I couldn't agree more. It is a blast when you get the engine above 5k.

We all pay for a rev limiter when we buy a bike. Yet most riders are afraid to use it. Twist grip and go. Any bike any size even more with smaller capacity 👍🏻

You nailed Matt. I ride a KTM Adv 390 and I ride at a higher RPM whenever I feel the ride is not smooth enough or whenever I need more power. That way the engine never fails to surprise me. The more you ask from it the more it gives you.

@andymotovlogs546

8 ай бұрын

The engine starts to get smooth from 4k RPM & you can ride it at that for a relaxed ride but when you need more performance the engine really comes to life after 5k RPM and in that region it's a hell of a motorcycle.

Couldn't agree more... Started riding as an enduro, and it's really is own beast. 5500-7500 it just performs gorgeous

Hi, Matt. I agree that the 390 really scoots at higher RPM's, and sometimes I need that. But I just rode the first half of the NMBDR, and was so impressed with the low end torque. Now, although I do have a 14T front sprocket installed (and love it), the stock 390 has MORE torque than the DRZ at lower RPM's. DRZ hits 10ft-lbs at 2600 rpm KTM hits 10 ft-lbs at less than 2000 DRZ hits 15ft-lbs at 2900 rpm KTM hits 15 ft-lbs at 2200 DRZ hits 20ft-lbs at 3900 rpm KTM hits 20 ft-lbs at 3400 I love the way my 390 chugs up hills at low speed in 2nd or 3rd.

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

Great comparison, break down on the torque numbers. I didn't look that close. I have climbed some really steep hills that I didn't think were possible. This bike didn't break a sweat and made me look like a better rider than I am. Glad see you are hitting the NMBDR. I hope to finish it this fall or early next spring. I need to ride sections 1 and 2. Cheers.

@rawaruska

11 ай бұрын

@@advmatt break down on the torque numbers is a goot solution !! did it and love it !!!

@Dunno2430

11 ай бұрын

Put a 14 tooth front sprocket on and it sits in all the right rev ranges. Agree, ride it the way it was designed. It will rev all day.

@Bscott-390

21 күн бұрын

I agree. I did the Smokey Mountain 500 on mine. I was blown away at how well it crawled.

Thanks for all the 390 content. I bought a new one 2 weeks ago with out a test drive. I am not disappointed I knew what I was getting based on your reviews. Bar risers ,pegs and front fork extenders installed with 11 miles on the bike. Been riding it like I stole it and I love the bike. Break n period was done this morning .Thank you for the great reviews on the 390

@advmatt

Ай бұрын

You are welcome! Enjoy it. I love mine and have had a ball on it. Thanks for comment. I really appreciate it.

Hey Matt, all I can say is Amen and keep telling it like it is! I watched your Tenere Meh video a few days ago and was going to comment back to a viewer review. I didn't because I respect your channel and didn't want to put anything negative out there. In relation to your "don't know how to ride" insight the viewers premise was he'll never ride a KTM 390 again because on his Tenere he can idle along in first gear without having to slip the clutch. Not my idea of any kind of adventure riding but more power to him if that does it for him. The problem is there are to many KTM 390 reviewers who somehow classify the 390 as a beginner bike. There are Pro riders on 125 and 250 motocross bikes doing triple jumps and back flips when they race. Since when did displacement become an indicator of skill set required for any bike and a substitute for knowing how to ride it. I've been riding motorcycles since I was 10 years old so maybe I just don't know or forgot what a beginners bike is? If you are a beginner rider that's great, but don't knock the bike for being at fault if you're not willing to open it up. KTM's are meant to be ridden hard. Ride the 390 hard and trust me the last thing you'll be thinking about is vibrations.

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

Well said. I have been riding since I was 12, and all I knew to do when I started riding was to rip it, or the darn bike would die, because it wouldn't idle. I agree, displacement says nothing about a riders capabilities, its what the rider does with the bike.

I love my KTM 390 Adventure. This is not my first bike, and not my only bike. I wring the sucker out. It is a joy to ride in the mountains. I was riding on a two-track a couple of weeks ago, new to me, and I got to a very steep rocky section. I kicked it down into 1st and rode right up. At the top, I stopped and looked back down and I got a bit of vertigo because it was much steeper than I though it was and it would have been tough to walk up, but this little machine tore straightup. But the RPMs were ripping. Like you said, "ride it like you stole it!"

