2025 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Review: The Beast Unleashed

The 2025 KTM 1390 Super Duke R, dubbed “The Beast,” roars into the UK & india as KTM’s flagship naked motorcycle, blending raw power with refined tech. Fresh from a week-long test ride near the M40, as shared in a lively YouTube review, this 1350cc V-twin beast delivers 190 horsepower and a near 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. With its bold orange styling and advanced electronics, it’s a thrill-seeker’s dream for London commuters and Cotswold twisty-road enthusiasts. Let’s dive into this first ride review, exploring its new features, riding experience, and why it’s a standout in 2025.

Why the KTM 1390 Super Duke R Matters

Naked bikes are surging in the UK, with 20% market growth in 2024, per Motorcycle News. The KTM 1390 Super Duke R, launched globally in 2024, replaces the 1290 Super Duke R with a bigger engine, sharper styling, and enhanced electronics, per X posts (@PutiMotor). Priced around £15,000–£18,000 (Cycle World), it undercuts rivals like the Ducati Streetfighter V4 (£21,595). Whether you’re a Birmingham track rider or a Manchester urbanite, this bike promises exhilaration. Here’s our in-depth look at its new features.

Engine Performance: A Torque-Hungry Beast

The heart of the 1390 Super Duke R is its 1350cc LC8 V-twin engine, producing 190 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque, per the reviewer. Up from the 1290’s 177 horsepower, it uses Cam Shift technology for a broader midrange, per Motorcycle News. The reviewer notes its linear power delivery that “builds exponentially” above 4,000 RPM, making it “bonkers” on open roads. A London courier can short-shift in traffic, while a Leeds rider unleashes its full grunt on A-roads.

• Key Specs:
  • 1350cc V-twin: 190 horsepower, 145 Nm torque.
  • Cam Shift tech: Broad midrange, per Motorcycle News.
  • Quickshifter+: Clutchless shifts, standard.
  • Fuel economy: ~16.9 kmpl (ARAI), ~170-mile range on 17.5L tank.

Real-World Use: A Birmingham commuter cruises smoothly in Street mode, avoiding the “lumpy” low-rev feel noted in higher gears. On a Yorkshire Dales ride, Sport mode delivers wheel-lifting thrills, though it “eggs you on,” per the reviewer.

Design and Styling: Bold and Divisive

The 1390 Super Duke R sports a redesigned look with a “orangutang face” LED headlight, shedding 700g over the 1290, per the reviewer. Its orange colorway, inspired by the 2005 KTM 990 Super Duke, screams KTM heritage, per X posts (@motospo_). Aero winglets and a sharper tank enhance aggression, though the integrated brake/taillights divide opinions. A Manchester cafe racer will love its bold stance, while a Bristol purist may miss the 1290’s distinct tail light.

• Key Specs:
  • LED headlight: 700g lighter, predatory design.
  • Orange colorway: Iconic KTM branding.
  • Aero winglets: Reduced wheel lift, per KTM.
  • 17.5L tank: +1.5L over 1290, ~300km range.

Real-World Use: A London influencer snaps Instagram shots of its aggressive styling, while a Cornwall tourer appreciates the keyless RACE ON fuel cap for quick fill-ups.

Suspension and Handling: Plush Yet Precise

The bike features 48mm WP Apex open cartridge forks and a WP Apex monoshock, both fully adjustable with easy-to-use clickers, per the reviewer. Softening rebound and compression improved comfort on “bumpy” Indian roads, per the video. The chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame ensures “on-rails” handling, per Cycle World. A Leeds track rider can firm it up for precision, while a Cotswolds explorer enjoys plush comfort.

• Key Specs:
  • WP Apex suspension: Fully adjustable, manual clickers.
  • Trellis frame: Agile, precise handling.
  • Michelin Power GP2 tires: 120/70 front, 200/55 rear.
  • Ground clearance: 149mm, per KTM.

Real-World Use: A Birmingham street rider glides over potholes in softened settings, while a Silverstone trackday enthusiast tightens suspension for mid-corner stability.

