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Seldom is subtlety a feature of KTM model unveilings. The announcement for the new 1390 Super Duke R Evo hardly diverges from the established order. Anointed as the “Beast” of the Austrian brand’s naked bike lineup, the 1390 arrives “ripping into the tarmac with pure ferocity.”
Alongside the hype and hyperbole, the top Duke earns a handful of noteworthy upgrades in 2024.
1390 Super Duke R Evo
It’s right there in the name. The Super Duke is now bigger. By title, it goes from 1290 to 1390. In actuality, KTM nudges its LC8 V-twin from a 1,301 cc displacement up to 1,350 cc. That’s thanks to a larger 110 mm bore (previously 108 mm). Stroke remains the same, at 71 mm. What else changes? The 60 mm throttle bodies (previously 56 mm) for one. A redesigned airbox ram air system reportedly improves airflow, while KTM also revises the fifth and sixth gears in the name of efficiency.
Similarly, an all-new cam shift (integrated into the cylinder heads) alters valve lift depending on the current rpm. Team Orange lauds its system for additional power and torque throughout the rev range but also notes the emission regulations benefits. Get to the numbers already, right? Well, KTM rates its latest LC8 at 187.7 horsepower and 107 foot-pounds of torque (the 1290 produced a claimed 177 ponies and 103 foot-pounds).
While the Super Duke retains a steel trellis frame, the Evo’s suspension features third-generation WP Semi-Active Technology (SAT). The system’s Suspension Control Unit (SCU) and electronically adjusted magnetic valves adjust damping rates to changing road conditions and rider inputs. With Auto, Comfort, Rain, Street, and Sport damping modes available out of the box, and Track and Pro modes offered as upgrades, the WP suspension is ready for practically any occasion.
The Super Duke comes standard with Rain, Street, and Sport mode, but customers will have to pony up for the additional Performance and Track modes. KTM hopes to make that a worthy investment by including a lap timer, telemetry stats, engine brake control, and its Suspension Pro module.
Celebrating the Super Duke’s 30th birthday, the Evo variant arrives in an orange-and-black livery reminiscent of the 2005 990 Super Duke, or you can choose a black-on-black option. No matter the color, the 2024 1390 Super Duke R Evo will start at $21,499 and arrive at dealerships before the new year.
KTM 890 SMT
Back in April (why does that feel so long ago?), KTM re-introduced its SMT platform with the new 890 SMT. To the surprise of none, Europe got first dibs on the self-proclaimed “supermoto touring” model (it made Common Tread’s grass-is-greener garage for that very reason). That changes in 2024, with the 890 SMT bringing its mix of touring sensibility and supermoto tomfoolery to the U.S. market.
The travel-happy hooligan machine cribs its CroMoly steel frame from the 890 Adventure R. From that trellis structure hangs KTM’s 889 cc LC8c parallel twin, which the Austrian firm rates at 105 horsepower (at 8,000 rpm) and 73.8 foot-pounds of torque (at 6,500 rpm).
As opposed to the underslung fuel cell of its dirt-biased cousin, the 890 SMT’s engine drinks from a top-mounted gas tank. KTM purportedly sculpted the 4.17-gallon unit to integrate with the model’s supermoto-influenced, single-piece seat. The resulting pocket improves both rider comfort and feel (according to Team Orange, at least).
When it comes to suspension, a fully adjustable, 43 mm WP APEX fork and a rebound- and preload-adjustable WP APEX shock live up to the supermoto side of the equation — especially considering the 7.1 inches of travel at both ends. Even with those gangly gams, the SMT’s seat measures at a tall yet manageable 33.8 inches in height.
Continuing in the supermoto vein, KTM spoons Michelin Power GP tires onto the model’s set of 17-inch wheels. Front-mounted four-piston calipers and twin 320 mm discs support the SMT’s performance ambitions. Move rearward and you’ll find a two-piston caliper and a 260 mm rotor.
Rider aids include three ride modes (Street, Sport, and Rain), lean-sensitive traction control, and cornering ABS (with Supermoto Mode). Customers can fully outfit the tech suite with the optional Track ride mode, Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), and Quickshifter+.
KTM hasn’t revealed the 2024 890 SMT’s U.S. pricing yet. The models are slated to arrive in showrooms starting in December.
| 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo | 2024 KTM 890 SMT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $21,499 | TBA |
| Engine | 1,350 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, V-twin | 889 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, parallel twin |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, chain | Six-speed, chain |
| Claimed horsepower | 187.7 | 105 @ 8,000 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 107 foot-pounds | 73.8 foot-pounds @ 6,500 rpm |
| Frame | Tubular steel | Tubular steel |
| Front suspension | WP APEX Semi-Active 48 mm fork, electronically adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound damping; 4.9 inches of travel | WP APEX 48 mm fork, adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 7.1 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | WP APEX Semi-Active shock, electronically adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound damping; 5.5 inches of travel | WP APEX shock, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping; 7.1 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Dual Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers, 320 mm discs with ABS | Dual four-piston calipers, 320 mm discs with ABS |
| Rear brake | Brembo two-piston caliper, 240 mm disc with ABS | Two-piston caliper, 260 mm disc with ABS |
| Rake, trail | 24.7 degrees, N/A | 25.79 degrees, N/A |
| Wheelbase | 58.7 inches | 59.1 inches |
| Seat height | 32.8 inches | 33.8 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 4.6 gallons | 4.17 gallons |
| Tires | Michelin Power GP, 120/70-17 front, 200/55-17 rear | Michelin Power GP, 120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear |
| Claimed weight | 441 pounds (without fuel) | 427.7 pounds (without fuel) |
| Available | December 2023 | December 2023 |
| Warranty | 24 months | 24 months |
| More info | ktm.com | ktm.com |
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