Hooligans rejoice! KTM unleash new Super Duke 1390 R

KTM are marking 30 years of their naked Duke range in the only way they know how: by launching a brand-new 187.4bhp 1390 Super Duke R range powered by a monstrous 1350cc motor. It’s priced from £19,599.

Available from January in a standard and Evo guise (with semi active electronic suspension), the duo will take over from the 1301cc 1290 Super Duke selection, which first appeared 11 years ago as a prototype and then later as three generations of super naked. 

Although sporting a side profile similar to the old 1290, the new bikes get a revised LED headlight design similar to the recently revealed 990 Duke. There are also subtle winglets that droop below the shoulders of the larger 17.5-litre fuel tank, and a set of new Michelin Power GP-shod 17in rims which are 1.2kg lighter than before.

Based on the existing LC8 V-twin unit found in the 1290, the new higher capacity engine has been created thanks to an increased bore of 110mm (up from 108mm). You’ll also find a new ‘cam shift’ system, otherwise known as variable valve timing, that allows for a claimed broader spread of power and torque across the rev range.

Located in the cylinder heads, the cam shift set-up allows for the activation of two different valve lifts depending on where you are in the rev range. As a result, the 1390 now produces around 10bhp and 3.3lb.ft more than its predecessor, all whilst meeting Euro5+ rules. 

More reliability

KTM say that alongside more performance, both durability and serviceability were also considered – meaning valve clearance checks are now only needed after 60,000km of riding. 

However, having experienced a number of documented mechanical and technical problems with 1290 Super Duke R Evo and Super Duke GT test bikes in the past, MCN asked Product Manager Florian Braatz to go into a little more detail. 

“We really focused on the serviceability and longevity of the engine by making small changes and increasing tolerances there,” he said. “We also made updates on the dash to reduce the water ingress that has been [found] sometimes in some markets with a lot of rain, as the UK sometimes gets.”

Away from engine longevity, there’s also a redesigned airbox, shorter throttle bodies and a redesigned ram air system for more direct airflow into the engine. Furthermore, both fifth and sixth gear have been revised to allow for use over a wider speed range. 

At present, the 1290’s sixth gear acts like more of an overdrive and is too clunky and juddery to use below 60mph – making it a bit of a pain in motorway congestion. 

Chassis updates

Suspending the signature trellis frame on the standard R is a set of new fully adjustable 48mm WP Apex forks, and single shock. The Evo meanwhile gets an electronic system (see boxout, right).  

These are paired with a set of four-piston Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers. 

Getting techy 

Both variants get lean-sensitive electronic aids controlled through a five inch bonded glass TFT unit that also houses a USB-C charging port.

Displaying information including speed, revs, and tyre pressures, the full colour display also helps you cycle through the riding modes. 

You get ‘Rain’, ‘Street’, and ‘Sport’ as standard, with ‘Performance’ and ‘Track’ as optional extras. Rain caps power at 128.2bhp, with the options becoming progressively more aggressive from there.

There’s also the option to add an advanced anti-wheelie mode that caps front wheel lift at five angles ranging from 0.36° to a showboating 22.25°. It can also be switched off altogether if you’re feeling brave.

Evo evolution

Alongside the standard 1390 Super Duke R, KTM will once again sell you an Evo version featuring semi active WP suspension.

An idea first introduced for 2022 on the 1290 version, for 2024 the concept has evolved – now featuring WP’s third generation of electronic suspension technology, which is said to cater for every day comfort riding, to focussed trackday antics.

Removing the need to get your hands dirty with tools, the bike’s onboard Suspension Control Unit (SCU) uses magnetic valves to adjust the damping rates during your riding, based on information relayed from stroke sensors and the IMU.

Setting can be selected through the TFT dash, with the bike coming with five damping modes as standard, plus an additional ‘Track’ and ‘Pro’ option when you purchase the Suspension Pro pack.

Purchasing Pro also unlocks three auto levelling settings, which alter the preload automatically based on the weight of the rider to create one of three preset geometries.

As before, you also get an Anti-Dive setting on the front forks, which keeps everything stiff under hard braking – a setting that we already highly rated on the outgoing 1290.

Ride height device

Inspired by MotoGP race launches, there’s also a new feature that automatically lowers rear shock preload when coming to a standstill. With more weight back end, it’s said that acceleration can further improve off the line – not something this bike has ever really struggled with!

KTM’s Super Duke history

• 2014: KTM 1290 Super Duke R hits dealers, replacing the 990 Super Duke.
• 2017: Second-generation Super Duke R has Euro 4 engine with 4bhp more, styling, electronics and chassis tweaks.
• 2020: A heavily revised third-generation Super Duke R now boasts a new frame, making it leaner, meaner and even more menacing according to KTM.
• 2023: New 1390 Super Duke revealed.