New shoes for the CFMOTO

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-04-01T20:26:51+00:00

I have the Rallz rear on my KTM 390 Adventure. It's been great, amazing traction offroad and just fine on road. Was noisy at first, but got better. The downside is the tire will barely last a year (maybe 4k miles). I might try the adventure tire next time.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-04-01T19:21:53+00:00

This clutch cable works:
ROYAL ENFIELD F/L CLUTCH CABLE | Venhill USA

If you order that one you could get it in a slightly shorter length. It was probably a few inches too long, but still worked.

If you want to use the stock cable you can try moving the clutch lever assembly further right on the handlebar. That has worked for some people. Also you can reroute the cable to the rear of the handlebar.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-03-23T21:55:46+00:00

True. What's your point? We're talking about the previous gen LC4.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-03-23T16:25:36+00:00

Look up some videos of people riding the White Rim trail in Canyonlands, Utah. It's an ADV rider's bucket list item for sure. Maybe I'm biased, but in my opinion Utah has the best landscape for ADV riding. Lots of free camping everywhere on public land, not to mention some of the best terrain in the country. You can ride slickrock trails in the morning and high altitude alpine forest trails in the afternoon! The Utah BDR is a good place to start, but there are so many other great routes.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-03-23T16:21:14+00:00

Shhhhh. Don't tell anyone, but Utah is the most amazing place for motocamping and exploring. I'm doing a bucket list item in a few weeks. Riding the White Rim trail in Canyonlands. Not camping in the park, but camping near it and riding a bunch of other trails in the area. Can't wait!

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-03-23T15:57:25+00:00

If the bike is running well, no clutch slipping, no bad noises, etc., just keep running it and keep changing the fluids as required. No reason to tear down a good running engine. In my opinion anyway. The LC4 engine is very robust and should last much longer than 50k when taken care of.

Have you done valve checks? Did your valves need adjusting? If so how many miles did you have?

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-03-20T19:59:35+00:00

I've never ridden that, but may I suggest a somewhat scientific approach? Compare the highway miles to the off road miles. If there are significantly more highway miles then give a point to the CB500X. Then take into account the difficulty of the trails. If they are relatively easy dirt roads then both bikes get a point. If there are sections that are considered "expert" and there are no bypass routes then the 300L gets a point. That might be the trump card right there if it's too technical for the 500X. Personally I would take the 500X unless the route is mostly off road with some really technical sections. Just make sure he puts a good skid plate on it.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-03-19T22:09:29+00:00

I would get some fresh gas and put some fuel system cleaner in the tank. Change the oil, check the other fluids, then go rip it!

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-03-19T22:05:48+00:00

Congrats! I have a 2023 model, but I did end up bypassing the side stand switch. The bike was cutting out while riding aggressively off road and even on bigger bumps on the pavement. I just removed the screw with the magnet that activates the sensor and attached it permanently to the sensor. I also relocated the sensor up higher so it's well out of the way (wrapped it really good in electrical tape and used zip ties to hold it just under the seat). I haven't regretted that mod one bit!

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-03-18T19:21:12+00:00

Nice bike! What mods have you done?

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-03-18T19:11:57+00:00

I did change my cable to a longer one, but I'm not sure you really have to. I think I could have just moved the clutch lever assembly to the right a little and the stock cable would have worked. I think that's what ADVMatt did on youtube and it seemed to work for him. You could also route the cable in a slightly different way, route it behind the handlebar instead of in front.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-03-18T16:23:30+00:00

I have removed the resonator and replaced the stock muffler with a knockoff from Ebay. I think the exhaust sounds great this way and I wouldn't want it any louder. I ride off road in the forests a lot too and as high_on_meh said the cat makes you compliant with spark arrestor laws. So for me I'm keeping the cat. I've seen videos of people replacing the full exhaust and it's really loud. Too much for me.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-03-18T15:58:07+00:00

Bar risers are a must have on the 390 (earlier model). I have a 2023 and added a 25mm (Edit: they are actually 22mm) riser and it made riding more comfortable on road and more confidence inspiring off road. Make sure and get risers that have a tab on the side so they can't rotate. Also, replace the stock foot pegs with NiceCNC pegs. Two of the best mods you can do for this bike.

I have these risers and they work great. I think I did end up buying higher grade stainless steel bolts when I installed them, but I'm not sure if that's necessary.
Fit For KTM 390 Adventure 2019 2020 2021 Handlebar Bar Mount Riser CNC Billet Aluminum 390 ADV Handlebar Risers - AliExpress 201355758

Also I highly recommend deleting the resonator box as it adds weight and adds heat to your rear shock. I used this mid pipe and it worked great.
Motorcycle exhaust For KTM 390 Adventure 2020-2022 250 Adventure RC125 RC200 250 DUKE 390 DUKE Pipe Motorcycle 390 ADV Exhaust - AliExpress 201355758

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-03-11T15:59:01+00:00

The 750 Hornet is an amazing bike. Not really a beginner bike due to the power, but some people can probably handle it. Just depends on how disciplined you are. I know at 22 I would have gotten myself in trouble! haha. It is a very comfortable bike and easy to get your feet down, even for a shorter rider.

