Motorcycle specifications KTM1390 Super Adventure S Evo 2026 Gender divide

Normally, motorcycling is simple. There's the roadster, the trail and the sportbike, normally... Austrian manufacturer KTM has rarely approached motorcycling, on the road, in a conventional way. Once again, the men from Mattighofen have shaken up the established order, and have come up with one of the most versatile machines on the market. What if it were simply the real Super Moto, capable of combining all 3 genres into one?

its limits will be your limits: 173 hp, active suspension, automated gearbox..

Fancy a countryside getaway with your partner? Venturing out onto the open road and suddenly discovering a racetrack? The new KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo can do it all. To achieve this, the machine relies on a frame that is stiffer than that of the Super Adventure S, according to the press release. No doubt a Super Adventure S already spends more time on the road than in the dunes.

With this in mind, engineers drew inspiration from the Super Duke's efficient asphalt-cutting chassis to improve the S Evo's time-trial capabilities. The frame adopts a few modifications to the caster, with an angle of 65.2°, 0.1° less than that of an S, and the wheelbase has been increased to 1558 mm (+1 mm compared to the S). KTM has also taken care to modify the position of the footrests (8 mm lower and 10 mm wider), in order to spread out the rider's legs a little and offer greater ease of use off-road. As you can see, the bike tries to have it both ways: go faster, but in comfort! Tell that to a superbike rider, and he'll laugh in your face!

Suspension-wise, the 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE S EVO adopts semi-active WP technology (fork and shock absorber). It uses new PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) sensors and a new through-rod fork that combines the design of open and closed cartridge suspension elements. Electronically controlled magnetic valves ensure variable damping according to the terrain and your pace, since suspension frequencies are also taken into account. While the range of settings seems infinite, the rider can choose between the following factory modes: comfort, street, rain and sport. A little bird tells me that before delving into the gas factory of manual settings, the modes developed over hours by the engineers will no doubt be sufficient. But if you're not satisfied, KTM also offers a Suspension Pro package as an option! Suspension travel remains the same 200 mm as on a "simple" S model.

The final tuning between machine and ground, this super KTM adopts the new Dunlop Meridian tires. A hybrid tire that tries to be good everywhere, thanks to a tread that favors grip and water evacuation when the shoulders are sportier. Their dimensions are once again aimed at versatility, with a rear tire only 170 mm wide (120 mm at the front). Another concession to the bike's all-round appeal is the retention of a 19" front wheel (17" rear).

173 hp in a trail bike, a twin-cylinder engine stronger than a V4 . .

KTM temporarily takes the lead in the arms race. The Super Adventure S Evo is now more powerful than the Ducati Multistrada V4, including the Pikes Peak version. The Austrians haven't (yet) allowed themselves to take full advantage of the power of their twin-cylinder, since a Super Duke R Evo offers 190 hp.

To achieve this, the mill has been increased to 1,350 cm³ (compared with 1,300 on the Super Adventure S). Maximum power of 173 hp is achieved at 9,500 rpm, and torque is 145 Nm at 8,000 rpm. KTM's twin-cylinder engine features variable cams, which can be lengthened or shortened according to engine speed.

At high revs, the "cam shift" system is activated, allowing the intake valves to open wider and longer. This increases the volume of air available for combustion. More explosion in the combustion cycle means more power. At low engine speeds, the "cam shift" system reduces valve duration and opening, optimizing engine behavior.

To assist the rider in controlling the cavalry, 5 driving modes are available: Rain, Street, Sport, Offroad and Custom (customizable). Rally mode is available as an option.

The 1390 Super Adventure S Evo also introduces an automated manual transmission (AMT). This is a first in the manufacturer's entire range. With AMT, you can choose between conventional manual shifting using the selector or buttons on the commodo, or an automatic gearbox. Full details here ->

kTM Adaptive Cruise Control

The cruise control features brake assist, collision warning and minimum distance warning. The new Adaptive Cruise Control, combined with AMT, features a Stop & Go function. When activated, this system brings the motorcycle to a complete stop if the vehicle in front comes to a halt. Once the vehicle moves off, the motorcycle automatically starts moving again. To achieve this, KTM has equipped the bike with a more compact 5th-generation front radar from Bosch. It optimizes performance, improves truck detection, increases maximum speed and updates deactivation thresholds, thanks to Dynamic, Street and Group Ride functions.

new look

Although very similar to the 1290, this Super Adventure S Evo is in fact completely new in terms of styling. The design takes up the main lines, but everything has been modified: headlamp, fairing, windscreen, etc. The lighting is of course full LED, giving it that inimitable Austrian Alien look. You either like it or you don't. The seat has also been redesigned.

What really catches the eye, however, is the new 8.8-inch TFT display. Its vertical position gives the sensation of having a huge roadbook in front of you. It features inductive technology, making it easy to use even with thick winter gloves. The innovative coating is said to be anti-reflective, anti-fingerprint and anti-glare.

Last but not least, the motorcycle can be started without a key, with intelligent locking and unlocking of the fuel filler cap, and even of the top case as an option.

but how far will they go?

This bike is both a superb demonstration and a potential object of criticism. Indeed, the feat of making a motorcycle capable of turning as hard on the track as it is skilful on the trails is a gamble that seemed lost in advance. It's fascinating to think that a machine like this even exists. However, the accumulated qualities that make it good everywhere don't make it as efficient as the specialists in each category. So, is it really useful? You be the judge, but in any case, the price is bound to be high. A 1290 Super Adventure S already retails for 21,749 euros, but this 1390 S Evo version should go for more...
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Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos