.
I use to be like that. But after seeing the new Royal Enfields, boy, those are some nice bikes. You should be happy these are built in India even Thailand as these smaller profit margin bikes are not going to make financial sense to be built in the US of A.`
@@conceptcs I had a CRF250L made in Thailand, dropped it on a trail and found they had epoxied a bunch of garbage together under the fairings. I couldn't remove a broken tail light base to replace it because of the epoxy. I gave it to the dealer and told them to fix it under warranty, that way when they melt something trying to take it off it's their problem.
They use adhesives because they know the workers can't be trusted to assemble fasteners correctly.
@@aluisious oh so your bike doesn't have a single bolt in it? The whole bike is glued together? Have you visited factories in India and Thailand? The level of automation is more than japanese/Italian/American made bikes. Simply because while italian/japanese factories churn 1000s of bike a year. Indian and Thailand factory churns out million.
Ktm has its name on it, they are not going to build a pile of shit. What do you expect for such a low price
I don’t think it matters anymore- as long as the manufacturer backs you up, it doesn’t matter - remember back in the 70’s when everyone described Japanese cars as “jap crap”? Things move on. The Asian market is the biggest in the world, and companies are building more and more in India/Thailand/Philippines, so for the market it’s in, it makes sense. Taiwan made bicycles are world class, 15 years ago they were considered shit. Triumph build 95% of their output in Thailand..