2025 KTM 390 Adventure

Apparently the bike has only done 17 miles. I do really wonder if he's got a tight engine and that coupled with the fact that the design seems to stall a bit is proving an issue. It also means that people click his channel and watch shed events. I guess it's a juicy channel filler, but I really do think that these videos are over-hyping the issue. :blast Pretty sure if he took it back to a well known dealer near Gloucester they'd tell him to come back when first service is due and I hate to admit it, but I think at 17 miles they have a point.

I did read on FB that the software version on the display is the display software version and not necessarily the new mapping version. You'd have to assume that when the latest screen software is installed they do the map at the same time, don't know.
 
Looks like there is a new software map out, not a recall, but will be done on next service. I might ask Judd's if they have it, and if they will update mine in a couple of weeks when I'm off.

Apparently the bike has only done 17 miles. I do really wonder if he's got a tight engine and that coupled with the fact that the design seems to stall a bit is proving an issue. It also means that people click his channel and watch shed events. I guess it's a juicy channel filler, but I really do think that these videos are over-hyping the issue. :blast Pretty sure if he took it back to a well known dealer near Gloucester they'd tell him to come back when first service is due and I hate to admit it, but I think at 17 miles they have a point.
Yes, its beginning to look like a 'click bait' purchase, as he was clearly trying to stall it on his first ride.

Another random new UK owner 😉
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From @nathanthepostman

"Just a bit of an update on the 390 Enduro R/Adventure R stalling and fuelling issues myself and others have been having. I took mine back to the dealers yesterday for a new map that came through the system last week. They're not contacting customers to tell them. Just updating it when they come in for a service (which I think should be more proactive given the issues and negative sentiment its attracting). Needless to say it's a big improvement. Seems to run richer; sharper off the throttle, doesn't bog or stall in the short test ride I had on it last night. So if you've got one, get in touch with your dealer and get them to update it. Finally feels like a proper bike."
 
From @nathanthepostman

"Just a bit of an update on the 390 Enduro R/Adventure R stalling and fuelling issues myself and others have been having. I took mine back to the dealers yesterday for a new map that came through the system last week. They're not contacting customers to tell them. Just updating it when they come in for a service (which I think should be more proactive given the issues and negative sentiment its attracting). Needless to say it's a big improvement. Seems to run richer; sharper off the throttle, doesn't bog or stall in the short test ride I had on it last night. So if you've got one, get in touch with your dealer and get them to update it. Finally feels like a proper bike."
AND.......THERE YOU GO :blast

Haven't we said all along that this is a new KTM model and something can nearly always (if not always) be improved and/or requires fixing. Just expect it, or else wait a year and then get one when the niggles are gone.

I will say one thing though - if I had a bike that was stalling off throttle in potentially dangerous locations, I'd be at the dealer with it immediately now and not wait for a service. KTM really ought to be pulling all the bikes back. Not like they've sold hundreds is it!
 
This guys review is bang on. Obviously things have now moved on.

"it feels like the turkey has been pulled too early from the oven" - brilliant. 😂😂
 
I will say one thing though - if I had a bike that was stalling off throttle in potentially dangerous locations, I'd be at the dealer with it immediately now and not wait for a service. KTM really ought to be pulling all the bikes back. Not like they've sold hundreds is it!
From what I've seen, KTM have never seemed keen to fix their fuck ups.
 
From what I've seen, KTM have never seemed keen to fix their fuck ups.
Agreed.…and this particular one could mean a new rider (target audience?) has an off in the middle of a junction / roundabout etc if he doesn’t realise what’s happened and pull the clutch quick enough when it cuts out.
 
Booked my 390 in to ask them to check for the software update next Tuesday, hoping that closes the chapter on that. I tend to get one or two stalls when I'm out for the day, but nothing that worries me unduly. I'll be very happy if this permanently fixes it as its not ideal, as an example I was decelerating in a dual carriageway in the right hand lane to turn right and it stalled, and I had a car directly behind me. No issue as its easy enough to start, but might spook an inexperienced rider.

Also a couple of rack updates :
  • Rally Raid - small rack arrived, will aim to put it on later today, looks nice quality and the Mosko Moto Gnoblin will mount easily to it.
  • Auto Engina - After a day on the trails with Lomo bags strapped to it, much of the paint has rubbed off, very poor (but not entirely unexpected). I'll email them with pics to see if anything can be done.
WP Pro suspension
  • After a brilliant day out on the trails on Saturday (nothing too technical), I know why I need the WP Pro suspension upgrade over the road biased Apex suspension. This will get done in February if I can get it planned in. An example is where there are lots of undulations in a trail (baby head rocks/stones for example) the bike doesn't ride well over them, the suspension cant react quick enough and it just sort of clatters over them. This is more noticable when going up an incline and you just bounce around. This needs doing before I try more difficult lanes like 3 shires in the Peaks.
Other updates
  • I need to email Rally Raid, as purchased the bolts to remove the front reflectors. The milling of the bolt recess for an Allen key doesnt look complete and its hard to get an allen key in it so will ask them to sort that.
  • I can't use my old paddock stand on this bike, I've tried lots of options to use it, but am going to bite the bullet and buy a headstock stand. Unfortunately the only one that seems to fit due to height etc.. is the KTM one, so I will get that (£££). I want to be able to get the front wheel off easily at home.
  • I've noticed a slight misalingment with the wheel bearing on the front wheel, it doesnt seem to sit squarely in the forks. I've asked Judd to have a quick look at it when it goes in next Tuesday.
Overall, loving the bike, just over 2000 miles now.
 
