The Beast gets both beastlier and more civilized this year—meet the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo. While the name hints at the 49cc engine displacement increase, there is much more to discuss. So, let’s get into the details about this open-class naked upright supersport bike from Austria.
- The LC8 V-twin’s top end gets a major reworking, so we’ll start from the beginning. The new airbox gets improved ram air action, and a lower velocity stack height. The air flows through larger-diameter, shorter-length throttle bodies with a 4mm diameter increase to 60mm. The top injectors have been moved to increase torque and improve acceleration smoothness. The DOHC motor now has two-position cams that change position depending on engine speed. That comes with a 2mm bore increase to boost the displacement to 1350cc with the same 71mm stroke. The result is a new peak of 188 horsepower—an eight-horse increase. We don’t have torque numbers, and KTM isn’t quoting the rpm where the engine hits maximum output.
- The standard 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo has three ride modes. Each mode regulates power, throttle response, traction control, and wheelie control. The Sport mode has maximum power and throttle response, along with minimal traction and wheelie control. Street mode retains full power, though it slows throttle response and ups the traction and wheelie control levels. Rain mode tamps the maximum output to 130 horsepower, smooths out the throttle response, ramps up traction control, and prevents wheelies.
- KTM offers two optional ride modes—Performance and Track. Performance mode gives you full power, and you can customize throttle response and traction control. Wheelie control can be defeated. Launch control and cruise control are added to the package. KTMconnect, which pairs your smartphone with the dash, gets enhanced functionality. Put the 1390 in Track mode, and you get a choice of track-only displays on the five-inch TFT dash. Track mode has the same electronic aids customization as Performance mode, but with cruise control and KTMconnect turned off.
- Two electronic rider aids are available: Engine Brake Control and anti-wheelie mode. EBC gives you five levels of engine braking. Anti-wheelie mode offers five levels of wheel lift, measured by degrees above horizontal. Very low allows 0.36 degrees of lift, with very high letting you hit 22.25 degrees before kicking in. Low, Medium, and High sit in between.
- The six-speed gearbox has revised ratios for 5th and 6th gear. We’re not sure if it’s higher or lower. The only thing we heard from KTM was that this “allows for better use of the rpm range in the higher gears, adding to the overall riding experience.”
- The suspension on the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo has been upgraded to 3rd-Gen WP Apex Semi-Active Technology. Stroke sensors and the IMU send info to the Suspension Control Unit, which controls the magnetic damping valves. There are five damping settings—Sport, Street, Comfort, Rain, and Auto.
- Suspension Pro is optional, adding Track and Pro modes to the semi-active suspension. Suspension Pro adds spring-preload auto-leveling by determining the rider’s weight, with three settings available—High, Standard, and Low. For faster starts, Factory Start automatically increases weight on the rear wheel by reducing shock spring-preload. To personalize braking, the Suspension Pro package has an anti-dive setting for the fork.
- The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo is shod with Michelin Power GP tires. This cuts 2.6 pounds of unsprung and rotational weight compared to the previous SDRE rubber. The rear tire is a 200/55, and the front a 120/70. Tire pressure monitoring is standard and can be paired with two sets of wheels for track day enthusiasts.
- The front 320mm discs and Brembo Stylema calipers get a new Brembo MCS master cylinder. The multi-click system allows for personalization of the clutch lever action.
- The hydraulic clutch gets new master and slave cylinders. It’s a self-venting system, so bleeding is a thing of the past.
- New winglets reduce front wheel lift by increasing downforce. KTM notes that they also “add to the overall look.”
- The fuel tank benefited from the new airbox and intake design. The new tank holds an additional 1.6 quarts of fuel, upping the capacity to 4.6 gallons. The tank also has a new, wider shape for improved contact with the rider when braking and cornering.
- KTM has lowered the handlebar a bit. However, KTM promises that comfort is not compromised—it is an upright, naked sportbike, after all.
- There’s a new LED headlight on the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo. It is 1.5 pounds lighter, improving mass centralization.
- The tail end has been cleaned up a bit. The dedicated brake light is gone from the subframe cover.
- The five-inch TFT dash gets an upgrade. The display has a new UI, so getting through the menu will require fewer clicks, and the graphics are more intuitive. The powered USB-C port is also new.
- The MSRP for the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo is $21,499. However, as you can see from our First Look, there are plenty of enticing options—we don’t have the prices for those. You get your choice of Black or Orange plastic—the trellis frame is orange and the wheels are black, either way. We don’t have an arrival date for the latest iteration of The Beast.
Photos
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Specs
ENGINE
Type: 75-degree V-twin w/ cam-shift
Bore x stroke: 110mm x 71mm
Displacement: 1350cc
Maximum power: 188 horsepower
Cooling: Liquid and oil
Lubrication: Forced oil lubrication w/ 3 oil pumps
Transmission: 6-speed (quickshifter optional)
Clutch: Hydraulically actuated wet multiplate w/ assist and slipper functions
Final drive: 525 X-ring chain
CHASSIS
Frame: Chromoly steel trellis frame w/ composite cast-aluminum subframe
Handlebar: Tapered aluminum
Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable, semi-active WP Apex 48mm fork; 4.9 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted, fully adjustable, semi-active WP Apex shock; 5.5 inches of travel
Front wheel: 17 x 3.50
Rear wheel: 17 x 6.00
Tires: Michelin Power GP
Front tire: 120/70 x 17
Rear tire: 200/55 x 17
Front brakes: 320mm discs w/ Brembo Stylema calipers
Rear: 240mm disc w/ Brembo 2-piston caliper
ABS: Cornering ABS by Bosch w/ Supermoto mode
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
Wheelbase: 58.7 inches
Rake: 24.7 degrees
Seat height: 32.8 inches
Fuel capacity: 4.6 gallons
Curb weight: 441 pounds
Colors: Orange; Black
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Price: $21,499 MSRP
