Despite its ongoing financial woes, KTM continues to roll out its new-for-2025 models with the introduction of their 1390 Super Adventure R.
Much of this machine is familiar. KTM brought out the 1350cc engine in its 1390 Super Duke lineup in late 2023, and the Super Adventure R is obviously similar to the 1390 Super Adventure S and 1390 Super Adventure S EVO models that came out earlier in 2024. However, those bikes are aimed at street use, primarily, as long-haul tourers that can handle some off-road as well. The R model is much more off-road ready, coming with WP XPLOR PDS shock (progressive damping, so no linkage needed) and a 48mm WP XPLOR split-function cartridge fork in front.
With no linkage reducing ground clearance, and 210 mm of suspension travel front and back, giving 242 mm ground clearance total, and a 21-inch front wheel, 18-inch rear (on spoked rims), this bike is built for bashing through the tough stuff.
An advanced electronics package includes leaning-sensitive ABS and TC systems, but the radar-powered wizardry of the S EVO model is not included. That doesn’t mean there will be no R EVO model in the future, but it does seem unlikely at this point. It also means KTM’s twist-and-go gearbox is not available; the only transmission offered for the R model is the six-speed manual setup.
The engine itself, as said earlier, is the same 1390-series V-twin that KTM introduced on the Super Duke. Depending how choked-up the emissions are in your market, that means about 170 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque, at 9,500 rpm and 8,000 rpm respectively. The bump in displacement from the old 1290 engine was partially responsible for the added output, but KTM’s new Camshift system (introduced on the Super Duke) is also partially responsible. This design can change cam lift and duration, which can help the bike develop more power or run more efficiently, or both. The new top end might be more technologically advanced, but it should not be fragile; valve clearance checks are scheduled every 60,000 kilometres, saving the owner a lot of cash.
The 1390 comes with a 23-litre fuel tank and weighs a claimed 231 kg dry.
At this point, KTM is saying it will release the 1390 Super Adventure R on its usual Europe-first, then-North-America schedule. This means it won’t likely come here until November or December of 2025, as a ’26 model. Stay tuned for more info then, and see KTM’s website if you want more details on the new bike.
It’s great to see KTM balancing advanced tech like leaning-sensitive ABS with rugged, no-compromise design elements like the manual gearbox.
Can’t wait to see how it performs once it finally hits North America!
The focus on off-road capability with the WP XPLOR suspension, impressive ground clearance, and rugged wheel setup is sure to appeal to riders who love tackling tough terrain.
So it will probably cost close to $30000. And how many of these will be sold? So if this will not come out in Canada till next fall, we will not get it as KTM will most likely be out of business by then.