Watch: KTM 390 Adventure Long-Term Test

[Advpulse]

When KTM brought their first entry-level adventure bike to market in 2020, it garnered quite a lot of interest. With the 390 Adventure, KTM set out to build something approachable and versatile at a price point that would make it easier for newer ADV riders to get started on an orange bike. At the same time, they wanted it to have enough performance that more seasoned riders could still enjoy it… Did they hit the mark?

Starting off with a 373cc single-cylinder motor borrowed from the 390 Duke, the powerplant pumps out 43 horsepower and 27.3 ft-lbs of torque. Plus it comes packed with premium components you typically don’t get standard in this category like a 5” color-TFT display with Bluetooth integration, tapered aluminum handlebars, ByBre brakes (Indian Brembo), along with  a sophisticated array of rider aids and touring amenities. 

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Thanks to ex-Baja Champ Quinn Cody who helped develop suspension settings, the 390 Adventure also has good spring rates, adequate suspension travel and a range of damping settings so you aren’t stuck with whatever comes from the factory. All that with a reasonable 33.6″ seat h, wet weight of 379 pounds, and introductory price of $6,200.

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After our initial test on the 390, KTM’s small-bore ADV offering exceeded our expectations, but we did find a few things that didn’t quite hit the mark. However, sacrifices are to be expected on any bike built for a lower price point. With help from the KTM PowerParts catalog and the aftermarket, we set out to address many of these shortcomings.

Over the last few years we have explored the full range of the 390 Adventure’s capabilities,  covering thousands of miles and nearly every type of terrain. In this video, we give a rundown of its performance on dirt, sand, twisties, and more. Plus we put in some highway miles to explore the long-haul comfort and fuel range of the machine. We also cover how it matches up with other small-displacement ADVs in the market and how key mods can make major improvements in its adventure readiness.

Is the 390 Adventure a legitimate adventure travel bike for longer distances? Does it have enough dirt capability for more aggressive rides? We have answers to all your burning questions and more in the review.

Thanks for checking out the video and leave us your thoughts and questions in the comments below. For those of you who prefer to read, you can check out our first ride review article of the KTM 390 Adventure here.

Photos by Ely Woody and Rob Dabney.