Adventure bikes are supposed to be road biased. Get a dual sport if you want something that rides well off road but not so good on the road. Get an adventure bike if you're gonna TRAVEL
@@lightweightadv I have never liked the way a dual sport feels on the road , feels wrong to me . I tried living with my wr250r but it just wasn't my thing on the road the wobbles and cornering mostly
The 390 Adv riding position can be fixed with replacement flat pegs & bar risers. The low power frustrations can be improved with a 14-tooth front sprocket and a Fuel X. Everything is right then.
Just passed a year on my 390, and taking it up/down some rough tracks around the peaks without too much of an issue. Got some lower pegs on their way so will see what that does for the ergonomics. Happen the test ride the Nordon at Judd the other day (they mentioned this video!) and the power comparison is interesting. I didn't find first and second that much quicker pushing on, but as soon as your up in third and got moving it's a lunatic... But actually that makes the 390 more usable/fun for me, on the road.
Hey buddy, yeah I have to admit I (Jamie) was really impressed with the 390 on the trails, have you done some of the more technical trails with yours then? How was it for ground clearance? I really liked the power of it personally both in and off the road. One consideration is always the KTM reputation for reliability unfortunately, I would like to think that they have sorted it much better in the new bikes
@@lightweightadv the 390 has been very solid for me reliability wise. They basically had a brand manufacturing plant in Chennai for them and that comes through in the overall build. Nothing loose, engine sounds/feels same as new a year later. No signs of rusting or anything either. Yeah took it up with Boyd in various lanes and did everything my mate with a tricked out CRF could do (and I'm not a particular experience offroader). You need to feather the clutch more and keep revs higher, but if you're reasonably confident the engine doesn't bog down like lower CC bikes when things start getting steep. Basically point it in the way you want to go, plenty of brap, it'll get up there. I'm switching to Big Block tires soon too so we'll see how that goes. Might join you one day for a blather about it! (Will email)
Just completed 1 year with my 390 2022 model... Boy oh boy what a machine it is.. a capable mile muncher ... I did a 500miles road trip on it... Started at 6AM and reached the destination at 4 pm.. Was able to ride 150-200kms easily on the 390 in a single strech
@@lightweightadv The BMW BMW 1250 GS is 17/19 as well. I would have thought it is pretty standard for adventure bikes, but maybe not for a “dual sport”.
@@lightweightadv It could be, I’m not arguing over which is better, just that I don’t think it is too odd. The 2023 has spoke wheels, which I think is odd for its class. I’m stuck with the cast wheels on my 390, of which I’ve already had to replace the front - which is why I don’t totally trust it for travel.
Alright fellas? I love, love my 390. If your not too tall it is really easy to set up the riding position so it is better riding standing up. With lower pegs and the bars rolled forward a small amount it actually has a similar standing position to a FE450. It responds well to angrier tyres without destroying its road manners. Probably because it is relatively light compared to say 890s or t7s it is much easier to take through pretty ruff terrain despite its lowish ground clearance and small wheels. Reliability has been impeccable so far ( 16000km). I test road the 890 a while ago and it was amazing. Im glad I went for the 390 though due to its low weight and relatively low cost. If you ever end up in Sweden you are more than welcome to come and have a longer test on my 390 and fe450 if you want. Have a great weekend. Paul
Great to have a "first hand" report from someone who has made the 390 work off road 👌🏻. Also, good to hear about the reliability. If we head to seeded, we will look you up for sure 👊🏻😎
Good work chaps. Had a KTM spent more time fixing it than riding it. Never again. But everyone has their own manufacturer/version of that story. Perhaps I was just unlucky. I think the bigger one would be great for the adventure tourer - mostly road blasts and occasional light off road.
I prefer the T7, it's more spacious. The 890 was great when sat, although I found the pegs high. Stood up, it would need quite some adjustment to feel anywhere near as comfy as the T7 👍🏻
@@lightweightadv thanks man.. Im bitween t7 and tuareg.. I had for 4 years xt660z tenere and i sold it with the idea that ill go for t7.. But after a ride i find it little bit uncomfortable and kind of small.. But i trust Yamaha and i think with some risers and better seat ill find my spot.. Tuareg specs and comfort are better but i thing that Yamaha will win at the end!
Just had a day on a beta 390. I think it’s the same engine as the 390 but set up as an enduro . Amazing just amazing. I was a bit worried this might be a slightly one eyed review but you absolutely nailed it with appraisals at the end.
