The KTM 1390 Super Duke R, also known as “The Beast”, is a dominant performance machine that has evolved significantly for 2024. This motorcycle is the latest iteration of the Super Duke line that started in 2007 with the 990. The 1390 replaces the 1290 Duke R Evo that had been around since 2013. The Super Duke R is a fierce and aggressive naked street motorcycle with no extra frills, designed for speed and performance.
KTM has a reputation for building motorcycles that scream “Ready to Race”. The 1390 Super Duke R takes that tagline to a whole new level, earning its nickname “The Beast” with terrifyingly good reason. This hyper-naked machine is the pinnacle of KTM’s street-focused engineering – a raw and untamed powerhouse barely constrained by rider aids and a svelte chassis.
The Super Duke R has been a staple in KTM’s lineup for years, undergoing constant refinement and evolution. The latest iteration represents a significant leap forward, boasting a revised engine, an updated electronics suite, and an enhanced chassis, all geared toward extracting maximum performance. At its core, the Super Duke R is a purpose-built weapon, designed to conquer both streets and the occasional track day.
Specifications
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is powered by a 1350cc engine, up 49cc from the old 1290, thanks to a 2mm bigger bore. The engine delivers an impressive 188 bhp at 10,000 rpm and a peak torque of 145 Nm at 8,000 rpm. The motorcycle weighs just 200 kg, giving it a near 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. The Super Duke R also features a new 17.5-litre fuel tank, boasting a 1.5-litre increase in capacity.
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These figures translate to explosive acceleration and the ability to hit ludicrous speeds with frightening ease. This engine is paired with a slick 6-speed transmission and a sophisticated electronics package to help harness this immense power. A state-of-the-art electronics suite, including ride-by-wire and multiple riding modes, helps manage this ferocious output.
To harness this explosive energy, KTM bolts on top-shelf electronics. You’ll find multiple ride modes (Rain, Street, Sport, optional Track, and Performance modes), adjustable traction control, lean-sensitive ABS, wheelie control, and cruise control. For those seeking even more fine-tuning, optional features like Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) and a quickshifter+ provide even more control and lightning-fast gear changes.
Highlights of Specification
- Engine: 1350cc, liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 75-degree V-Twin
- Horsepower: 188 bhp
- Torque: 145 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed, slipper clutch
- Electronics: Ride-by-wire throttle, advanced rider modes with traction control and wheelie control, cornering ABS
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 liters
Power & Performance
The Super Duke R isn’t simply fast; it redefines acceleration. Pin the throttle, and reality distorts as the world races past you in a blur. KTM has packed the Beast with top-shelf electronics, including lean-angle sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, wheelie control, and multiple riding modes. Yet, experienced riders can tailor these aids or turn them off completely, unleashing the R’s truly unhinged character.
The upgraded engine now delivers an impressive 188 bhp at 10,000rpm and 145 Nm of peak torque at 8,000rpm. With a power output of 188 bhp, and 145 Nm of torque with a READY TO RACE weight of 200 kg, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R turns the planet on its axis rather than riding upon it. The engine also features shift-cam technology, better known to the world as Variable Valve Timing.
The 1390 Super Duke R is an absolute rocket ship in a straight line. The combination of abundant power and a lightweight chassis results in blistering acceleration. This bike will leave most sportbikes in its dust with relentless ferocity. KTM has also equipped the Super Duke R with an array of electronic rider aids to help manage the power, including multiple riding modes, lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, and anti-wheelie control.
Top Speed of KTM 1390 Super Duke R
The top speed of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is not officially stated. However, considering its predecessor, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, had a top speed of over 280 km/h, it’s reasonable to expect that the 1390 Super Duke R, with its increased power and torque, could potentially reach a similar or higher top speed of over 290 km/hr. Please note that actual top speed can vary based on factors such as rider weight, road conditions, and modifications to the bike. Always remember to ride safely and within legal speed limits.😊
Chassis, Brake & Suspension
The chassis is a work of art. Its lightweight chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame provides laser-sharp handling, allowing the rider to confidently attack curves and switchbacks with surgical precision. Brakes are provided by top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema calipers clamping down on massive discs, ensuring excellent stopping power to match the bike’s incredible acceleration.
