Overview
Performance & Engine
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R runs an updated 1350-cc, liquid-cooled V-twin engine with a 75-degree angle, meeting Euro 5+ (BS6-2) standards. KTM calls this the latest LC8 V-twin, tuned for 140 kW (190 hp) at 10,000 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. This setup gives the bike strong mid-range power and a lively top end.
The engine has a 13.2:1 compression ratio, dual ignition, and a 60 mm Keihin electronic fuel injection throttle body for quick throttle response and smooth power. The air intake now uses a larger, roughly 10-litre airbox and a new ram-air system, helping the engine perform better at high speeds and during hard acceleration. In India, where traffic often limits open-throttle riding, the engine’s wide torque range and strong mid-range make the bike feel powerful even between 4,500 and 8,000 rpm, which is typical for city and highway use.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R in India comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a hydraulically operated PASC slipper clutch, according to KTM’s specifications and Indian spec sheets. The close-ratio 6-speed gearbox keeps the engine in its powerband for aggressive riding or track-style acceleration, but also allows relaxed cruising in higher gears on highways.
The PASC slipper clutch manages engine braking during hard downshifts, helping reduce rear-wheel chatter and keeping the bike stable on rough Indian roads or in sudden braking zones. Indian users say the gear shifts feel solid and precise, with short lever movement, making it easy to change gears quickly when riding fast on hills or empty highways.
The Indian spec sheet lists the KTM 1390 Super Duke R’s top speed at about 250 km/h in standard setup. This speed is only possible in perfect conditions on a closed track or a long, clear straight. In India, these speeds aren’t practical or legal on public roads, but the number shows the bike’s high-speed potential and how well its aerodynamics and engine are tuned.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is rated at 16.94 kmpl by ARAI, but this figure comes from test conditions that don’t reflect real Indian traffic. With its 17.5-litre fuel tank, the bike could theoretically cover about 295 to 300 km on a full tank, though actual mileage is usually lower if you ride hard.
Most riders get 13 to 16 kmpl in mixed riding. On the highway, you might see 16 to 18 kmpl if you ride gently, but in the city, it can drop to 12 to 14 kmpl. Because it’s a powerful 1350-cc V-twin, it uses more fuel than smaller KTMs, especially when ridden hard.
Features & Technology
In India, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is marketed as a high-tech naked bike that blends strong power with modern electronics and rider-friendly features, while still keeping things fairly simple for its class. Key features for the Indian market include:
- 1350 cc V twin engine : 2 cylinder, 4 stroke, 1350 cc liquid cooled LC8 V twin with a 75° V angle, Euro 5+ (BS6 2) compliant, tuned to deliver 140 kW (190 hp) and 145 Nm of torque for explosive acceleration on Indian highways and track style roads.
- High performance chassis: Lightweight tubular steel trellis frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, giving higher torsional rigidity and improved cornering feedback and braking stability on Indian tarmac and hill roads.
- Fully adjustable WP APEX suspension: 48 mm WP APEX front fork with fully adjustable compression, rebound, and preload; split function layout (compression on one side, rebound on the other) for easy fine tuning. The rear WP APEX piggyback shock offers high speed and low speed compression damping with a manual turn knob preload adjuster for tool free setup changes.
- Brembo braking system: 4 piston Brembo Stylema monobloc front callipers squeezing 320 mm twin floating discs, plus a 240 mm rear disc with a twin piston floating rear calliper, delivering strong, progressive stopping power suitable for high speed braking on Indian highways.
- Radial Brembo MCS master cylinder: Radial pump brake master cylinder with adjustable lever reach and ratio, allowing riders to customise braking feel and fingertip modulation for city traffic and aggressive riding.
- Hydraulic Brembo clutch with self venting: Wet multi disc clutch using a Brembo hydraulic cylinder and a self venting system that eliminates the need for regular bleeding, improving maintenance convenience in Indian riding conditions.
- Ride mode management: Up to 5 ride modes, including STREET (full power, normal traction control), SPORT (sharper throttle, more wheel slip allowed), RAIN (reduced power to about 130 hp, maximum traction control), and PERFORMANCE/TRACK modes for track oriented riding, all accessible via the TFT and switchgear.
- Launch Control and Anti wheelie: Launch Control assist in TRACK mode for consistent, controlled acceleration from standstill; riders can toggle Anti wheelie on or off to manage front wheel lift and maintain traction during aggressive upshifts.
- Telemetry and lap timer: Dedicated telemetry screen in TRACK mode that shows lean angle, G force data, and an integrated lap timer activated by the high beam switch, making it useful for occasional track days and performance oriented riders.
- 5 inch bonded glass TFT display: Full colour 5 inch TFT instrument cluster with updated graphics, faster menu navigation, and clear presentation of ride mode status, gear position, trip data, and rider aid settings for easy glances on Indian roads.
- KTMconnect smartphone connectivity: Bluetooth enabled via the TFT screen, letting riders sync a smartphone app for notifications, call and SMS alerts, navigation prompts, and basic display settings, integrating the bike into a connected ecosystem.
