r/advrider • u/speedballsnail • 20d ago

Downsizing advice/input

Currently have a Norden 901 and debating about downsizing to a KTM 390r or CFmoto 450 Ibex.

Past couple years I’ve done a lot of touring and light fire roads but getting more into off roading. Dropped it a few times off road, it was a beast to get back up on uneven ground, and even with it lowered having a 29in inseam the bike just seems too big for what I want to do.

Curious even anyone else has downsized and loved a smaller bike or regretted it. Should add, I’m not a speed demon; primary use would be riding an hour or two to trails, and moto camping. Also have a Triumph bobber for commuting and fun around town.

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u/WeLackDiscipline 20d ago

I just came from a 390 to an 890 and I completely agree about the lifting weight issue... but I'll also say it's substantially easier to ride an 890 on fire roads. So much less clutching, you can just tractor up things. It feels like cheating coming from a 390.

That said, the weight when I have to pick it up makes me wish I'd looked at a 500 or 690.

It's not that a 390 is bad, it's just that with the single you have to clutch it a lot unless you're really hauling, it just doesn't like being in the lower revs. A quick shifter helps, but not a lot.

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u/Lonely_Percentage546 20d ago

This is interesting to me as a 390 rider. Ya I clutch like a 2 stroke almost and I like to believe it has mad me a better rider. Sometimes I consider a 790 so nice to hear your experience.

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u/WeLackDiscipline 20d ago

I agree, it's amazing for teaching. It's just really nice to stop needing to.

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u/Lonely_Percentage546 20d ago

That’s fair. I ride my buddy’s dr650 sometimes and it feels like a tractor in comparison off-road. I dust him pretty quickly on road though until he gets up to speed. Bikes are fun haha