You’ve convinced me - this manufacturer doesn’t need to be rewarded with my hard earned money. High seat height without the needed ground clearance… Defective non standards bars… Low quality chain… Sprockets also??? Low quality pot metal… You forgot the canted foot pegs… As dual sport - Adv riders we expect to make changes to fit the bike to our needs - we shouldn’t have to make changes based on low quality components…
Hello Tim, I am afraid that Aprillia is the only company in ADV who is truly working to earn our dollars. At the end of the day though... The 390 Adventure is inexpensive and can be ridden hard! Fortunatly, the sprockets are fine. That's why I recomend just replacing the chain when you buy the bike. - Frank
Hard to disagree with any of those points. I cross threaded a bolt installing the BDCW skid plate. Luckily, I was able to chase the threads with a stainless bolt and fix it. There’s just nothing else in this price range and weight range that does so well at so many things.
Great video Frank. One takeaway is that, yes, the 390 ADV does have some issues but it is a terrific value. If anyone is on the fence about adventure biking, the 390 offerers a cheaper way to get your feet wet without investing 5 figures. Try it for a year and then upgrade, keep it or move on. They do resell pretty easily. Thanks again, Frank.
Hello Doug, value is so underrated. With enough money, all things are possible... but it's great that there are decent options, like the 390 Adventure that are not going to break most banks. - Frank
*_I didn't realize the 390s had such a tall seat. What a bummer for the shorter beginners. I don't have much experience with KTM, so I appreciate the info. Thanks._*
Hello Adventure, it's bonkers that the seat is so high. Dualsports with 10" of ground clearance have the same seat height! Thanks for stopping by. - Frank
Yip, totally agree. The cheese grade chain on my bike was stretched out by 4000km. Had to adjust it after every ride. Fortunately they replaced it under warranty without any argument.
Hello Tuatara, how has the replacement been? I am embarrassed to admit that I never even thought to try and have the chain replaced under warranty! Thank you for stopping by! - Frank
Hey Frank, thanks for this honest review. I have bought one of them recently and haven't even ridden it yet because we have a lot of snow here. Do you mean only bolts are made from soft metal? Or frame inner threads were ruined also? Matt from Adv Matt channel didn't mention any issues with bolts and frame threads and I know he replaced a lot of parts on his bike My VIN starts with VBK JGJ40 If your vin starts from MA to ME it means India
Hello Interstellar, I found the bolts and the threads to be soft. Matt's bike also does not have the rust i have on my clutch connection to the engine. (It was literally the first thing I looked at on his bike!) The man is fortunate! Obviously, my experience is only my own. And I am spoiled by owning Japanese bikes. I have had literally a dozen at this point, and I have cross threaded one seat bolt when I replaced the OEM bolt with a rack bolt. Entirely my fault! I had pulled that seat off dozens of times to clean my air filter, so I do not blame the metal. I think Matt will back me up on this, we both had bad chain experiences: Replace your chain early. The sprockets are great, the chain, not so much. Thank you for stopping by! - Frank
Really appreciate you thoroughly honest review of the 390 Frank. It seems to be a great bike in a lot of ways but as with most manufacturers, there are always shortcuts they take to increase their profit margins. It is concerning about the chain and the metal in the frame. As far as buffeting, my V-Strom 1050 is also terrible. I wear earplugs due to the overwhelming sound of the wind buffeting the crap out of me at speed. Guess there is no perfect bike out there (other than the DR650) 😁😁
Hello Rob, premium price and premium quality are not always related! 🤣 Honestly much about the bike is better quality than the price indicates. I made that video a month or two ago. - Frank
i am 5'11" , 32 inseam, just demo'd one, and i found it ok for the feet even tho i cant go flat footed, never mind, as it is going to be my camping/touring bike in the UK, the wieght i take will make me flat footed 😁 I have heard about the chain issue, so i am ordering a new chain to fit when i get my newly ordered 2023 390 adv..👍
Hello David, my full camping kit puts me much close to the ground. I need to clear some items or lose some weight! Glad to hear you will have a fresh chain, its money well spent that will save you frustration later. - Frank
@@OneOldManRiding Hi Frank....I don't have any problems getting parts...Although I'm not rebuilding the engine or anything major...If you keep your eye out on EBay...you can get anything. The Xr400r and xr250r have such a large following parts and support are not a huge problem. Parts right now in general are hit or miss to find anything in stock and everybody still blames the Covid BS for that. I agree with you about bad quality on these new bikes....when you are spending big bucks you should not be getting such sub-standard quality. Even some of the Chinese dual sport bikes are getting better build quality are are dirt cheap.
Dam I'm getting ready to pick this bike up next week and now I'm having second thoughts. I was also looking at the Versys x 300. Really like the KLR ergonomics but it's just too heavy and I'm a brand new rider age 60.
Hello Jim, the Versys X is a nice bike. I test rode that before the 390. Having owned a KLR650, that's not an idea bike today. Very heavy, and top heavy for the amount of power it provides. - Frank
I can't believe the stalling issue didn't make the list. I can't argue with any of your comments but I still love the bike. It's a lot of bang for the buck.
Hello Michael, I was fortunate to not have the stalling issue at this point. I did have it at one point, but it went away. I know many have had it, even on brand new bikes. - Frank
Hello aDave, I have not found a kit. I usually go to Ace hardware for solid fasteners. I have replaced quite a few at this point. Fasteners are usually cheap, so I consider it worth it. - Frank
@@OneOldManRiding the gen 1 VStrom has a bulbous headlight setup. More recent generation have stacked headlights and a more narrow profile. I suspect that the shape of mine is much more conducive to the removal of the windshield. But it sure is easy enough to take it off to find out.
Yep, just under 4000 miles and I’ve adjusted my chain multiple times, and will be changing it very soon. Would love to know in what way KTM decided that the odd sized handlebars made sense. Those are also getting changed out soon. I do think it’s a good bike, and obviously built to a price, but yes some quality issues do exist, and unfortunately we have to spend some extra cash to make up for those issues. Thanks!
Hello Mathew, Did you get a new chain on the bike? The bike is built to a price, but that's OK to me. I feel better knowing I did not spend 11K - Frank
I have the RadeGarage windscreen and I am 5’8” If I duck slightly there is no buffeting! But in any other position or combination of windscreen no windscreen - wind noise.
Hello Angus, I took a close look at ADV Matts Rade screen. IMHO it's the very best-looking screen on the bike. It seems we cannot escape the air! Thank you for stopping by! - Frank
FRANK !!! - Great / honest review. Nothing wrong with that at all & like the other reviews you've done - This will help educate people & that's the point. Great Job !!!!
The KTM 790 and I believe 890 S too has a lower seat! It is keeping me from buying this bike! Plus in the country I live in this bike is about 30% more than in US! If those were gone I would probably buy! Oddly enough some of the Yamaha models here are about the same prices as in US or a bit lower! Thanks, I thought I was alone!
Hello August, I now have the lowered seat and it made a significant difference! That 30% has to make these already expensive bikes obscenely pricey - Frank
As an owner I agree with all the points, but would add the 2 most annoying things: 1. TC that switch back on every time you stall and takes forever switch off again 2. Foot pegs tinded forward
Hello Rondoltomer, OMG the TC! I am very jealous of owners of the 2023 models that have off-road mode. Hopefully the US will one day get the update. The pegs annoyed me as well and were too small. I like my replacements. Thank you for stopping by! - Frank
@One Old Man Riding Hi, we got the update here in Israel, waiting for my next service to get it. So I presume it will not be long before you get them in the States. Footpeges I solved with the Blackdog pegs.
I do not own a KTM 390, but Adv-Matt is right about the bash plate. It is the FIRST thing you should change. JUST ONE stray rock can destroy your bike.
Hello Billy, the bash plate is at best going to stop very small rocks. I replaced it with a heavy plate, the AxP. And while the plate stopped big hits, it eventually broke the mount. Thats why I went to the Black Dog. Thanks for stopping by! - Frank
They just took the duke390 chassis made little adjustments and put long travel suspension to make this bike. Hence it is better on road than off road. There are some leak images of the upcoming adventure 390 with new chassis for adventure and enduro sometime in 2024 or 25. And i think that will be proper adventure bike. Anyway it is a very good bike. Nice all rounder.
Hello gol, for the amount of work they did (I agree with you) it turned out well! (I do wish they had done more original design work.0 Thos espy shots certainly show a more off-road capable machine. I imagine the used 390 market will be saturated when they go on sale. - Frank
@@OneOldManRiding i think it they will stick around. The people who do more touring than off roading. It is perfect for them. And i think ktm will also meke this variants available for those less off road centric customers. However the people who want to do hard core off road will definitely change the bike. And if I'm correct they will update the engine also for that lower end grunt.
