Adv390 Long-Term Review: 6 Months of Thrills and Spills

When I first threw a leg over the Adv390, I knew I was in for an adventure. Six months and a few thousand kilometers later, the bike has proven itself to be a capable companion, though not without its fair share of quirks. If you’re considering this machine, here’s the unfiltered truth.

The Good Stuff
Let’s get the obvious out of the way—this bike is built for adventure. The 373cc engine packs a punch, making highway cruising a breeze while keeping city commutes manageable. The ride-by-wire throttle is smooth, and the quickshifter (on the 2023 model) adds a layer of convenience that’s genuinely fun to use. It’s a KTM at heart, so you get a chassis that loves to carve corners, even if you’re miles away from tarmac. The suspension, though stiff initially, settles in over time and handles rough terrain well.

And then there’s the electronics package—something you wouldn’t expect in this segment. Traction control, cornering ABS, and a TFT dash that wouldn’t look out of place on a bigger ADV bike make it feel premium.

Where It Falls Short
Now, let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous side. The biggest gripe? The seat. After a couple of hours, you’ll start wondering if KTM secretly hired a medieval torture expert to design it. A seat upgrade is almost mandatory if you’re planning long rides.

I stand at 5’3”, and let’s just say this bike wasn’t designed for us short riders. At 855mm seat height, it’s more of a leg workout every time I stop in city traffic. If you’re not on the taller side, expect some tip-toe struggles.

Then there’s the low-end grunt—or rather, the lack of it. If you’re expecting this bike to chug along at low speeds effortlessly, think again. The gearing and engine character demand that you stay engaged, which is great for fun but annoying in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Another pain point is heat management. In slow-moving traffic, the radiator fan sounds like a jet engine preparing for takeoff, and your thighs get roasted if you’re not in proper riding gear.

Verdict

The Adv390 is an absolute beast for long highway rides and light off-roading. But if you’re on the shorter side, or looking for a plush ride, you might want to test it thoroughly before jumping in. It’s got the heart of an adventure bike, but with a bit of a streetfighter’s attitude.

Would I keep it? Heck yeah! But would I wish for a slightly lower seat? Absolutely.

Final Score: 8/10 – A fun, tech-loaded ADV that needs a few tweaks to be perfect.