The debut of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R as the main star of the Austrian company’s 2024 lineup never left many doubts that other models with the old “1290” version of the LC8 engine would follow in its footsteps with similar renewals. Now, the next KTM 1390 has been spotted testing, the 1390 Super Duke GT.
Before we delve into details, let’s remember what this “1390” engine means. First of all, like most KTM bikes, the number is just an estimate of its actual capacity. The 1390 engine has a capacity of 1,350cc, and like the smaller “1290” engine actually has 1,301cc, the increase is only 49cc – less than half of what the engine designations may lead you to believe. This is achieved through a 2 mm increase in diameter, from 108 to 110 mm, combined with the same 71 mm stroke as before.
On the other hand, the performance increase of the 1390 engine is greater than would be expected from such a small change, with the maximum power rising from an alleged 177 hp to an impressive 188 hp. This is largely due to the company’s new variable valve timing and lift system, which is similar to BMW’s ShiftCam and the system used in various Audi cars. The change increased the engine’s peak rpm from 9,500 to 10,000 and brought an increase in torque from 139.6 to 145 Nm. Historically, the Super Duke GT has had the same engine tuning as the Super Duke R, so it is not unreasonable to assume that the same will apply to this new 1390 Super Duke GT.The biggest change, at least from the GT perspective, is in the frame. The current 1290 Super Duke GT continues to be based on the tubular steel frame of the pre-2020 1290 Super Duke R, not the latest version. It is a much more substantial-looking trellis that places less emphasis on using the engine as a structural component. For the upcoming 1390 Super Duke GT, KTM has finally decided to adopt the frame from the 2020 Super Duke R onwards, which is about three times stiffer than the previous design, helping to reduce the bike’s weight by about 2.26 kg.
Source: https://www.cycleworld.com
In addition to the new main frame, the 1390 Super Duke GT gains a cast aluminum subframe, again mirroring the changes made to the Super Duke R from 2020 onwards. However, the subframe is not simply carried over from the R, as the GT needs more passenger comfort and luggage-carrying capacity, so it receives its own unique mounting piece. Below it is the same updated single-sided swingarm that debuted with the 2020 refresh of the Super Duke R, and the suspension appears to be the same WP Apex semi-active and electronically adjustable kit from the “third generation” that is used in the current 1390 Super Duke R Evo. Similarly, the Brembo brakes and wheels are directly transferred from the Super Duke R.
When it comes to style, KTM has long focused on distinction over delicacy, often opting for extremely sharp lines and unusual proportions and shapes. The 1390 Super Duke GT is no exception and actually ups the ante with a confusing combination of angles and planes in its style.
At the front, the headlight is a development of the idea used in the latest Super Duke R, with LED lights mounted on “floating” panels that support the main headlights. At the rear, even the passenger grab bars follow the sci-fi theme of the rest of the style.
Given the almost finished appearance of the bike, and the fact that KTM is preparing a new sport-tourer as part of its model range for 2025, we can be almost certain that the 1390 Super Duke GT will make its official debut sometime between now and the end of this year as a key component of the company’s ’25 lineup.