Thanks for the video, I won’t be buying one now !! Plus the dealer in Okc prices these bikes at $8200 .00 I will get the DR 650 or XR 650 and feel much better about knowing, the build quality won’t suck !!!! 🇺🇸😃🇺🇸
Seat height, ktm have probably lost a lot of sales due to this obvious mistake. I really want the 390 but I have a problem, seat hight, short suspension travel, and Indian none quality parts. Ok so one day I decided to buy a scram 411 and obviously it’s got quality issues in fact funny enough some of the same as your ktm cheap steel, terrible welding, ( scram )cheap chain, also paint chipping off, (scram)Personally I don’t think it’s worth the £4500 price tag but hey it’s fun ha. You’re ktm is probably worth the money because of the tech and higher fun factor, and a few quality parts. Great video
Hello Don, I agree. I imagine a fair number of folks see someone say "Small Adventure Bike" and have an interest, then they swing a leg over and find out small does NOT mean low seat height! - Frank
The wind buffering and the standing position are the two things I hate about this bike, and the only ones that I have been unable to solve despite having spent hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on tests or possible solutions, I tested 5 different windscreens for the buffering issue without good results. And for the staging issue: I have 3" on risers (one of 2" and another one with 1" more) and also the 2" fork extenders, it's a bit better but meh 😞
Hello Tomas, buffetting seems to be a hallmark of KTM these days. I am using a Givi Airflow now, and I think it's as good as it's going to get. How tall are you? I would not recomend the bike to anyone over 6', though many folks are. It make sby back hurt thinking about it! Thank you for stopping by! - Frank
Late to the vid but i was looking to buy this bike. I wa sat in rush hour traffic so i called my wife to let her know my decision. She didn't answer. To pass the time i called 2 multi franchise dealer service departments who both sell KTM's. My question to them was...... I'm looking to buy either a 390 Adventure, the Verseys 300x or the new 2023 Suzuki 250sx. Both service departments recommended not to buy the Ktm. Pne said they were problematic, the other they sond great on paper but i will be pulling my hair out with shitty niggles. FYI i live in Australia where the 2023 Ktm is $10,200 ish with alloy wheels and the Kwaka is $8800 AUD out the door.
Hello, its not unreasonable to expect better reliability from a Kawasaki or Suzuki. We do not have the Suzuki 250 in the Unites States, but I have ridden the 300X and its a very solid bike - Frank
Mine had issues with the screen ranging from the condensation problem to the screen crashing all together, i got terrible buffeting from the wind screen, i paid extra for the quick shifter.... absolute waste of money it would most of the time not go into gear or be very hard to get into gear (if i used the clutch it was very smooth so definitely quick shifter issue) the chain turned KTM orange within a day during colder months of the year, i would wash my bike, dry it off, oil the chain and put in a dry garage.... 2 days later the chain is rusted to hell.... overall build quality of the bike was terrible and i had mine from new
Hello North, I also have the condensation issue now and then. Not enough to worry yet... I have not heard anything good about the QS. My chain and even the brake rotors would get surface rust if the bike sat at all with moisture in the air! Thanks for stopping by! - Frank
@One Old Man Riding Hi Frank yeah the quickshifter is absolutely awful, sometimes the bike would be alot of fun but overall there just was no excuse for those issues, ktm should know better... especially when some are known issues from other models that share the same parts... really enjoyed your content though and hope you had a good Christmas!
Have you tried a different helmet to see if it’s not your helmet also to see if the dirty air if from the lower part of the bike try to get some easy to cut sheet metal and fab the shape to fit the space to see if that stops the buffeting once you get the shape right make a plexiglass piece
Hello Opie, I am a few helmets in on the bike. I was wearing an HJC modular when I bought the bike, then switched to my Scorpion, then to an HJC Touring helmet. (Non modular), and now back to the Scorpion most of the time. (I broke the visor clip on the HJC for the second time and refuse to invest more into the helmet to replace it!). I may be crazy, but a few weeks ago I put on the same screen Tim uses in his VStrom. That's a high tech huge screen... And there is still air that I feel is coming up at me from the top of the fairing. But again, I may be a little crazy at this point but over it! - Frank
I myself don't think your list is all that bad I have the 310GS and it has a few things i don't like all the lower cost bikes all have a few things that suck, heck even the bigger bikes that cost way more will have a list of a few things that suck. The only way I have been able to deal with this is to have more than one bike I have two now but lately I have been missing my R1 so three might be the magic number anyway keep up the good work stay safe
Hello Opie, my friend Zack has a 310. He loves it, and he keeps up with the bigger bikes we had in South Dakota. You do not need an expensive bike to have a good ride IMHO. - Frank
