The moto, the myth, the legend… the KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo. Put simply, it’s the most hair-raising bike in their Super Duke line-up.
To begin with, and most importantly, the part that has everyone weak at the knees and potentially needing a new pair of knickers is the engine capacity – 1390cc with a brain shuddering 190hp. One can only approach this power with trepidation and a healthy dose of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. When or where I would need that much power I’m yet to work out but why the hell not?!
But in actual fact, once you are on, this rocket will surprise you with it’s tempered and polished power delivery (in it’s non-rocket ship modes) making it a very ridable, daily motorcycle. But no-one knows that unless they have ridden it or own one so you immediately become the most bad-ass, street legal hoon on the road.
READ MORE: 2024 KTM Duke review
Ergonomics wise I found it to be quite generous, it’s big in capacity but also generous in size. It feels solid and sturdy to sit on, not like you need to tuck in and send it to a racetrack. This is equal parts power to machine, and looking at the spec page, power-to-weight ratio is 1:1 with a very respectable output of 190hp and 145Nm of torque.
Functionally, but mostly aesthetically, I’m obsessed with the optional mirrors ($482 eek). Frame less, they look like freshly cut piece of mirror glass floating in the air. Surprisingly sophisticated for such a demonic motorcycle. Also the floating switches are a refined detail – KTM, levelling up in the style game! Less clunk, more streamline.
What do you think about FOB key motorcycles? They terrify me but I love them at the same time. Having to place the key in the ignition is one of the only ways I can keep track of it. Motorcycle jackets and pants often have so many pockets, sometimes finding your key can be like finding a needle in a haystack. I know/hope it’s in there but I never know which pocket so then ensues the panicked moto haka trying to find the key before everyone rides off. In these situations a FOB is a blessing, especially if you religiously wear just one jacket because you only need to be near the bike for it to start, you don’t need to know which pocket it’s in. But I have a high rotation of jackets and God save me if I needed to find a fob amongst the motorcycle gear shop that is my closet. I need to be regularly held accountable with a key.
Sitting aboard this beast, and looking down, the front end and tank looks ferocious, so much presence. It has aero winglets incase you need to be more aerodynamic and somehow increase your speed… to what? The moon?!
The LED headlight is something to behold. It automatically adjusts to surrounding ambient light conditions and stays on for a few seconds after turn off. Upon approach, especially at night, the 1390 Super Duke R has a spaceship-coming-to-land-on-your-planet-and-eat-your-children-vibe. Best to hide your children, it’s unlikely you’ll ever want them to ride this anyway.
If and when you take it to the track, which you must, and your inner racer is ready to send it, KTM have given you the option of reverse shift pattern aka GP-shift or race-shift pattern. This means you’re clicking down to go up a gear, instead of up to go up a gear. It makes it much easier to shift up when exiting a turn while rubbing a shoulder and an ankle on the ground full tilt. Not that I know what getting a shoulder and ankle down at the same time feels like but you imagine it’s annoying having to stick your boot under the gear shifter in such a compromising situation. Although beware, it is a mind bender having to reverse what your brain has known for the last how-ever many years you’ve been riding and changing gears.
Mode wise you don’t need to freak out that 190hp will be delivered as you’re taking off from the lights in the wet. Rain mode reduces it 130hp (still quite a lot) while maximising traction. Expect your standard ‘Street’ and ‘Sport’ mode which have been designed to make this an everyday ride. Because this is the Evo, the optional tech pack was installed giving me full access to ‘Performance’ and ‘Track’. These modes will require you to bring your big boy/girl pants to the party as this is the purest delivery of raw power you can expect on this bike.
In Track mode, the new telemetry screen gives you a lap-timer function operated by your high beam button and plenty information on lean angles and G-force. Fancy.
I was on the Evo, full spec, and damnit why do all the good bits come as optional extras?! Akrapovič Slip-on line ($2500), the sexy mirror set ($482) and the very comfortable Ergo rider sear ($315) and pillion seat ($248). You can at least save yourself $248 because who really wants to carry a pillion on this beast.
And if you have more cash to burn after than, grab the Tech Pack ($2000) which includes all software features which are available for the 1390 Super Duke R Evo:
Quickshifter+, MSR, adaptive brake light, engine brake control and Suspension Pro.
Prices are below. However, it does not include the price of any speeding fines and your lost license. That’s on you.
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R – $29,296, with a recommended ride away of $31,795
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo – $32,495 AUD, with a recommended ride away of $34,695
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