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

I did the same thing on a climb a few months back. When I first looked at it I was thinking, "Damn that's steep." Let's see what she will do, and it ripped right up, no issues. I was again, thoroughly impressed.

I have had to tell so many people the same exact thing. I love the bike and it reminds me so much like riding a KTM 200 2-Stroke. Staying on that pipe! Thanks for the video!

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

You bet!

You are absolutly right on in this video. It took me a month to figure out that the higher RPMs are better, and now its my primary play and commute bike.

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

You know how to ride it, hard!

You d*ck! Where were you when I first got this bike? I have a Himalayan. It has 1 H.P. and at 1 RPM it will chug through the worst muck Louisiana can throw at me. Then I bought the KTM and yeah, especially with the RPM limiter for the first 600 miles, I was the tiniest bit disappointed. I really wasn't expecting much and I thought, well it's still pretty cool. Then, I noticed that there was another half of a tachometer there and I finally got a better feel for him (Thumper) and man, what a flippin' blast! Thanks for spreading the word. This bike is awesome. It does tend to break a turn signal from time to time. Dern ruts! S

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

Right on. Wring it out!!!!!!

@seandonnelly205

11 ай бұрын

That RPM limiter for the first 600 miles is just an idiot light. I had mine flashing like a Christmas tree for 600 miles while I ran it up to 7000-8000 RPM's, until it reset itself to 8500 :)

Matt, You have had this bike for a while so I respect your feedback. You have had a lot of fun on this bikeII

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

I have had a blast on this bike and will continue to ride it as much as possible. I want to see how many hard miles I can put on it to see how long it will last. Hopefully I will be able show just how far this bike will go.

Just bought a 4yo 390, and I totally agree! It took some time to realize this, but it really works well above 4000 rpm. It makes it a bit special to drive in cities, but you will be fast after a red light!

@advmatt

28 күн бұрын

Once you learn where to keep the engine it really transforms the experience.

You are exactly right. I have this bike, I love it but I was one of the ones that didn’t know how to ride it! After watching this video post, I tried your suggestions of keeping the RPM’s up around 5000 and, wow what a difference. Much smoother and much better throttle response! Thanks for the info. I love this bike even more now!

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

So glad this helped. Ride it like you stole and it's true potential will be unlocked. Cheers.

Very helpful and useful information. Thanks for sharing 🤙

I have this bike and its absolutely fun above 6k but in the heavy traffic we have here in india it becomes a bit of a task for your right hand still puts a smile on your face when you cover a gap. The gearing also is excellent and makes it even more fun when you rev out each gear. Thanks for putting this out i see a lot of complains from people who dont ride it properly

@advmatt

Ай бұрын

No problem. Seems you already know how to ride this bike properly.

I never had such a concern, maybe because the bike itself makes you ride it harder! Well said sir!

Well said mate! I find that my engine lugs below 4K revs, which says everything to me about how it wants to be ridden. Also agree that complaining about vibrations on a motorcycle makes about as much sense as complaining that one gets wet when it rains...

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

I love that analogy. Spot on!

Thanks Matt for the tips! The last couple of days I've been riding my bike one gear higher (i.e keeping rpm's minimum around 5k) and man, what a difference! It almost feels as if I'm riding a different bike. It has totally come alive. Wow. Now have to re-learn to ride it this way. P.S installed fork extenders and they work absolutely fine. No problem with the fork legs being tapered whatsoever. You can tighten both screws just fine.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Glad this helped you reveal what your bike has to offer. I agree with you on the fork extenders. I need to do a review on them. Cheers.

Well said (period).Thanks and keep em coming

All you said is right. Ride safe dude. Greetings from Ecuador

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Cheers!

coming from a crf250l, where all the power is up high, this thing is a joy!

im same as you, I ride mine hard. that's the way it was designed. and tolerances are so good now a days im not worried

Light and easy to handle. Love thrashing mine😊

Goddamit, finally an excelent review. This is pure gold for new riders. Thank you very much.

@alexdesamsonow822

4 ай бұрын

Leave God out of it,please.