I think when this bike came out (and is still at KTM dealers) it was considered great value, but I think those days are gone. I bought my 2023 390 for 9,795AUS which was a sale offered by KTM Australia. I was a bit concerned it was made in India as the quality isnt up there with the Austrian models. This year we have the CFMOTO 450MT coming out in March with a ride away price of only 8,890AUS. Now if the 450MT proves a winner it will bury this liitle road bike turned ADV bike. I for one will defineatly be test riding the new 450MT and if I love it I will be selling the KTM quickly before prices take a dive on it. Sounds like I regretted buying this bike, but I am willing to spend more hours in the seat before I make my decsion if to sell it or not. Yes its too tall for the mini bike it is. Plus 9 out of 10 people are putting bar risers on it. I have almost 2 1/2" of bar riser and it feels normal not like a chopper. I added fork extenders to fix another problem with this bike. Sorry for the rant I think I just need to get out ride the wheels off it for month or two. Thanks Frank :)
OOMR, Okay, so the 390 ADV has a few minor characteristics that make it slightly imperfect, granted ... but day-yam! is it fun and light and quick. LOL ... and I thought I was the only one who had tried three different screens and 400 positions on my top deflector and still got turbulence. Oh well, the search goes on. Okay, do you have a suggestion which brand of chain to get? I'm a Harley guy and rubber is my main medium. Thx S
Hello S! Trying screens does seem to be a common occurrence with this bike! So, a question for you, as representative of the HD community. Is it acceptable for me to buy a Sportster 1200? I have wanted one for years. Something I could make my own. Or would I be shunned for not getting a Dyna at minimum? I used this chain. Normally I would buy a DID, but this was able to be shipped and arrive, next day. I am completely satisfied at 13K miles on it. - Frank amzn.to/3An0pET
@@OneOldManRiding If you see a 1200 that you like, get it. I wanted a Wide Glide for years but something always stopped me. When I see one on the street now, I sigh. ;) Okay ... my Raleigh 10 speed from 1967 still has its original chain. I know squat about buying them. Is DID better? This one is ratted for 400cc or less. Is that good enough? What tools should I buy to fit it, link pins, clamp, sonic screwdriver? Thx, S
Hello Stuart, I am still looking. Great priced on 1200s here. So far, the problem is they all have ape hangars and are chrome. Chrome suffers here, and it seems to bein rough shape on most bikes. And the bars... OOF I am too old for Ape Hangars! - Frank
@@OneOldManRiding Take your time. It's flippin' January. There are more used Sportsters and Dynas in the world than there are fish in the sea. I, personally, me, myself would get a Dyna Wideglide, but any Dyna is probably more comfortable, although possibly slightly less cool than a Sporty. I have spoken to so many folks about ape hangers. If they are moderately hign, people say they are more comfortable. I don't believe them, but what do I know? The crazy high apes are for crazy high folks. I would not recommend them ... the bars I mean. Bars are easy to replace. If you find a good'un with apes, don't let that be a killer on the deal. Chrome? I like chrome, the wiff likes ALLLL blacked out. Have fun dealing with that. S
Hello S, I am not opposed to the look of Chrome, but the pitted chrome I am running into just looks BAD! I bet you are correct that a Dyna is a better bike, but I kinda want the Sportster. Silly as this sounds, all the cool older kids had them when I wss young! 🤣 - Frank
All your complaints were there when you bought it. You knew it was tall, poor ground clearance, cheap handle bar and chain, cheap everything. You thought if you bought it that it would magically change? 😅
@@OneOldManRiding kidding, I just bought the bike knowing it was too tall for me and how everyone loves to hate it but enough people love it so why not.
You’ve convinced me - this manufacturer doesn’t need to be rewarded with my hard earned money.
High seat height without the needed ground clearance…
Defective non standards bars…
Low quality chain… Sprockets also???
Low quality pot metal…
You forgot the canted foot pegs…
As dual sport - Adv riders we expect to make changes to fit the bike to our needs - we shouldn’t have to make changes based on low quality components…
Hello Tim, I am afraid that Aprillia is the only company in ADV who is truly working to earn our dollars.
At the end of the day though... The 390 Adventure is inexpensive and can be ridden hard!
Fortunatly, the sprockets are fine. That's why I recomend just replacing the chain when you buy the bike. - Frank
"VEE" !!!!!
Hard to disagree with any of those points. I cross threaded a bolt installing the BDCW skid plate. Luckily, I was able to chase the threads with a stainless bolt and fix it.
There’s just nothing else in this price range and weight range that does so well at so many things.
Great video Frank. One takeaway is that, yes, the 390 ADV does have some issues but it is a terrific value. If anyone is on the fence about adventure biking, the 390 offerers a cheaper way to get your feet wet without investing 5 figures. Try it for a year and then upgrade, keep it or move on. They do resell pretty easily. Thanks again, Frank.
Hello Doug, value is so underrated. With enough money, all things are possible... but it's great that there are decent options, like the 390 Adventure that are not going to break most banks. - Frank
*_I didn't realize the 390s had such a tall seat. What a bummer for the shorter beginners. I don't have much experience with KTM, so I appreciate the info. Thanks._*
Hello Adventure, it's bonkers that the seat is so high. Dualsports with 10" of ground clearance have the same seat height! Thanks for stopping by. - Frank
"AGC" !!!!!
@@OneOldManRiding totally bonkers.
Yip, totally agree. The cheese grade chain on my bike was stretched out by 4000km. Had to adjust it after every ride. Fortunately they replaced it under warranty without any argument.
