With the Super Duke range originally launching 30 years ago with the original 990, the Austrian firm continue to add more power, new bodywork and upgraded suspension with the updated 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R and Evo models revealed.
Both motorcycles get a fresh look with a new LED headlight unit, tank spoilers, and colours inspired by the first bike from three decades ago. And the additional winglets on the tank will help to increase downforce and reduce unwanted front wheel lift. At the same time, the fuel capacity has been bumped up to 17.5 litres, which gives you an extra 1.5 litres between petrol stations.
While the chassis stays similar to the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R, you will now get an updated 48mm WP Apex Open Cartridge fork with split functionality at the front, allowing for compression, rebound and preload adjustment to the 125mm of travel. And a matching rear shock absorber with separate gas and oil reservoirs, with adjustments including separate high and low-speed compression. Meanwhile the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo gets the latest WP semi-active suspension with electronically controlled magnetic valves for variable damping in real time, with the Suspension Control Unit adjusting things in real-time.
The R EVO settings include Auto, Comfort, Rain, Street and Sport, with the Suspension Pro pack adding Track and Pro modes. And you also get auto-levelling settings, along with Anti-Dive with the Pro upgrade. But the most exciting feature is a ‘Factory Start’ setting inspired by MotoGP launch devices, which lowers rear preload when you’re at a standstill to improve acceleration. And you’ll also look like Brad Binder or Jack Miller preparing for a race start when the rear sinks down. Which is undeniably cool.
Obviously, all motorcyclists needs more power and torque to justify buying the latest model of any bike, so KTM have increased the bore to 110mm and achieved 1350cc with an all-new cam shift contributing to 190hp and 145Nm of torque. Which is also helped by a redesigned airbox and new 60mm inlet throttle bodies.
Other details include lighter wheels and tyres, with Michelin Power GP rubber on the 17″/3.5″ front wheel (tyre size 120/70 – R17), and 17″/6″ (200/55 – R17) rear. Front 320mm floating discs are combined with 4-piston Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers for braking, with a 240mm disc at the rear, and a new Brembo MCS master cylinder, along with a clutch featuring a self-venting system removing the need to bleed it regularly.
You also get some electronic updates, with a refined tyre pressure monitor system which can now have custom presets for track use displayed on the 5 inch TFT dashboard, and the optional Engine Brake Control and Anti-Wheelie systems have also been revised and improved.
Colour options are Orange or Black, and you’ll looking at a starting price from £17,999 for the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R when it arrives in dealers from the start of the year, and £19,599 for the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo.
Check out our other coverage of KTM motorcycles, here, with road and off-road models all featured. And if you can’t afford a new bike right now, why not check out the secondhand KTM Super Dukes currently listed on eBay?
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