@ulysse7243

4 ай бұрын

@@alexdesamsonow822 seek professional help bro 👍

When I first got this bike when I revved a little high I was like “ohhh I better shift” then quickly realized the bike loved the high rev range. My only problem is when I’m first gear if I rev high and shift to second it seems to clunk in gear, so I tend to shift at mid range into second but everything after that I shift high and it loves it. Great video!!

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, the bike rips through first gear pretty quickly. So that first shift comes fast.

You can plod along at low revs on the 390, but that's when the suspension feels stiff, and the bike feels vibey and noisy and all. Like you said, keep it revving a bit and it all starts working the way it was designed to. A remarkably capable machine. p.s. I can ride at 6mph all day with no clutch or throttle in 1st, 8 in 2nd and 13 in 3rd, zero stalling. It is horrible when you open the throttle of course if you dont slip the clutch a bit, but , my bike at least, never stalls.

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

Impressive. I never plod along, maybe I should try it. Cheers.

@Hutchie2112

Жыл бұрын

@@advmatt I don't recommend it, just that I tried it a couple of weeks ago, and was well impressed that the bike didn't complain.

Almost didnt but mine because of people saying that. And im glad i took my chance i ride the hell out of this bike and love the way it goes

Absolutely agree, I've changed to a 14t front sprocket and makes it a lot nicer at lower speeds and still plenty good on motorways where I live. 100km/h at 6000rpm. Puts it at the sweet spot for instant overtaking power

💯 agree :) It’s a race bike and I love mine. Added the Coober ECU and KN filter and the race is on.. It’s so much fun to ride this bike!

@rcrossz7

11 ай бұрын

standard exhaust?

You are spot on

I too am surprised at the negative comments from those who have "tried one out and shake and rattle ". You are right on with what you said Mat. In fact it's the very same engine, same tune as the 390 duke and anyone who has raced one will tell you you have to keep it on the boil to let it perform. I try to keep up tp my son on his 890 on the trails and you just naturally get it up in the revs and keep it there. I too have a few miles (kms) on mine - a little over 27000km and just love letting it scream, puts a smile on my face. I have a helper setup - after market muffler end cap with my own design insert, FuelX Pro larger rear sprocket , etc. Ya wring it and you will love it as Mat does.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Right on! Let it scream and it will perform.

You're forgetting how this rev range also helps in engine braking. It gives you so much more confidence.

@advmatt

8 ай бұрын

For sure, great point!

I am a new rider and this was my first bike. I had no idea what rpm I should be running but personally found the sweet spot was just under 6000 so thank you for confirming!

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

For sure. Don't be afraid to run the RPMs higher to do what you need to do, like pass.

@danielpoulis9855

9 ай бұрын

Yep I'm a new rider as well but if I've learnt anything listening to my dad who's been riding motorbikes for 30+ years it's that you aren't going to hurt it by using the full rev range. Infact it's good to get the bike into the high revs because it stops carbon build up. Additionally lugging the bike (low rpm engine chugging hard) can be worse for it because it creates heat spots on the piston. It's good though that you identified a good rev range on your own, means you are listening to the machine.

@advmatt

9 ай бұрын

@@danielpoulis9855 thanks for the adding your experience. You are right on.

Right on the money. Love my 390 adv

Hi Matt, i have done 23,000 Klm on mine, and i ride it like i stole it, i love mine, best fun bike ever !!

@advmatt

5 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more. It's a blast.

I agree with the sentiment. I own a CSC RX4 with the 450cc single engine. I have put 26,000 miles on my bike and it has taken me many places. People need to realize they are not riding a HD that you Lug the engine in Low RPM. Well put explanation.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Thanks. You are killing it on the CSC!

I put a 48 tooth sprocket on the rear and ride it just like you said. It’s blast!! 😊

Hehehe, Matt begging to ride this bike hard and oh yeah, he is so right! It's so much fun, puts a smile on my face everytime it revs up and got that pull. Thanks for "preaching" to us, Matt. 🙂

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Your welcome! No go out and rip!

Hi Matt I agree with you, lot of people don’t know how to ride this bike 👍🏼. I used to ride 2015 Duke 390, compared to Duke riding Adventure 390 is like a piece of cake 🍰.

I am a beginner and I used too low rpms at first. I also thougt the bike didnt run ok at low rpms. But now after the break in period I have learned that it needs higher revs and its very nice to have that confirmed!

