KTM has unveiled its flagship model, the 1390 Super Duke R, which has been extensively redesigned, from the exterior to the mechanicals and electronics.
The new headlight design from the 990 Duke is the first thing that catches your attention. KTM has unveiled the 1390 Super Duke R Evo in addition to the ‘standard’ Super Duke.
The new 1390 Duke R is built on a trellis frame, but the frame has been beefed up and the walls have been thinned out, resulting in a lighter motorcycle. The chassis is also stiffer, particularly around corners, which improves cornering ability over the 1290. The standard and R Evo models of the motorcycle will be available in January 2024.
KTM 1390 Super Duke R: Design
In terms of design, the new 1390 Super Duke is similar to the recently launched 990 Duke. The motorcycle has vertically stacked LED headlights with hollow-in-the-middle DRLs. The motorcycle now has winglets and a larger 17.5-litre fuel tank. Overall, the new 1390 Super Duke appears to be a Duke ready to take on the streets.
KTM 1390 Super Duke R: Engine
The main highlight, as the name suggests, is the larger engine on the 1390 Super Duke. KTM increased the stroke, bringing the engine displacement to 1350cc. This has also increased power, as the new LC8 V-Twin produces 187.4bhp and 145Nm of torque when mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch.
The new engine also has a ‘cam shift’ system, known as variable valve timing. This allows the engine to produce more power and torque throughout its rev range. The cam shift system, which is housed in the cylinder heads, allows the valves to open at two different levels. As a result, the engine produces 10bhp more than the older 1290 Duke while meeting the latest emission standards.
KTM 1390 Super Duke R: Other Details
The new Duke features semi-active WP suspension at both ends, disc brakes with Brembo monoblock callipers at both ends, a TFT instrument console, 17-inch wheels wrapped in super sticky Michelin Power GP tyres, and a keyless pillion seat roval option, among other things.
KTM has kept the majority of the 1290’s nannies, such as lean-sensitive ABS, slide control, launch control, traction control, wheelie control, and so on, but they have been tweaked. Instead of being on or off, the wheelie control, for example, has multiple levels. The motorcycle gets riding modes as well as MotoGP Ride Height technology, which lowers the rear shock preload when coming to a stop.
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