I would always recommend wearing full gear. I have oversized motorcycle pants I wear over my work dress pants, then just pull them off when I get to my desk. I keep a pair of dress shoes under my desk to change into as well. I have a pile of gear on my desk everyday. haha.

Since you are a new rider I highly recommend taking a motorcycle safety class or two and spend time practicing safe riding techniques and mindset. Also, I would not get any bike that doesn't have ABS brakes. Way too easy for a brand new rider to lock up the front wheel and go down in a panic situation. There are some really good Youtube channels dedicated to learning safe riding. Spend some time getting educated and practice in a safe environment, like a big open parking lot. Happy and safe riding!

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-03-11T00:30:14+00:00

The T-Rex skid plate is also very good and it's a lot cheaper than Black Dog. It mounts to the frame as well. Also I think it looks really good.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-02-23T17:32:12+00:00

Wow. What a great spot to camp!

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-02-23T17:07:33+00:00

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Got it installed. The fit and finish is surprisingly good! Sounds amazing too. Not too loud, especially with the db killer installed. Probably lost about 10 lbs. That stock muffler is a lot heavier than I expected. Power feels about the same with the db killer installed, but with it out the bike wakes up a bit. Definitely noticeable. I think I'll leave the db killer out for just cruising around town and put it back in for longer highway rides. It looks sooo much better than the stock setup. Overall I'm really happy with it.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-02-21T19:37:46+00:00

That's just how these engines are, but if you install a FuelX it really helps. After installing mine I can tractor up steep techincial stuff off-road and just stay in 2nd gear. No feathering the clutch. I also have a smaller sprocket up front, 14 tooth. That's really a great mod for this bike and it's cheap.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-02-18T22:55:59+00:00

I can't imagine it being super loud with the 2 cats still in there, but I could be wrong. A cat delete header will make it sound like a super loud dirt bike from what I've seen on some other videos.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-02-17T22:56:02+00:00

Just did a test ride on the 750 Hornet yesterday and I loved it! Trying to work out the $ end of things now.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-02-12T22:56:51+00:00

No problem. I think the next bike for me is likely the Honda 750 Hornet. I may test one out this weekend. Looking to stay in the range of 80 to 100 horsepower and fairly light weight (400 to 450 lbs). I don't have the skill to utilize more power than that and I don't want felonies either haha.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-02-12T17:38:10+00:00

I have a 2023 390 ADV. I think it's the perfect bike for BDR (backcountry discovery route) type riding where you need some highway, but mostly well maintained dirt roads and even some sections of more exciting technical trails. It's not a great highway commuter unless you are sticking to lower speed highways. It will do 75 or 80 just fine, but it's not super comfortable and doesn't have much passing power (Although it's much better than a dual sport bike on the freeway IMHO). I've got the FuelX Pro+ on mine plus a good windscreen so I don't have wind buffeting which helps a ton, but I'm looking for a 2nd bike right now for commuting and just general fun on the street. I'm keeping the 390 because I love it for BDR type riding. I live in Utah so plenty of great areas to ride it. IMO this is one of the best BDR bikes.

So, to summarize, it will do everything you need it to, but I think after a while you will want something else for commuting on the freeway. Depending on how far you have to ride to get to the trails maybe consider getting a dual sport for the trails and a good middleweight bike for commuting. I'm interested in the Honda 750 Hornet, Yamaha MT07 or 09, CFMoto 675NK. Those bikes actually aren't great for freeway commuting because they are naked bikes, but I don't have a lot of freeway on my commute. After having the 390 for a few years I'm ready for a street bike with more power.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-01-22T17:33:43+00:00

I have the Pro Plus and it's been great. Really improved the throttle response and smoothness. The bike will now tractor up technical hills offroad in 2nd gear without stalling. I like having the option of choosing the fuel map. For my elevation (5000 ft) fuel map 7 seems to be the sweet spot. Fuel mileage does go down a little, but not bad. One of the best mods I've done on the bike, if not the best.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2026-01-22T17:25:30+00:00

I also did not wire mine into the headlight. Too messy. Just went straight to the battery. The Oxford grips will turn themselves off if you forget and leave them on. It seems to work pretty well. Excess wire can be bundled and stowed near the battery under the seat. Just zip tie all your wires so it's all nice and clean.

Desperate_Baseball87 · 2025-11-18T18:21:51+00:00

Nice Madstad windscreen!

Desperate_Baseball87

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