I Own both the 790 Adventure R and the 390 Adventure, the 390 for light adventure more weekend closer to home duties and the 790 for longer distance and travel adventures and harder off word work and both perform great but you know what the 390 is just so much fun and never disappoints, it's far more than just a beginners bike
@@bermcannonk Great question ! its just one of those bikes that is lay back and fun to ride and far more forgiving and yes its light ... it actually feels even lighter than what it is .. i tend to wear my serious face when on the 790 , its far more capable of biting you if not treated with respect, the 390 however does not . i agree with you in that the only thing I'm looking into for the 390 is a set of bar raisers along with a heavier skid plate and hand guards ....
@@trevr1969 Im in Australia .. and because of the current lock down in this part of the country am yet to give is a full rundown and really test it limits .. hopefully i'll be able to soon our riding season is fast approaching
@@jpsautomotive4207 your in Australia are ya... very draconian measures taken by your government there for i currently feeln is a Plandamic... anyways... im canadian and a soon to be a new driver... but still undecided on which bike to buy... lots of great choices... the 390 has adjustable suspension and fuel injection which is a big plus... take care buddy... and thanks for the reply
Short rider here 5.5” - pretty comfy on my Scrambler at 30-31” seat. I love KTMs and debating between this and the 600 enduro to help me star adv riding. What you think?
Have a look at the Enduristan Blizzard luggage. The soft luggage that KTM supply is Enduristan Blizzard and it goes up to xl which is 17lt each side. I use it along with a roll top drybag and its well enough luggage space.
Very interesting video :) I had the 1200gsa te was so heavy off road. Interesting looking at these the 250l an 250 rally + the cb500x for my dream trip to iceland for both me an dad.
If you’re going to immediately turn off the modern electronics then there are better dual sport bikes for off-road riding that have no electronic aids.
looks fun to ride.. i just notice yesterday they are opening a KTM official store in TJ.. :) looks very cool, will check it out soon. have you had the chance to ride a KTM 450 rally replica ?
I have a Versys 300, I was hoping the 390 looks like it would out perform the Versys. 73 more cc and adjustable forks make it interesting. I wonder if some rackless lugage would work on the 390? Maybe KTM will come out with an R model with a 21" front and 18" spoke wheels?
Hi mate, if you don't mind me asking how tall are you and what is your inseam length? I love this bike but can go to the dealer to try sit on it. Great video, keep up the good work!
Great review, and I look forward to your future videos coming up--well done! I'll check out Dirt Bike Test's review on this, also. I am 59, grew up riding dirt bikes in the Midwest, got my motorcycle endorsement in my early 40's but never did anything with it. I may be moving the to Pacific Northwest, and if I do, I've got the bug to get a small dual sport motorcycle. Have been thinking the Honda crf250L rally would be the ticket, and it may still be, but I may check this out--I don't need a ton of hp for the riding I want to do. I am quite fit for my age and mostly plan to minimize on pavement riding with forest/blm/mountain roads and gentle trails (nothing too technical at all). So, I don't need a 1250 adventure bike, as I do not expect to do major touring. Just want something reliable and fun to ride around on the kinds of roads you guys were riding on--since the KTM 390 Adventure and Honda CRF250L Rally are about the same price, what are your thoughts if these 2 bikes are comparable?
@@bermcannonk Thanks for the quick response--I'll check it out. Always good to have options, and it does not sound like it will be too much bike for me as a returning/beginner/noob!
Funny almost same as you, it’s down to 250L and 390 for me too. I think both ate great bikes, prior to 390 it was price and had to have fuel gauge, so 250L was it. But after seeing the 390, I am lean8ng twds it for many reasons . Love the display, saw some vids on how to use traction control, on/off road/rain ABS, lean ABS and the slipper clutch etc so I more fully understand some of capabilities, esp since noob. But even all that aside, the 250 is what it is, I feel I have more growth w/390 and versatility. Have to take roads at some point to get to dirt, and 390 got that down pat. While 250 is more off-road, I have seen some vids of that 390 doing way more than I am gonna do, on Stock tires no less. So me thinks if I can raise that front fenders 1-2”, put some off road tires on, as long as I don’t override the suspension that 390 has some mountain goat in it. And it cones w/adjustable suspension
why do you label a bike as beginner ? or for women? You think a 550lbs 1250cc bike is for a men non beginner yet these guys who ride the big bikes just get coffee with it never go off road. Tons of 500 lbs plus bikes $20000 .