Hello Tuatara, how has the replacement been? I am embarrassed to admit that I never even thought to try and have the chain replaced under warranty! Thank you for stopping by! - Frank
Hey Frank, thanks for this honest review.
I have bought one of them recently and haven't even ridden it yet because we have a lot of snow here.
Do you mean only bolts are made from soft metal? Or frame inner threads were ruined also? Matt from Adv Matt channel didn't mention any issues with bolts and frame threads and I know he replaced a lot of parts on his bike
My VIN starts with VBK JGJ40
If your vin starts from MA to ME it means India
Hello Interstellar, I found the bolts and the threads to be soft. Matt's bike also does not have the rust i have on my clutch connection to the engine. (It was literally the first thing I looked at on his bike!) The man is fortunate!
Obviously, my experience is only my own. And I am spoiled by owning Japanese bikes. I have had literally a dozen at this point, and I have cross threaded one seat bolt when I replaced the OEM bolt with a rack bolt. Entirely my fault! I had pulled that seat off dozens of times to clean my air filter, so I do not blame the metal.
I think Matt will back me up on this, we both had bad chain experiences: Replace your chain early. The sprockets are great, the chain, not so much. Thank you for stopping by! - Frank
Great minds think alike! You are spot on with the problems on this bike! Great videos! Keep up the good work!
Hello Terry, It has flaws, they all do. But at the end of the day, it takes me places! Thank you for stopping by! - Frank
Really appreciate you thoroughly honest review of the 390 Frank. It seems to be a great bike in a lot of ways but as with most manufacturers, there are always shortcuts they take to increase their profit margins. It is concerning about the chain and the metal in the frame. As far as buffeting, my V-Strom 1050 is also terrible. I wear earplugs due to the overwhelming sound of the wind buffeting the crap out of me at speed. Guess there is no perfect bike out there (other than the DR650) 😁😁
New RUclips account, who us this? - Frank
@@OneOldManRiding LOL! yeah, just struggling through stuff! Gonna go pet my V-Strom now
😢
Wow! I always thought of KTM as a premium brand. I guess I wasn't listening before. Thanks!
Hello Rob, premium price and premium quality are not always related! 🤣
Honestly much about the bike is better quality than the price indicates. I made that video a month or two ago. - Frank
ROB !!!!
i am 5'11" , 32 inseam, just demo'd one, and i found it ok for the feet even tho i cant go flat footed, never mind, as it is going to be my camping/touring bike in the UK, the wieght i take will make me flat footed 😁
I have heard about the chain issue, so i am ordering a new chain to fit when i get my newly ordered 2023 390 adv..👍
Hello David, my full camping kit puts me much close to the ground. I need to clear some items or lose some weight! Glad to hear you will have a fresh chain, its money well spent that will save you frustration later. - Frank
All Good Honest info.....I'm still happy with my Antique Honda XR400r....It's my tractor for the woods....;-)
Hello Steven, a classic to be sure! How is the maintenance on a bike that old? Still plenty of parts? - Frank
@@OneOldManRiding Hi Frank....I don't have any problems getting parts...Although I'm not rebuilding the engine or anything major...If you keep your eye out on EBay...you can get anything. The Xr400r and xr250r have such a large following parts and support are not a huge problem. Parts right now in general are hit or miss to find anything in stock and everybody still blames the Covid BS for that. I agree with you about bad quality on these new bikes....when you are spending big bucks you should not be getting such sub-standard quality. Even some of the Chinese dual sport bikes are getting better build quality are are dirt cheap.
Dam I'm getting ready to pick this bike up next week and now I'm having second thoughts. I was also looking at the Versys x 300. Really like the KLR ergonomics but it's just too heavy and I'm a brand new rider age 60.
Hello Jim, the Versys X is a nice bike. I test rode that before the 390. Having owned a KLR650, that's not an idea bike today. Very heavy, and top heavy for the amount of power it provides. - Frank
Run
I definitely agree about the quality of the metal for bolts. On my duke, I've cross threaded at least 2 and I'm super careful
Hello Radek, somebody needs to do a parts list, offer every last bolt on the bike as a kit. I would pay in a heartbeat! - Frank
I can't believe the stalling issue didn't make the list. I can't argue with any of your comments but I still love the bike. It's a lot of bang for the buck.
Hello Michael, I was fortunate to not have the stalling issue at this point. I did have it at one point, but it went away. I know many have had it, even on brand new bikes. - Frank
Got any recommendations for bolt kit to replace all the fasteners and such when it occurs? Like is there a KTM kit or something
Hello aDave, I have not found a kit. I usually go to Ace hardware for solid fasteners. I have replaced quite a few at this point. Fasteners are usually cheap, so I consider it worth it. - Frank
I have completely removed my 2011 VStrom windshield and couldn’t be happier. Perfect wind flow now.
