KTM 1390 Super Duke R Review – The Beast of Speed, Style, and Power

The KTM 1390 Super Duke R isn’t a motorcycle. It’s a living, roaring creature built from fire and steel. They call it “The Beast,” and that name isn’t just for fun. One twist of the throttle and it reminds you why KTM leads the naked bike world. It looks mean, feels angry, and rides like it owns every corner. The sound alone can raise your heartbeat. This is not a machine for quiet roads or slow riders. It’s a symphony of chaos and control. KTM has redefined raw power with style — giving riders something wild but still civilized enough to ride home. The KTM 1390 Super Duke R isn’t just about numbers or specs. It’s about that mad grin you get when you ride something that feels alive under you.

Quick Info – Key Highlights

Model Name | KTM 1390 Super Duke R
Engine Type | 1350cc LC8 Liquid-Cooled V-Twin
Power | 190 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque | 145 Nm @ 8,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed with Quickshifter+
Frame Type | Chromium-Molybdenum Steel Trellis
Dry Weight | 197 kg
Seat Height | 835 mm
ABS | Bosch 9.3 MP Cornering ABS
Expected Price | ₹23 – ₹25 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)

Design and Exterior

When you first see the KTM 1390 Super Duke R, you don’t just look you pause. It’s not a pretty bike. It’s intimidating. The headlight looks like it wants to eat the road alive. The lines are sharp, aggressive, and almost mechanical. Every angle screams motion, even when standing still. The orange trellis frame, black panels, and that muscular tank all blend into a piece of industrial art. It’s not about elegance; it’s about dominance. The stance is low and ready, like a crouching animal waiting to leap. And the LED lights? They make it look straight out of a sci-fi movie. This is what happens when design stops caring about trends and starts chasing adrenaline. The KTM 1390 Super Duke R doesn’t blend in — it announces itself like thunder.

Engine, Power & Performance

Let’s talk about the heart of this beast — the new 1350cc LC8 V-twin engine. The KTM 1390 Super Duke R pushes 190 horses. That’s insane power for a naked bike. Twist the throttle and it doesn’t climb speed — it launches. The torque hits hard, almost rude, yet somehow refined. It’s that kind of thrill you feel in your chest before your brain catches up. The quickshifter works flawlessly, letting you bang gears without a thought. The engine note? Rough, raw, addictive. It growls low, then screams high — a soundtrack only a true biker could love. The power delivery feels smoother than before, but still wild enough to scare anyone not ready. It’s fast, dangerously fast, but surprisingly forgiving when you ride it right. KTM managed to give the Super Duke its madness back — with a little bit of maturity.

Interior & Features

Slide onto the saddle of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R and you’ll know — this cockpit means business. The new 5-inch TFT display looks crisp, clean, and easy to read even in bright sunlight. You get multiple ride modes, traction settings, and customization that feels endless. Want smooth city comfort? Done. Want full power unleashed? Two clicks and you’re there. The switchgear feels solid, the grips comfortable, and everything fits naturally in your hands. The Bluetooth integration through KTMconnect works nicely for calls and navigation. Even the seat, though firm, supports longer rides better than older models. The ergonomics have been tweaked — less strain, more fun. It’s a cockpit that says, “You’re in control,” even when the engine says otherwise.

Safety and Technology

With great power comes the need for smart safety — and the KTM 1390 Super Duke R doesn’t disappoint. It’s loaded with one of the best electronics suites in the business. The Bosch 9.3 MP cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control keep everything balanced when you push hard. The wheelie control is smart enough to let you lift but not flip. The launch control system fires you off the line like a rocket but keeps both wheels where they should be. The WP Apex suspension — fully adjustable — lets you fine-tune your ride feel, from soft city glide to stiff track mode. And the Brembo Stylema brakes? They stop this monster with surgical precision. You don’t just ride the 1390 Super Duke — you tame it, and it rewards you with pure control.

Price and Launch Date in India

The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is expected to make its grand Indian entry by mid-2025. Prices may hover between ₹23 lakh and ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on variant and import status. Yes, that’s a lot. But this isn’t a commuter. It’s a dream on two wheels — a rare piece of mechanical art for those who dare. It’ll likely come as a CBU (completely built unit), meaning you get the full global spec, untouched and pure. For the few who buy it, it won’t be about mileage or practicality. It’ll be about the thrill — the kind of rush that makes your palms sweat and your heart race. That’s what you’re paying for, not just a bike, but an emotion.

Rival Comparison

The KTM 1390 Super Duke R walks into a battlefield full of giants — Ducati Streetfighter V4, BMW S1000R, Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS, and Aprilia Tuono V4. All brilliant machines, no doubt. But the KTM brings something different — raw personality. The Ducati feels exotic, the BMW feels surgical, but the Super Duke feels human. It talks to you through every vibration, every throttle pull. It’s more brutal, more honest, and somehow more fun. The others are like fine wine; the KTM is whiskey straight up. Strong, loud, unapologetic. In the world of hyper-nakeds, this one still wears the crown of chaos.

Expert Opinion / Conclusion

After spending hours with the KTM 1390 Super Duke R, I can tell you this — it’s not for everyone. And that’s exactly why it’s special. It’s wild, demanding, and a little bit crazy. But if you love riding, truly love it, this bike feels like a beating heart under your command. It teaches you respect, rewards skill, and scares you just enough to keep you humble. It’s a perfect mix of brains and brawn. The design screams aggression, the engine sings madness, and the handling feels like poetry at high speed. KTM didn’t just make a faster Super Duke — they made a better one. The Beast is back, louder, sharper, and more alive than ever. Ride it once, and you’ll never forget the feeling.