Those who expected a new motorcycle from the beginning, as was the case with the BMW R 1300 GS, may be a little disappointed. KTM has taken the road gradual evolution and openly admits that, for example, the frame architecture is taken from the existing 1290. On the other hand, it jumps out at you as you dig deeper lots of minor changes and finishing toucheswhich are not visible at first glance.
Let’s start with the frame. Thanks to minor changes in the diameter of the tubes and the strength of their walls, the new Super Adventure boasts higher stiffness. KTM even gives specific numbers, so the frame is said to be 13% stiffer in the longitudinal direction, 23% in the transverse direction and 73% more torsional stiffness, or torsional stiffness.
However, the basis remained, and to a large extent the appearance was also preserved. For example, the headlight, although the framing of the LED daytime running lights keeps the same basic shape and size, is now not “flat” from the front, but is divided into two separate segments with a small lens in the middle. The cruise control radar then took up residence under it, and interesting things are also small additional lightsunobtrusively integrated into the fairing. Also slightly different are the plastics around the 23-litre tank, which continues to be three-piece, with the side sections extending to the engine covers. And the good news is new aerodynamic labelwhich now moves within 70 millimeters compared to the former 55.
Photo comparator
Control – do not lubricate
This slowly brings us to ergonomics. It’s here new saddlewhich should have an easier height adjustment (847 or 867 millimeters), as well as new footpegs, the placement of which is 8 millimeters lower and 10 millimeters wider for more relaxed leg position. The redesigned upper glasses of the forks then clamp 30 millimeter wider handlebarswhich are adjustable to two positions and mainly stored in damping rubber. The compartment in front of the tank lid is larger to accommodate even oversized phones.
It also came to WP Apex Semi Active Technology (SAT) chassis modifications. According to KTM, the dampers have more consistent behavior at higher damping frequencies, thanks to new PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) sensors and a new internal design. Wheels continue to be a combination 19″ front rim and 17″ rear rimthe braking system received a new Brembo front pump and a different pad compound for a sharper initial bite.
The most significant change is, of course, the engine. The fork-twin, introduced in the current Super Duke, has a larger drilling 110 millimeters (so far it was 108) which means an increase in volume from 1,301 cm3 to 1,350 cm3. With this, the power and torque values also increased 173 hp and 145 Nm – unfortunately we do not know the revolutions. For comparison – the previous 1290 had 160 hp and 138 Nm in the last version, the BMW R 1300 GS as an obvious competitor with 145 hp is a little behind in performance, but with a torque of 149 Nm it is still a bit ahead.
On the other hand, much more than the increase in absolute values, the implementation will affect the ride Camshift variable timing. At low revs, the cams have a milder profile, and at higher revs, the stroke and opening time of the intake valves are extended to get as much mixture into the engine as possible. Along with wider and shorter intakes, this means that the engine should have high torque across the entire speed spectrum. KTM also mentions minor modifications in the field of cooling, reliability and serviceability, which was reflected in the extended interval of major service. Checking the valve clearances is done now after 60 thousand instead of the existing 30.
The new Super Adventure is called “Evo” mainly because it is equipped automated AMT transmission. The version without the epithet will then be without it. As already described in a separate article, KTM, unlike the competition, bet on centrifugal clutchwhich is accompanied by an electric motor rotating the shift roller. Speed changes can be left completely automatic, or you can take over the reins and sort by yourself. And a classic one at that foot shifterwhich is actually an electronic switch, possibly buttons on the left handlebar. In addition, there is the possibility of downshifting by closing the throttle and turning it in the opposite direction – this is how the cruise control has been turned off on many motorcycles for years.
The AMT transmission is just one of the many, many modern gadgets that the Super Adventure brings first. As it is a flagship, there is absolutely everything that KTM can offer at the moment. Next to constellation of driving modeschassis modes and connectivity on the new vertically positioned touch display, it is mainly the most modern the fifth generation radar from Bosch. It adds collision warning, distance warning and brake assist (it doesn’t brake itself, it just helps you brake if it detects you’re approaching too fast), better detects large vehicles and has a function for group driving. The improvement was also experienced by adaptive cruise controlwhich works up to a higher speed, but mainly has a function thanks to the automated transmission Stop & Goso it can stop in traffic and start again.
