KTM 1390 Super Duke R

The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is mounted on a more muscular, compact chassis and a lower profile. These intensify the bike’s aggressive street presence. It retains the chrome-steel trellis frame, with a redesigned cast-aluminium/composite sub-frame. The bike’s angular tank shrouds extend forward that creates a dynamic, aerodynamic look. The orange frame and components pop against the black bodywork. The bike gets all-around LED lighting. Described as ‘alien-like’, the headlight unit sheds nearly 700 grams to lower weight. It also gets auto-adjusting brightness via a light sensor. The vertically stacked daytime running lights (DRLs) get a hollow-centre layout. The Integrated tank spoilers and winglets enhance downforce. The bike comes with an extended and re-contoured 17.5-litre fuel tank. The dual under-seat exhaust adds visual sportiness and also emphasizes minimalism and performance orientation. The sub-frame cover is tighter. It removes the brake light to reveal a more streamlined rear profile. The bike gets a full-colour instrument panel that offers smartphone connectivity and intuitive menus. But some features are subscription-based.

The seat of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is firm and sculpted. It’s designed for maximum control rather than plush feeling. Longer trips may feel demanding, particularly for riders accustomed to softer touring saddles. The seat height is rather tall and can be a challenge or short riders. Riding posture on the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is aggressive but not extreme. The bike gets wide handlebars and slightly rear-set foot pegs that create a sporty stance without putting strain on the wrists. For short to medium trips, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R feels engaging and dynamic. Extended highway cruising may feel tiring because of minimal wind protection and firm ergonomics.

The KTM 1390 Super Duke R gets WP APEX suspension that delivers precision and great stability. The front forks and the rear monoshock absorber are tuned for performance. The suspension system offers excellent feedback during cornering and high-speed runs. The KTM 1390 Super Duke R absorbs most moderate bumps well, harsh road surfaces can feel unforgiving, making it better suited for smooth roads and track days rather than rough terrain.

The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is equipped with a liquid-cooled, parallel-twin cylinder, 1,350cc engine that produces 187 PS/145 Nm. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission. The powertrain is exceptionally smooth for a V-twin and at the same time very powerful. The bike is unmatched in combining compliance with emissions norms and raw performance. The KTM 1390 Super Duke R delivers intense riding pleasure on road or track. Tests have revealed that the 1390 Super Duke R is a step ahead of its predecessor (1290) in power, particularly after 9,000 rpm. The bike is surprisingly friendly and effortless to drive on torque. But the engine almost stalls when pulling in the clutch at low rpm. Some caution may be required to settle into the friction zone.

The front wheel of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R gets twin 320 mm floating disc brakes paired with Brembo Stylema four-piston, radially mounted monobloc calipers. The rear wheel gets a 240mm disc brake with a Brembo two-piston fixed calliper that provides balanced braking. The bike gets cornering antilock braking and Supermoto mode for controlled rear-wheel sliding. The traction control system disengages the Track mode for more aggressive riders when required.

At a starting price of RM 151,300, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is among the most expensive bikes in its segment. The price could be a deterrent to many buyers. But the bike impresses with raw power, advanced electronics, and aggressive styling.