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Right on. Ride it hard!

good points

Totally echo your analysis. This bike does not let me rest. Its a hooligan. I tried to test its limits in narrow twisty roads once and guess what, my limits were tested and i had goosebumps all over. Once the engine is optimally heated and revs high, boy o boy, this machine gets crazy. So much fun, so much excitement and so much control.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

It's an amazing machine!

Thanks for this video Matt. Love my 2022 390. Fantastic machine! Also thanks for sharing your milage. Good to know how reliable it is. Just wondering when valve adjustment time comes up if you did it yourself & if so are you thinking about making a video on it? Seen a few on line and their shit. Your video's are always so informative. Just wondering. Thanks for your time brother & safe riding 😊👍

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

I am way over do for a valve adjustment. About 8k miles overdue. The first one was the most important. I haven't decided if I will do it myself or take it in. It will get done quicker if I take it in, but the price might be the deciding factor. The first valve adjustment only cost me @ $200. It was worth it to me to have the shop do it, but I also had much less time then.

Mine is a beast after installing the Powertronics Xlite tuner and 14 tooth sprocket.

Exactly correct for my 2021 390.

Great little bike even in the low RPM's.

Great video. I wish I had gotten a 390, but I couldn't find one around here in 2022, so I settled for a 890 that showed up at my local dealer. Funny, this year the local dealer has all kinds of models. I think in 2022 we were just coming out of the pandemic which hindered manufacturing of bikes. There was little to no inventory of any brand around where I live.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Inventory seems to still be a problem. The 890 is a great bike too, just much heavier. You can always switch to a 390 down the road. Cheers.

Love this, folks do not understand this is a sport bike engine, it likes to ride high in the revs

@advmatt

3 ай бұрын

It is so much more fun to ride like this. Really, all bikes benefit from being ridden like this.

Just bought the 2023 390 a few weeks back. It’s stable mate, a 2021 Yamaha T7 is the exact opposite. I was so used to the laid back nature of that X Plane twin. Once I broke through my 600 mile break in, I finally “got it”! This little Ripper wants to ride hard! And I love it. When I want a more relaxed ride, I amusingly take out the T7. Two totally different characteristics, two amazing bikes. The most difficult decision I have to make each day, is to decide how I want to ride that day. Thanks Matt. Great video!

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

I am faced with the same issue now that I have a T7 as well. I have been riding the T7 like the 390 and it is quite fun, but just not quite the same.

@glennmcguire5571

11 ай бұрын

@@advmatt Hey Matt, I ride a T7, coming from a CRF250L, and ride mostly alone. Love the T7, but find my self skipping area's of off-road because of dropping and not being able to pick it up. I'm seriously thinking about selling the T7 and getting the 390 so I don't back down from certain sections of off-road. Any thoughts on the comparison and if you could only have one of the two??? I really appreciate your video's, good material.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

@@glennmcguire5571 if I could only have one of the two bikes I choose the 390 Adv every time. I know where I have taken it and what I have done it and I still haven't hit its complete limits. I just haven't found myself in a situation where I dropped the bike. I had a bizarre crash and easily picked the bike up with one broken wrist. It hurt, but I was able to do it. I don't think I could have done it with the T7. The 390 Adv is a great bike to push to the limits and not have it scare you to do it. Hope this helps. Cheers.

@glennmcguire5571

11 ай бұрын

@@advmatt Thanks for your honest opinion, it really helps in my decision and again, thanks for all you do.

Spot on!

well said - I love this bike its done everything I have asked of it.

I’m a 67-year-old guy, been riding since I was 10. Grew up on dirt bikes, rode on the street too since my teens… I sold my 1200 GS, and My S 1000 XR, because I was moving, and wanted to have a small and light to bring with me traveling, with my truck and travel trailer. Once I broke the little 390 in, change the oil, 600 miles, I’ve been spanking a little thing ever since!! it’s so light, and you keep the RPMs up, it’s amazing how quick it’ll go on us secondary road!! I also like the fact, that, even with the slip on exhaust, it never gets loud! to try to putt putt through town on the XR, that thing was a beast, and everybody that saw it and heard it knew it was a beast!! Little old ladies would look out their windows, and pull the shades down!!! I love that bike. But like Matt said, it’s more fun to ride slower bike fast, than to ride a fast bike slow… 😊🏍️🛵

@advmatt

5 ай бұрын

Right on. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Good to know, thank you

Love your honesty in the beginning D*ck! 😂😂 I thrash this bike everyday to work and back. Some bolts on the bash plate vibrated off recently. Partially from my not checking and partially from wringing out those RPMs. This isn't a 30k Gucci bike. Beat it up and have some SPMs, smiles-per-mile! 🤙

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

Right on!

