The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is not just a motorcycle; it’s a statement of power, aggression, and engineering excellence. Launched in India in November 2024, this flagship naked street bike from the Austrian manufacturer KTM has quickly become a sensation among enthusiasts who crave unbridled performance and cutting-edge technology. Known globally as “The Beast,” the 1390 Super Duke R succeeds the iconic 1290 Super Duke, bringing with it a host of upgrades that elevate its status as one of the most powerful production motorcycles in KTM’s lineup. With its menacing design, a roaring 1350cc V-twin engine, and a suite of advanced electronics, this bike is designed to dominate both the streets and the track.
KTM, a brand synonymous with performance and innovation, has a strong foothold in India, thanks to its partnership with Bajaj Auto. The 1390 Super Duke R represents the pinnacle of KTM’s naked bike offerings, blending raw power with refined handling and a muscular aesthetic that turns heads wherever it goes. Priced at a premium, it caters to a niche audience of experienced riders who seek a machine that delivers adrenaline-pumping thrills without compromise. In this detailed exploration, we’ll dive into the technical specifications, design elements, advanced features, variants, pricing across metro cities, and how it stacks up against its closest competitors in the Indian market.
Technical Specifications
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is a marvel of engineering, boasting specifications that make it a standout in the superbike segment. Below is a tabular breakdown of its key technical details, sourced and verified from reputable platforms like BikeDekho and BikeWale.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1350cc, Liquid-Cooled, LC8 V-Twin, BS6 Phase 2 |
| Displacement | 1350 cc |
| Max Power | 190 PS (187.7 bhp) @ 10,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 145 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 16.94 kmpl (Highway Tested) |
| Mileage (User Reported) | 30 kmpl (As per owner feedback) |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual with Quickshifter+ |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.5 Litres |
| Dry Weight | 200.5 kg (Without Fuel) |
| Kerb Weight | 210 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 149 mm |
| Seat Height | 834 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1492 mm |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 2080 mm x 830 mm x 1120 mm |
| Front Suspension | 48mm WP Apex Open Cartridge USD Forks, Fully Adjustable (Semi-Active Technology) |
| Rear Suspension | WP Apex Monoshock, Fully Adjustable (Semi-Active Technology) |
| Front Brake | Dual 320mm Discs with Brembo Stylema Monobloc 4-Piston Calipers |
| Rear Brake | Single 240mm Disc with Brembo Twin-Piston Floating Caliper |
| Tyres (Front/Rear) | 120/70-17 (Front), 200/55-17 (Rear), Michelin Power GP |
| Frame | Chromium-Molybdenum Steel Trellis Frame |
| Cooling System | Liquid-Cooled with Redesigned Airbox |
These specifications highlight the bike’s focus on performance, agility, and rider control, making it a formidable machine in its class.
Variants
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is offered in a single variant in India, keeping things straightforward for buyers. Below is the variant details in tabular format.
| Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| KTM 1390 Super Duke R STD | Single variant with full suite of features and Orange color scheme |
Unlike some other KTM models that offer multiple variants, the 1390 Super Duke R comes fully loaded as standard, with no additional trims available in the Indian market at this time. However, globally, there’s a KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO variant with enhanced semi-active suspension technology, which has not yet been introduced in India as of April 2025.
Price in Metro Cities
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is a premium offering, and its pricing reflects its status as a high-performance superbike. Below is a table detailing the on-road prices in major Indian metro cities, based on data from BikeWale and adjusted for RTO, insurance, and other charges as of April 2025.
| City | On-Road Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹ 25,55,689 |
| Mumbai | ₹ 27,32,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹ 28,32,545 |
| Kolkata | ₹ 26,01,605 |
| Chennai | ₹ 27,09,000 |
These prices are approximate and may vary slightly based on dealership offers, additional accessories, and local taxes. The bike is imported as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit, which contributes to its higher cost due to import duties.
About the KTM 1390 Super Duke R
Design and Exteriors
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is a visual masterpiece, embodying the brand’s “Ready to Race” philosophy with its aggressive and muscular design. The bike’s front fascia is dominated by a predatory LED headlight setup, featuring vertically stacked projectors and boomerang-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) that adjust automatically to ambient light conditions. This not only enhances visibility but also gives the bike a menacing, beast-like appearance. The sharp, angular tank extensions, finished in KTM’s signature Orange color with black accents, add to its muscular stance, while the 17.5-litre fuel tank provides both form and function.