I thought the jew beta engines we're 100% beta? Likewise the 390 CFMoto. To be honest, they're all made with many shared parts these days. I'd be interested in trying the Beta, I've heard good things 👍🏻
Haha yeah, they weren’t the hardest trails we’ve ridden and that’s always a bit of an issue when they’re someone else’s bikes. I think they are both pretty capable off road but certainly much more comfortable on the road 👍
The 890 is arguably a better road bike than the T7, but why is a T7 better as an offroad bike? Isn't that just marketing? Suspension travel is the same, stock suspension quality is probably also similar, ground clearance is the same. Weight is roughly the same. Ergonomics can be optimized easily. I am asking this as a T7 owner, with which I join (light) enduro rides, and it is great for that, but I'm not overly happy with the onroad performance and comfort...
The ergonomics on a T7 are far superior for off road riding for me. Pegs and tank positioning make a big difference. The engine/gearing is also better suited in my opinion with its low down grunt. That said, the 890 was very very good off road, and better on the tarmac. It's all marginal differences too, but might make someone choose one way or the other
I think it’s funny that you consider that “off road”. 😂 Many of our roads here in the US are unpaved gravel roads and are in worse condition than that. And they are used for every day travel. Our off road trails (which those bike are very capable of handling) are far more rugged and technical, muddy, sandy, rocky. Pick any goat path in any of the fields around you there and that would be an easy “off road” trail by comparison to ours. ✌️
Yeah, I guess we're blessed with a pretty good road network in UK. This is a mild track even by our standards, you guys are lucky to have so much space to play on
@@lightweightadv not even the slightest! i am using the pirelli MT21 rallycross front and rear., and my bike is my daily commuter and weekendwarrior! On road it's ok, but i am willing to give up that bit of comfort to give it all on offroad. I did 6hours of highway 3 weeks ago, and i wouldn't want it any other way. Cause it meant i had a lot of fun on the French TET. If this all makes sence.
Haha...I went the other way around now owning a 390Adv. Watched countless reviews, but still didn't know how it feels off-road. Well, I was disappointed...no fun for me. If you want to have an all in one bike the CRF300L is better imo. So, I quite like the 390Adv for touring and easy dirt roads, but I now need a 2nd bike covering off-road riding.
I just sold my 390 to help fund my new business venture, I really loved it but when I decided to go down to just 1 bike there's no way I could've parted with my beloved 530exc 🥰😆
@The Lightweight Adventurers it was fine on easy stuff, but on loose rocks I struggled personally. It seemed to prefer being ridden hard but I'm not an aggressive rider
Having had a 390 - (upgrading to a 690, because I did have a DR) low speed handling is a bit pants, because it doesn’t like 1st, and the suspension is mediocre- doesn’t like bumps- the vibration that goes through the bike is rubbish when you hit one. It’s really a 390 GT, not an “adventure” bike. My DR would eaten it alive off road. 690 for me - it’s a modern DR.
Interesting to hear the other side of the experiences. Seems like the 390 is a bit of a marmite bike. How old was your 390? I thought the suspension worked well on our 23 model.
Worse review l ever watched.105horsepower,l think"Something as important and the power of the bike you are reviewing,you cant be sure of that.Turn back because of a puddle on a bike that is designed for adventure,with 200mm suspension travel.😅Common girls,you can do better.
Adventure bikes are supposed to be road biased. Get a dual sport if you want something that rides well off road but not so good on the road. Get an adventure bike if you're gonna TRAVEL
That's an interesting take. We travel on dual sports. Our next planned trip is around 6000 miles 🤔
@@lightweightadv I have never liked the way a dual sport feels on the road , feels wrong to me . I tried living with my wr250r but it just wasn't my thing on the road the wobbles and cornering mostly
The 390 Adv riding position can be fixed with replacement flat pegs & bar risers. The low power frustrations can be improved with a 14-tooth front sprocket and a Fuel X. Everything is right then.
Just passed a year on my 390, and taking it up/down some rough tracks around the peaks without too much of an issue. Got some lower pegs on their way so will see what that does for the ergonomics. Happen the test ride the Nordon at Judd the other day (they mentioned this video!) and the power comparison is interesting. I didn't find first and second that much quicker pushing on, but as soon as your up in third and got moving it's a lunatic... But actually that makes the 390 more usable/fun for me, on the road.