We are still missing, for example, the weight and a few other data, but we can expect that KTM will publish them already on October 24, when the premiere of the model will take place 1390 Super Adventure S without automated transmission. Later, the 1390 Super Adventure R version, oriented towards off-road riding, should also be revealed. The novelty of the 2025 model year will appear on the sales surfaces of dealers early next year. The price is not yet known, but the most important thing will be the price difference between Evo and non-Evo, i.e. how much we will pay extra for the KTM automatic.
Editor information
Dominik Valášek – (Subscribe to the author’s articles)
CONTINUE TO THE NEXT CHAPTER
The author of the article received a bonus CZK 0 of 0 users.
Ah, the motorcycle industry – where evolution is the name of the game! KTM seems to be playing it cool with its latest offering, the new Super Adventure, by opting for a gradual evolution instead of an explosive transformation. It’s like when a comedian gets a new haircut; you’re expecting a big reveal, but all you get is a slightly neater style. Don’t worry, folks, the bike still has a familiar face, though with some snazzy updates that might impress even the most jaded bikers in the audience.
Now, let’s talk about the frame. Apparently, KTM has been hitting the gym, as this new model boasts a frame that’s higher stiffness – 13% stiffer longitudinally, 23% transversely, and a whopping 73% more torsional stiffness. Yes, you heard that right – that’s more stiffness than my grandma’s back after a 5-hour bingo session! And much like grandma’s famous fruitcake, some things just carry over from the previous model – the frame architecture is taken straight from the existing 1290. Think of it as the awkward family reunion of motorcycles.
Moving on to aesthetics – the headlight has undergone a makeover – it’s no longer a flat, boring thing; no, it’s been split into two separate segments with a cute little lens in between. It’s like the LED daytime running lights got a trendy facelift. And let’s not forget about the new aerodynamic label. It now moves in a stunning 70 millimeters compared to the previous 55! I can already hear MotoGP fans cheering. Because when you’re zooming down the highway at breakneck speeds, you absolutely need that aerodynamic label working overtime.
Now, ergonomics! Changes are subtle but impactful. The new saddle offers more height adjustment, making it easier to find that sweet spot or work on your leg stretches while you’re at it! The footpegs are now 8 millimeters lower and 10 millimeters wider, so if you have wide legs, you can finally say goodbye to feeling like a pretzel on your bike. Plus, 30-millimeter wider handlebars mean you won’t be “wheely” uncomfortable anymore. And heaven forbid, they’ve even made room for oversized phones! Because let’s be honest – who can ride without their favorite playlist? (Or PowerPoint presentation, if that’s your thing!)
But hold on to your helmets, because the most thrilling part is the engine! Now sporting a larger drilling of 110 millimeters, we’re talking about an increase in volume from 1,301 cm³ to 1,350 cm³. It’s like all those “extra crispy” chicken adverts finally delivering on their promises. The power has boosted up to 173 hp and 145 Nm of torque. Just for comparison, that’s slightly better than the BMW R 1300 GS, which boasts 145 hp at a light jog. Honestly, I don’t know what I just said, but I hope it sounds impressive!
With a bit of magic called Camshift variable timing, this engine doesn’t just roar; it growls, it purrs, it offers a high torque experience across the rev spectrum. New modifications in cooling and reliability have even doubled the interval for major service! You thought 60 thousand kilometers between services was a pipe dream? Not anymore! It’s astonishing how many technical upgrades are packed in this two-wheeled beast, though I’m still waiting for someone to create a motorcycle that offers coffee while you ride.
Now, about that fancy new AMT transmission – it offers automated shifting options that range from complete automation to manual control. You can go full robot or channel your inner MotoGP star. Honestly, with all the modern gadgets packed in, it sounds more like a sci-fi film than a motorcycle. From collision warning systems to adaptive cruise control, it’s making the old systems look like VHS tapes in the world of streaming. Can we just give KTM a moment to bask in our awe? They’re practically inventing the future of motorcycling over there.
As we eagerly await the official release on October 24, where we expect the 1390 Super Adventure S to strut its stuff—complete with the non-Evo version following closely behind—let’s not forget the anticipation building up. Sure, the details of the weight and pricing are still under wraps, but one thing is clear: KTM isn’t just rolling out a motorcycle; they’re unleashing a masterpiece on wheels. So, stay tuned because the future of motorcycling is revving up, and if the buzz is anything to go by, early next year is going to be a wild ride! Just don’t forget to check that balance in the budget before you get too excited, or else you might end up with only half a tank of gas and a dream!
Editor Information:
Dominik Valášek – Keep an eye out for his articles – they’re like a treasure map for motorcycle enthusiasts!