Great question...this video or in other videos where I may say that this bike is for beginners or women is NOT intended to trigger the notion that the bike is no good or is on capable, I’m simply saying that there is a Group of people that get forgotten about. Teens,woman, and beginners(Never rode a motorcycle ever) who should take more notice towards this bike then say going out and buying a BMW GS 1250. I see time and time again beginner riders (grown men) buy large adventure bikes and they look scared to death while riding them. In my opinion smaller frame/weight bikes are better for building a stronger foundation for riding skills.
@@bermcannonk It all depends where you ride. at 380lbs I don t recommend learning with it either. then maybe a 230cc. there is off road such as a smooth dirt road which I could ride a ninja 650 on and there is real off road. the 390 requires more skills off road cause it s not a 250cc motocross .there are guys like me who rode 40 plus years who rode 70s dual sport bikes who may be interested I see that as a lighter klr650 not for racing but can do city highway and off road.
@@yathishbl3757 I never said that. What I am saying labeling bike is not good. Someone my have 40 yrs experience ride and be a very good rider and buy a 250cc. And do really hard single tracks. On the other hand a beginner with no skills can buy a 1250 gs bmw and get coffee .It s not the bike that makes you a beginner or expert.
I've been riding for more than 20 years and owned bikes up to 1300cc with over 200hp, not a beginner but I am interested in this bike. So sick of idiots like yourself that think a bike with lower cc's and horsepower are for "new riders" and "women"
Dear bozo The KTM 390 adventure is a great bike for everyone but because of the great ease-of-use power wise it benefits beginners and women better rather high horsepower motorcycles.... you would know this because you’ve been riding for 20 years.
You really need to talk about how the bike would be for experienced riders and forget about the beginner crap! do you think those are the only interested people?? get a life and ride hard or stay home !!
I have 40 years experience with dirt bikes including desert racing. Dirt track in 250 and 400cc and true enduro bikes. Street bikes of all sizes. Now if you want to race down single track you should not buy any "Adventure" bike, get a motocross bike or enduro with 11 or 12 " of suspension travel and weighs less than 300lbs. So lets keep some perspective here. I have the 390. I hate when people call it a beginner's bike. You can learn to ride on any bike and it's great for experienced riders. Becoming more experienced does not mean you want bigger and heavier bikes. I love this bike and why?.... it will go just about anywhere you point it. It's light, fast and not small for its class. It's a blast on twisty canyon roads, forest service roads and smooth single track. Will I be jumping this bike, no. Will I be boulder hopping, no. I have a bike for that. It is a little shorter than so called full size bikes which is what is ideal for off road. People that complain about standing on this bike must have little experience riding offroad or are 6 feet tall or more. In fact listening to those that talk negative about this bike's ability offroad either have little experience in this area or are trying to compare it to a true enduro. It's not a race bike, it's not a full on dirt bike so why make that comparison? Its outstanding offroad for its intended purpose and the same is true on road. It's a compromise between both worlds and its damn good at it. Like any bike, you cannot spend a day with it and Post a video and claim to understand its handling. Handing is mostly dependent on rider ability and experience with the bike. You need to ride hours offroad and on road to become "one" with the bike to understand it and work with it. Large 500lb Adventure bikes are a pleasure to ride on road and an excersise in keeping them from throwing you to the ground on difficult rocky trails. But those too can be ridden pretty hard with excellent riding skills. So it's all about what you personally want out of a bike. Think hard about that and choose the right bike or do as others do and buy 2 or 3 bikes.
Any additional questions on the this @ktm 390 hit me here in the comments.... I won’t bs you 😏😎
Do you still have it? I’d like to shot a quick Colab comparison with my Adventurized 390 Duke...
What about the seat height?
Man, I'm 66 I have a dualsport bike, don't do much offroad anymore, I think this bike might be my cup of tea !
I Own both the 790 Adventure R and the 390 Adventure, the 390 for light adventure more weekend closer to home duties and the 790 for longer distance and travel adventures and harder off word work and both perform great but you know what the 390 is just so much fun and never disappoints, it's far more than just a beginners bike
I agree. Just curious why do you think its fun? My opinion is that because it’s light and maneuverable.
@@bermcannonk Great question ! its just one of those bikes that is lay back and fun to ride and far more forgiving and yes its light ... it actually feels even lighter than what it is .. i tend to wear my serious face when on the 790 , its far more capable of biting you if not treated with respect, the 390 however does not . i agree with you in that the only thing I'm looking into for the 390 is a set of bar raisers along with a heavier skid plate and hand guards ....
Would you take the 390 on the Trans American Trail?