Hey buddy, yeah I have to admit I (Jamie) was really impressed with the 390 on the trails, have you done some of the more technical trails with yours then? How was it for ground clearance? I really liked the power of it personally both in and off the road. One consideration is always the KTM reputation for reliability unfortunately, I would like to think that they have sorted it much better in the new bikes
@@lightweightadv the 390 has been very solid for me reliability wise. They basically had a brand manufacturing plant in Chennai for them and that comes through in the overall build. Nothing loose, engine sounds/feels same as new a year later. No signs of rusting or anything either. Yeah took it up with Boyd in various lanes and did everything my mate with a tricked out CRF could do (and I'm not a particular experience offroader). You need to feather the clutch more and keep revs higher, but if you're reasonably confident the engine doesn't bog down like lower CC bikes when things start getting steep. Basically point it in the way you want to go, plenty of brap, it'll get up there. I'm switching to Big Block tires soon too so we'll see how that goes. Might join you one day for a blather about it! (Will email)
Just completed 1 year with my 390 2022 model...
Boy oh boy what a machine it is.. a capable mile muncher ...
I did a 500miles road trip on it... Started at 6AM and reached the destination at 4 pm..
Was able to ride 150-200kms easily on the 390 in a single strech
Hey man, yeah, it was certainly very comfortable on the road 😎
My BMW F850GS has a R17 rear wheel/tire and 21 front. I still take the CRF250L when I head for anything technical. Light is right!
Well, there you go! Perhaps it isn't as odd as I had thought 😅. For technical, light is most certainly right 👊🏻😎
@@lightweightadv The BMW BMW 1250 GS is 17/19 as well. I would have thought it is pretty standard for adventure bikes, but maybe not for a “dual sport”.
Hmm, perhaps. Transalp (2023), T7 and 890 are 21/18 however. Hives a hint towards it's intended use. Also a marketing lever too 🤷🏻♂️
@@lightweightadv It could be, I’m not arguing over which is better, just that I don’t think it is too odd. The 2023 has spoke wheels, which I think is odd for its class. I’m stuck with the cast wheels on my 390, of which I’ve already had to replace the front - which is why I don’t totally trust it for travel.
Completey agree, both have pros and cons, I just think it 'places' a bike in the market. I definitely think the spoked wheels are a great upgrade
Sorry what size was the rear wheel on the little one ?
It's a 130/80-17 👍🏻
A weird one!
Alright fellas?
I love, love my 390. If your not too tall it is really easy to set up the riding position so it is better riding standing up. With lower pegs and the bars rolled forward a small amount it actually has a similar standing position to a FE450.
It responds well to angrier tyres without destroying its road manners.
Probably because it is relatively light compared to say 890s or t7s it is much easier to take through pretty ruff terrain despite its lowish ground clearance and small wheels.
Reliability has been impeccable so far ( 16000km).
I test road the 890 a while ago and it was amazing. Im glad I went for the 390 though due to its low weight and relatively low cost.
If you ever end up in Sweden you are more than welcome to come and have a longer test on my 390 and fe450 if you want.
Have a great weekend.
Paul
Great to have a "first hand" report from someone who has made the 390 work off road 👌🏻. Also, good to hear about the reliability. If we head to seeded, we will look you up for sure 👊🏻😎
Good work chaps. Had a KTM spent more time fixing it than riding it. Never again. But everyone has their own manufacturer/version of that story. Perhaps I was just unlucky. I think the bigger one would be great for the adventure tourer - mostly road blasts and occasional light off road.
I'm very much the same Richard had two 390s one for me an one for dad both went back under rejection one at 147 miles an mine at 269.
Hey Richard, yep, I think that's exactly where KTM have pitched it. I always hear mixed reports of KTM reliability. Shame really
What is more comfortable to ride ?
T7 or 890 23' ??
I prefer the T7, it's more spacious. The 890 was great when sat, although I found the pegs high. Stood up, it would need quite some adjustment to feel anywhere near as comfy as the T7 👍🏻
@@lightweightadv how tall are you ?
@@kostasrestas 6ft/182cm
@@lightweightadv thanks man..
Im bitween t7 and tuareg..
I had for 4 years xt660z tenere and i sold it with the idea that ill go for t7..
But after a ride i find it little bit uncomfortable and kind of small..
But i trust Yamaha and i think with some risers and better seat ill find my spot..
Tuareg specs and comfort are better but i thing that Yamaha will win at the end!
Make sure you have a ride of the Taureg first, it's a great bike and I loved it. I bought a T7 world raid, but I considered a 660 for a long time
Just had a day on a beta 390. I think it’s the same engine as the 390 but set up as an enduro . Amazing just amazing. I was a bit worried this might be a slightly one eyed review but you absolutely nailed it with appraisals at the end.
I thought the jew beta engines we're 100% beta? Likewise the 390 CFMoto. To be honest, they're all made with many shared parts these days. I'd be interested in trying the Beta, I've heard good things 👍🏻
A 17" back wheel was it?.....
That's weird!
