KTM 1390 Super Duke R India Debut Puts Triumph, Ducati, BMW On Alert

After years of anticipation, KTM has finally launched the 1390 Super Duke R in the Indian market.

The brand’s global flagship naked street fighter is the successor to the globally renounced 1290 Super Duke R. KTM launched this performance-centric roadster along with other global icons from its portfolio such as the 1290 Super Adventure S, 890 Duke R and a couple of motocross and enduro bikes. 

The 1390 Super Duke R is the meanest streetfighter from KTM that is coming to India in a segment dominated by motorcycles wearing BMW, Ducati and Triumph badges. KTM has been dominant in the sub-400cc segment with its products like the RC 390 and 390 Duke.

Will the KTM 1390 Super Duke R manage to get the upper hand in the ever-growing premium motorcycle segment? Let's find out.

Everything to know about KTM 1390 Super Duke R

Since KTM is all about performance regardless of the categories, we address it on priority for the 1390 Super Duke R.

Performance 

The biggest highlight of this motorcycle is its 1350cc LC8 V-twin petrol burner which churns out an earthshattering 187.4 hp and 143.7 Nm of peak torque.

These performance figures establish the 1390 Super Duke R as one of the most powerful machines in the country. This is a brand-new engine that produces 9.86 hp and 5 Nm more than its predecessor, thanks to advancements like a new cam shift system and more. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and it gets a bi-directional quick shifter with a slip-and-assist clutch for a smooth riding experience. 

Design and features

Motorcycles with the Duke badging usually look aggressive and the 1390 Super Duke takes that aggression to the next level. 

The angular LED DRLs and twin vertically mounted projector headlamps promise to illuminate the darkest of roads. The sharp body panels tend to create a downforce-friendly look. 

The motorcycle is loaded to the teeth with features like lean-sensitive ABS, traction control, wheelie control, slide control, multiple riding modes, TPMS and more.

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Suspension and braking

The KTM 1390 Super Duke R retains the trellis frame of its predecessor and gets 48mm WP Apex forks with rebound and preload adjustability as standard at the front. At the rear, the motorcycle continues to get a monoshock suspension with advancements for added comfort and performance.

Braking is taken care of by twin 320mm discs along with new Brembo Stylema monobloc callipers up front and a 240mm single disc setup at the rear. The motorcycle rides on 17-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Power GP tyres. The kerb weight of the motorcycle is 200.5kg, which is extremely light, considering the massive cubic capacity of this motorcycle. 

Pricing and rivals 

KTM has priced the 1390 Super Duke R at INR 22.96 lakh (ex-showroom). At this price point, it locks horns with the likes of the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S, Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS and the BMW S 1000 R.

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