@@trevr1969 Im in Australia .. and because of the current lock down in this part of the country am yet to give is a full rundown and really test it limits .. hopefully i'll be able to soon our riding season is fast approaching
@@jpsautomotive4207 your in Australia are ya... very draconian measures taken by your government there for i currently feeln is a Plandamic... anyways... im canadian and a soon to be a new driver... but still undecided on which bike to buy... lots of great choices... the 390 has adjustable suspension and fuel injection which is a big plus... take care buddy... and thanks for the reply
Nice ride what part of California you here?I'm thinking to trade in my ninja 650 to get ktm 390 I'm starting like go off road
Short rider here 5.5” - pretty comfy on my Scrambler at 30-31” seat. I love KTMs and debating between this and the 600 enduro to help me star adv riding. What you think?
The KTM 390 would be a great choice for shorter riders I will go sit on one at a dealership to know for sure though.
Have a look at the Enduristan Blizzard luggage. The soft luggage that KTM supply is Enduristan Blizzard and it goes up to xl which is 17lt each side. I use it along with a roll top drybag and its well enough luggage space.
Thx paul I firefred will check it out
Very interesting video :) I had the 1200gsa te was so heavy off road. Interesting looking at these the 250l an 250 rally + the cb500x for my dream trip to iceland for both me an dad.
Nice review. Which tires are you using?
Kenda big blocks via @dirtbiketest
Si Si on more High Sierra diaries! Thanks Mark.
If you’re going to immediately turn off the modern electronics then there are better dual sport bikes for off-road riding that have no electronic aids.
Very informative well done video! Thank you Marky Mark. This friday 22 May Yamaha Tenere 700 USA debut!
Thx. 🇺🇸🤙🏻
looks fun to ride.. i just notice yesterday they are opening a KTM official store in TJ.. :) looks very cool, will check it out soon.
have you had the chance to ride a KTM 450 rally replica ?
Really? Thats cool. No I have not rode the 450 rally yet.
Can you see the 390 for a 1'82cm rider?
Yes
I have a Versys 300, I was hoping the 390 looks like it would out perform the Versys. 73 more cc and adjustable forks make it interesting. I wonder if some rackless lugage would work on the 390? Maybe KTM will come out with an R model with a 21" front and 18" spoke wheels?
They have a 490 R in the works that should have a 21" front
Any word on curise control as an option for this bike like the 790 add on?
Not sure 🤔 it would be nice.
since it is ride by wire it is apparently not hard...the aftermarket will make it.
Very nice road perfect for the bike. Ride safe
Can you send me photos about your ktm? I would buy a new one but with that wheels.
Hi mate, if you don't mind me asking how tall are you and what is your inseam length? I love this bike but can go to the dealer to try sit on it. Great video, keep up the good work!
5-10
Great review, and I look forward to your future videos coming up--well done! I'll check out Dirt Bike Test's review on this, also. I am 59, grew up riding dirt bikes in the Midwest, got my motorcycle endorsement in my early 40's but never did anything with it. I may be moving the to Pacific Northwest, and if I do, I've got the bug to get a small dual sport motorcycle. Have been thinking the Honda crf250L rally would be the ticket, and it may still be, but I may check this out--I don't need a ton of hp for the riding I want to do. I am quite fit for my age and mostly plan to minimize on pavement riding with forest/blm/mountain roads and gentle trails (nothing too technical at all). So, I don't need a 1250 adventure bike, as I do not expect to do major touring. Just want something reliable and fun to ride around on the kinds of roads you guys were riding on--since the KTM 390 Adventure and Honda CRF250L Rally are about the same price, what are your thoughts if these 2 bikes are comparable?
The KTM 390 adventure will be perfect for what you have described 😎🤙🏻
@@bermcannonk Thanks for the quick response--I'll check it out. Always good to have options, and it does not sound like it will be too much bike for me as a returning/beginner/noob!
i have a CRF 250 rally. Great Bike! :)
Funny almost same as you, it’s down to 250L and 390 for me too. I think both ate great bikes, prior to 390 it was price and had to have fuel gauge, so 250L was it. But after seeing the 390, I am lean8ng twds it for many reasons . Love the display, saw some vids on how to use traction control, on/off road/rain ABS, lean ABS and the slipper clutch etc so I more fully understand some of capabilities, esp since noob. But even all that aside, the 250 is what it is, I feel I have more growth w/390 and versatility. Have to take roads at some point to get to dirt, and 390 got that down pat. While 250 is more off-road, I have seen some vids of that 390 doing way more than I am gonna do, on Stock tires no less. So me thinks if I can raise that front fenders 1-2”, put some off road tires on, as long as I don’t override the suspension that 390 has some mountain goat in it. And it cones w/adjustable suspension
Nice! I like it a lot!
