Agree to ypur point, but KTM has also upped the game with better service now. They might not be at a Honda level but they have started to take steps to be there now.
Honda engine is so much smoother. Just comes down to where you are going to spend most of your time. Gnarly off road and waiting for the bike to be fixed, or dirt/paved roads and out riding. Plus, I’d rather not ride all the time at 7000 plus rpm wringing out a single.
@@honda116969 I'm 66 years old now, so the 500X is the perfect size for me. Have to admit if I was 10 years younger I would be riding a African Twin or BMW 850 GS.
@@georgeharsin6292 my buddy & I are thinking about getting a pair of Africa twins with the DCT transmission or the KTM 790 but I'm thinking the Honda because of reliability. I'm glad you like that 500X, VERY nice bike! I really like it also. I've never been a speed demon myself but we do plan on riding quite a bit on the open highway so that's why we might get the bigger bikes, still looking into everything tho. I think that 500X is a very good choice & if you do a lot of highway riding you can change out the front sprocket & drop the RPMs quite a bit
@@honda116969 I would go with the Africa Twin if you are going to spend alot of time at interstate hwy speeds. The 500X will do 75 mph with ease, but the bike starts to feel a little light in the front and tends to try and drift alittle at that speed. Great bike for 45-65 mph touring which I do, mostly secondary highways.
@@georgeharsin6292 Man I like that 500X so much because like I said I'm not a speed demon but the Africa twin would definitely be better on long trips. I bet you're going to have a blast! What type of riding do you do? I know you said you're getting a little older but hell riding that bike will help keep you in a little bit better shape in itself especially if you do some mild off-roading, but just riding that bike in general will be so much fun for you getting out on 2-wheels & I bet you can ride your wife on the back because I have a little Zuma from Yamaha 125cc & we go cruising around the neighborhood & I've even had it up to 55mph with her on the back lol so if mine will do that I know yours with 471 cc's could take 2 people probably pretty easily 🤔??
Have tested both. Plus for ktm: seat, electronics, tft screen. But also minuses: very viby footpegs, no low end grunt and my test bike was unstable at motorway speed. Also the grips and plastics around the seat looked cheap. Plus for Honda: very comfortable, more grunt at low rpm, larger tank so more range and more stable at motorway speed. Also came across as a more quality product. Also minuses: adjusting screen, which can be done, is cumbersome and the looks of the ktm are a bit cooler. It is also heavier than the ktm. In the end preferred the honda and also got a good deal trading in my old bike. Have not regretted my choice even after watching this vid. Very much enjoyed watching it though, thanks and keep up the good work!
@@cbsindigo euro 6 is going to end almost every motorcycle. There is no room for it all on a bike and we won't except the weight either. The stuff on a diesel car now to make it euro 6 almost makes up half the vehicle
@@chrishart8548 I can almost feel a rebellion coming on. They could follow another manufacturer and develop synthetic fuels instead of making so much from the catalytic converters. But, Hey, we are only the paying customers
I still prefer Honda. I prefer reliability from the cb500 engine. Besides, I am more road focused, though I like to go chasing trails, but enjoying the views and at a reasonable pace where the Honda doesn't have a problem.
I bought the 2020 KTM 390 adventure 2 years ago. It's brilliant in my humble opinion. I've had Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Ducati, BMW and plenty of other KTMs. For the price point and features, I was sold. I've ridden it down Baja once and other than putting plugs in the tire, it never left me stranded. I couldn't keep up with the other big bikes on pavement but I never laid it down either. Great all around bike. I have just over 21K miles on it now. Great review BTW.
I have owned both bikes both are good, but sold the ktm and purchased the Honda 500X much better quality and smoother engine, better relaxing ride over all, better torque at low speeds and no noisy fan coming on and more room for passenger and luggage etc, no regrets!
