Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
New KTM 390 Adventure New KTM 390 Adventure
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree7Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Dec 2023
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,521
New KTM 390 Adventure
New KTM 390 Adventure spotted! No its not a rework of their current 390 Adv. The new one has a new engine (same as in the new Duke 390) of 399 cc in stead of 373 cc as of the existing 390.

The engine will be in a different tune, a tiny bit up in peak HP, more torque and peak power at lower rpm.
The frame will be totally different too and wheels will be 21/18 spoked. Rumors says it will be around 180 kilos wet weight - but specs not clear for the moment.

So what do you think guys and gals? The existing 373 cc engine is a peppy one but very revvy - and absolutely no power under 4000 rpm, so not very well suited for those really bad roads. The new engine seems a tad better - but still might be a bit revvy and high strung???
And around 180 kilos wet weight? Thats certainly a bit of weight, lighter than the new Himalayan but a lot heavier than for example the good old Dr650 and the Honda Crf250/300 Rally….

https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycl...ure-spy-shots/
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Dec 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 276
https://youtu.be/GwDg2SRd9RQ
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Dec 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 273
At first I thought it would blow the CRF300 out of the water, 'till I saw the expected weight. And having witnessed the advantage of the little Honda's smooth and low down power/torque delivery amongst some nasty bouldery river beds, I suspect the CRF will have the edge off road. Of course, the peak power figures and the orange zest will still sell well with those who wouldn't be seen dead on a Honda.
Nice to see some attention being paid to this sector though. Suzuki DRZ400 2.0 and Yamaha WR450R anyone...?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Dec 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 498
I think it will come down to price tbh , the 300s are hardly rushing out of the dealership . U might as well buy the new cf moto 450 when it comes out . A few extra kilos ain't going to kill you......assuming u know how to pick the bike up properly in the first place . Given its low price and monthly payments the general view is they will sell like hotcakes . Hopefully get to blag one once the techs have built it . Let's b honest about this....in the UK at least the bikes are only going to go up gravel tracks / green lines in the majority of cases , not many of our customers are going to be doing a South American desert in the foreseeable future
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Dec 2023
Turbofurball's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Catalunya
Posts: 333
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris gale View Post
... A few extra kilos ain't going to kill you......
Easy to say, if you're a) a reasonably strong man, 2: don't have to pick it up many times, or thirdly are completely able-bodied.
__________________
FreeBSD fan since before it was cool ...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Dec 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 498
you dont have to be strong to pick up a bike.....its down to technique . as for dropping it alot.......take a different route . cant help with the last bit , but as a disabled chap i tend to stop and consider where im about to ride before leaping in
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 18 Dec 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 498
If you watch the tiny American lady who teaches at the bmw off road school manhandle her gsa 1250 all doubts should be erased......its practise and technique not pure strength
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 Dec 2023
Turbofurball's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Catalunya
Posts: 333
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris gale View Post
you dont have to be strong to pick up a bike.....its down to technique . as for dropping it alot.......take a different route . cant help with the last bit , but as a disabled chap i tend to stop and consider where im about to ride before leaping in

If you watch the tiny American lady who teaches at the bmw off road school manhandle her gsa 1250 all doubts should be erased......its practise and technique not pure strength
I'm a woman with one working leg who rides Moto Gymkhana on a 200kg bike, I'll have to pick it up 20 times in a day if I'm pushing my limits. But that's on a flat, dry, grippy surface, and I can appreciate there's plenty of riders who aren't as strong as me.

Also, please share with me your secrets on trail divination, I'd love to know how to have an adventure free from unexpected hardship.
__________________
FreeBSD fan since before it was cool ...
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 Dec 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 498
Well id look at the topgraphy.......its going to be fairly obvious what ur likely to encounter ....... nothing magic there . Just as u wouldnt go piling into a river if u didnt know its depth . If the trail starts to get difficult then you should be mature enough to make a judgement call ......... an example being when the long way round guys decided to go down into a valley which proved rather difficult to get out of . For the sort of things you do then lightness i would guess is pretty important and more power to you . But theres no point having a sub 200kg bike then putting 16+stone of rider on it , then tons of kit and moaning when it gets too heavy . Bit like 20stone sports bike riders putting an end can on to save 2kg .
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 Dec 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 498
Btw I have to disagree with the last bit about unexpected hardship equalling an adventure but now we are getting off topic
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 19 Dec 2023
Turbofurball's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Catalunya
Posts: 333
Hardship is a side-effect of adventure, and as an example topology doesn't tell you where trails have been washed away.

To bring this back on-topic, weight is very important to many riders - even if it's only because a heavy bike is harder to manage in a parking lot, it's still a valid concern.
__________________
FreeBSD fan since before it was cool ...
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 19 Dec 2023
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Belper, uk, EUROPE
Posts: 563
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris gale View Post
.......Bit like 20stone sports bike riders putting an end can on to save 2kg .
My riding set up has recently lost 9kg - 31kg to go - and getting my leg over (f'narr f'narr) is a lot easier too.
__________________
You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 19 Dec 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 498
I'll agree to disagree with u seat height , where the weight of the bike is carried is more important then its kerb weight . A top heavy lighter bike is always going to feel so ....... as an example .
As for topography not showing washed out trails , that's what watching the weather and asking locals is for .
You don't have to suffer hardship to have an adventure....
Bad planning and or decision making are just that......
For some people just getting on the ferry is out of their comfort zone .
Anyways the manufacturers aren't going to do supaliteadventure bikes end of , it's a niche that doesn't mean big sales simple as that . They make their money on small capacity machines sold in India or south east Asia..........
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 20 Dec 2023
Turbofurball's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Catalunya
Posts: 333
I'm not sure what point you're trying to make here ... one person says they're not interested because of the weight, you say weight doesn't matter, I say it does matter to a lot of people, and you say ...?

Weight being high or low doesn't make much difference when pushing a bike along the pavement to get it parked, just as it makes no difference if you're buried up to your axles in mud.
__________________
FreeBSD fan since before it was cool ...
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 20 Dec 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 498
OK so to 99.9 of our customers weight does not matter , its seat height height . People go on about weight then overload the bike . Learn how to pick the bike up and get it out of the muddy rut.........light is fine If u r riding off the trails all the time but it them compromises road use .
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
390 Adventure - first impressions Wheelie KTM Tech 6 4 Jun 2021 11:44
KTM 390 Adventure 7800 Which Bike? 4 2 Jun 2020 11:06
New KTM 390 Adventure Snakeboy Which Bike? 7 17 Nov 2019 18:05
KTM 390 Adventure in 2019 Tomek Which Bike? 5 16 Jun 2018 01:04

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:17.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top