KTM has upped the ante in the adventure bike market with the introduction of the 2026 KTM 1390 Super Adventure R. According to a first ride review by Ryan Adams at Motorcycle.com, this machine boasts more power, a stiffer chassis, updated bodywork, and extended service intervals. The goal? To solidify KTM's position at the top of the open-class ADV segment.
The heart of the 1390 Super Adventure R is its updated 1,350cc V-Twin engine. KTM achieved the displacement bump by increasing the bore to 110mm while maintaining the 71mm stroke. The engine now breathes through larger 60mm throttle bodies, designed to increase air speed and improve engine response. A new valve seat alloy reduces thermal conductivity, which KTM says allows them to double the valve service intervals to 37,282 miles.
Derived from the 2024 Super Duke R EVO, the 1390 SA-R also gets "Camshift" technology. This system optimizes torque at lower RPMs while also improving peak performance at the top end, along with better fuel economy and reduced emissions. An electronic actuator adjusts the intake cam profile between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm, depending on gear and engine load. The revised cam profile increases air and fuel intake at higher RPMs.
KTM claims other engine updates, including new connecting rods, a redesigned water pump, and reduced internal pressure, contribute to a 1.5 hp increase. Claimed peak power is 173 hp at 9,500 rpm, with 107 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm. Rottweiler Performance dyno tested the 1390 Super Adventure R and recorded 151.8 hp at 9,200 rpm and 96.6 lb-ft at 8,000 rpm. Chris Parker, owner of Rottweiler Performance, reportedly said he would trade his 2022 1290 for the new model after seeing the dyno results, according to Motorcycle.com.
The 1390 Super Adventure R uses KTM's signature three-piece, low-slung fuel tank design, holding 6.1 gallons of fuel. The design helps lower the center of gravity, which improves handling. The fuel tank also features an electronically activated closure that works with a key fob proximity sensor.
The frame has been stiffened in all dimensions: 13% longitudinally, 23% laterally, and 73% torsionally, according to Motorcycle.com. The changes were achieved through adjustments to the wall thickness and tube diameter of the frame. The bike utilizes WP XPLOR suspension components, providing 9.4 inches of travel in both the fork and shock. The fork offers hand-adjustable compression, rebound, and preload. The shock's high- and low-speed compression and rebound require tools for adjustment, while preload is adjustable by hand via a knob.
Braking is handled by Brembo components, with dual 320mm rotors up front and a 267mm disc in the rear. A new front brake master cylinder and a Brembo clutch master cylinder replace the previous Magura unit. The bike rolls on a tubeless 21/18-inch wheelset wrapped in Dunlop Trailmax Raid tires, a 40/60 tire indicating the Super Adventure R's focus.
The motorcycle features an 8-inch TFT display that can be controlled via touchscreen or the handlebar switch clusters. The display has an anti-glare coating, 1280x720 resolution, and can display 256,000 colors. The menu is customizable, and it features built-in navigation powered by Mapbox, with 32gb of internal storage for offline maps.
