New launch from KTM: 1390 SuperAdventure R with 173 hp!
Publisert:
Tekst: Kenneth Nordahl-PedersenFoto: KTM/KNP
We’ve mentioned the financial challenges facing the KTM Group on a couple of occasions, but they’ve nevertheless presented a number of exciting models this fall. In other words, they haven’t thrown in the towel just yet. The latest model launch came shortly before Christmas, namely the R version of the 1390 SuperAdventure. The motto for the model is MORE IS MORE!
The launch was expected, and the model was shown at the EICMA show, but information was sparse. Now that the information is available, let’s take a closer look at what this updated model has to offer. I myself have the previous edition in my garage, a 1290 SAR, and I’ve consequently been curious as to whether there’s any reason to consider a swap.My 22′ model with “only” 160 hp. Earlier this fall, KTM launched the new 1390 SuperAdventure S, and the hi-tech version with the additional name EVO. The latter is available with an automatic transmission and adaptive cruise control among many other technologies that belong to an adventure bike in the premium segment. The competition in this class is fierce, and these are often the bikes that get the latest technology first.The somewhat more road-oriented starting point. Essentially the same bike, but with smaller wheels, electronic suspension and road-adapted electronics. The R edition is similar in appearance (apart from colors) to the S, with some important differences. The SAR is built with a more off-road oriented customer group in mind, and some parts and solutions reflect this.We recognize the concept, even though the look has been updated. The big difference is a new and bigger engine with even more power. The exhaust pot is still gigantic. Unlike the KTM 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE S and S EVO, which feature electronic suspension, the KTM 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE R is equipped with a more traditional suspension setup better suited to tough off-road use, with a 48 mm WP XPLOR fork and WP’s XPLOR Progressive Damping System (PDS) rear shock absorber. It is also equipped with off-road wheels, i.e. 21-inch wheels at the front and 18-inch wheels at the rear. The engine, however, is the same on the model versions, and that’s no small feat for KTM. We already know that the now “old” 1290 engine (1301 cc) is a powerhouse of a machine, and the model’s strongest card. The new engine has increased displacement from 1,300 to 1,350 cc and delivers an impressive 173 hp at 9,500 rpm and 145 Nm at 8,000 rpm. The all-new CAMSHIFT technology delivers improved handling in the low rpm range and ensures a smoother response when navigating through technical sections, or even during daily commutes through narrow city streets. The innovative CAMSHIFT technology provides variable valve timing with two individual cam profiles. At higher engine speeds, the intake cams move sideways and open the valves further and higher to let more fuel through, drastically increasing performance. At lower rpm, the intake cams have reduced valve timing and lift. The 2025 edition of the KTM 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE S/R features an all-new body design, new LED lighting, a shorter and more off-road focused windshield, and more storage compartments. The frame is stiffer, which should improve handling and stability. The engine guard is also said to be stiffer and provide better protection. This is standard on the R model. The KTM 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE R also gets KTM’s new premium electronics package, with an all-new 8″ vertically mounted digital dashboard. The unit features a touchscreen with inductive technology for easy operation – even when wearing gloves. The remarkable thing here is that KTM has chosen to mount the digital information unit vertically – on edge. I’m excited about this. Traditionally, many people have chosen to mount a GPS unit above the dashboard, and with a vertical screen there is less space for this. The idea from KTM is that you should have fewer things to deal with, which is why they have integrated navigation and offline maps into the new unit. I haven’t been able to find out which map provider they use, or anything else about the navigation functionality. If this turns out to be on a par with GPS devices from Garmin or TomTom, for example, that’s pretty smart and satisfying. If, on the other hand, it turns out not to have the functionality you want, I’m afraid the vertical positioning could be annoying. On the 890 Adventure, they have fitted a horizontal unit with similar functionality.With a vertical info screen, there is less space for retrofitting devices such as GPS or tablets or similar. But the info screen has built-in navigation, so maybe the extra devices will be superfluous? I’ve never liked the front end of the 1290 SuperAdventure, and I think the new front end is much nicer, but that’s a matter of taste. Other than that, you recognize the design, and it’s not an extensive change in appearance. The biggest update is undoubtedly in the engine. 173 hp and 145 Nm in an Adventure bike is serious, especially in combination with 18/21-inch wheels. When it comes to engine power, the KTM SuperAdventure is still the king of the segment. With off-road capable suspension and 18/21-inch wheels, it simply has no challengers in the biggest class. I can’t wait to try it out!
The launch was expected, and the model was shown at the EICMA show, but information was sparse. Now that the information is available, let’s take a closer look at what this updated model has to offer. I myself have the previous edition in my garage, a 1290 SAR, and I’ve consequently been curious as to whether there’s any reason to consider a swap.
The innovative CAMSHIFT technology provides variable valve timing with two individual cam profiles. At higher engine speeds, the intake cams move sideways and open the valves further and higher to let more fuel through, drastically increasing performance. At lower rpm, the intake cams have reduced valve timing and lift. The 2025 edition of the KTM 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE S/R features an all-new body design, new LED lighting, a shorter and more off-road focused windshield, and more storage compartments. The frame is stiffer, which should improve handling and stability. The engine guard is also said to be stiffer and provide better protection. This is standard on the R model. 
The KTM 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE R also gets KTM’s new premium electronics package, with an all-new 8″ vertically mounted digital dashboard. The unit features a touchscreen with inductive technology for easy operation – even when wearing gloves. The remarkable thing here is that KTM has chosen to mount the digital information unit vertically – on edge. I’m excited about this. Traditionally, many people have chosen to mount a GPS unit above the dashboard, and with a vertical screen there is less space for this. The idea from KTM is that you should have fewer things to deal with, which is why they have integrated navigation and offline maps into the new unit. I haven’t been able to find out which map provider they use, or anything else about the navigation functionality. If this turns out to be on a par with GPS devices from Garmin or TomTom, for example, that’s pretty smart and satisfying. If, on the other hand, it turns out not to have the functionality you want, I’m afraid the vertical positioning could be annoying. On the 890 Adventure, they have fitted a horizontal unit with similar functionality.
