Why The KTM 390 Adventure Is An Awesome Commuter Motorcycle

How I hate these comments in the reviews about power of small bikes, jeez man, it’s 300 engine, 44hp, it’s plenty for people who enjoy cruising on a motorcycle. If you want motorway buy 5000cc engine 🙄

Great review, thanks. I traded my 2017 390 Duke in for a 390 Adventure in March 2020. I loved the Duke and regularly rode it from Stevenage to Portsmouth and back. It has an aggressive riding position and feels faster than it actually is so it's huge fun. The adventure is so different. The riding position is really roomy and the seat is high which suits my long legs. Initially I was disappointed with the engine which felt less willing than the Duke. The reason for this is that it is higher geared. The Adventure's 5th gear is the same as 6th on the Duke. Once you realise this and give it more beans the motor feels just as responsive and the overdrive 6th gear is far better on the motorway. I had an Arrow can on the Duke which sounded fruity but the standard can on the Adventure makes just a quiet chuffing nose. In a recent run to Devon with two Triumphs, a Tiger 800 and a 900 Sprint I had no problems keeping up with the 85 mph pace. They out dragged me from roundabouts but not by much! The small screen keeps most of the wind blast of and is better than nothing. As you point out in your review, commuting is a breeze particularly around the M25. The light weight and punchy motor makes carving through the traffic most entertaining. The bike's main fault is revealed when the lanes slow to a crawl. This is mirror clash avoidance riding and the Adventure's mirrors are too wide and pointy. 4x4 and Transit van mirrors constantly get in the way and impede progress so these will need replacing with narrower mirrors. Overall I'm really pleased with the bike and will ride it lots.

Took this bike on a 8-9 hour trip from Utah to souther Colorado (going to a cabin, so I wanted this bike's off road capability to ride around some of the trails nearby), and it did well on the highway, though most of it was 65mph roads, and a lot was single or double lane, there where some long stretches on 75-80mph speed limits, and bike did well, though I would not have done this while breaking in the bike. I did fine with a couple of saddlebags and a pilion bag. But it is best for in town riding,and ripping off forest service unpaved rods and fire trails, some easy single trails will do fine, but the wheels will start to suffer on that type of loose dirt trails. Nice thign is if you're carefull on the trotle, and don't rip it off the line all the time (which is tempting to do) it will get you descent mpg. Sold this bike, and I regret doing so. May have to pick up another one. (Traded it for a drit bike, but I do miss this bike as a commuter) At the time I was pairing it with a Yamaha R1M, and I ended up using the bike a lot more than the R1M. I have a Jixer 1000 now, and I use that a lot more than the Yammy, so I wonder if I could justify another bike (since I have the Suzuki, two dirt bikes, and this would be the 4th....) Such a nice bike, I want it back"! :P)

Own one and agree one hundred percent with both the positives and negatives. Great review!

Really informative review, thanks. I own Svartpilen 401 and love the character of the engine (will be modding soon for a little more grunt n growl) but the thought of a Husky Norden with the rumoured new 500 twin is exciting... as long as the engine is still FUN because that’s the best description of this little single.

From India, Chennai. I own a Superlow. We don have much of options to explore in light weight except Himalayan which is even heavy and underpowered. This fits in right! Awaiting for Honda CB 500x would be ages. Took this for a spin, the quick shifter alone convinced me to own one. Booking one of em today (being my wife's bday got d approval 😝)

Nailed the cinematic shots man!! Not easy to find good ones these days

I love mine. She has some scratches and slight bruises after 4k km but I love her more than when she was brand new!

My 390 is the best.Such a versatile bike. The gearbox does get better after 1000kms.

I’ve got a 390 Duke which I am truly enjoying, no need for a bigger bike as I don’t cruise, but outstanding for fun!

I second your thoughts on the Husqvarna! I prefer the look as well. Can't wait for the new ones to come. It seems we're living through an Adventure segment renaissance!

Excellent video , safe riding !!!

Man I’ve only seen one for sale on offer up, only once, which is how I found out about it, this bike is incredible! It will be my most favorite motorcycle when I get it, I’ve came from a Kymco K-pipe, cbr300r and Nc700x it’s petty much the handling of a k-pipe, engine of a 300 and the style of an adventure bike. This is the go to bike for experts / beginners alike! It’s fun, easy to use, and it looks beautiful, this will hit the sweet spot for rare birds, I know I’m hooked.

how does channel only have 92k subs? You do great work and i'm sure your sub count will at least double in the next 12 months. Keep up the good work!

Fabulous review! 👍 Got a 390 adventure this week and I love design, motor, and colour. Real fun to ride it!

Liked the video Bob and the scenery behind you. This bike has one purpose in life, that's to be a commuter with a tall rider. It hasn't got enough oomph to be a genuine off roader, but it looks good.

Excellent review and super cool bike ! Tremendous camera work as always ! Cheers 🤘🏽

Great video. Like your presenting style. Personally the design of this 390 leaves me cold compared to the swartpilen 401.

Hi just found your site. Imn a Strood man and recognise all the local roads. Think I may opt for a 390 adv bike ticks most boxes for me . Great review btw

Packed dirt roads are my favorite for off-road riding, even after I hit a rut and crashed, it was so much fun! I am a beginner though and not used to gravel, etc.