The KTM 1390 series appears ready to grow, by a lot. The latest hint at an addition to the lineup is spy shots of a new supermoto with the max-sized V-twin.
The first 1390
The 1390 engine first appeared in KTM’s Super Duke lineup in 2023. It’s the latest evolution of the LC8 V-twin, growing to 1350cc. But there are other major changes to the platform beyond a simple big-bore job from the older 1290 engine. The new 1390 gets variable valve timing, which makes the engine more efficient. Major maintenance intervals are now stretched all the way to 60,000-kilometer intervals, and KTM says the 1390 makes 190 hp at the crank, and 107 lb-ft of torque.
An updated 1390 lineup
When we first saw the new engine, we expected it was only a matter of time before it hit the Adventure lineup. Indeed, we have seen a few spy shots that indicate KTM wants to upgrade its flagship adventure bike with the new engine, slightly revising the bodywork of the big-bore ADV bike as well, and probably also offering updated electronics.
But according to the latest leak published in Motorrad magazine, there’s another variant on the 1390 formula coming: A new KTM 1390 SMT.
The Motorrad story also includes nearly a minute’s worth of video of the new 1390 SMT, hooning around with an electronics “black box” on board, indicating the bike is going through some sort of R&D testing in the footage. See it here.
Otherwise, the formula is very similar to the current 890 SMT (remember, SMT stands for Super Moto Touring) and the OG of the lineup, the old 990 SMT. It’s an adventure bike that sees the oversize front wheel replaced with a 17-incher, so riders can mount sticky tires. The end result is a machine with a lot of suspension travel and comfortable riding position for bad roads, although it’s not as flickable as a true supermoto built from a dirt bike. However, the end result is a much more sophisticated ride, and most riders are probably happy with the trade-off.
We expect the new 1390 SMT to be released this fall.