Hello Hair, Greg over on The Bearded Grump is having windshield issues. I will ask him if he ever tried riding his VStrom without. - Frank
@@OneOldManRiding the gen 1 VStrom has a bulbous headlight setup. More recent generation have stacked headlights and a more narrow profile. I suspect that the shape of mine is much more conducive to the removal of the windshield. But it sure is easy enough to take it off to find out.
Yep, just under 4000 miles and I’ve adjusted my chain multiple times, and will be changing it very soon. Would love to know in what way KTM decided that the odd sized handlebars made sense. Those are also getting changed out soon. I do think it’s a good bike, and obviously built to a price, but yes some quality issues do exist, and unfortunately we have to spend some extra cash to make up for those issues. Thanks!
Hello Mathew, Did you get a new chain on the bike? The bike is built to a price, but that's OK to me. I feel better knowing I did not spend 11K - Frank
As an owner of the 390 adv i agree with all you have said plus the horrible plastics used on the bike. Makes it feel so cheap, cheapermthen the price.
Hello Ron, I agree, but I am glad it was so inexpensive to buy. Thats left me more $$$ to spend on farkles. Thank you for stopping by! - Frank
I have the RadeGarage windscreen and I am 5’8” If I duck slightly there is no buffeting! But in any other position or combination of windscreen no windscreen - wind noise.
Hello Angus, I took a close look at ADV Matts Rade screen. IMHO it's the very best-looking screen on the bike. It seems we cannot escape the air! Thank you for stopping by! - Frank
FRANK !!! - Great / honest review. Nothing wrong with that at all & like the other reviews you've done - This will help educate people & that's the point.
Great Job !!!!
Hello Obi-Wan, I do my best to complain, I mean tell you what I think! I - Frank
Good video Frank. You forgot one thing though. It's not a V-strom 650 😁
Hello Greg, that's OK, I am a multi bike owner! 😁 - Frank
The KTM 790 and I believe 890 S too has a lower seat! It is keeping me from buying this bike! Plus in the country I live in this bike is about 30% more than in US! If those were gone I would probably buy! Oddly enough some of the Yamaha models here are about the same prices as in US or a bit lower! Thanks, I thought I was alone!
Hello August, I now have the lowered seat and it made a significant difference! That 30% has to make these already expensive bikes obscenely pricey - Frank
As an owner I agree with all the points, but would add the 2 most annoying things:
1. TC that switch back on every time you stall and takes forever switch off again
2. Foot pegs tinded forward
Hello Rondoltomer, OMG the TC! I am very jealous of owners of the 2023 models that have off-road mode. Hopefully the US will one day get the update.
The pegs annoyed me as well and were too small. I like my replacements. Thank you for stopping by! - Frank
@One Old Man Riding Hi, we got the update here in Israel, waiting for my next service to get it. So I presume it will not be long before you get them in the States.
Footpeges I solved with the Blackdog pegs.
Hello Randomtolmer, can I bring my computer with me to be flashed?? I will hopefully in Isreal for a day next month. - Frank
I do not own a KTM 390, but Adv-Matt is right about the bash plate. It is the FIRST thing you should change. JUST ONE stray rock can destroy your bike.
Hello Billy, the bash plate is at best going to stop very small rocks. I replaced it with a heavy plate, the AxP. And while the plate stopped big hits, it eventually broke the mount. Thats why I went to the Black Dog. Thanks for stopping by! - Frank
They just took the duke390 chassis made little adjustments and put long travel suspension to make this bike. Hence it is better on road than off road. There are some leak images of the upcoming adventure 390 with new chassis for adventure and enduro sometime in 2024 or 25. And i think that will be proper adventure bike. Anyway it is a very good bike. Nice all rounder.
Hello gol, for the amount of work they did (I agree with you) it turned out well! (I do wish they had done more original design work.0 Thos espy shots certainly show a more off-road capable machine. I imagine the used 390 market will be saturated when they go on sale. - Frank
@@OneOldManRiding i think it they will stick around. The people who do more touring than off roading. It is perfect for them. And i think ktm will also meke this variants available for those less off road centric customers. However the people who want to do hard core off road will definitely change the bike. And if I'm correct they will update the engine also for that lower end grunt.