KTM has introduced subtle aerodynamic enhancements, including winglets that improve downforce at high speeds, a feature borrowed from its racing heritage. The redesigned sub-frame is smaller and lighter, contributing to the bike’s compact and aggressive silhouette. Riding on 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Power GP tyres, the 1390 Super Duke R exudes a sense of purpose and readiness. The overall design has been tweaked from its predecessor, the 1290 Super Duke, to make it look more muscular and engaging, with a lower, meaner stance that screams performance.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R lies its 1350cc LC8 V-twin engine, a liquid-cooled powerhouse that delivers an astonishing 190 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque. This engine has undergone significant updates, including a new camshaft, redesigned airbox, and larger throttle bodies, resulting in a bump in displacement from the 1290cc of its predecessor. The result is a near 1:1 power-to-weight ratio, with the bike weighing just 200.5 kg without fuel. This makes it one of the most potent naked bikes available in India, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in a matter of seconds.
The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox featuring a Quickshifter+, allowing for seamless, clutchless gear changes that enhance the riding experience. Five distinct riding modes—Street, Sport, Rain, Performance, and Track—cater to different conditions and rider preferences. Street Mode offers full power with a smooth throttle response, while Sport Mode sharpens the response and allows controlled wheel slip. Rain Mode reduces power to 130 PS for maximum traction, and the optional Performance and Track Modes unlock the bike’s full potential, offering customization for track-day enthusiasts. The exhaust note, while subdued in stock form, can be enhanced with aftermarket options to unleash the true roar of “The Beast.”
Suspension and Handling
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is equipped with a state-of-the-art suspension system that ensures both comfort and precision. The front features 48mm WP Apex Open Cartridge USD forks with semi-active technology (SAT), adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound. At the rear, a WP Apex monoshock with SAT offers similar adjustability, including separate high- and low-speed compression settings. With five suspension modes, the bike adapts to road conditions and rider inputs in real-time, providing a balance between sporty handling and long-ride comfort.
The Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame is lightweight yet rigid, offering exceptional stability at high speeds and agility in corners. The bike’s low ground clearance of 149 mm and a wheelbase of 1492 mm contribute to its planted feel, while the wide Michelin Power GP tyres (120/70 front, 200/55 rear) deliver superb grip in both wet and dry conditions. Whether carving through twisty mountain roads or cruising on highways, the 1390 Super Duke R offers a handling experience that’s both exhilarating and confidence-inspiring.
Braking and Safety
Stopping power is a critical aspect of any superbike, and the KTM 1390 Super Duke R doesn’t disappoint. The front is equipped with dual 320mm discs paired with Brembo Stylema monobloc 4-piston calipers, offering precise and powerful braking. At the rear, a single 240mm disc with a Brembo twin-piston floating caliper ensures balanced stopping performance. The bike comes with a cornering ABS system, which can be switched off at the rear in Supermoto mode for advanced riders who prefer more control.
Additional safety features include a lean-sensitive traction control system, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and an optional anti-wheelie feature that can be disabled for those who love to lift the front wheel. These electronic aids, combined with the bike’s robust braking hardware, make it a safe yet thrilling ride, even at its limits.
Advanced Features
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is packed with advanced technology that enhances both performance and rider convenience. The 5-inch TFT display is Bluetooth-enabled, offering smartphone connectivity for navigation, calls, and music. It serves as the control hub for the bike’s electronic aids, displaying key data in a clear, intuitive layout. In Track Mode, the display prioritizes essential information like lap times and gear position, minimizing distractions.
Other notable features include a redesigned ram air system for improved engine breathing, adjustable handlebars and footpegs for personalized ergonomics, and a reverse shift pattern option for track enthusiasts. The bike’s LED lighting system includes an auto-low beam that stays on briefly after the ride, adding a practical touch to its aggressive persona. These features collectively make the 1390 Super Duke R a technologically advanced machine that caters to both street riders and track-day warriors.