I now have just over 6,500 on my KTM 390 and loving it, hitting a lot more gravel and dirt roads than I though I would this bike handles them so good and some of the roads are more pot holes and ruts than good road. Very surprised how good it handles the sand, I did put the Dunlop TrailMax Mission tire on and they do great job on and off road, and with 6,500 km only wore down 1 mm, ( 1/32" ) new the tread is 10 mm so they are going to last a long time. I have the GIVI Trekker 33/46 hard bags on and even fully loaded I am still getting 3.3 liters per 100 km that is 439 km per tank of gas, ( 273 miles ) I do wish they would of went with a 18 liter gas tank, That would give 545 km per tank or ( 339 miles per tank ) Then even if you hit Newfoundland and Labrador you would not have to carry extra gas. If this bike had a 18 liger gas tank it would be a 10 out of 10 for me but with a 14.5 I can only give it a 9.
That's cool bro I'm glad you like your bike. It looks like a really fun bike to own! I have the 2019 cb500x I really like my bike also. If I didn't have the Honda I would consider the KTM
Well done video and very informative. Expectations vs. reality: most people who would buy these machines will want the more dirt oriented bike but in reality will spend far more time on the pavement. As close as they are in the dirt, you'd probably be happier in the long run buying the bike that's better on road.
I will go with the more off road, will most likely be doing a lot or road and dirt roads, but when I hit the sand and light off road I will be glad to have the KTM also like that it is a single, and the smaller wind screen. Have the Versys 300 X now but do not like the high rev engine, not bad under 80 km but any thing more and the sound, and the fuel consumption are just too much. It is a great bike for the windy roads and light off road, but the high rev is just to much. I also have a DR 650 with a 20 liter tank for the harder off road, that is one bike I will never get rid of. ( jack of all trads.) It is every very good, at every thing, but not the best at any thing. And puts a big smile on my face every time I take in out. 3 in the stable and if I trade the Versys X for the KTM 390 they will all be singles. A +++ for me.
I have a road bike and am looking for a bike to bash around the dirt on a bit. Not like I used to on a 2-stroke 250 but something like these two bikes or a CRF250L or something similar. One bike riders are different to multibike riders so not everyone will be crunching serious paved road miles on these.
For off the shelf there's no question the KTM stands out but once you add two words to the mix, the CB500X (which many enthusiasts and even industry analysts already consider the best "you can only own one bike" bike ever made) takes the crown. Those two words? Rally Raid.
Honda is more of a touring bike with some off-road capabilities. KTM is definitely more focused on off-road riding whilst being adequate tourer. Quality and reliability is a clear win for Honda. In my opinion, Honda is more versatile motorbike, although not very exciting. I had 2015 model and I sold it just because I got bored with it.
I'm mystified how anyone thinks the KTM engine is better than Honda's. It took me 3 minute of my test drive to ascertain the KTM was a thumper. By comparison, the Honda's engine is quiet and very smooth. The reviewer's "vibey" feeling at highway revs is IMO the norm with the KTM. My needs are >95% road use with an occasional passenger and the Honda was far more comfortable for this purpose, especially with the bigger and softer seat.
I got the KTM Adventure 390 recently, I tried the Honda too but here is Costa Rica there are some nasty roads and the KTM looked better prepared for them and has amazing ABS, the Honda it's a very reliable motorcycle but I didn't like the colors and the appearance it was kinda boring compared with the KTM, also it was a little bit too heavy compared with the KTM.
after a lot of research I went with the KTM 390 Adventure and glad I did after 3,500 + Km am very happy with it no problems on the highway, and much better off road, and feels much lighter than it is, and so easy to go slow on. Did take the Honda out for a test run but found that the KTM was more of what I wanted. I traded in my Versys 300 X and what a great improvement all round, As far as wind protection, I will go with out, the Versys had way to much, I love the feel of the wind on my chest, one of the best things about riding a bike. If you want to do off road and a lot of gravel and dirt roads, as well as highway go with the KTK if mostly just highway and very little off road go with the Honda. But remember when you hit the off road you want the best you can get on a ADV bike, even if most of your riding is highway, which mine is, most likely 80% road and 20% off road but having over 8,000 Km already this season, on 3 bikes, that is still a lot of dirt and gravel and off road. Some of the dirt roads I do have 2' tall grass growing up the center. Thinking about it unless you want the wind protection I would go with the KTM 390 Adventure. That way if you want to do dirt roads and off road you have the best small ADV bike for the job.