Thanks for the video, I won’t be buying one now !! Plus the dealer in Okc prices these bikes at $8200 .00 I will get the DR 650 or XR 650 and feel much better about knowing, the build quality won’t suck !!!! 🇺🇸😃🇺🇸
Hello Anthony, you cannot go wrong, build quality wise with a Suzuki DR650! - Frank
Yep, had to chain my chain on the KTM Duke 390 at 8k miles
Hello Radek, I am running a DID now. It was great being able to get the chain in 114 so none had to be removed. - Frank
The height of this bike is actually a plus for me. Me being 6'3", it fits me perfectly
Hello Radek, that's good to hear. a Buddy of mine is 6'2" and he was looking at one, but was worried about his comfort. - Frank
Seat height, ktm have probably lost a lot of sales due to this obvious mistake. I really want the 390 but I have a problem, seat hight, short suspension travel, and Indian none quality parts. Ok so one day I decided to buy a scram 411 and obviously it’s got quality issues in fact funny enough some of the same as your ktm cheap steel, terrible welding, ( scram )cheap chain, also paint chipping off, (scram)Personally I don’t think it’s worth the £4500 price tag but hey it’s fun ha. You’re ktm is probably worth the money because of the tech and higher fun factor, and a few quality parts. Great video
Hello Don, I agree. I imagine a fair number of folks see someone say "Small Adventure Bike" and have an interest, then they swing a leg over and find out small does NOT mean low seat height! - Frank
The wind buffering and the standing position are the two things I hate about this bike, and the only ones that I have been unable to solve despite having spent hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on tests or possible solutions, I tested 5 different windscreens for the buffering issue without good results. And for the staging issue: I have 3" on risers (one of 2" and another one with 1" more) and also the 2" fork extenders, it's a bit better but meh 😞
Hello Tomas, buffetting seems to be a hallmark of KTM these days. I am using a Givi Airflow now, and I think it's as good as it's going to get.
How tall are you? I would not recomend the bike to anyone over 6', though many folks are. It make sby back hurt thinking about it! Thank you for stopping by! - Frank
What hand guards ? I want the orange
Hello Joshua. These:
Orange plastics: amzn.to/40hNkXL
The guards: amzn.to/3Fvf0k0
Late to the vid but i was looking to buy this bike.
I wa sat in rush hour traffic so i called my wife to let her know my decision.
She didn't answer.
To pass the time i called 2 multi franchise dealer service departments who both sell KTM's.
My question to them was...... I'm looking to buy either a 390 Adventure, the Verseys 300x or the new 2023 Suzuki 250sx.
Both service departments recommended not to buy the Ktm.
Pne said they were problematic, the other they sond great on paper but i will be pulling my hair out with shitty niggles.
FYI i live in Australia where the 2023 Ktm is $10,200 ish with alloy wheels and the Kwaka is $8800 AUD out the door.
Hello, its not unreasonable to expect better reliability from a Kawasaki or Suzuki. We do not have the Suzuki 250 in the Unites States, but I have ridden the 300X and its a very solid bike - Frank
Mine had issues with the screen ranging from the condensation problem to the screen crashing all together, i got terrible buffeting from the wind screen, i paid extra for the quick shifter.... absolute waste of money it would most of the time not go into gear or be very hard to get into gear (if i used the clutch it was very smooth so definitely quick shifter issue) the chain turned KTM orange within a day during colder months of the year, i would wash my bike, dry it off, oil the chain and put in a dry garage.... 2 days later the chain is rusted to hell.... overall build quality of the bike was terrible and i had mine from new
Hello North, I also have the condensation issue now and then. Not enough to worry yet... I have not heard anything good about the QS. My chain and even the brake rotors would get surface rust if the bike sat at all with moisture in the air! Thanks for stopping by! - Frank
@One Old Man Riding Hi Frank yeah the quickshifter is absolutely awful, sometimes the bike would be alot of fun but overall there just was no excuse for those issues, ktm should know better... especially when some are known issues from other models that share the same parts... really enjoyed your content though and hope you had a good Christmas!
Hello North, Christmas was great, bike got more gifts than I did! I hope yours was good as well! - Frank
A few more inches higher seat and it would be in full on enduro and mx bike areas.
Hello Human, but without the ground clearance. I mean, without 2/3 ground clearance. 😊 Thanks for stopping by! - Frank
Have you tried a different helmet to see if it’s not your helmet also to see if the dirty air if from the lower part of the bike try to get some easy to cut sheet metal and fab the shape to fit the space to see if that stops the buffeting once you get the shape right make a plexiglass piece
Hello Opie, I am a few helmets in on the bike. I was wearing an HJC modular when I bought the bike, then switched to my Scorpion, then to an HJC Touring helmet. (Non modular), and now back to the Scorpion most of the time. (I broke the visor clip on the HJC for the second time and refuse to invest more into the helmet to replace it!).
I may be crazy, but a few weeks ago I put on the same screen Tim uses in his VStrom. That's a high tech huge screen... And there is still air that I feel is coming up at me from the top of the fairing.
