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2025 KTM: When the Austrian firm unveiled the 2025 KTM 1390 Super Duke R as the centerpiece of its 2024 lineup, there was no doubt that further models with comparable redesigns that utilized the outdated “1290” version of the LC8 V-twin engine would follow closely behind. The 1390 Super Duke GT, the next KTM 1390, has now been spotted in testing.
Let’s review the features of the “1390” engine before delving too much into the specifics. First off, the figure is merely an approximate representation of its true capacity, much like other KTMs. The smaller “1290” motor is 1,301cc, thus the increase is only 49cc—less than half as much as the engine designations might lead you to assume. The 1390 motor measures in at a legitimate 1,350cc. It is accomplished by increasing the bore by 2 mm, from 108 to 110 mm, while maintaining the previous 71 mm stroke.
On the other hand, the 1390 engine’s performance gain surpasses your expectations due to its minor modification, as its maximum power increased from a stated 177 horsepower to a remarkable 188 horsepower. This is mostly because of the business’s new variable valve timing and lift technology, which is comparable to the ShiftCam system from BMW and the system found in several Audi vehicles. When the ECU determines it’s essential, it operates by sliding the intake camshafts laterally. This allows a second, wilder cam profile to engage. The engine’s peak RPM climbed from 9,500 to 10,000 rpm and its torque increased from 103 to 107 lb.-ft. as a result of the modification.
A more significant modification, as seen from the GT’s viewpoint, is found in the chassis. The pre-2020 1290 Super Duke R’s tubular steel frame, not the most recent model, is still the foundation of the present 1290 Super Duke GT. It’s a trellis that looks considerably more robust and places less focus on using the engine as a structural element. 2025 KTM has finally opted to use the 2020 and up Super Duke R’s chassis for the future 1390 Super Duke GT. This chassis is almost three times more stiff than the previous design, but it also helps reduce the bike’s weight by about 5 pounds.
In addition to the revised main frame, the 2025 KTM 1390 Super Duke GT also receives a cast aluminum subframe, which is another change that is similar to what was done to the 2020 Super Duke R. The GT requires additional pillion comfort and luggage towing capacity, so the subframe isn’t just a carryover from the R; instead, it receives a specially designed casting.
Beneath it, the suspension looks to be the same electronically adjustable, semi-active “third-gen” WP Apex kit that is used on the current 2025 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo. It also features the same upgraded single-sided swingarm that made its debut with the 2020 Super Duke R overhaul. In the same way, the Super Duke R’s wheels and Brembo brakes are a direct fit.
KTM has historically prioritized uniqueness over subtlety in style, frequently choosing ferociously sharp creases and odd proportions and shapes. This also applies to the 2025 KTM 1390 Super Duke GT, which, ups the ante with its perplexing style that combines flat planes and angles. The prototype’s matte-black appearance makes those forms reminiscent of the F-117 Stealth Fighter, but a less forgiving interpretation could be that it resembles the low polygon count graphics from a PlayStation 1 game.
The current Super Duke R’s headlight design is carried over into the headlight assembly, where LED running lights are positioned in “floating” panels that frame the primary bulbs. Even the passenger grab rails on the back blend in with the sci-fi motif of the entire design, resembling boomerang TV antennas from 1980s limousines or something that should be sprouting from a Star Destroyer.
With the bike looking almost finished and the knowledge that KTM is working on a new sport-tourer for its 2025 model lineup, we can pretty much assume that the 2025 KTM 1390 Super Duke GT will make its formal debut as a major part of the company’s ’25 lineup at some point between now and the end of this year.
Furthermore, it doesn’t take Nostradamus to predict that the Super Adventure will also probably get an overhaul using the 1390 engine, and we already know that a high-end Brabus 1400 R is being developed as a replacement for the 1300 R, which was derived from the Super Duke R. 2025 KTM will be busy launching new models over the next year or so when you combine all of those with a variety of new “990” models that are derived from this year’s 990 Duke parallel twin.
“2025 KTM Review on YouTube“
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