WP APEX suspension soaks up road imperfections and delivers composure through fast, sweeping corners and demanding chicanes. Adjustable components help riders fine-tune the Super Duke R to their particular riding style and preferences.
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 Super Duke R comes with disc brakes at both ends along with Brembo monobloc calipers. It also features a new WP Apex rear shock and 48mm forks with a five-way dial on top of each fork leg to adjust rebound and compression damping.
The suspension setup varies slightly between the standard 1390 Super Duke R and the track-focused EVO model:
- KTM 1390 Super Duke R: Fully adjustable WP APEX suspension offering a balance between street comfort and spirited sport riding.
- KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO: The crème de la crème with WP APEX Pro semi-active suspension. It automatically adjusts damping characteristics on the fly, tailoring the bike’s behavior to the road surface and your riding style.
Build & Design
One glance at the KTM 1390 Super Duke R and you know it means business. Angular lines, the exposed trellis frame, and the aggressive headlight cluster define its raw and purposeful style. There’s a distinctly functional vibe to its design – this bike isn’t about pretty, it’s about brutal performance presented in an unapologetically intimidating package.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R exudes an aggressive, predatory stance. Its angular bodywork, minimalist design, and the exposed trellis frame all contribute to its intimidating, in-your-face presence. KTM’s signature orange accents add a splash of vibrant color to the overall design.
Visually, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R embodies raw aggression. Its minimalist bodywork emphasizes the bike’s muscular engine and mechanical components. The angular LED headlamp and aggressive stance give the Super Duke R an unmistakable predatory presence. Build quality is exceptional, with high-grade components and materials used throughout.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R takes compactness to the next level. Lower, meaner, and more muscular, the Super Duke R bristles with an all-new tank design, new aero winglets, and a predatory LED headlight, with a sleeker, more aggressive stance. The tank is angled slightly outwards, providing more support under braking, as well as better contact while knee down. The handlebar is also lower for improved control without compromising comfort.
Riding Comfort
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is ergonomically styled for sporty riding. The motorcycle is performance-focused, but still comfortable for all-day riding. It is designed to be track-capable one second, and a real-world passenger motorcycle the next. Unique features like the Anti-Dive setting on the front forks and an automatic lowering of rear shock preload at standstill enhance ride comfort and stability.
While designed with performance as the primary objective, the Super Duke R can be civilized for everyday riding. It’s by no means a touring bike, but its upright riding position and adjustable suspension make it surprisingly manageable around town. The trade-off for its exhilarating performance is a firm and somewhat unforgiving ride, which might become taxing on longer journeys.
Let’s be clear – comfort takes a backseat to outright performance on the KTM 1390 Super Duke R. The riding position is sporty and committed, placing the rider in an attack-oriented stance. While not uncomfortable, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R isn’t meant for all-day touring comfort. It’s best suited for shorter blasts in the canyons or conquering the racetrack.
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Electronics & Technology
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is a marvel of modern motorcycle technology. It features an all-new LED headlight that adjusts its intensity according to the ambient light conditions. The bike also boasts a 5-inch bonded glass TFT dashboard, upgraded with the latest graphics, information, and software. This makes it faster and easier to navigate, giving riders quicker access to the various features of the bike.
One of the standout features of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is its WP Semi-Active Suspension Technology (SAT). This innovative system can automatically adapt its suspension to the rider’s input or the road surface, bringing a new level of intelligence to the tarmac.
The Super Duke R’s beating heart is its 1,350cc LC8 V-twin engine, an absolute powerhouse that churns out tremendous horsepower and torque. It’s harnessed by a comprehensive electronics package that gives this beast the finesse needed for both the street and the track:
- Riding Modes: Multiple modes (Rain, Street, Sport, and optional Track and Performance modes) tailor power delivery, throttle response, and traction control intervention to match conditions and riding styles.
- Lean-Angle Sensitive ABS and Traction Control: This advanced system provides top-level braking and cornering safety, tailoring its intervention based on your current lean angle for maximum confidence.
- Cornering ABS and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC): The Bosch-developed system offers lean-sensitive intervention for safer braking and controlled acceleration even at extreme angles.
- Wheelie Control: Prevents unwanted front-wheel lift, keeping your power delivery firmly planted.
- Quickshifter +: Effortless clutchless up and downshifts for lightning-fast gear changes.
- Optional Tech Pack: Adds even more track-focused features like launch control, anti-wheelie adjustment, and customizable track modes.
- Advanced Suspension: The Super Duke R can be equipped with the latest WP APEX semi-active suspension. This automatically adjusts damping in real-time, ensuring ideal road feedback and composed handling.
- Digital Command Center: A bright TFT dash displays all essential information and provides easy navigation through the bike’s settings and modes.
Service & Customization
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R offers a high level of adjustability, allowing riders to fine-tune their ride to their preferences. All the shifting and braking controls are fully adjustable, and riders even have the option for a reverse shift pattern and shift lever throw.
In terms of customization, the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R wears its new colors as a homage to the beasts that came before it. Drawing from a 30-year-old bloodline, the iconic Orange colorway is inspired by its ancestral KTM 990 Super Duke colors from as far back as 2005.
KTM provides a recommended service interval tailored to how you ride. Expect a major service around 15,000 km (approx. 9300 miles). To make the Super Duke R truly yours, KTM offers a vast PowerParts catalog:
- Performance upgrades: Exhaust systems, racing air filters, and even different gearing ratios.
- Comfort & Touring: Heated grips, adjustable levers, windscreens, and luggage options.
- Aesthetics: Carbon fiber, anodized parts, and flashy graphics kits.
Who Should Buy the KTM 1390 Super Duke R
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is designed for riders who crave power, performance, and cutting-edge technology. It’s a bike that’s equally at home on the track as it is on the street. With its spacious design, it’s a superbike for tall riders and makes a race-rep seem like a minimoto by comparison. However, it’s worth noting that it’s an expensive bike, especially if you want all the electronics.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s designed for:
- Experienced Riders: This bike’s explosive power and razor-sharp handling demand respect.
- Thrill Seekers: If you find ‘calm’ boring and crave constant excitement, the Super Duke R will deliver.
- Track Enthusiasts: While incredibly capable on the road, the Super Duke R truly shines on closed courses.
KTM 1390 Super Duke R Price
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R commands a premium price for its class. In the US market, it’s priced at $21,499 USD. For folks in India, the price is Rs 1,568,770 (ex-showroom).
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Competitors of KTM 1390 Super Duke R
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R faces stiff competition from several other superbikes. Some of its main competitors include the Yamaha MT-10, Aprilia Tuono V4, Kawasaki Ninja H2, and Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS.
Current models and pricing will vary depending on your location. Its primary rivals include:
- Ducati Streetfighter V4 S: The Italian stallion with seductive design and brutal power.
- Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS: A refined yet thrilling British triple with a more ‘gentlemanly’ attitude.
- BMW S 1000 R: German engineering precision with inline-four power delivery.
Conclusion
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is a dominant performance machine that offers a blend of power, performance, and comfort. It stands as a testament to KTM’s relentless pursuit of perfection in the realm of motorcycling.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is a beast of a bike that offers a potent mix of power, performance, and cutting-edge technology. It’s a bike that demands respect and rewards those who can tame it. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for your next thrill or a discerning enthusiast seeking the pinnacle of motorcycle technology, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is a bike that deserves serious consideration.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is a purpose-built machine designed to deliver maximum thrills for experienced riders who crave unfiltered performance. If you’re looking for a motorcycle that will ignite your senses and put a permanent smile on your face, look no further than “The Beast.” Just be prepared to handle its immense power with respect.
Let me know if you’d like revisions or would like me to focus on any particular aspect of the Super Duke R!
KTM 1390 Super Duke R FAQs
Is the KTM 1390 Super Duke R comfortable for longer rides?
The ergonomics lean toward a sporty, aggressive riding position. While the standard seat isn’t the plushest, comfort can be improved with aftermarket modifications.
What engine does the KTM 1390 Super Duke R have?
It has a powerful 1350cc LC8 V-twin engine producing around 188 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque.
How does the KTM 1390 Super Duke R perform in city riding?
Its agility makes it fun in the city, but the powerful engine and sporty nature mean it’s not necessarily the ideal commuter.
Is KTM 1390 Super Duke R a good beginner motorcycle?
Absolutely not! The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is a high-performance beast best suited for experienced riders.
