2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Review | First Look

November 28, 2023 editor 2024 3 min read

2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo

In celebration of 30 years of the Duke, KTM has announced an upgrade to the KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo. For 2024, “The Beast” is even stronger with a 49cc bump in displacement, updated styling that celebrates the lineage of the Duke platform, and improved suspension, ergonomics, and electronics.

The Beast has grown since its 2007 KTM 990 Super Duke origins. For model year 2024, the 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin from the 1290 Super Duke gets bored out from 108mm to 110mm for a displacement of 1,350cc, and a new camshaft allows for two separate valve lifts depending on rpm. The redesigned airbox has a shorter stack height, and the new throttle bodies have an increased inlet diameter of 60mm (up from 56mm). Additionally, 5th and 6th gears have been revised for better use of the rpm range.

The new model also receives upgraded suspension with the latest generation of WP’s Semi-Active Technology that provides a range of adjustability. The Suspension Control Unit adjusts damping rates in real time based on information from the IMU, and all suspension settings can be managed through the 5-inch full-color TFT display. Five damping modes are also available on the display: Auto, Comfort, Rain, Street, and Sport.

For even more suspension customization possibilities, the optional Suspension Pro pack adds two more suspension modes (Track and Pro), three preload settings (Low, Standard, and High), and an Anti-Dive setting. Also included in the package is Factory Start, which automatically reduces shock preload to lower the rear when coming to a stop.

The Super Duke’s ergonomics receive an upgrade for 2024 with a focus on performance. The tank is angled outwards for better rider support while hanging off into corners, and the handlebar has been moved lower for better control.

Slowing down The Beast are Brembo braking components, including dual 4-piston Stylema monoblock front calipers biting 320mm discs and a 2-piston rear caliper with a 240mm disc. A new Brembo multiple-click-system master cylinder is also included. The Super Duke also gets new tires in the form of Michelin Power GP tires for better grip and a lighter weight.

The Beast has been known for its aggressive styling, and that is even more evident in the 2024 1390 Super Duke R Evo. The model gets a new LED headlight unit, new tank spoilers, and new winglets, and fuel tank capacity has been increased from 4.2 to 4.6 gallons.

The Beast’s new styling is most evident in its new angular headlight unit. Position and daytime running lights are located along the edges and are auto-adjustable, and the automatic low beam is in the center.

Upgrades to the 5-inch TFT display include new graphics and a redesigned menu structure intended to offer faster access to features with fewer clicks required. The Tire Pressure Monitor System has been upgraded with more accurate software and shows tire pressures on the TFT, and it now offers custom pressure settings for track use.

The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo comes with three ride modes as standard (Rain, Street, and Sport), and two optional modes (Performance and Track). Each mode manages power, traction control, and throttle response. Performance mode allows for customization of traction control, throttle response, anti-wheelie control, and launch control. In Track mode, the same level of customization is available but with a “ready to race” focus with two display settings that focus on lap times and other race-focused data.

Other optional technology includes cruise control, Engine Brake Control (adjustable among five levels), anti-wheelie mode (adjustable among five levels), and KTMconnect.

The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo will be available in orange with red highlights or black with orange highlights. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Visit the KTM website for more information.

Check out more new/updated bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide

The post 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Review | First Look appeared first on Rider Magazine.