Following hot in the skidmarks of the new 990 Duke, KTM has dropped a bombshell in the form of the new 1390 Super Duke R and Evo which is due to arrive in New Zealand dealers in early 2024.
With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the Duke nameplate, KTM has gone fully balls to the wall with the new 1390 SUPER DUKE R and its even more high-tech stablemate, the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO.
Beyond the typically challenging aesthetics that are a hallmark of KTM’s design ethos is a monstrous 1350cc V-twin punching out 190hp at 10,000rpm with 145Nm of train pulling torque at 8000rpm. KTM reached the new displacement by increasing the bore of the LC8 v-twin to 110 mm, with an all-new cam shift integrated on the cylinder heads. According to KTM 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.
Despite the ferocious power levels, KTM has put in a lot of work to make sure we mere mortals can tame the beast. Along with the usual nanny aids and rider modes, KTM has given the new 1390 Dukes a set of electronic suspension and new compound tyres to maximise the bike’s contact with the ground.
The tyres from the factory will be dual compound Michelin Power GPs, while the suspension sees a fully adjustable WP APEX rear shock at the rear and a new 48mm WP APEX Open Cartridge fork up the front. The fork is of a split function design while improved DCC settings provide better pressure balance resulting in less compromise between suspension comfort and performance.
KTM is also offering an all-new level of suspension management for the 1390 Duke Evo with the latest generation of WP Semi-Active Technology (SAT). As the most advanced suspension system on the market according to KTM, it features electronically controlled magnetic valves for variable damping, providing a wide range of adjustability for those riders who don’t like to twist their own knobs.
While KTM has given the 1390 Duke a visual overhaul including a redesigned tank and the addition of winglets, they also get the same rather alien-looking LED headlight as the 990 Duke, and that makes the biggest visual impact. Weighing in at nearly 700 g less than the previous unit, it adds an all-new aggressive glare to the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R. It also looks like an utter sod to clean to our eye, but the position and daytime running lights will be welcome especially as they auto-adjust in intensity according to ambient light conditions thanks to a light sensor integrated into the dashboard.
Despite the massive power, the air intake and airbox redesign allowed KTM to increase the fuel tank by 1.5 litres for a total of 17.5 litres. Depending on how much you ride like a loon, KTM reckons you can get a range of over 300 km out of the 1390 Dukes.
With the 30th anniversary coinciding with the 1390’s debut, KTM will offer both the 1390 Duke R and Evo in select 30 YEARS OF DUKE colourways, reminiscent of the orange scheme found on the 2005 KTM 990 Super Duke.
Pricing for the new 1390s is set to be announced closer to the arrival of the bikes in local dealerships.