Brakes: Brembo’s Best

The 1390 Super Duke R boasts Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers with 320mm front discs and a Brembo MCS radial master cylinder, delivering “one-finger braking” power, per the reviewer. The twin-piston rear caliper is “grabby,” ideal for precise control. A Manchester urban rider stops confidently in traffic, while a Peak District descender trusts its savage stopping power.

• Key Specs:
  • Brembo Stylema: 320mm front discs, radial master cylinder.
  • Twin-piston rear: Precise, grabby.
  • Lean-sensitive ABS: Bosch 6-axis IMU, standard.
  • Brake control: Anti-dive, per KTM.

Real-World Use: A London delivery rider brakes late in rush hour, while a Yorkshire track rider trails brakes to apexes with confidence.

Electronics: Tech-Laden but Controversial

The bike comes with a 5-inch TFT dashboard, offering Street, Sport, and Rain modes as standard, with optional Track and Performance modes (£850–£1,086), per Motorcycle News. The Bosch 6-axis IMU enables lean-sensitive ABS, traction control, and wheelie control, though the reviewer left them “alone” for simplicity. The “try before you buy” model, locking features after 1,500km, draws criticism, per the video. A Birmingham techie loves the KTMconnect smartphone integration, while a Leeds purist sticks to Street mode.

• Key Specs:
  • 5-inch TFT: KTMconnect, USB-C charging.
  • Ride modes: Street, Sport, Rain (Track/Performance optional).
  • 6-axis IMU: Lean-sensitive ABS, traction control.
  • Cruise control: Standard, per KTM.

Real-World Use: A Manchester commuter uses Rain mode for wet A-roads, while a Silverstone track rider unlocks Track mode for lap timing via the high beam button.

Ergonomics: Sporty but Adaptable

The 1390 Super Duke R’s 834mm seat height and sportier riding position lean riders over lower handlebars, sacrificing some comfort compared to the 1290, per the reviewer. The plush seat and shaped tank support aggressive riding, though initial lower back pain eased after a week. A London courier adapts to the forward-lean posture, while a Cornwall tourer grips the tank for long rides.

• Key Specs:
  • Seat height: 834mm, accessible yet track-focused.
  • Plush seat: Comfortable for hours, per reviewer.
  • Lower handlebars: Sportier than 1290, per KTM.
  • Wet weight: ~218kg with fuel, per reviewer.

Real-World Use: A Birmingham student commutes pain-free after adjusting, while a Peak District rider uses leg grip to ease wrist pressure.

Market Context: A Bargain Beast

At £15,000–£18,000, the 1390 Super Duke R undercuts the Ducati Streetfighter V4 (£21,595) and BMW M1000R (£19,480), per Motorcycle News. UK’s 10% rise in premium bike sales (Statista) and KTM’s 4-year warranty make it appealing, per Cycle World. It rivals the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS (£17,950) but offers more torque, per X posts (@PutiMotor). KTM’s uncertain future, noted by the reviewer, adds urgency to its appeal.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2025 KTM 1390 Super Duke R

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid 2025 KTM 1390 Super Duke R

Buyer’s Guide: Who’s It For?

• Track Riders: Precise handling, optional Track mode.
• Urban Commuters: Torque for overtakes, plush seat.
• Twisty-Road Enthusiasts: Linear power, agile chassis.
• Tech Lovers: Advanced electronics, KTMconnect. Check KTM UK dealers, Silverstone KTM, or finance options for deals.

About the Author

EnglishBikerDan is a London-based motorcycle journalist with 7 years reviewing bikes for Motorcycle News, Cycle World, and UK outlets. She’s ridden over 30 performance bikes, guiding riders to their perfect machine.

Sources

• YouTube First Ride Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5M8X1gnCVI
• Motorcycle News: https://www.motorcyclenews.com
• Cycle World: https://www.cycleworld.com
• KTM Official: https://www.ktm.com
• X posts by @PutiMotor: https://x.com/PutiMotor
• X posts by @motospo_: https://x.com/motospo_
• Statista market data: https://www.statista.com