You guys need to find some more difficult "trails". I've ridden much more difficult dirt roads on my r6 lol.
Haha yeah, they weren’t the hardest trails we’ve ridden and that’s always a bit of an issue when they’re someone else’s bikes. I think they are both pretty capable off road but certainly much more comfortable on the road 👍
The 890 is arguably a better road bike than the T7, but why is a T7 better as an offroad bike? Isn't that just marketing? Suspension travel is the same, stock suspension quality is probably also similar, ground clearance is the same. Weight is roughly the same. Ergonomics can be optimized easily. I am asking this as a T7 owner, with which I join (light) enduro rides, and it is great for that, but I'm not overly happy with the onroad performance and comfort...
The ergonomics on a T7 are far superior for off road riding for me. Pegs and tank positioning make a big difference. The engine/gearing is also better suited in my opinion with its low down grunt. That said, the 890 was very very good off road, and better on the tarmac. It's all marginal differences too, but might make someone choose one way or the other
The KTM 890adv is best for those that ride aggressively fast, and hard rough and technical off road.
I think it’s funny that you consider that “off road”. 😂 Many of our roads here in the US are unpaved gravel roads and are in worse condition than that. And they are used for every day travel. Our off road trails (which those bike are very capable of handling) are far more rugged and technical, muddy, sandy, rocky.
Pick any goat path in any of the fields around you there and that would be an easy “off road” trail by comparison to ours. ✌️
Yeah, I guess we're blessed with a pretty good road network in UK. This is a mild track even by our standards, you guys are lucky to have so much space to play on
Just been in JUDD, they speak highly of you guys.
Great video as always chaps 😊
Haha thanks Chris, they’re a cool bunch in there 😎
@@lightweightadvyes they are a great bunch, had a few bikes off them 👌🏼
Great video guys. Have they fixed the pegs on the 390 or are they still canted 15 degrees?
Hmm, didn't specifically check, but they felt comfortable, so we presumed flat 👍🏻
missed you guys! I had the390, but have the CRF300Rally now. I am more of an offroad minded guy than the 390 was capable of :) nice ride though!
That's interesting. Do you miss the road capability at all?
@@lightweightadv not even the slightest! i am using the pirelli MT21 rallycross front and rear., and my bike is my daily commuter and weekendwarrior! On road it's ok, but i am willing to give up that bit of comfort to give it all on offroad. I did 6hours of highway 3 weeks ago, and i wouldn't want it any other way. Cause it meant i had a lot of fun on the French TET. If this all makes sence.
Makes perfect sense. We cross Europe on our CRFs, never need any more road capability.
Haha...I went the other way around now owning a 390Adv. Watched countless reviews, but still didn't know how it feels off-road. Well, I was disappointed...no fun for me. If you want to have an all in one bike the CRF300L is better imo. So, I quite like the 390Adv for touring and easy dirt roads, but I now need a 2nd bike covering off-road riding.
I just sold my 390 to help fund my new business venture, I really loved it but when I decided to go down to just 1 bike there's no way I could've parted with my beloved 530exc 🥰😆
And besides, if you sold the 530, what would you fix on the side of the road 🤷🏻♂️😂. Look forward to seeing the exc beast again this summer 👊🏻😎
@@lightweightadv 🤣🙈 it was like a stereotypical ktm advert at a Honda event 🫣
😂😂
How did you find the 390 performed on the trails? Did you do more technical stuff with it?
@The Lightweight Adventurers it was fine on easy stuff, but on loose rocks I struggled personally. It seemed to prefer being ridden hard but I'm not an aggressive rider
You never rode them in "off road" situations or on trails by N. American standards. You stuck to typical country roads albeit a bit wet at the time.
Having had a 390 - (upgrading to a 690, because I did have a DR) low speed handling is a bit pants, because it doesn’t like 1st, and the suspension is mediocre- doesn’t like bumps- the vibration that goes through the bike is rubbish when you hit one. It’s really a 390 GT, not an “adventure” bike. My DR would eaten it alive off road. 690 for me - it’s a modern DR.
Interesting to hear the other side of the experiences. Seems like the 390 is a bit of a marmite bike. How old was your 390? I thought the suspension worked well on our 23 model.
First one, when it just came out. Bought another (2022) as an in between bike till I’m off my restrictions (Australia) then grabbing my 690..
Worse review l ever watched.105horsepower,l think"Something as important and the power of the bike you are reviewing,you cant be sure of that.Turn back because of a puddle on a bike that is designed for adventure,with 200mm suspension travel.😅Common girls,you can do better.
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Thanks for the feedback 👍🏻