It is ironic that I say the exact same thing about my 1200 Multistrada Enduro. It also isn't very happy lugging along at 3000 rpm, but is super happy and smooth at anything above about 6000.

@advmatt

5 ай бұрын

The KTM 1290 Super Duke is the same way. Rev these bikes!

I treat mine like a Ginger Stepchild.

I Have it and is a beast, 100% agry

Great believer in learning to ride dirt first, hones bike and riding skills, which can be transferred to road. I've a D390 and agree re getting those revs up!

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

I agree, dirt skills translate way better to road than road to dirt. I have seen a lot of road riders freak out on dirt and get unnerved when the tires slide around, like we expect them to.

Well said! I ring the crap out of mine, it works well up in the RPMs

@advmatt

6 ай бұрын

Yes it does. This bike performs so well when ridden hard.

I was watching this a second time and @5:20 you mentioned vibrating the engine apart. That reminded me of an incident at the Indy 500 many years ago. I forget the race driver and team, but the story was this driver was way ahead of the field and the race was in the bag for him. The team manager told him to baby the engine for the last 10 laps and not rev to the limit, they decided to lower his rpm 500 to save the engine. What they did not know was that the engine developed an internal vibration at that rpm and literally shook itself apart. He DNFed and lost the Indy 500 because they tried to save the engine. They did not discover the cause until after the fact. They tested their back up engine and that was when they discovered the vibration issue. So, yes, you are right and new riders should take note that running an engine too soft can actually cause it to fail prematurely.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Great story to highlight this point. Fortnine just released a video on how damaging it is to lug the engine. Hopefully new riders will take note. Thanks.

Totally agree mate, not had mine long, stuck a 14 tooth front sprocket on, removed the resonator and wring it’s tiny neck when I’m riding, love the single, so much fun after the BMW 1200 gs I sold to buy it ! When I’m Ridin’, I’m smiling 😁 good to see your mileage, means there’s tons of fun to come 👍🏻

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

Lots of fun stuffed in this bike. I bet you don't miss the weight of the GS at all.

@stevegibb8780

11 ай бұрын

@@advmatt truth, one of the main reasons I changed, now every ride doesn’t feel like a mission and I’ve started tinkering with stuff again. Just did a week riding in Brittany with just a top box and dry bag, no need for the ton of luggage on the Beamer. Over time I reckon my fave bikes have been in this capacity.. RD350LC, XR350…revvy engaging motors , light on their feet.. and plain fun 😎

Bingo! Fuel X fuel controller, 14 tooth front sprocket, resonator delete, get 93 octane if you can and keep the rpm’s between 5k and 9k and have fun. Loaded down with all the camping gear runs 75 on the interstate, and has power left for hills and passing and gets 70mpg!

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Getting all the good stuff out of this bike.

Couldn't agree more. I downsized from an Africa Twin to the 390 and it took me a bit of time to unlearn my riding habits from the torquey Africa Twin. My first ride was pretty underwhelming but after around 1000 kms everything clicked and I finally shook off my old habits and I absolutely love this bike. Also, I got pretty lazy shifting gears on the Africa Twin since it was powerful enough to be happy in any gear but, as with the revs, the 390 needs to be shifted all the time to keep it in its happy place.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

I enjoyed going back to a bike that had to be ridden and not sat on. I love having to shift all the time to get the most out of this bike. Its a kind of return to riding, or at least that is how it felt to me. Its more engaging.

@BreezyRider66

11 ай бұрын

Yep similar experience going from a V Strom 650 to a CBR250R...

@erkutgurun

10 ай бұрын

Downsizing from my T7, can't wait for it's arrival to justify your thoughts. :)

@advmatt

10 ай бұрын

@@erkutgurun nice. Ride it hard and it will reward you.