Reliability I think should be the deciding factor. Which bike would be more likely to leave you stranded in the side of the road or trail? Unfortunately, KTMs have the reputation of seeing the service bay more often. Electronics are well and good until they fail. Its the same argument in the KTM 790 vs Tenere 700 decision making process.
I have also read that some people have had issues with KTM denying warranty repairs. That's distressing considering they are a 'premium' brand with so many electronics. I also find it pretty nonsense that numerous features are behind a paid software unlock feature, or a key fob you have to buy. 😕
I have a 2015 cb500x and I carry a lot of weight on it I think because I go camping with it and I ride it off road and it does quite well. I've had no problems whatsoever with my CB. and I still have it love it to this day. only thing I would like to see is better suspension which is easy to fix if you have the money. I plan on hopefully this year putting on the stage 2 of the rally raid suspension. I have soft luggage on mine cuz I prefer it. and you don't feel the weight on the CB off-road, if you balance your load. I carry my tent and everything else I need to go camping off-road. And what's really nice about this bike is you can ride it on the highway and the roads to get to the dirt and the single track and you're all set for a great adventure. there's also a plus that you forgot to mention and that is there's lots and lots of aftermarket parts for the cb500x
There is also a lot of aftermarket parts for the KTM as well as KTM has a lot of up grades like a better skid plate better hand guards, I also put heated grips on and GIVI Trekker 33/46 hard bags. and it came with engine guards hear in Canada. I also like the traction control you can turn of and 2 settings for the ABS on road or off road, I did look at the 2019 Honda that comes with the 19" front wheel and better suspension than the ones before 2019. they are bough great bikes, but the adjustable suspension front and rear and more features it has won me over. I also find the read outs on the KTM much easer to read, than on the Honda. But if you like wind protection the Honda wins, but I love the feel of the wind on my chest. Since I got the KTM finding I do a lot more rough dirt and gravel roads, and am loving it.
Funny that you say the Honda seems buzzy at higher speeds, and claim that the KTM does well on the motorway. Having ridden both, I can say that the opposite is true. Honda is a great all-rounder... not excellent at any one thing, but very capable all around. The KTM is a bit more nimble, lighter and torquey at low speeds, but really struggles on the highway and gets quite buzzy. Also, comfort factor i would give hands down to the Honda.
I found the 390 to be appalling above about 50mph. The Honda was far better and I was happy to about 70mph I'd say. The 390 is an absolute stinker in my opinion. I had a Duke 390 which was brilliant. They've killed it in the guise of the adventure.
@@dynamotightstar3472 hear the speed limit is 90 km per hour and I find doing 95 km ( 60 miles per hour ) no problem on the KTM 390 If I get over to NB will test it at the higher speeds. I did go to Dunlop TrailMax Mission tires so that might make a difference, If you found above 50 mph a problem I would get that bike checked out as have seen on reviews where they find 70 mph no problem
Thanks for the video. When the KTM came out, it was very difficult to find anyone even talking about comparing the two bikes. After looking at both in detail, I chose the KTM. But I know the Honda can't disappoint either!
Thank you for the report! The 390 is smaller than the cb500?! I bought the Honda CB500X specifically to do the Trans America Trail. Correct in almost all respects for this task - I found the bike simply too small (I’m 6’3” 220lbs) and quickly sold it for a KLR650 for the TAT. I then sold the KLR and bought the ‘stretch 500x’ ie; the Honda nc700x- and absolutely love everything about it! I did the Smokey Mtns 1000 autumn ‘20 and plan on a few big BDRs this summer. I’ve owned over 30 bikes and Honda’s have never failed me....ever. My son has a KTM 790....too many problems for an ADV rider Thanks again!
KTM and BMW seem to have a lot of problems, But the KTM 390 Adventure is built in India, so I hoping less problems with it, had a Royal Enfield made in India and it never let me down, the kick starter did go but had the electric start so no problem. and the kick starter was a simple fix, they did not even charge me for fixing it. I had so many problems with my BMW dough I will ever buy another one. Hoping the KTM being made in India will be much better, will find out.