Thanks Kyle!🤙🏻
More high Sierra diaries please!!! I guess that the 390 still can't reach "THE" one and only DOMINATOR!!!!
😂
why do you label a bike as beginner ? or for women? You think a 550lbs 1250cc bike is for a men non beginner yet these guys who ride the big bikes just get coffee with it never go off road. Tons of 500 lbs plus bikes $20000 .
Great question...this video or in other videos where I may say that this bike is for beginners or women is NOT intended to trigger the notion that the bike is no good or is on capable, I’m simply saying that there is a Group of people that get forgotten about. Teens,woman, and beginners(Never rode a motorcycle ever) who should take more notice towards this bike then say going out and buying a BMW GS 1250. I see time and time again beginner riders (grown men) buy large adventure bikes and they look scared to death while riding them. In my opinion smaller frame/weight bikes are better for building a stronger foundation for riding skills.
@@bermcannonk It all depends where you ride. at 380lbs I don t recommend learning with it either. then maybe a 230cc. there is off road such as a smooth dirt road which I could ride a ninja 650 on and there is real off road. the 390 requires more skills off road cause it s not a 250cc motocross .there are guys like me who rode 40 plus years who rode 70s dual sport bikes who may be interested I see that as a lighter klr650 not for racing but can do city highway and off road.
He is not seasoned enough
So you're saying that the 550lbs 1250cc is beginners? I think you may cause a lot of accidents
@@yathishbl3757 I never said that. What I am saying labeling bike is not good. Someone my have 40 yrs experience ride and be a very good rider and buy a 250cc. And do really hard single tracks. On the other hand a beginner with no skills can buy a 1250 gs bmw and get coffee .It s not the bike that makes you a beginner or expert.
Great review, as always.
I've been riding for more than 20 years and owned bikes up to 1300cc with over 200hp, not a beginner but I am interested in this bike. So sick of idiots like yourself that think a bike with lower cc's and horsepower are for "new riders" and "women"
Dear bozo The KTM 390 adventure is a great bike for everyone but because of the great ease-of-use power wise it benefits beginners and women better rather high horsepower motorcycles.... you would know this because you’ve been riding for 20 years.
You really need to talk about how the bike would be for experienced riders and forget about the beginner crap! do you think those are the only interested people?? get a life and ride hard or stay home !!
Lol. I love it jason. Ok if your experienced this bike is not for you 👍
Exactly check out a review of this bike by 100 oktane he rides it like it was stolen on and off road let me know what you think
I have 40 years experience with dirt bikes including desert racing. Dirt track in 250 and 400cc and true enduro bikes. Street bikes of all sizes. Now if you want to race down single track you should not buy any "Adventure" bike, get a motocross bike or enduro with 11 or 12 " of suspension travel and weighs less than 300lbs. So lets keep some perspective here. I have the 390. I hate when people call it a beginner's bike. You can learn to ride on any bike and it's great for experienced riders. Becoming more experienced does not mean you want bigger and heavier bikes. I love this bike and why?.... it will go just about anywhere you point it. It's light, fast and not small for its class. It's a blast on twisty canyon roads, forest service roads and smooth single track. Will I be jumping this bike, no. Will I be boulder hopping, no. I have a bike for that. It is a little shorter than so called full size bikes which is what is ideal for off road. People that complain about standing on this bike must have little experience riding offroad or are 6 feet tall or more. In fact listening to those that talk negative about this bike's ability offroad either have little experience in this area or are trying to compare it to a true enduro. It's not a race bike, it's not a full on dirt bike so why make that comparison? Its outstanding offroad for its intended purpose and the same is true on road. It's a compromise between both worlds and its damn good at it. Like any bike, you cannot spend a day with it and Post a video and claim to understand its handling. Handing is mostly dependent on rider ability and experience with the bike. You need to ride hours offroad and on road to become "one" with the bike to understand it and work with it. Large 500lb Adventure bikes are a pleasure to ride on road and an excersise in keeping them from throwing you to the ground on difficult rocky trails. But those too can be ridden pretty hard with excellent riding skills. So it's all about what you personally want out of a bike. Think hard about that and choose the right bike or do as others do and buy 2 or 3 bikes.
Not 3 feet deep
Jeff I put up a poll with a better photo on my Instagram stories.