KTM unveils new Super Duke 1390 R

The Austrian factory has whipped the covers of its new top-of-the-range super naked. Introducing KTM’s pair of bonkers 187.4bhp 1390 Super Duke Rs

KTM’s Duke has been a massive success for the factory. Its range of brilliant naked bikes has won the hearts and minds of riders of a certain sporty disposition, thanks to their lithe handling, great whack of power and sharp, aggressive looks. Sitting right at the top of the KTM tree is the Super Duke, which has been revised for 2024. And there’re two to choose from. The new Super Duke 1390 replaces the outgoing 1290, building on its solid foundations and adding a host of additional goodies to make the latest generation big Duke even better than before.

It might look largely the same from the side, but there’re some key design changes for 2024, including a new LED headlight design (like the one on the newly-launched 990 Duke) and some clever winglets up front to help keep it more planted.

The big news is its engine. It’s based on the existing LC8 V-twin of the 1290, but KTM’s increased the bore of 110mm and introduced a new ‘cam shift’ system. Those key changes mean that the 1390 now kicks out an additional 10bhp and 3.3lb-ft more torque than its older brother. It all helps. Yet despite the increase in punch, KTM’s managed to increase the length of time needed between valve clearance checks (up to 60,000km). There’s also a redesigned airbox, shorter throttle bodies and a tweaked ram air system for more direct airflow into the engine – and fifth and sixth gear have been subtly adjusted to make them a bit more usable over a wider range of speeds.

Suspension comes in the form of a set of new fully adjustable 48mm WP Apex forks up front, and a single shock at the rear. And on the EVO model, you’re treated to a seriously clever semi-active WP suspension set up.

It’s something that was first introduced back in 2022, but the new 1390 benefits from what KTM and WP have learned over the years – with the third-generation technology claimed to be more versatile than ever before. Stopping’s looked after by a set of four-piston Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers.

There’s a whole swathe of further technology to play with across both models, with lean-sensitive electronic aids, including ‘Rain’, ‘Street’ and ‘Sport’ as standard (with ‘Performance’ and ‘Track’ as optional extras) – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

If you want to find out even more about the new Super Duke 1390 R ahead of its January release, nip over to the KTM website – or better yet, get yourself down to your local dealer.