I have just demo'd these 2 bikes in the UK and am not biased to either, I can't understand this review as the KTM I rode was pretty gutless below 5k revs, and the vibes from the footpegs were very intrusive to the point of saying this is not a good roadbike at all, but on a trail, much better than the Honda, but for my purpose, mainly roadriding, and a bit of trail riding the Honda wins hands down, more comfy, runs almost like a sewing machine, much better low end and better protection and fuel consumption, + better fit & finish. Bought the Honda, also with much better reliability a consideration. Pleased !!
@@kloppskalli You don't have to go far in australia to be in remote areas and I'd want reliability Also smaller regional and country towns will often have a Honda dealer but not many have a KTM dealer if you need it.
@@brianharradine8130 as if you need a dealer all the time if u own a KTM, most of the time you're riding the damn thing, it doesn't break down once a week. however, Australya is pretty special in term of remoteness, you dont have that anywhere else.
@@kloppskalli I'd actually like to do parts of the TAT, here in the US. Many sections are 30-40 miles from any civilization. I definitely want reliability. Bad news is that I have to pay extra for a skid plate on the Honda. Skid plate and crash bars should be standard on EVERY adventure bike. 100% necessary for every off-road journey, regardless of skill. The bike will eventually go down
That 390 engine has been out for some time now and the reliability of it should not come into question. Being more dirt focused is a plus for me as the Honda is just too soft and way too porky! There is nothing that the Honda can do that the KTM can't, so an easy choice would be the 390 Adventure in a romp!
Does depend on what you want to use the bike for, having said that if I was doing a long tour with tarmac and dirt then I don’t want to break down, for that the Honda wins hands down and probably makes more sense than many other adventure style bikes too, the fact that it’s a twin and has a much better tank range makes it a more all round choice too. The electronics on the KTM are all well and good until they go wrong, a regular criticism of modern high end adv bikes
Why is reliability (hugely important on a trip into the wild) not taken into account at all? (not even mentioned once?) In this case Honda's known top notch reliability easily beats KTM's so-so reliability which to me, makes the comparison go the other way (but that's personal of course :))
@@jacobzcheng3802 It is, but there's a lot of such evidence. I ran a 950 for 20,000 miles with no reliability problems. Overall, though, I'm sure you are right.
@@jacobzcheng3802 sources please? I hear this a lot but never see any source references. I have seen a lot of forums where the 390 engine has been rock solid for riders.
@@HardBoiledGregADV Have a 390 , low oil pressure light constantly came on . Took to dealer multiple times with no joy , can't replicate . Brought in for 15000 kl valve check and needed new cams . Still shows low oil pressure at low revs and have taken to different dealership . After several tries still has problem and I just picked up a 500x.
Everyone should have one of these. Totally usable, fun, easy to own, go anywhere. Nice. A very large percentage of people won't need to spend extra dough on the KTM, simply because they won't *ever* use the off-road advantages. Add in better real-world mpg and stone-reliability, and it's an easy choice for most. But the KTM for those who *actually* can use it, is amazing.
I get 3.3 liters per 100 km on the KTM that is great mpg, even with the 14.5 litter tank that is over 430 per tank of gas ( 270 miles per tank of gas.) and hear in Canada the KTM cost less than the Honda. I take mine on some pretty rough roads that have more pot holes and ruts than some single track and loving it. That millage is fully loaded with my 33/ 46 liter hard bags. I did take the Honda out and found very little difference on the highway, but the speed limit hear is only 90 Km per hour.
I have 35k on Honda no issues. Reliability is why I bought it. Let's be real who is riding at their limit off road on an adventure. It's all about functionality and ability to get from A-B.
Hi, just looking for more advice on this Honda. I am 50 and I need a very very economical bike, for motorways and good roads. Is Honda going to vibration on the motorway? What speed I can get on the motorway before it starts vibrating? How many hours is comfortable to ride it before I need a break? Thank you Eusebiu
@@uibesue hey there. In my experience the bike is very happy under 65mph (105kph)...I usually ride about an hour at a time before a break. Sustained speeds of 80mph is possible, but not ideal and the mpg goes way down.
