Ready to Rally | KTM introduce more rugged 1390 Super Adventure R packing more advanced technology

KTM have launched their most radical off-road focussed globetrotter to date, whipping the covers off a new 170.6bhp 1390 Super Adventure R.

The V-twin rally-raiding behemoth joins the earlier launched 1390 Super Adventure S, and Super Adventure S Evo – with the latter using the firm’s new semi-automatic AMT gearbox.

KTM have confirmed that the new R model will be built in Austria, and arrive in 2025, however UK prices are yet to be confirmed.

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All three Super Adventure models arriving for 2025 are powered by the KTM’s 1350cc V-twin engine, which comes housed in a three-pronged trellis chassis. This motor grew from a 1301cc unit at the introduction of Euro5+ emissions regulations and first appeared with the 2024 Super Duke R naked family.

It now also features a ‘Camshift’ system (otherwise known as variable valve timing) which can change the cam duration and lift, with the aim of achieving a broader spread of power and torque across the rev range.

To deal with the extra punch, this frame is now stiffer than before and comes finished in a striking orange on the R, with a large exposed rear subframe, finished in bright white. It’s a colour scheme reminiscent of the current 1290 Super Adventure R, which was first revealed in 2021 and then subtly updated for 2023.

Powered by the previous 1301cc twin, the 1290 R pumped out a respectable 158.2bhp (claimed) – with the new 170bhp 1390 taking things further to line-up alongside rivals including the £24,195 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally. Unlike the Ducati though, the KTM misses out on radar technology – something found on other 1390 SA flavours.

Away from the engine, the new R gets refreshed bodywork and a new shortened front windscreen, which sits just higher than the portrait-mounted colour TFT dash to help riders as they navigate tricky off-road terrain.

As helping off-road is the standard-fit external crash bars, which act as an exoskeleton around the base of the fuel tank and engine cases. Like the chassis itself, it also comes finished in orange for that signature KTM look.

Further adding to the rugged appeal is a 21in front and 18in rear spoked wheel, shod with Bridgestone Battlax Adventure Trail 41 tyres – a choice that offers a suggested 80/20 on/off-road split.

Adding to this is a unique suspension set-up differing from the Adventure S and the S Evo. Unsurprisingly, the R is designed to be better away from the tarmac and gets manually adjustable 48mm WP Xplor split cartridge forks.

At the back end, you’ll find a manually adjustable mono shock, with a remote adjuster to tweak the preload for luggage, or pillion passengers.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a modern KTM without a heavy dose of technology, which is controlled on the R via an eight inch vertically mounted colour dash. As you’d expect, there are multiple riding modes to cycle through, plus lean-sensitive rider aids, and built-in navigation. The dash itself is also said to be touchscreen compatible, even when wearing thick winter gloves.