The big new V-twin we expected from KTM is confirmed. Today, the new KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO hit the market. The company is calling it “the most fearsome iteration yet,” as it celebrates three decades of the Super Duke line… but we, of course, are wondering about future ADV applications for the new engine.
The big news is a muscled-up 1390 V-twin, which will no doubt eventually make it to the Super Adventure lineup. Photo: KTM
Big-bore LC8
The LC8 V-twin has been punched out to 1350 cc, thanks to a bore increase from 108 mm to 110 mm. KTM also says “an all-new cam shift was integrated on the cylinder heads that allows for two separate valve lifts depending on the rpm range … This provides added power and torque throughout the full rpm range, allowing for variable fuel mapping to meet the latest emission regulations.” It sounds like they are trying to say the engine has a new variable valve timing system (Update: Apparently it’s a cam phasing system). And yet, despite the trick new design, KTM realized owners don’t want expensive maintenance bills. As such, they say the new engine does not need its first valve clearance check until it’s done 60,000 km, or 37,000 miles.
The engine also benefits from a new airbox that in turn allows shorter/wider throttle bodies (which are supposed to provide better fuel-air mixture) and a redesigned ram-air system. The gearbox gets an updated 5th and 6th gear, and the Brembo hydraulic clutch has a self-venting system that’s supposed to eliminate the need to bleed the hydraulics.
All in all, considerably more than just enlarging the engine capacity. KTM says these changes get the bike to the 1-1 power-to-weight ratio, with 190 hp at the crank (and presumably a 190-kg weight, then). The new engine is also rated for 107 lb-ft of torque.
Racetrack chassis
As with the 1290 Super Duke R EVO, the new 1390 model comes with top-spec chassis parts to help put all that muscle to pavement. Four-piston Brembo Stylema monobloc brake calipers come standard up front, with 320 mm floating discs. The rear brake has a 240 mm disc with two-piston floating caliper.
KTM doesn’t mention much for changes to the trellis frame but does say the bike gets the latest-gen semi-active suspension from WP. The WP Apex fork and shock use electronically-controlled magnetic valves to control damping changes. The bike’s setup can be changed from squishy road comfort to a taut track stance with only a button-press. The onboard Suspension Control Unit will adjust the valves in real-time to match the rider’s preferences and the road surface based on sensors inside the suspension as well as the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).
The bike is made for the track, although they’ll mostly be ridden on the street. Photo: KTM
In stock form, the bike comes with Auto, Comfort, Rain, Street and Sport damping modes for the suspension. Pay extra for the Suspension Pro option, and you can get Track and Pro damping modes.
Suspension Pro also allows the rider to choose between Low, Standard and High riding stances, provides a front-end Anti-Dive Function and even a Factory Start mode, According to the PR:
Inspired by the launch devices in the MotoGP paddock, the shock Preload is automatically reduced to lower the rear when coming to a standstill. This allows for increased weight on the rear wheel and therefore an improved acceleration off the line.
Bold new bodywork
KTM’s Duke series has never been accused of being unassuming in the visual department. More of the same here; there’s a new LED headlight, new tank spoilers with winglets, chopped-off subframe, and so on. On a more practical note, the tank capacity now stretches to 17.5 liters, which is 1.5 liters larger than the last model. Added fuel capacity is always a good thing.
The new headlight has daytime running lights and marker lights that auto-adjust to ambient light conditions, thanks to a sensor in the dashboard. The headlight also has “Coming Home” functionality that keeps the headlight on for a while after the ignition is switched off. This is supposed to make it easier to see your surroundings in the dark and provide more safety when parking in unlit areas.
Typical non-understated Duke series styling… Photo: KTM
Electronics overhaul
Like its 1290 predecessor, the 1390 comes with an IMU (mentioned earlier) that governs leaning-sensitive ABS and traction control system.
In turn, those systems have their interference levels adjusted by selecting ride modes. The 1390 comes with Rain, Street and Sport modes as stock. Performance and Track modes are optional. In Performance mode, riders can outright turn off the anti-wheelie control, and use launch control and even cruise control. Riders can customize their throttle control and traction control intervention.
In Track mode, riders can opt for a race-focused display on the 5-inch TFT, which is focused on lap times and race telemetry. Anti-wheelie can be switched off, and Launch control is available, but there’s no cruise control. KTMconnect is also available.
KTM’s new Super Duke makes 190 hp at the crank, and weighs around 190 kg, we figure. Photo: KTM
KTM says we can expect the new bike towards the end of December or early January in North America.