I bought the KTM 390 Adventure end of last year and am just now starting to ride it more, now that the Idaho winter is warming up. Can't address reliability topic but KTM adventure bikes have been ridden in some severe situations all around the world. Will it match Honda quality, probably not but than again this isn't a 100,000 mile motorcycle either. I've had several Honda motorcycles, one pet peeve I have is that their instrument gauges are lacking unless you get a high end or high price model. This comparison is valid, both bikes are good, but the KTM is a bit better at the end of day.
I looked at maybe switching my 500x for 390 but, 390 didn't seem adequate replacement. My main motivation was weight as I sometimes haul bike on hitch carrier of the truck when I go on vacation. When compared everything, it wasn't worthy. I hauled my X from Texas to Cali to Oregon and rode back 2100+ miles. I'm sure 390 could do it too but, X has the edge in my opinion.
In the Indian market - the price of this Honda is more than double compared to the KTM 390 adventure. The KTM is far more loaded with features, is extremely reliable and finally major value for money. Honda’s pricing only shows their obtuse arrogance and zero understanding of consumer needs.
Love to review . From other reviews I kind of got the same feeling but it's nice to hear you say the same thing. The one concern I would have is the engine how do you feel about that? I would think the Honda has the better engine as far as reliability and if you're going to do long adventure trips do you think we should be concerned about the 390? If you think it's just fine please let us know thanks.
I've tested KTM 390 Adventure in the city and I was amazed how good it was. To much vibrations tho[when reved], and a lot of heat coming out on the left side (hot summer day), but overall great "little" bike. If any1 says it's to small, I'd put my money on that they don't know how to drive it. And then the cold shower hit, when I spoke to the guy who is working for KTM OEM service. His words: "do NOT buy the KTM. Mechanicaly great, but the electronics go crazy once in a while and you can't deal with it without visiting us. And service ain't cheap". I guess there's that.
Comment after comment places Honda reliability ahead of all else. There’s a lot to be said for that. You can upgrade suspension and tires to turn the road capable CB500X into an equally capable off-road bike and the Rally Raid kit has made this possible. There is nothing you can do to make an unreliable bike reliable so given the choice I would also start with the solid foundation of reliability and build from there. Of course, the add-ons cost more but are well worth it in my view.
@@johannessiffert8474 watch the fortnine review with Ryan. Its worth watching. I have literally done nothing since covid 19. Including riding the 390 adventure i 'm not sure i even exist outside of the Internet.
@@chrishart8548 Watched this fortnine review. Funny, but not very useful. More of a show thing. He is riding the bike for 10 km in some city, praising it and in the end he doesnt like it because of the position of the footpegs. Footpegs can easily be adjusted for little money. I am considering buying this bike and I am looking for real owner reviews.
@@johannessiffert8474 probably a decent bike. Ryan likes off road bikes and this KTM was really just a tall road bike. Almost all reviews are obvious what there going to say. Every bike has good and bad. I think he over praised the yamaha T7. But what do I know. I just ride what I have. If it has flaws I live with them.
I am from India where the KTM is made. i would stay away from the 390 adventure for any serious long-distance travel. things are quite fragile on it and there is no way its going to outlast a honda in the long run. its like the famous quote - KTM 390 adventure, The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten..
Nobody does it quite like Toad! Hmmm you make the KTM sound so tempting. I just wish it wasn't orange and had a different face. The Yam T7 has just been announced here but literally twice the price of the Austrian it makes for some serious decisions on my part. Keep up the great work Toad
Yep. I'm from UK and in Cebu - T7 announced - albeit by a dealer in Davao - at 619k - same price as Tracer 900 and MT07 here is 439K again on Yamaha PH pages so 619k is pushing it a tad.
@@BritishBikerPhilippines Excellent and good to know! They still sticking with the 619k price? (Edited my previous as a result) Still, better than not here at all. Looking forward to seeing one up close!