@JCBigCat

9 ай бұрын

@@erkutgurun this is interesting! How is it going so far, since it's been two months? I was thinking of downsizing from a 1200 GS to a T7 but this makes me doubt my thought... was the T7 too heavy?

Exactly, well said! I own a KTM 500 EXC-F, Husqvarna Nuda 900R & the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure & let me tell you, the 390 is absolutely brilliant & more than capable. The 390 has more than enough power for adventure riding, just wring its neck & ride it hard, it begs to be ridden hard! That is the beauty of the 390, you can ride it hard all day long. Try doing that on the 500 EXC-F or Husqvarna Nuda 900R, they are just too fast when you're flat out (all day long). Just my humble opinion, of course.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Completely agree. The 390 rewards you for riding it hard!

This was some advice I really needed! I test-rode this bike in residential lanes at 15-20 kmph speeds for less than 2kms and still bought it because I wanted to try the adventure segment. Rode 100s of kms of highway at the end of each ride thinking to myself, it wasn't much fun was it!? I've gotten used to chugging on REs in low RPMs, this is my first KTM, looking forward to rip through and have some fun on my next ride after watching your video! :) Thanks much!

@advmatt

3 ай бұрын

It should really change how the bike feels for you. Cheers.

Recently purchased a 690 Enduro. I believe your comments apply to that bike too. It does take some adjustment and time to get it sorted out.

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

But once you learn to ride it, it comes alive!

Preach brother 😊

oh i beat mine like it owes me money.

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

Only way to ride it!

I had a 2005 Ninja 250 back in college, '09-10 so a long time ago. If I get back into motorcycles, I think this could be the one. My old 250 was good training for it since it was very rev-happy with a 14k redline.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Nice. This bike will feel like a huge step up from your Ninja. It's a lot of fun.

I have ktm adv390 outstanding bike

Cool good info DRZ it is

Well said. I love my 390 and it is at is best over 4K to 7K RPM.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

It sure is!

Great video! I’m still surprised by some of the negative comments this bike gets. I’m convinced people don’t understand what this bike is. They think it should be a multi cylinder, big displacement bike, or a dirt bike. I think that is because the 390 is in a class of its own. The only small, lightweight adv, with real performance chops. It’s almost always compared to dual sports or larger and much heavier bikes.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

You are absolutely right on. I dont understand why there needs to be these comparisons. I watched you video on your mods. You spent almost as much as I have. Good video. I like what you have done with your bike.

@makmoto0606

11 ай бұрын

@@advmatt it’s a great bike! Thanks for your content!

This is a great bike and I chose this over the new KLR 650 when I was looking at bikes for the engine. It is a smaller but better engine that puts out more power and has a six speed transmission. The KLR is an awesome bike but for the $$$ you get way more bike with the KTM.

@advmatt

7 ай бұрын

Completely agree. If the KLR had a six speed transmission I would have probably bought one but I am really satisfied with my 390.

I grew up riding singles so I'm very familiar with them you are always going to get a few vibes I have owned several 640 lc4 ktms and they vibe like a road drill.. people want everything sanitised now I like a bit of character and there are few little bikes out there now that deliver like the little 390...I also own a 790 but often take the little one it's fun and easy like you say use the motor and it all smooths out

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

I have always wondered about the 640. If I could find one I might have to try it out. The 390 is always my go to. Its better to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.

@appymarley

Жыл бұрын

@@advmatt love the 640 mat but you will have to contend with white finger!

I'm an off-road racer/rider and this is great advice. Since I'm more single track I actually dropped a tooth on the countershaft of my 890 and it's a wild child on single track. Imagine you could do the same on the 390. You will sacrifice some top end though. I just snagged a 24 390, pick it up tomorrow so should be interesting.

@advmatt

6 ай бұрын

I do a lot of long distance travel on this bike so I haven't wanted to drop a tooth. It could use it for really technical riding but with full luggage it works well for forest roads. Dropping a tooth on the 890 sounds like it becomes a crazy machine.

Couldn’t be more spot on. And I just hit 3600 miles on mine and the motor really opened up. My biggest recommendation is getting the 1 finger clutch kit for it. It completely changes the jerky slow speed jerky stuff. Now I can just let the clutch out in 1st and it just coasts with zero throttle. Even shifting 3-4-5 etc you can rev match so much more consistently. But yes this thing is great once you truly master ur.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Great tip, I need to look into this clutch kit. Thanks.

