KTM 1390 Super Duke R on test: beefed up beast
The new KTM 1390 Super Duke R had it all: 190 hp and 145 Nm of torque go a long way! Even though it looks similar to its predecessor, many parts are new.
(Image: Gach)
- Ingo Gach
The "beast" – as KTM advertises it – is back and stronger than ever: the developers have given the 1390 Super Duke R more power and also revised the look. Not that the increase in power was necessary; the predecessor already offered more power than would have been feasible on the road. We were accordingly curious to test the new beast. Although the 1390 Super Duke R is also available as an Evo with semi-active suspension, we opted for the traditional version, on which the suspension can still be adjusted manually.
No more face
Let's start with the most striking thing about the new KTM 1390 Super Duke R: the design. Even if it looks like it, the production team at the factory in Mattighofen didn't forget to install the headlight. The non-existent face of the new 1390 Super Duke R is intentional. Where a pentagonal double headlight with the designation "Split Face" used to sit, there is now a large gaping hole. Two small, round headlight spots sit deep inside. However, the angular outline of the old headlights has remained and is now illuminated by LED daytime running lights. Gerald Kiska, KTM's in-house designer, has always wanted to polarize. He has probably never succeeded as well as this time.
60 percent of the parts revised
Otherwise, the 1390 Super Duke R has remained true to its appearance, although 60 percent of the parts have been revised: Bulky, sporty and powerful even when stationary. The so-called fast-forward design – the lines from the top rear to the bottom front – is very steep on KTM's flagship. The short but high tank and the wide chest of the radiator with the attached winglets are intended to visualize the power of the Super Duke R, while the narrow rear end underlines the slim line of the bike.
High seating position
It gets sporty as soon as you get on, your leg has to be swung over the 1010 mm high pillion seat. The 1390 Super Duke R requires a certain amount of agility. KTM specifies a height of 835 mm for the rider's seat. However, this is measured at the lowest point; in reality, the rider's bottom is parked further back on the rising seat cushion, which means a good 20 mm more height. In conjunction with the flat and wide handlebars, this results in a stretched posture. The footrests are also positioned high and far back for a naked bike. This all serves to support the rider when shifting weight quickly. By now it is clear that the 1390 Super Duke R is a race bike without a full fairing.
190 hp at 10,000 rpm
The displacement of the V2 engine has been increased by a two mm larger bore, although not to 1390 cm3, as the model name suggests, but to 1350 cm3. The engineers in Mattighofen have given the "beast" a variable camshaft control, which accesses a different intake cam at higher engine speeds. The throttle valves now have a diameter of 60 mm, the air filter box has a different shape and the fuel injection has been repositioned.
That is enough for an extraordinary driving experience. The revised engine delivers 190 hp at 10,000 rpm, which is ten hp more than before. But the real fascination lies in the powerful torque of 145 Nm at 8000 rpm. The 1390 Super Duke R weighs 212 kg with its 17.5-liter tank filled to 90 percent. If you fully open the electronic throttle grip, you will be propelled forward brilliantly, regardless of the speed range. The pressure of the large V2 is always present.
Still a trellis frame
The beast is supported by a slightly revised tubular steel trellis frame, which holds the engine as a load-bearing element and leaves nothing to be desired in terms of stability. The bolted-on subframe is short and the rear ends directly behind the pillion seat. Interestingly, no pillion footrests were fitted to our test bike, although it naturally has them as standard. KTM also sticks to the single-sided swingarm, although this means more weight. The argument of quicker rear wheel changes has long since become obsolete; it probably has more visual reasons.
Fully adjustable suspension
As usual, KTM uses its own brand WP for the suspension. The upside-down fork is fully adjustable, as is the shock absorber. At the rear, the 1390 Super Duke R can be quickly adjusted using the hand wheel. Even though the suspension elements can be changed in many clicks, they remain more or less firm, they do not offer any real comfort, as the sporting concept was far too dominant during development. The wide tank also spreads the legs. Bumpy country roads are therefore unpleasant to ride on and should not be included in the route planning of a 1390 Super Duke R. On well-paved roads, however, the KTM is in top form and that means it is very, very fast. Not only in terms of acceleration, but also the possible cornering speeds are fierce.