21/07/24
Yes, yes, I know it’s an iconic phrase from those old Frankenstein horror movies but, for some reason, I can’t stop thinking that one of the engineers at KTM R&D was called Igor. Why would anyone in their right mind take one of the most insane motorcycles in the history of motorcycling and add more power? Step forward Igor!
Oh yes folks, as if 177hp wasn’t enough on its previous Super Duke R, KTM has now raised the power output to a ridiculous (to some) 190hp@10,000rpm, not to mention a hefty torque increase to a whopping 145Nm@8,000rpm, so I will. Now the latest 1390 Super Duke R can stick its new chest out and proudly claim to be ‘Thee’ most powerful V-Twin naked bike to have ever graced tarmac – tremendous I say! And, if that’s not enough, you can also add on the Akrapovic full-system and some softwear, after which you are able to tickle into the 200hp zone. A round of applause for Igor I’d say and ‘Franky’ would surely be impressed as we most certainly are! But how did KTM unleash these preposterous horsepower figures? The obvious answer is to increase the capacity to, not 1390cc, but 1350cc, achieved by a bore increase of 2mm to 110mm. There’s nothing too noteworthy regarding bigger pistons but the new cylinder-heads are, which have now adopted ‘Cam-Shift’ technology in a quest to offer a more flexible power delivery. Basically the camshafts deliver more lift and duration once the engine exceeds 6,000rpm, very clever indeed and a trait poached from their MotoGP bikes. 
To feed this monster 1350cc, 75-degree, V-Twin you need more fuel and air, right? Of course you do so there’s a new air-box feeding mammoth 60mm (up from 56mm last year) throttle bodies with shorter intakes, and the injectors have had a spot of relocating to improve fuel atomization in the process. The end result is a bike with a very close to 1:1 power-to-weight ratio, that enough for ya? 
The 2024 1390 Super Duke R weighs in at 200kg (dry) and essentially has the same chassis, as the previous 1290, with a few modifications, like the carbon sub-frame for example. Why change something that’s worked so well in the past KTM say, and I’d have to agree. Interestingly the front wheel is exactly the same one found in the new 990 Duke with the rear being a little wider on the 1390 to accommodate the fat 200-section rear tyre.
Suspension-wise the 48mm WP Apex forks control the front end with revised internals, and the same goes for the rear shock, to again improve the ride and feel for the rider. Not forgetting that you can also buy the Evo version with its semi-active electronic suspension if you desire, which worked superbly on the 1290 and I’d recommend the extra cost for sure.
Ah, talking of electronics, it has a bagful as you can imagine. The 5-inch TFT screen is one of the best out there and relays everything you need to see/know in a clear and uncluttered fashion. Not sure about the old style left side switchgear that changes the settings though, because the new one found on the 990 Duke is better and easier to use, but just a point. Anyway, five ride modes are available including Rain (where it comically ‘clips’ the motor to a mere 130hp, he, he), Street, Sport, Performance and Track. The new Performance mode let’s you set the bike to the wild side with less rider aids while Track turns off everything, including cruise control and the KTMconnect phone interaction, for messages, music, GPS, etc, which I’m sure you won’t miss with your knee down and pulling massive wheelies past the pits. Track mode does give you the option of two different displays too allowing the rider to set the lap timer and access telemetry and the forever highly entertaining lean angle function – I got it right over mate, look how far, etc…
Talking of wheelies the 1390 Super Duke R has five new levels of anti-wheelie ‘control’, so to speak. You can set this function from very low (0.36-degrees) to very high (22.5-degrees) and variables in-between, and unsurprisingly off for the brave or unintelligent hooligan. There’s five levels of engine braking you can choose as well to prevent rear end chatter entering a corner after hard braking, another great electronic addition, along with the usual traction control modes.
Hard braking comes in the form of those exceptionally powerful Brembo Stylema Monobloc calipers chewing on 320mm discs; I doubt very much if anyone will ever need more. A new Brembo master-cylinder uses a Multiple-Click-System to offer a wealth of adjustments not seen before and on the clutch side it’s Self Venting negating the need to ever bleed the system, which is a smart idea.
So is spending R389,999 on the 1390 SD R a ‘smart’ idea, not forgetting you’ll need an extra 16k if you decide to keep the Tech Pack active after 1,600km, which is the new way KTM do things, so you can try all the rider aids before you buy? Well until you ride one you’ll never know, but yes is the answer! It’s a bike that makes you emit more expletives than you ever thought possible and consistent unintentional blasphemy might send you to regular confessional visits. If you can hang on long enough to get to the far side of 260km/h, and more importantly how quickly you arrived there, you’ll understand what I mean!
Sure the naughty factor exudes from every angle, including those new tank (now 17.5-litres) angles and those winglets for downforce at high speeds- so KTM say. The 1390 Super Duke R unquestionably looks more aggressive than ever and it’s a very apt tribute to ‘30 Years of Duke’, since the concept began, helped by that controversial and clever headlight design, which I quite like.
It’s also surprisingly comfortable for a naked bike and the newly shaped ‘bars to throw the rider forward more than before assist, perfect to appreciate the nimble handling attributes. But that new engine steals the show with outrageous performance, especially the newfound meaty mid-range due to the new cylinder-head design. If you get the launch right, which takes time, you’re rewarded with acceleration similar to that of a plane being catapulted from an aircraft carrier. Or, if you could sit inside a football and someone kicked it – well you get my drift. Shocking but controllable and possibly more fun per throttle turn than any motorcycle currently on the market.
What KTM has achieved with its 1390 Super Duke R is to give it more of everything it didn’t need and, for that reason alone, it’s quite simply magnificent – well done Igor!
Images: Sudoku and Tiny Ant.
Click on www.ktm.com for more technical information and dealer locations in SA.
Go to www.radktm.co.za or www.radpaarl.co.za to book an exciting test ride.