@@JustForFun-zh7cy Ah that I am not sure of Vince, they simply confirmed it will be in dealerships end of this month or early February. I am still tempted but it seems dear compared to Eu/UK/US pricing doesn't it. For me, much depends on the scamdemic and increased lockdowns which seem very likely
I've ridden my duke390 for 30,000km in just 1 year and it's definitely a reliable engine. Best fun small bike I currently have. I also have a Versys and a CB. But all the fun is with KTM
@Miguel Rage what's the mpg on your duke ? all the info on the duke says 60mpg but this new adventure version shares the same engine so how can it be 80mpg like he say in this video ?
I have 14000km's on my KTM 390 Adventure without a hick-up, changing tires tomorrow to knobbier style. 14T front sprocket, Higher Ergo Seat, Akrapovic Slip-on and 2" handle bar risers, double take mirrors and grip puppies. 2 Honda CB500X owners have tried it and they both are selling their Hondas to buy 2022 KTM 390 Adventure, so much more fun to ride than the Honda CB500X.
Honda makes great bikes, but in this comparison, the KTM is the clear winner. Is this comparison filmed on Tenerife? It sure looks like it...wherever it is, what great roads for these two bikes to stretch their legs on... Thanks for the video!
I too will go with the Honda. I appreciate its road comfort, since I do a lot of road trips, wind protection, and known reliability. I’m also 61. Now a 20 year YOUNGER me, may go for the KTM, for its better off-road ride, and bad ass looks.
I just bought the cb500x and had the 390 adv tested as well. I am 36, and this is mt first bike. The cb felt more comfortable, with better fairing and more road oriented, which is what i would use it mainly for. The riding position is excellent. The ktm handle bars were too low and the foot pegs felt akwardly positioned. I was too slanted over. (I am 6.2") . The 390adv felt like the same duke 390 with offroad additions and light fairing, while the cb500x felt designed as an adv from the beginning. Just my opinion though
@@henrietn i'm 6'2 and considering 390 adventure as my bike just got stolen, the 390 adventure is taller than the duke 390 so idk why it feels like a 390 duke
i used to have a 2013 CB500X and the windscreen was adjustable to two positions. it required an allen key but there were definitely two positions. it also was awful for my particular stature as it would bombard my helmet with very loud wind buffeting in either position. i ended up just taking the windscreen off until i got rid of the bike
So we wait for the 490 Adventure.. Hope it has atleast 15 liter fuel tank. Rest all is okay. A parallel twim shall make it much smoother and ofcourse power and torque shall be slightly more..all the better.
I've just ordered a 390 Adventure. The engine has an excellent track record in the 390 Duke. Honda does build a quality bike but they always struck me as a little dull and uninteresting. I agree with your assessment (obviously!) and looking forward to taking delivery. Thanks for the review!
She buys what is in her budget and capable for her journey, regardless the brand. Buying what she buys is simply stupid unless you take the same journeys.
@@ekimandersom4478 thanks for the comment. Completely agree. I am also on a budget and planning some long distance touring once Covid allows, which is why I bought a 500x last month.
I have a CB500x. Never ridden and would never own the KTM. 35k on my Honda and never an issue. Never an issue on or off road. Yes it’s a low tech bike as far as electronics but you only ever look at speed on road and rarely look down off road. Honda reliability for the win hands down.
Yes absolutely every motorbike manufacturer is making offroading bikes but some are pure offroader like Himalayan and Hero Xpulse with 21 inch front wheel spoke and tubed wheels
Tell me which is easier to maintain ans easy to fix? Too much electronics makes me nervous and it’s almost impossible to fix if it breaks riding far from civilisation
Maybe it just me...WHY do you need riding modes on a 43 bhp "adventure bike" I dont think that is a plus for an A2 rider or here in the states some one who just couldn't afford a bigger bike than they should have for a first bike. If any thing manufactures should focus on the less is more for new riders.