@alexdesamsonow822

5 ай бұрын

What is the ‘ one finger clutch kit?,. Is this a recluse kit?

I hear you. I see a lot of videos where people have single cylinder engines, DR, DRZ, Honda, Yamaha, and they are lugging it uphill/road/trails all the time! And then they get in a little trouble, go even slower, and crash! I haven't ridden dirt in a long time. But when I was a teenager I had a Kawasaki 175 Enduro Dual Sport in Washington state and rode it year round and through everything. We had an abandoned Associate Sand and Gravel company nearby that also provided a lot of great territory/challenges. They had blocked off the entrances with bulldozers but that didn't stop motorcycles. To me, many of these people just actually don't know how to ride and then they crash and get injured and are even slower and more cautious. In all my time riding with plenty of falls, I never got injured luckily. Missing corners by going too fast in slippery conditions for example. Those maple leaves covering the road can be slick! Oh, and there was little in the way of protective gear then. Around 1972.

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

Some the worst crashes I have had were at slow speed too. Both on motorcycles and mountain bikes. Slow can be worse, go figure. Cheers.

Not a bike for beginners, newbies and Himalayan riders dnt like it. Love this bike and always rip it out hard💪🏼

@advmatt

7 ай бұрын

New riders don't understand how to ride bikes like this. Very under valued bike.

Old guy…65 YO. 2 hip replacements, 1 knee replacement, shoulder screws, broke leg and skull. 50+ year rider. Had KTM 990, Africa Twin, and many dual sports. I plan to come down to the 400 class and this is clearly the gold standard. I’ll have to add some suspension work, bar riser, skid plate and better tires, but still a good bike. And I’ll still keep my heavy cruiser!

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

With some modifications to fit you and your riding style, this bike will perform for you!

I just purchased my first adventure bike last weekend and it was the 390, been riding/racing enduros on my KTM200 for 20 years, I wasn't really sure how to ride this bike and yesterday was my first 150 mile day out on it in gravel and north GA mountain roads. I am happy to find this video, because I do not feel I was riding it correctly at all after watching this. I was disappointed in the power, was getting used to how to disable the TC, felt like it bogged/hesitated a bit. I will start wringing it out like my 200 and hopefully have more fun on it. Also, I purchased it with a Rekluse already installed in it? Seller gave me the stock clutch, I could always switch it out. Thank you for the tip! I don't think you came across as a D%&k! LOL

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Thanks. This bike will reward you for giving it the beans. The one problem with the Rekluse clutch is it allows you to get away with riding in a gear or two too high. Keep the RPMs up and you and the bike will be happy.

@alexdesamsonow822

5 ай бұрын

Do you like the rekluse clutch? I agree with Matt, this bike likes to be in the upper part of the rev range!

@KTMgirl370

5 ай бұрын

@@alexdesamsonow822 Actually, I do like it! But, I am still having the stalling issue when rolling off the gas into corners. Not sure if it's the side stand switch or not, but it's annoying as heck.

I agree, the bike runs great about 5K RPM

Love the bike, love the revs. With minimal mods it’s even better than before. Now if you’ve got suggestions for bar risers, lowering pegs, etc to make it more comfortable to stand up I’m all ears. I’ve read different options but scared to pull the trigger until I am confident what I buy will do the trick.

@blackrider232

Жыл бұрын

i think Matt had some videos when he upgraded bar riser, pegs etc on his KTM. Find it in his channel

@OneOldManRiding

Жыл бұрын

Matt and I both replaced the OEM bars with ProTapers. I used JFG risers, his video will show what he used. Much more comfy for me. - Frank

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

Like the comments say below. I have a lot of videos on modifications I have made to this bike that should cover most of what you are looking for.

I felt the same way but I put a 14t front sprocket, and it solved all my problems so far

@advmatt

10 ай бұрын

As long as you keep the RPMs over 5k you should be good to go. Fortnine did a great video on why motorcycles should be operated on the top half of their RPM ranges.

Ready to race? Too funny!

