KTM 1390 Super Duke R 2024: the naked is back and even meaner [PHOTO and VIDEO]

The naked segment welcomes the great return of KTM 1390 Super Duke R, which appears in the new 2024 model and flanked by its hyper-technological sister EVO.

Compared to the previous version, the new KTM 1390 Super Duke R has undergone a significant transformation, both on an aesthetic level and in the iconic LC8 engine.

On the new bike we find a new LED headlight, almost 700 grams lighter than the previous unit, with bolder lines that contribute to increasing the aggressiveness of the bike. Position lights and DRLs are placed on the perimeter of the headlight, capable, thanks to a sensor integrated in the dashboard, of self-adjusting in intensity based on the ambient light conditions. The headlight is equipped as standard with Coming Home function, remaining on for a few moments after the engine is turned off. 

Larger tank and muscle, improved aerodynamics

The new KTM 1390 Super Duke R also has a new 17,5 liter tank (1,5 liters more than the previous one) with a more muscular shape, equipped with a new air intake and designed with panels with optimized thickness to reduce the overall weight. The new conveyors and additional fins also contribute to the greater aerodynamic performance. The rear part of the bike has also been redesigned, with the frame further lightened and the rear brake light eliminated. 

8 HP LC190 engine

As regards the engine, the Super Duke's iconic LC8 has been updated to deliver 190 CV of power e 145 Nm of maximum torque. To obtain such performance, KTM technicians increased the bore to 110 mm, thus reaching a displacement of 1.350 cm³, while a new phase variator was integrated into the heads which creates two different valve lifts depending on the rotation speed. These updates have led to an increase in power and torque at all speeds, as well as an optimization of consumption and emissions, in compliance with the Euro 5+ regulation.

The bike mounts Michelin Power GP dual-compound tyres, new fully adjustable WP Apex rear shock absorber and at the front the new 48 mm WP Apex Open Cartridge fork with split technology. KTM has also updated the Dual Compression Control (DCC) settings for a better compression setting. 

KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO

The EVO version of the new 1390 Super Duke R benefits from the advance electronic management of the WP semi-active suspensions which, thanks to the latest generation of SAT technology, allows real-time damping control and offers a wide spectrum of adjustments. The entire system is managed by Suspension Control Unit (SCU), an advanced electronic control unit, which adapts the damping speed in real time via magnetic valves, detecting the conditions of the road surface and the driver's driving style, to automatically adjust the suspension moment by moment.

Both bikes then have two updated riding mode optional, Performance e Track, which now come complete with lap timers and telemetry stats. The engine braking has also been updated and, together with the Suspension Pro module, is available as an option on the EVO version.

In dealership at the beginning of 2024

The new KTM 1390 Super Duke R, like the new 990 Duke, celebrates 30 years of Duke with a completely new color scheme, inspired by the first 990 Super Duke of 2005, while "total black" dominates the second color variant. The new 1390 Super Duke R and R EVO will arrive in KTM dealerships between the end of January and the beginning of February 2024.