The debut of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R as the main star of the Austrian company’s 2024 line-up never left much doubt that other models with the old “1290” version of the LC8 engine would be following in its footsteps with similar revamps. Now, the next KTM 1390 has been spotted on test, the 1390 Super Duke GT.
Before we get into the details, let’s remind ourselves what this “1390” engine means. First of all, like most KTMs, the number is only an estimate of its actual capacity. The 1390 engine has a capacity of 1,350cc, and as the smaller “1290″ engine actually has 1,301cc, the increase is only 49cc – less than half of what the engine designations might lead you to believe. It’s achieved through a 2mm increase in bore, from 108 to 110mm, combined with the same 71mm stroke as before.
On the other hand, the 1390 engine’s performance increase is greater than you’d expect from such a small change, with maximum power rising from a claimed 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 several Audi cars. The change increased the engine’s peak revs from 9,500 to 10,000 rpm 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’s not rash to assume that the same will apply to this new 1390 Super Duke GT.
The biggest change, at least from the GT point of view, is in the chassis. The current 1290 Super Duke GT is still based on the tubular steel frame of the pre-2020 1290 Super Duke R, rather than the latest version. It’s 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 around three times stiffer than the previous design, helping to reduce the bike’s weight by around 2.26 kg.
In addition to the new main frame, the 1390 Super Duke GT gets 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 gets its own unique mounting part. Underneath it is the same updated unilateral swingarm that debuted with the 2020 revamp of the Super Duke R, and the suspension appears to be the same semi-active, electronically adjustable WP Apex kit from the “third generation” that is used on the current 1390 Super Duke R Evo. Likewise, the Brembo brakes and rims are directly transferred from the Super Duke R.
When it comes to styling, KTM has long focused on distinction over finesse, often opting for extremely sharp lines and unusual proportions and shapes. The 1390 Super Duke GT is no exception and, in fact, ups the ante with a confusing combination of angles and planes in the styling.
At the front, the headlight is a development of the idea used on the latest Super Duke R, with LED lights mounted on “floating” panels that support the main headlights. At the rear, even the passenger grab rails follow the sci-fi theme of the rest of the styling.
Given the bike’s near-finished appearance, and the fact that KTM is known to be 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 range.