- USB C charging port: USB C socket integrated into the cockpit to charge a smartphone or other devices while riding, keeping navigation and communication devices powered on longer highway stretches.
- Aggressive yet manageable ergonomics: Higher positioned, slightly outward angled fuel tank for better knee grip during braking and cornering; lowered handlebar offering track style control while still allowing a workable posture for Indian traffic and open road riding.
- 17.5 litre fuel tank: Increased tank capacity compared with the previous gen Super Duke R, enabling an estimated range pushing towards 300 km in efficient highway riding, making it more practical for inter state touring on Indian highways.
- “RACE ON” keyless fuel cap: RACE type fuel cap that unlocks without the ignition key, allowing quick and tool free refuelling at Indian fuel stations during long rides or track day sessions.
- Performance oriented seat setup: Firm, sporty seat with an 834 mm seat height, designed to keep the rider planted during hard cornering and braking while still remaining within reach for most riders in the Indian market.
- Lightweight high performance wheels: Lightweight alloy wheels shod with MICHELIN Power GP tyres using dual compound construction for strong grip under acceleration and at high lean angles, suitable for both Indian tracks and deserted highways.
- Dual channel ABS: Standard ABS intervention on both front and rear wheels, helping to maintain safer braking on wet or low grip Indian surfaces without compromising the bike’s aggressive character.
- Premium positioning and service: Sold through KTM’s authorised network in India, with access to dedicated service and support for high performance engine, electronics, and suspension systems.
Build Quality
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is built with careful engineering and top-quality materials, showing its “READY TO RACE” status in India’s premium segment. The steel trellis frame feels solid and stable, with little flex even during hard acceleration or braking. Using the 1350-cc LC8 V-twin as part of the frame also makes the chassis stiffer and stronger.
The fit and finish are impressive, with tight panel gaps and well-aligned bodywork and engine covers, making the bike look more premium than many other large bikes in India. The switches and controls feel solid and responsive. Indian users also note that the 5-inch TFT display, USB-C port, and Bluetooth KTMconnect are neatly built into the cockpit, not just added on.
Even the tyres and under chassis components reinforce this premium feel: the standard fit MICHELIN Power GP rubber with dual compound construction is mounted on lightweight alloy wheels that look track ready yet are robust enough for rough Indian roads. Indian users note that the rear suspension’s piggyback style WP APEX shock and the Brembo sourced braking hardware further enhance the bike’s premium image, with a strong, consistent feel at the lever and minimal fade after repeated hard stops.
Handling
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R stands out for its handling in India. It turns quickly, stays balanced in corners, and remains stable at high speeds, even with its big engine and muscular build. The steel trellis frame and low-mounted 17.5-litre fuel tank keep the centre of gravity low, so the bike feels lighter and easier to handle than its weight suggests.
The 48 mm WP APEX front fork and fully adjustable WP APEX rear shock are tuned to cope well with Indian road imperfections, offering a firm but compliant ride that absorbs small potholes and bad patches without feeling overly harsh. Indian test rides highlight that the suspension setup strikes a good compromise for the country: it stays composed at higher speeds on open highways while still feeling agile enough for quick direction changes in canyon style hill roads and city border bends.
The steering geometry—around 35° rake and roughly 120 mm trail—gives the 1390 Super Duke R a neutral, point and shoot character: it turns in willingly for a big bore naked, yet remains settled and confidence inspiring when pushed into mid corner and during late braking entries. The combination of powerful Brembo braking hardware, 320 mm twin front discs, and dual channel ABS ensures strong, proportional deceleration on Indian highways, with the radial Brembo MCS master cylinder allowing riders to finely tune lever feel for different riding styles and traffic conditions.
Comfort
Even though it’s built for high performance, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R in India is designed to be comfortable for long rides. The seat and cockpit work for both sporty riding and everyday comfort. The 834 mm seat height is high enough to feel secure on the highway but still low enough for most riders to reach the ground easily at stops.
The riding position is aggressively neutral: low handlebars, a slightly forward leaning torso, and a close to the tank seating posture keep the rider bolted into the chassis during hard cornering and braking, while the seat’s firmness and shape help reduce fatigue on extended highway runs. Indian users emphasise that the seat is not plush in the cruiser sense, but it is well padded and supportive for a hyper naked, striking a balance between sporty feel and all day usability.
The tank and bodywork ergonomics also play a role in comfort: the outward angled fuel tank extensions give the rider good knee grip and a sense of connection with the bike during braking and cornering, which is especially useful on Indian hill road sections and when avoiding sudden potholes. The standard 17.5 litre fuel tank and the claimed near 300 km range mean riders can cover substantial distances between refuels, which further improves the bike’s comfort credentials for inter state touring on Indian highways.
The rear seat is likewise set up with practicality in mind: it is sufficiently padded and contoured for short to medium distance pillion rides, although it is still clearly biased towards a more performance oriented stance rather than full on luxury touring. Indian riders report that the pillion seat is best suited to commutes or occasional highway runs rather than multi day tours, but it remains a marked improvement over earlier KTM naked bikes in passenger comfort.
