KTM has unveiled its flagship offering, the 1390 Super Duke R, which gets a massive makeover, from design to mechanicals and electronics. Let’s get straight into the new street naked motorcycle to see what’s new, what’s been updated, and what’s carried over from the 1290 Super Duke. Here’s all you need to know about the new KTM 1390 Super Duke.
KTM 1390 Super Duke R: Platform and design
The new 1390 Duke R is based on a trellis frame, however, the frame has been beefed up and gets thinner walls, thus reducing the weight of the motorcycle. The chassis is also tuned to be stiffer, especially around corners, taking the cornering ability further compared to the 1290. The motorcycle will be available in standard and R Evo models, and will go on sale in January 2024.
Speaking of the design, the new 1390 Super Duke features a similar design to that of the recently launched 990 Duke. The motorcycle gets vertically stacked LED headlights with DRLs that are hollow in the middle. The motorcycle gets winglets and a larger 17.5-litre fuel tank. Overall, the new 1390 Super Duke looks every bit a Duke ready to take on the streets or the racetrack on occasion.
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R: Engine specifications
Coming to the main highlight, as the name suggests, the 1390 Super Duke gets a larger engine. KTM has increased the stroke, taking the engine displacement to 1350cc. This has increased power as well, as the new LC8 V-Twin makes 187.4bhp and 145Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch.
The new engine also features what KTM calls a ‘cam shift’ system, better known as variable valve timing. This helps the engine develop better power and torque throughout its rev range. Located in the cylinder heads, the cam shift system allows the valves to open at two different levels. As a result, the engine makes 10bhp more compared to the older 1290 Duke, while meeting the latest emission norms.
New KTM 1390 Super Duke R: Equipment and electronics
The new Duke gets semi-active WP suspension at both ends, disc brakes at both ends with Brembo monoblock callipers, 17-inch wheels wrapped in super sticky Michelin Power GP tyres, a TFT instrument console, and a keyless pillion seat roval option amongst others.
Coming to the electronics, the list is long. KTM has retained most of the 1290’s nannies such as lean-sensitive ABS, traction control, wheelie control, slide control, launch control, and so on, however, they have been tweaked. The wheelie control, for example, has different levels instead of on and off. The motorcycle gets riding modes, as well as Ride Height tech from MotoGP, that lowers the rear shock preload when coming to a halt.