But again, I may be a little crazy at this point but over it! - Frank
I myself don't think your list is all that bad I have the 310GS and it has a few things i don't like all the lower cost bikes all have a few things that suck, heck even the bigger bikes that cost way more will have a list of a few things that suck. The only way I have been able to deal with this is to have more than one bike I have two now but lately I have been missing my R1 so three might be the magic number anyway keep up the good work stay safe
Hello Opie, my friend Zack has a 310. He loves it, and he keeps up with the bigger bikes we had in South Dakota. You do not need an expensive bike to have a good ride IMHO. - Frank
I think when this bike came out (and is still at KTM dealers) it was considered great value, but I think those days are gone. I bought my 2023 390 for 9,795AUS which was a sale offered by KTM Australia. I was a bit concerned it was made in India as the quality isnt up there with the Austrian models. This year we have the CFMOTO 450MT coming out in March with a ride away price of only 8,890AUS. Now if the 450MT proves a winner it will bury this liitle road bike turned ADV bike. I for one will defineatly be test riding the new 450MT and if I love it I will be selling the KTM quickly before prices take a dive on it. Sounds like I regretted buying this bike, but I am willing to spend more hours in the seat before I make my decsion if to sell it or not. Yes its too tall for the mini bike it is. Plus 9 out of 10 people are putting bar risers on it. I have almost 2 1/2" of bar riser and it feels normal not like a chopper. I added fork extenders to fix another problem with this bike. Sorry for the rant I think I just need to get out ride the wheels off it for month or two. Thanks Frank :)
Thank you for stopping by and commenting! - Frank
OOMR,
Okay, so the 390 ADV has a few minor characteristics that make it slightly imperfect, granted ...
but day-yam! is it fun and light and quick.
LOL ... and I thought I was the only one who had tried three different screens and 400 positions on my top deflector and still got turbulence. Oh well, the search goes on.
Okay, do you have a suggestion which brand of chain to get? I'm a Harley guy and rubber is my main medium.
Thx
S
Hello S! Trying screens does seem to be a common occurrence with this bike!
So, a question for you, as representative of the HD community. Is it acceptable for me to buy a Sportster 1200? I have wanted one for years. Something I could make my own. Or would I be shunned for not getting a Dyna at minimum?
I used this chain. Normally I would buy a DID, but this was able to be shipped and arrive, next day. I am completely satisfied at 13K miles on it. - Frank
amzn.to/3An0pET
@@OneOldManRiding If you see a 1200 that you like, get it. I wanted a Wide Glide for years but something always stopped me. When I see one on the street now, I sigh. ;)
Okay ... my Raleigh 10 speed from 1967 still has its original chain. I know squat about buying them. Is DID better? This one is ratted for 400cc or less. Is that good enough? What tools should I buy to fit it, link pins, clamp, sonic screwdriver?
Thx,
S
Hello Stuart, I am still looking. Great priced on 1200s here. So far, the problem is they all have ape hangars and are chrome. Chrome suffers here, and it seems to bein rough shape on most bikes. And the bars... OOF I am too old for Ape Hangars! - Frank
@@OneOldManRiding Take your time. It's flippin' January. There are more used Sportsters and Dynas in the world than there are fish in the sea. I, personally, me, myself would get a Dyna Wideglide, but any Dyna is probably more comfortable, although possibly slightly less cool than a Sporty. I have spoken to so many folks about ape hangers. If they are moderately hign, people say they are more comfortable. I don't believe them, but what do I know? The crazy high apes are for crazy high folks. I would not recommend them ... the bars I mean. Bars are easy to replace. If you find a good'un with apes, don't let that be a killer on the deal. Chrome? I like chrome, the wiff likes ALLLL blacked out. Have fun dealing with that.
S
Hello S, I am not opposed to the look of Chrome, but the pitted chrome I am running into just looks BAD!
I bet you are correct that a Dyna is a better bike, but I kinda want the Sportster.
Silly as this sounds, all the cool older kids had them when I wss young! 🤣 - Frank
BONUS!
All your complaints were there when you bought it. You knew it was tall, poor ground clearance, cheap handle bar and chain, cheap everything. You thought if you bought it that it would magically change? 😅
Hello Cam, I was not expecting to to change just sheeting my opinion. Thank for stopping by! - Frank
@@OneOldManRiding kidding, I just bought the bike knowing it was too tall for me and how everyone loves to hate it but enough people love it so why not.
It’s a $6k budget bike. What did you expect?
Hello Trail, honestly it delivers a lot of value. Though I would trade the MTC for better metal! - Frank
7400
bah, get a klr.
know what you're buying and be surprised with how good "cheap" actually is.
Hello Tomas, solid advice. I owned a 2006 KLR650 in Kawasaki green. I truly regret selling it. - Frank
It's a decent bike for girls that can't ride 🍻
Hello Ryda, thanks, for stopping by, I appreciate it. - Frank