Styling
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R’s design follows the “naked-monster” style, with a sharp, muscular look that showcases the LC8 V-twin engine and aluminium subframe, without a full fairing. The fuel tank is compact from above and features bold, angular wings that extend, making the bike look more aggressive and helping riders grip the tank better during hard braking and cornering.
The front end treatment is dominated by a predatory LED headlamp cluster with a narrow, slit style design that gives the 1390 a very focused, almost “angry” face on Indian roads. Aerodynamic style winglets integrated around the tank and nose section help channel airflow and slightly reduce front wheel lift at high speeds, while also reinforcing the bike’s track oriented character. The split level, insect style rear end exposes the upward curving dual exit exhaust and a compact tail section, making the bike look shorter and meaner than its 1,490 mm plus wheelbase actually is.
From the side profile, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R in India looks low, long, and muscular, with a subtle step down between the tank and tail and a narrow tail light cluster that keeps the rear visually tidy. The exposed tubular trellis frame in orange, paired with the black or orange bodywork and dual tone alloy wheels, reinforces KTM’s “orange on black” performance branding identity and makes the bike stand out in traffic and at shows.
Colour Options And Variants
In the Indian market, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is offered in a single, flagship colour scheme:
- Orange
This orange and black livery is consistent with KTM’s global “The Beast” design story, drawing from the heritage of earlier Super Duke generations and using the same bright orange paint on the frame and key body elements that have become synonymous with KTM’s high performance models.
The orange colour covers the fuel tank, side panels, and tail, while the frame and other parts stay in KTM’s signature orange. This gives the bike a unified, race-inspired look on Indian roads. By offering only one colour, KTM makes it clear that the 1390 Super Duke R is its top-performing model. For Indian buyers, the orange-only scheme makes the bike easy to spot as the flagship KTM naked, standing out from the 390, 790, 890, and other competitors.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is sold in India in a single variant, serving as both the base and the top model in its segment. This single variant strategy keeps the India spec offering simple and focused: buyers get the full fat specification right out of the box, including the 1350 cc LC8 V twin, 6 speed gearbox with slipper clutch, fully adjustable WP APEX suspension, Brembo sourced braking hardware, TFT instrumentation, and KTMconnect enabled connectivity without needing to choose between “feature lite” and “loaded” trims.
Value For Money And Pricing
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R is priced from ₹ 22,95,800 (ex showroom, Delhi), making it the most expensive regular production KTM motorcycle available in India, positioned above the 890 Duke R and the rest of the Duke range. The bike is sold in a single variant configuration—labelled as the 1390 Super Duke R STD—which includes the full fat specification with the 1350 cc LC8 V twin, 6 speed gearbox with slipper clutch, fully adjustable WP APEX suspension, Brembo brakes, TFT instrumentation, and KTMconnect enabled smartphone connectivity.
The bike is sold as a CBU (Complete Built Unit) import, which contributes to the relatively steep ex showroom tag compared with domestically assembled litre class machines. Because there is only one trim, Indian buyers are not choosing between “feature lite” and “loaded” versions; instead, the price simply reflects the sheer scale of hardware and performance on offer.
In India’s premium segment, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is a strong value if you look at its performance and features, even though it’s expensive. You get a 1350-cc V-twin engine with 190 hp and 145 Nm, fully adjustable suspension, top-level Brembo brakes, a 5-inch TFT display, KTMconnect, USB-C charging, and many rider aids—all included in one version, with no need to pay extra for higher trims.
From a specs to price standpoint, Indian test ride and spec analysis portals often highlight that the 1390 Super Duke R undercuts or matches several European litre class bikes in terms of raw power and chassis hardware, while still offering slightly more aggressive pricing. The bike also benefits from KTM’s established service network and parts support ecosystem in India, which reduces long term ownership worries compared with some niche brand litre plus rivals. For riders whose primary goals are brutal acceleration, track oriented electronics, and a no compromise naked chassis, the 1390 Super Duke R is regularly framed as a “true money no object” KTM that still delivers a lot of bang for the luxury bike style cheque.
However, from a practicality angle, its value proposition narrows: the fuel tank may be larger than the previous gen Super Duke, but a 1350 cc V twin in a hyper naked will never be a budget friendly commuter, and the riding position and seat comfort are biased toward performance rather than casual touring. For buyers who want something equally exotic but more relaxed—such as a big brother cruiser or an upright litre tourer—the 1390 Super Duke R will feel more expensive to run and live with, even if its spec sheet looks very attractive on paper.
In the Indian market, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is bracketed against high end litre class performance bikes rather than mainstream 650–800 cc machines, with direct rivals coming mainly from European brands as well as a couple of American market entries. Its closest competitors in terms of character, displacement, and price are:
- BMW S 1000 R
- Ducati Streetfighter V4
- Kawasaki Ninja ZX 10R
- Triumph Rocket 3
- Indian Super Scout
- Indian Chief Bobber
Overall, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R holds a unique place in India. It costs less than some expensive European litre-class bikes but is more extreme and focused than many cruiser-style rivals. For Indian riders who want the most powerful KTM naked, top hardware, and a simple, all-in-one price, it remains a strong, though very premium, option among high-end performance bikes.
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