I bought honda CB500X 2019, after 4000km there was significant coolant leaking, first they tried to seal it, did not help, was even worse, then water pump replaced. 7500km oil leakage, not a lot but a couple of drops everyday....in 1 year I had to visit the dealer 5 times with some kind of technical issues...I sold the bike
You're either really unlucky, didnt do proper and regular maintenance or you are that kind of rider that kills a bike with your riding style no matter what bike. I ride the CB500X from 2018 and i havent had any problems with it. Currently have 48k and still going strong. Yes i had to replace the ussual things like tyres/oil(filters/air filters/chain/coolant, etc but nothing out of the ordinary...
@@seb9940own a 2020 Africa Twin had to replace water pump at 10,000km, outside of warranty, also an o-ring. Love the bike, but Honda mechanic implied it was a common issue.
You can't go wrong with either. I own both, if I want a relaxed cruise with some hwy miles, it's the Honda. If I want to have fu and ride the shit out of it it's the KTM. That being said, the Honda is holding up better after 3 year.
Makes sense. I’ve got the 500x. My mind dreams of this and that off-road but reality is not much of that around here and majority of time I’m on pavement. Safe ridin dude 🤙
Having had recalls, parts problems, and electrical problems with my Japanese bikes over the years, I think “Japanese Quality” is over rated. I’ve had no problems with my KTM!
Agreed. I have two Kawasaki dirt bikes and one Husqvarna. The Japanese bikes have not been any better than the Husky. The fit and finish of the Husky and ease of working on is far superior on the Husky.
Also consider the Kawasaki Versys 300. I rode one on a test ride and the engine was fantastic! Why? Because it has two cylinders and it revs like crazy since its similar to the Ninja 300 engine. Probably not as torquey as the CBX 500. I like the graphite color scheme as well.
Final result KTM - BUT - fast forward 2 years with heavy mileage and top end rebuild it'll be "should have bought the Honda". The spec of the 390 is great, but KTM are still a bit of a niche buy particularly with the 390 engine as reliability seems to be not quite there as yet if the KTM forums are to be believed.
Failed to mention the KTM issue with the pegs facing forward like a sports bike meaning that's when you stand up you are thrown forward. Something which could be dangerous when doing ADV.
Wow, this review says exactly the opposite of other reviews. Most reviews say that the KTM engine buzzes at high rpms at highway speeds. I haven't read that anyone complained about the Honda's parallel twin by comparison. I think it's safe to say that if you are looking for more touring than offroad, go with the Honda. If you are going to do more offroad, go with the KTM. Any other conclusion just shows a bias towards KTM or offroading in general.
If you trawled through all the reviews, you'll see many that concur with this one: CB500X better on the road but OK on the trail; 390 Adventure awesome on the trail and good on the road. Personally, my only experience of the KTM is on the road where I found it comfortable and predicatable. My freind has the Honda and he likes it although has never been off road. Are you being selective about which reviews you choose to see?
I agree 100% but my concern is reliability which you didn't talk about,still I'm getting the 2022 KTM 390 Adventure the cornering abs is a game changer for me.I also worry about Honda frame design and the vunarbility to cracking and destroying the whole bike,talk about reliability frame cracks are a total destruction. It was not design for off road with heavy rider that is for sure.
Most adventure bikes seem to be used for touring so I'd much rather have the Honda with the wind protection. Honda also wins on reliability and build quality which are known to be sketchy on KTM bikes. Main thing for me though is that KTM adventure bikes look awful.
@@anthonysilvestri4946 looks a bit like a praying mantis, but I don't by a bike for its looks. After seeing it a few times in the show room, getting use to it. The Honda has to much wind protection for me, love the feel of the wind. Any way being ugly I might as well have a ugly bike to match.
