Discussions and Questions - KTM 390 Adventure SW KTM 390 Adventure SW
Is the KTM 390 Adventure SW an off-road-capable ADV or just a road-biased ADV?
15 January 2025 06:56
It's very road-biased, but that's not a bad thing. For most people's needs, it handles light off-road stuff just fine.
Is the KTM 390 Adventure SW an off-road-capable ADV or just a road-biased ADV?
15 January 2025 06:56
I’ve ridden mine on some gnarly trails, and it held up well. Off-road, the adjustable suspension makes a big difference.
Is the KTM 390 Adventure SW an off-road-capable ADV or just a road-biased ADV?
15 January 2025 06:56
Ok, it’s no enduro bike. Surprisingly capable off-road, but for an ADV. All you need to know is where it ends.
Is the KTM 390 Adventure SW an off-road-capable ADV or just a road-biased ADV?
15 January 2025 06:56
I also believe that KTM overhypes their off-road abilities. On gravel and dirt roads it’s good, but anything too technical and you’ll want a proper dirt bike.
Is the KTM 390 Adventure SW an off-road-capable ADV or just a road-biased ADV?
15 January 2025 06:56
It's just about the skill of the rider. I’ve seen people do amazing things with the 390 Adventure SW off-road. Most give it not nearly enough credit for what it can do.
Is the KTM 390 Adventure SW an off-road-capable ADV or just a road-biased ADV?
15 January 2025 06:56
It’s the perfect balance for me. On long road trips it's comfortable, and on weekend trail rides it doesn't break a sweat.
Is the KTM 390 Adventure SW an off-road-capable ADV or just a road-biased ADV?
15 January 2025 06:56
The 390 Adventure SW is actually pretty good off-road, compared to other bikes in its class. The problem is, most owners never take it to its limits.
Is the KTM 390 Adventure SW an off-road-capable ADV or just a road-biased ADV?
15 January 2025 06:56
Mine I upgraded the tires and skid plate, and now it's a beast off-road. It can hang with much more expensive ADV bikes with a few mods.
How reliable is the KTM 390 Adventure SW on a long run???
15 January 2025 06:56
The 390 Adventure SW has been rock solid, in my experience. Mine has over 30,000 km on it and no major issues.
How reliable is the KTM 390 Adventure SW on a long run???
15 January 2025 06:56
The 390 Adventure SW has a reputation for being high maintenance, like every KTM. If you keep up on the service schedule, it's reliable, but more work than other competitors.
How reliable is the KTM 390 Adventure SW on a long run???
15 January 2025 06:56
My friend's Himalayan has been way more reliable than mine, which I've had for two years. The trick is to do as the manual says and not to skimp on maintenance.
How reliable is the KTM 390 Adventure SW on a long run???
15 January 2025 06:56
It does need a bit more service than Japanese bikes. The flip side is that it’s more engaging to ride and has better performance.
How reliable is the KTM 390 Adventure SW on a long run???
15 January 2025 06:56
KTM sorted out most of the teething issues of the early models. The SW version currently is pretty solid.
How reliable is the KTM 390 Adventure SW on a long run???
15 January 2025 06:56
I don't think the reliability concerns are overblown. Yes, it’s not bulletproof, but it’s not the fragile machine that some make it out to be.
How reliable is the KTM 390 Adventure SW on a long run???
15 January 2025 06:56
What I dislike most is how expensive parts and service are. It's reliable enough, but when something does go wrong, it really hurts the wallet.
How reliable is the KTM 390 Adventure SW on a long run???
15 January 2025 06:56
I owned both and would say it’s roughly on par with the BMW G310GS for reliability. They're not unreliable, but they need more attention than a Japanese bike.
Can riders over 6 feet tall fit comfortably on the KTM 390 Adventure SW?
15 January 2025 06:56
It's pretty comfortable for 6'2" me. And I didn't have to make any ergonomic changes, which the upright riding position really helps with.
Can riders over 6 feet tall fit comfortably on the KTM 390 Adventure SW?
15 January 2025 06:56
It's fine for shorter rides, but as a 6'3" rider, I find I feel cramped after a couple of hours. It took a few bar risers and a taller seat to make me comfortable.
Can riders over 6 feet tall fit comfortably on the KTM 390 Adventure SW?
15 January 2025 06:56
For tall riders, surprisingly good! At 6'1", it fits better than some larger ADV bikes I have tried. The key is adjustable suspension; you can really dial it in for your height/weight.
Can riders over 6 feet tall fit comfortably on the KTM 390 Adventure SW?
15 January 2025 06:56
It’s fine up to about 6’2” I think. Beyond that, you may begin to feel a bit folded up. It's still more comfortable for tall riders than most bikes in this class.
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