2024 will mark three full decades since Austrian bike maker KTM let loose into this world a motorcycle range called Duke. It's a name we've become all too accustomed to during all this time, thanks to (not in small part) the wide range of motorcycles now available on the market and wearing the name: no less than 14 models are presently offered in the family, all but one playing in the naked segment.
30 years is a very long time, and also the perfect opportunity for the company to celebrate it properly. That means we are to expect a wealth of novelties on the Duke front in the coming months. And the offensive has already started with the KTM 1390 Super Duke R and its EVO variant, both presented this week by KTM.
The 1390 is at the top of the food chain in the Duke lineup, and KTM describes the new variant as a "new beast on the prowl," and the most fearsome iteration of the model yet. Judging by the changes we know were made to the thing, we're inclined to believe that description is not that far from the truth.
The modifications made to the bike go beyond the usual visual upgrades one gets whenever an existing bike is renewed. Sure, KTM did that, too, but the scope of the modifications goes well beyond that and touches pretty much everything, from the way the bikes look to the way they perform.
That means the engine was altered as well. Sure, the LC8 engine is still in the frame, but thanks to a bore increase to 110 mm the displacement was taken to 1,350cc. Fitted with an all-new cam shift, now integrated on the cylinder heads, the engine develops a massive 190 horsepower at a perfectly round 10,000 rpm, and 145 Nm of torque at a lower value, just 8,000 rpm.
An important upgrade made to the range has to do with the riding modes - two new settings have been added, Performance and Track. They come with lap timer and telemetry stats. On top of that, KTM now offers an optional engine brake control system for the bike.
Photo: KTM
The chassis of the 1390 remains largely the same, but it holds on top of it a restyled fuel tank with a capacity increase of 1.5 liters (0.4 gallons). With enough space to hold a total of 17.5 liters (4.6 gallons) of fuel, it can keep the bike moving for as much as 300 km (186 miles).
The tank is not there solely to be the place where the fuel is stored, but it "also performs an important ergonomic" and aerodynamic function.What KTM means by that is that it features spoilers and winglets that contribute to the bike's increased downforce. It's also 700 grams lighter than before, thanks to the fact that "every panel has been calculated for optimum thickness and minimized where possible."
The bike is supported by a new WP Apex shock at the rear, which is fully adjustable, and a new 48 mm open cartridge fork at the front. The wheels of both 1390 motorcycles wear Michelin Power GP tires.
One of the things that sets the regular two-wheeler apart from its EVO sibling is the suspension management system. On the EVO it comes as the WP Semi-Active Technology, meaning it has electronically controlled magnetic valves for variable damping.
KTM focused on completely revising the lighting system on the 1390 Super Duke R. At the front the bike is fitted an all-new LED headlight which holds on its profile the position and daytime running lights. The headlight comes with a follow me home functionality, but more importantly than that, it adapts its intensity depending on ambient light conditions. A sensor included in the bike's dashboard helps with that.
Photo: KTM
At the rear KTM installed a reduced subframe cover that takes the brake light out of the equation, giving the ride a sharper look.
On the visual front the new Super Duke comes with a redesigned air intake and airbox and a lower overall profile. The paint jobs that will be available for it will be select 30 Years of Duke ones, meant to be reminiscent of the orange scheme found on the 2005 KTM 990 Super Duke.
The bike maker did now say when the new 1390 Super Duke R and its EVO sibling will become available, but it already has them listed on its configurator. Pricing at the time of writing is not known.
An important thing to mention is that KTM plans to give one of these babies away, at an undisclosed time in the future, but definitely before the end of the year. All one has to do to get their hands on a brand new Austrian naked is sign up for the company's newsletter. A draw will be held to determine the winner.
Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News