KTM 1390 Super Duke R 2026 — Specifications

Barely had we commented on the frenzy of roadsters – “this time, they’d gone too far” – than another wild one appears. Lurking in anticipation, ready to scuff every centimeter of asphalt, threatening like a deaf and blind vengeance, the 1390 Super Duke R is sending counters and neurons into overdrive. The 1290 was already crazy; its replacement seems to pulverize reason.

It’s heavy, furious, Mad Max from bumper to bumper. KTM’s beast is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Duke with 190 horsepower under the grip! One hundred and ninety ponies expelled from an even larger, even more formidable engine. Yet, it’s only 2 small mm that have been added to the bore. Just the thickness of a slice of ham to achieve 1350 cm3 of hypertrophied muscle. The Austrian V2 presents itself as a nightmare for tires and the competition.

It is now flirting very closely with the hyper-powerful mechanics of Ducati, MV-Agusta, BMW, or Kawasaki. The Streetfighter V4, Brutale 1000, M 1000 R, and Z H2 believe they are safe with the 10 or 20 horsepower they generate. But the Super Duke draws explosive benefits from its architecture and displacement. The monstrous Katoche spits out up to 14.8 mkg of torque. Enough to slap every acceleration. But where it bites sharply and mercilessly is on the arrival of power. Its 190 horsepower are at the peak at 10,000 rpm - at the same regime, its rivals output around 170 hp. They then benefit from additional pull while the Austrian shifts into another gear and another propulsive stage.

A rhino on amphetamines is what this LC8 block is. The engine specialists gave it a new camshaft with two separate valve lifts, a more direct air intake, a new air filter housing, a revision of the 5th and 6th gears, and inflated injection bodies at 60 mm. These modifications have not only increased its power but also improved its emissions with Euro5+ compatibility. The airbox forces the tank to take on a new shape, and this rascal takes the opportunity to gain 1.5 liters of capacity, totaling 17.5 L.

With the 1390 Super Duke, such a large heart does not translate to a gentle smile. It indulges itself, like the 990, with the new identity of the Duke. A necrophagic radioactive mummy face, of unparalleled aggression. KTM has managed to make it more "expressive" than the gurgling looks of some Yamaha and Suzuki productions.

This acidic and violent "face" is not just there to be aggressive. 700 grams lighter, it automatically adjusts the intensity of the position lights and daytime running lights to the ambient brightness, these being embedded in the mandibles. And, it exhibits a surprising amiability: once the ignition is switched off, it remains lit for a short time to help you orient yourself in the twilight.

This tormented face and new flanks are the main aesthetic evolutions of the Super Duke. Large fairings cover the radiator and serve as winglets. But the design takes care to leave the tubular steel trellis frame clearly visible. Slightly modified compared to the 1290 – following mechanical evolution, it uses the engine to provide some of its rigidity. It’s on the suspensions that things move a bit more. The 48 mm WP Apex technology inverted fork is updated while the rear receives a new WP Apex shock absorber. In addition to preload and rebound adjustment, it is equipped with separate settings for high and low speed compression. DCC (Dual Compression control) has been improved for a better comfort / performance compromise.

Optimized suspensions, and a desire for increased dynamism. The 6 mm shorter wheelbase will participate in this. Then, to grip the road, new Michelin Power GP tires have been requisitioned. They also allow you to save 1200 grams compared to the previous tires.

On one side, the twin cylinder will want to catapult you to Mars; on the other, it’s the 4-piston Brembo Stylema brakes that will calm the beast. No worries about arriving like a bullet. With 320 mm discs, it’s the equipment intended for hypersports. The 1390 improves the transmission of braking commands with a Brembo MCS master cylinder. On the other side, the clutch commands are equipped with a system eliminating the need for hydraulic bleeding.

The electronics are not left out, with a 5-inch TFT screen featuring new graphics, revised navigation, and, optionally, a telemetry and GPS chrono display. To have it, it is necessary to opt for the Track Mode. The 1390 Super Duke R can be supervised with 5 riding Modes, but only 3 are standard (Street – Sport – Rain). Let’s take a look at that: In “Rain”, the electronics let only 130 hp pass, softens the throttle, and maximizes traction control. With “Street”, all the power is there, the right-hand grip reacts normally, traction control intervenes less, and the bike lets through some mild wheelies. It’s more fun in “Sport”, where the throttle response is more direct, and some rear grip loss and a bit more freedom to lift the front wheel are allowed. In “Performance” (optional), we add some power. The rider can customize the anti-spin and throttle response, deactivate anti-wheelie, adjust the engine braking, and engage Launch Control. This Mode also allows for cruise control. Once engaged “Track” (optional), the Super Duke clearly shows that it wants to go on the track. The display switches to a very circuit-themed theme and settings. The electronic assistance systems are adjustable as with the “Performance” Mode but the bike disables cruise control and the KTMconnect app. No chance of receiving a notification while you are cornering.

The options welcome two improvements. A 5-level control of the engine braking management, and the same dose of adjustment for the wheelie control. Now, you can choose the angle up to which the bike will lift. From almost nothing (0.36°) then you determine a maximum at 2° (Low), 11.1° (Medium), 15.5° (High), and finally 22.25° (Very High). After that, for those who feel like they can master such a Kraken, everything can be disconnected.

Yes, it’s a sick bike. Yes, the Super Duke is even more aggressive. Yes, its 190 horsepower are totally incendiary. But fortunately, the chassis and the electronics are such that we are not going to wipe out right away. When switching to the 1390, the machine becomes almost surreal. You could believe that Hulk has changed shape and color. It is also available in an EVO version, with semi-active suspensions.

M.B - Photos manufacturer