Interiors (Ergonomics)
While motorcycles don’t have “interiors” in the traditional sense, the ergonomics of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R deserve special mention. The bike is designed for a sporty yet comfortable riding posture, with a slightly forward-leaning stance that provides excellent control without sacrificing long-ride comfort. The 834mm seat height is accessible for most riders, and the tank is angled outward to offer better support under braking and improved knee grip during cornering.
The handlebars are lower than those of its predecessor, enhancing front-end feel, while the footpegs are adjustable to suit different riding styles. Despite its aggressive nature, the 1390 Super Duke R is surprisingly versatile, making it suitable for both solo sprints and occasional two-up rides. The seat is firm yet supportive, striking a balance between performance and practicality.
Riding Experience
Riding the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is an experience like no other. From the moment you twist the throttle, the V-twin engine’s raw power is palpable, propelling the bike forward with ferocious intent. The quickshifter ensures lightning-fast gear changes, while the semi-active suspension smooths out imperfections on Indian roads without compromising cornering precision. The bike’s lightweight construction and near-perfect power-to-weight ratio make it feel nimble, despite its imposing size.
On highways, the 1390 Super Duke R cruises effortlessly, with enough torque to overtake without downshifting. In the twisties, it transforms into a precision instrument, leaning into corners with confidence and responding instantly to rider inputs. The electronic aids provide a safety net, allowing riders to push the bike’s limits without fear, while the option to disable features like anti-wheelie caters to those who crave unfiltered thrills. User reviews often praise its versatility, with some noting that it’s comfortable enough for long rides despite its track-focused DNA.
Close Competitors
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R faces stiff competition in India’s premium superbike segment. Below is an analysis of its closest rivals, based on performance, pricing, and features.
Ducati Streetfighter V4
- Price: ₹ 24,62,400 (Ex-Showroom)
- Engine: 1103cc, V4, 208 bhp, 123 Nm
- Weight: 201 kg
- Key Features: Winglets, Ohlins suspension, advanced electronics
- Comparison: The Streetfighter V4 offers more power and a higher top speed, thanks to its V4 engine, but it’s also pricier and slightly heavier. Its refined Italian design contrasts with the KTM’s raw aggression, appealing to riders who prioritize sophistication over brute force.
BMW S 1000 R
- Price: ₹ 22,91,000 – ₹ 27,84,000 (Ex-Showroom)
- Engine: 999cc, Inline-4, 165 bhp, 114 Nm
- Weight: 199 kg
- Key Features: Dynamic Damping Control, ShiftCam technology, sleek design
- Comparison: The S 1000 R is lighter and more affordable at its base price, with a smoother inline-4 engine. However, it lacks the KTM’s raw power and torque, making it less visceral but more refined for everyday riding.
Kawasaki Z H2
- Price: ₹ 23,48,000 (Ex-Showroom)
- Engine: 998cc, Supercharged Inline-4, 200 bhp, 137 Nm
- Weight: 239 kg
- Key Features: Supercharger, aggressive styling, electronic suite
- Comparison: The Z H2’s supercharged engine delivers explosive power, but its heavier weight and higher price point make it less agile than the KTM. It’s a strong contender for riders who value top-end performance over handling.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R stands out for its combination of power, lightweight construction, and aggressive pricing relative to its rivals. It’s the go-to choice for riders who want a no-nonsense, adrenaline-fueled experience, though it may lack the refinement of the Ducati or BMW in certain aspects.
Final Thoughts!
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is a motorcycle that redefines the naked superbike category in India. With its 1350cc V-twin engine, advanced electronics, and razor-sharp handling, it offers an unmatched blend of performance and excitement. Its muscular design, highlighted by the iconic Orange color scheme and predatory LED headlight, ensures it’s as much a visual spectacle as it is a riding thrill. Priced competitively in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai, it appeals to a select group of riders who demand the best in power-to-weight ratio and cutting-edge technology.
While it faces tough competition from the likes of the Ducati Streetfighter V4, BMW S 1000 R, and Kawasaki Z H2, the 1390 Super Duke R carves its own niche with its raw, unfiltered character and track-ready capabilities. Whether you’re tearing up the streets or dominating a racetrack, this bike delivers an experience that’s both visceral and rewarding. For those who dare to tame “The Beast,” the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is a worthy investment that promises to elevate every ride to new heights.
