With 2024 marking 30 year of the Duke nameplate, the all-new KTM 1390 Super Duke R and its high-tech stablemate, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo, have evolved into their most fearsome iterations yet.
The numbers tell the story with 1,350 cc, 140kW (190hp) @ 10,000 rpm, and 145 Nm of torque @ 8,000 rpm, ripping into the tarmac with pure ferocity – with a new, more aggressive look to match. Impressive figures aside, however, it is its effectiveness at getting power to the ground that makes it even more potent.
For 2024, THE BEAST has undergone a striking aposematic evolution, sending a clear warning message to anyone brave enough to take it on. An all-new LED headlight unit dominates, with new tank spoilers and added winglets making it known that it is not to be messed with. A further reduced subframe cover eliminates the brake light making for an even sharper, pure look and riding experience. With a lower overall profile and more emphasis placed on the compact chassis, the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R looks more muscular and aggressive than ever before. In short, KTM upped the attitude, by lowering the altitude.
A redesigned air intake and airbox see a revised fuel tank with an overall tank capacity of 17.5 liters, which is an increase of 1.5 liters over the predecessor. This not only takes the riding range up to around 300 km but also performs an important ergonomic function. In the hunt for grams, every panel has been calculated for optimum thickness and minimized where possible, with new tank spoilers and added winglets increasing downforce.
However, it is the lightweight, and ‘smart’ headlight design that makes the biggest visual impact. Weighing in at nearly 700 g less than the previous unit, and boasting an alien-like design, it adds an all-new aggressive glare to the KTM 1390 Super Duke R. Position and daytime running lights are located on the profile of the headlight, which auto-adjusts in intensity according to ambient light conditions thanks to a light sensor integrated into the dashboard.
Additionally, the 1390 Super Duke R and 1390 Super Duke R Evo are fitted with Coming Home light functionality as standard. Here, the headlight will remain on after the ignition has been switched off for greater ambient visibility. This not only illuminates the surroundings but provides a level of safety when parking in dark areas.
This ferocious beast required an enlarge heart to keep up with its muscular stance. Boasting an updated version of the LC8, further marking its territory as the alpha. The bore is increased to 110 mm to achieve an engine displacement of 1,350 cc, with an all-new cam shift integrated on the cylinder heads. This provides more power and torque throughout the rpm range and allows for a more differentiated fuel mapping to meet the latest EURO 5+ emission regulations.
Getting that power to the ground comes courtesy of new, lightweight Michelin Power GP tyres with dual-compound technology, as well as a new WP Apex shock absorber which is fully adjustable, allowing for separate high and low speed adjustments, rebound and toolless pre-load adjustment. Improved DCC settings provide better pressure balance resulting in less compromise between suspension comfort and performance, while new 48 mm WP Apex Open Cartridge fork with split function provide optimised settings.
On the KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo, however, the suspension management is taken to an all-new level with the latest generation of WP Semi-Active Technology (SAT). As the most advanced suspension system on the market, it features electronically controlled magnetic valves for variable damping, providing a wide range of adjustability – from maximum comfort to track-ready stiffness.
Here, the SCU (Suspension Control Unit) adapts the damping rates via the magnetic valves in real-time, reading the road surface and rider style to automatically adjust the suspension on the fly.
The technology feast doesn’t end there, with both machines debuting updated Performance and Track Modes, complete with lap timer and telemetry stats, as well as optional engine brake control and an updated Suspension Pro module for the KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo.
The both bikes will also be offered in select 30 YEARS OF DUKE colorways, reminiscent of the orange scheme found on the 2005 KTM 990 Super Duke.
A full range of specially developed KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear are available for riders to personalize their motorcycles and get themselves kitted up in READY TO RACEPerformance.
KTM will also be giving away a brand new KTM 1390 Super Duke R later towards the end of the year. Entrants are encouraged to visit KTM.com to sign up for the KTM newsletter, to be entered into the lucky draw.
The KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R and KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO will be available from authorised KTM dealerships in Australia and New Zealand from March 2024 onwards.