@@hiltonmcconnell2563 - I buy bikes that don't break down, so the Honda wins the reliability contest hands down, and the fact that it looks much better and has 2 cylinders is just an added bonus l guess 😀
@@anthonysilvestri4946 to start of with I like single cylinders have a S40 and DR 650 I tried to get the Honda CB500 X a couple of years ago the 2019 they told me they had one coming for me and had me on the hook for over 3 months than told me the could get the 2918 I went and got the Versys 300X I missed 3 months of riding because of Honda. The Versys 300 X is a great little bike but it rev way to high for my liking, and on the highway any thing over 80 km starts to drink a lot of gas as well, but the sound I do not like. So looking to trade it in and the KTM 390 adventure seems to meat what I want, I like what it comes with, a lot the Honda dose not have, like adjustable suspension, traction control which you can turn on or off, different settings for the ABS engine guard, body guards, and cost less, and better miles per gallon. They are made in India so should have less problems than the ones made in Europe. They are also better off road. I do mostly back roads and gravel roads, some of witch are quite bad, and some light off road, I stay off major highways when ever possible. I love that you can adjust the suspension, soft for most riding but can tighten it up if needed, I have a DR650 with soft suspension and I can travel all day on very rough roads, And if I come to some off road I want to do when on the KTM 390 I know it will handle it with ease. can turn off traction control, and set ABS to off road, and when back on the road can turn it all back on. Also able to adjust the suspension as needed. things like that are nice once you are 72+ years old. If after a year I do not like it I can do the same as I am doing with the Versys trade it in. But I will not be sorry I tried it as am not sorry I tried the Versys, If I don not try it I will always be wondering if it might of been a better way to go. Honda seams to be getting a bad rap of telling you they can get you what you want and then saying they can't and trying to sell you some thing different, they never use to be like that but how times change. And I do not want to wait another 3 months for them to try to sell me an alternative. Even the dealers are getting frustrated with them. They have been told that something is coming then told other wise, not sure if I want to support that kind on company. People have even put money down and then the dealers have to give it back because Honda told them they have it then tells them they can't get it. Not sure if it is just Honda Canada or Honda world wide.
Any given day the KTM bike is better. It has everything one need at a amazing price. Which makes it value for money. Just put a after market wind screen and you are done. KTM rocks
Would it be possible to include seat height or the adjustability of lowering the seat for the vertically challenged please? Other than that another terrific review. Thank you. S from the UK.
seat height on the KTM 390 Adventure is 33.6 in. and 32 in. for the Honda, KTM also has a 390 Duke witch would is lower at 32.3 in. but same engine, but less suspension travel, and smaller front wheel.
Honda CB500X. After all, it is a double cylinder, with a lower failure rate. When evaluating Honda, you can't just look at the data. Honda is good at that they always use the most common parts together, but they can get the highest stability. I've used 2 Honda, and I never worry about malfunctions.
For on road Honda, if your going to be off-road and in dirt most of the time then perhaps ktm. Or get the Honda and throw more aggressive tires on it 😊
A lot of us, let's say "mature" riders choose so-called adventure bikes because they're comfortable, have some weather protection and can haul a ton of luggage for touring. I've gone from a 300kg Honda ST1100 to a 240kg Triumph Tiger Sport to a 215kg VStrom 650. If the VStrom wasn't so good I'd be very tempted by the 390 to use as a go almost anywhere tourer/everyday bike for one...
I own both these bikes. I can tell you that on the one hand, the Honda is a very nice, smooth sounding bike with a very linear power band. But in comparison to the KTM, it is a boring motorcycle with inferior electronics, suspension, handling, off-road capability, and fun factor. The KTM 390 is just a blast, super light, flickable, intuitive handling... just puts a smile on your face.
My uncle has cb 500x and my friend has KTM 390 adventure. I rode both for a long period of time on road and dirt. I could only put it in one way- Honda- more reliable (supposedly) KTM- more fun I ended up buying the KTM too because it gave me a feeling which the CB500x didn't come close to.
One big factor, people in India are choosing the KTM over CB500X is the price. CB500X costs 10,747.43 USD (INR to USD conversion) in India while 390 ADV costs just 5,270.10 USD (INR to USD conversion). That's almost twice. Is CB500X twice as good as the KTM 390 adv? Don't think so.
I think for long term reliability I would rather take the Honda on a round Australia 🇦🇺 trip ( definitely world ) and also the twin will keep on going long after the KTM is a distance memory . But for your first ADV bike that you own for a 3 years and just do weekend or week trips away here and their it would be more fun