Some pics..

Rally raid reflector replacement bolts with what looks like unfinished milling for the allen key (so you can't get your allen key all the way in).

IMG_1575.jpeg

Auto Engina (Indian made) rack after one trail ride with Lomo bags attached via straps.

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Rally Raid slimline rack just fitted. I need to check there is enough clearance to mount the Mosko Gnoblin, and also might put a washer in the front arm bolts just to ensure the rack isnt touching the bodywork. Seems like a nice fit that aside.

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Some pics.. Rally raid reflector replacement bolts with what looks like unfinished milling for the allen key (so you can't get your allen key all the way in). View attachment 458460 Auto Engina (Indian made) rack after one trail ride with Lomo bags attached via straps. View attachment 458462 Rally Raid slimline rack just fitted. I need to check there is enough clearance to mount the Mosko Gnoblin, and also might put a washer in the front arm bolts just to ensure the rack isnt touching the bodywork. Seems like a nice fit that aside. View attachment 458463

The RR small rack looks good. You could easily bolt a larger one to it when necessary. Done that before. A stock KTM rack would work as they have a million fixing options.

This is cheap right now! https://www.motea.uk/uk/rear-luggage-rack-compatible-with-ktm-790-890-adventure-r-19-25-bagtecs-gb1-dplb-a565414-0?msclkid=1ef9f55f0c7711ada8fa9c45ef2ab763&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=3- UK Pmax Top&utm_term=2324711180354778&utm_content=UK Top

Just looking at the rack setup again. I really need a solution that gives me the option to pick up the rear of the bike after a drop. The stock bike literally has nothing and makes it more challenging to stand up.
 
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The RR small rack looks good. You could easily bolt a larger one to it when necessary. Done that before. A stock KTM rack would work as they have a million fixing options.

This is cheap right now! https://www.motea.uk/uk/rear-luggage-rack-compatible-with-ktm-790-890-adventure-r-19-25-bagtecs-gb1-dplb-a565414-0?msclkid=1ef9f55f0c7711ada8fa9c45ef2ab763&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=3- UK Pmax Top&utm_term=2324711180354778&utm_content=UK Top

Just looking at the rack setup again. I really need a solution that gives me the option to pick up the rear of the bike after a drop. The stock bike literally has nothing and makes it more challenging to stand up.

Thanks Apex, yes the Rally Raid rack is easily removable, and if I dont return the rack from India (currently in discussions with Ebay) I may use it to attach a top box for occasional use. I agree with your point on being nothing to lift the rear of the bike with too, so a rack of any description helps with that.

I had the map updated today by Judd racing in Notts and it really has solved the low revs stalling 'issue' (I thought it was more of an idiosyncracy of the bike, but glad its fixed). Seems to run much richer at the bottom end, although it might be my mind playing tricks on me but the engine seems to have more vibrations now.

I note KTM have reduced the prices of the model by £500, which seems to be pretty much standard practice for KTM once a bike has been out for a bit, but I am a bit miffed (KTM thats one demerit point !) . I've emailed the dealer but dont expect KTM will do anything about it.

I also order the front headstock stand today, the video explains why.

Short video here of me testing the new map this afternoon.

 
That's annoying about the £500 off being offered, but a). when you buy a KTM you know winter deals will turn up and b). we expect that EVERY brand and dealer at this time of year will be doing deals, not just on orange bikes.

Next year or three, the main brands are going to be up against it aren't they. Chinese/Indian brand bikes are becoming equals and for much cheaper ££.

That's great about the map. Like you, I haven't really had a major issue with stalling and I agree with your VLOGGER comments. If I could just get out on mine some more I could get the map at first service.

I tell you what is interesting about the updated map - I suspect it resets the start line for any tuning work done to date. There's clearly a rush to 'fix' the 390 by using Fuel-X/Rapidbike/mapping bla bla, but as we always said - better just let KTM fix things first. It's an annoying wait if you've had major stalling though.

Be interested in your/others views on vibes with the new map. I hope that's just your imagination!

What phone mount have you used? Looks neat enough.
 
I just had this arrive on email:

"Good Morning,
Hope you are enjoying your new KTM 390 Adventure R

Due to KTM’s continued improvement & price competitiveness the new 2026 390 Adventure model will be £6199, as a gesture of goodwill you are able to claim a £500 gift voucher from KTM due to the higher price paid.

This can be used for KTM parts, clothing or accessories.

Please complete this link her with the request:

Submit a request – KTM

Any questions please ask.

Kind Regards,"


This shows good faith and reasonableness towards those of us with orange blood. I would probably have preferred cash, but....
 
I just had this arrive on email:

"Good Morning,
Hope you are enjoying your new KTM 390 Adventure R

Due to KTM’s continued improvement & price competitiveness the new 2026 390 Adventure model will be £6199, as a gesture of goodwill you are able to claim a £500 gift voucher from KTM due to the higher price paid.

This can be used for KTM parts, clothing or accessories.

Please complete this link her with the request:

Submit a request – KTM

Any questions please ask.

Kind Regards,"


This shows good faith and reasonableness towards those of us with orange blood. I would probably have preferred cash, but....
Oh that’s good news , as you say cash would be better but at least we aren’t getting totally stiffed . 👍
 


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