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

You mean it's not......?

kesinlikle sana katılıyorum , yüksek devirlerde titreşim yok, motor stabil ve hızlı

Hi Matt, I don't care about mpg numbers, so I keep 6000 rpm under my wrist to have a quick response when I need it. The only case when I use lower rpm is 2nd gear on slippery surfaces where I don't need the engine to have much torque with TC off. It's a capable little all arounder, I use it primarily as a city bike or a tool for one-day journeys with rekluse auto clutch installed from the very start. Compared to cars it's a BMW x3 among bikes for me. I'm okay to stick with it for a long time and own something wild as a second bike at the same time

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Perfect setup, 390 primary bike and then something else that's 'wild'.

i just got back from a 1100 mile trip on my adv 390, i love pulling hills in 5th gear just plenty of power over 6k rpm. plus i had 4 bags on the bike and it gave zero concern lol. 5th gear is my best mileage gear, between 6k-7.25k rmp ill get 60-65mpg with bags. Great bike, i dont have your miles but ill get there!

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

I spend most of my time in 5th when on the road. It has the most range. I have reached 70mpg at around 55mph on some touring I did. Glad to see you are out touring on this bike, its a lot of fun.

Matt, Thank you for saying that. As I have a 2020 model myself and find it to be great both on and off road. I have put 16000 miles on my bike and find that it seems to go best when it is loaded with gear on a trip. This bike was built for adventure. I find it incredibly lame the the majority of poor reviews of the bike seem to come from people who have only ridden a few hundred miles or spent a couple of hours on the bike. I

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

I agree with you. The poor reviews are from people that didn't know how to ride this bike or really give a test like it should receive.

Its a sportbike motor, 2 stroke owners and sportbike riders wont complain

@Partnerthedog

9 ай бұрын

I owned a few drz 400sm and, the drz is better offroad but the 390 is better for street and highway but I'd rather have the drz on a trail

@advmatt

9 ай бұрын

The DRZ is a better trail bike for sure.

Amen bro: ride it like you stole it!! 😎

Agree 100%! These comments more than likely come from people riding big displacement torquey motors like a GS. This is the opposite. I daily ride an S1000XR which has 4x the power and I'm still impressed how much this little bike rips. It feels more like 55hp orso! I rarely have it below 5.5-6k rpm.

I've been dying to get through the 600 mile break-in period so I can explore that 6500+ rpm country! I have to admit, I did accidentally go there briefly without thinking a couple times and had the same epiphany - thats where she wants to live! She goes to the shop tomorrow, can't wait to get her back and start flogging her properly!😅

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

Your bike will thank you!

I always ride it in high rpm range. I like to keep the engine on boil and I can't get enough of the sound of the bike accelerating. This bike is meant to be ridden at between 80-120 kmph, and that is what this bike is meant for.

@advmatt

6 ай бұрын

I agree. Ride this bike hard and it will reward you.

I love it, my range is between 4200 to 6500 rpm normal driving on the road and when I want to push it 6000 to 8500... Tham that bike is a good trill.

@advmatt

9 ай бұрын

For sure. You know how to rip it.

Hi sir I'm from India really liked the way u explain I bought ktm 390 adv sw I'm feeling that engine is so vibey at 6000rpm

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

Run it up a bit higher, it will smooth out. Single cylinders vibrate, that's what they do. Cheers and thanks for watching.

@wanderers1738

11 ай бұрын

@@advmatt got it Thank u sir 😊

I can agree with you . The problem for guys like me who have always ridden big bike with lots of low end torque. I know what you are saying I just not comfortable with running it those RPMs. So maybe I’m just a bigger bike guy.

@advmatt

11 ай бұрын

I was the same way, but quickly learned this bike responds better at higher RPMs. I had to change how I ride, on this bike.

I have this bike and yeah it comes alive at higher revs and in the corners. But I prefer the linear power delivery on my 500 EXC-F.

@advmatt

Жыл бұрын

Understandable. It's kind of apples and oranges between the two.

Some reason, I keep stalling out in first, clutch FULLY in, right as soon as I roll down to a stop and I give some throttle to get the rpms up to get going. It just dies. There is something up with the lower end fuel trims or something. But you are right, this thing is a monster

@advmatt

3 ай бұрын

This stalling problem has been fairly common. It went away for me after I had the valves adjusted. Regardless of mileage you might want to have yours checked. I know other riders that had the same problem and the valve adjustment took care of it. Also, check your air filter and air box. It is a really fun bike to ride.