Purists rejoice! Manual version of KTM's incoming 1390 Super Adventure S confirmed featuring 170bhp

KTM have launched yet another version of their 2025 1390 Super Adventure S, this time with a traditional manual gearbox.

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The Super Adventure S follows on just days after the reveal of the Super Adventure S Evo – a bike that shares much of the same features along with a semi-automatic KTM AMT gearbox.

Like the Evo, the manual S model will replace the outgoing £17,499 1290 Super Adventure S – enjoying a capacity increase from 1301 to 1350cc to help it pass more stringent Euro5+ emissions regulations.

It sits at the more road-focussed end of the adventure segment and as such benefits from 19in front and 17in rear cast wheels – a combination that KTM say will still offer composure off the beaten track.

This motor is paired with a traditional six-speed gearbox and clutch lever and produces a claimed 170.6bhp at 9500rpm, with a torque figure of 107lb.ft at 8000rpm. This puts it in direct contention with Ducati’s 170bhp Multistrada V4S, and 168bhp BMW S1000XR.

This motor features something called Camshift (otherwise known as variable valve timing) which is said to assist with low speed rideability, plus additional top end shove.

This provides two individual cam profiles, with the valves opening longer and higher for greater gas flow into the cylinders at higher RPMs.

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Housing the beefier new engine is an updated tubular steel chassis which is now stiffer in – KTM say – a bid to improve both handling and track stability – an environment that next to no Super Adventures are likely to ever find themselves.

On top of this though, the chassis work also provides an 8mm lower and 10mm wider foot peg position, which should provide rider comfort and make things a touch roomier for taller pilots.

Although having a different transmission, the S shares the same semi-active WP SAT suspension as the Evo – controlled via a new full colour TFT dash that also offers touch screen capability even in thick winter gloves. You’ll find chunky 48mm upside down stanchions at the front, plus a monoshock at the rear, too.

If you want one, it’ll be available in dealers from February 2025, with prices still to be confirmed.

KTM’s fifth generation front radar-guided system will also be available as an optional extra – offering Brake Assistance, Collision Warnings and Distance Warnings for the rider. It’s not as advanced as the Evo, due to its manual shifting set-up.