KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO 2025 with Prototype Test

The exterior of the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO 2025 has been revamped to meet both aesthetic and functional demands. The seat and ergonomics have been crafted to enhance comfort on long rides. Wider footpegs and an 8 mm lower footpeg position provide a more relaxed knee angle, which is particularly beneficial on extended tours to further reduce fatigue. The fairing design promises improved aerodynamics, while a newly redesigned windscreen, now adjustable in height from 55 mm to 70 mm, aims to offer better wind protection.

The chassis of the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO has been further developed in collaboration with WP. The semi-active damping technology (SAT) has been revised to allow for even finer tuning. New sensors for pulse width modulation and an optimized fork design combine elements from open and closed systems, improving adaptation to various riding conditions. These changes aim to make the bike's behavior more stable and predictable on both road and off-road terrains.

The frame stiffness has also been increased to enhance handling at higher speeds and on challenging terrain. This provides the motorcycle with a balanced mix of stability and agility, making it suitable for a wide range of riding conditions.

The wheel sizes remain the same as its predecessor, with 120/70/19 at the front and 170/60/17 at the rear. However, the often-criticized original equipment tire of the 1290 Adventure S has been replaced by the proven road-oriented Dunlop Trailmax Meridian.

At the heart of the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO lies an enlarged engine. The displacement has been increased to 1,350 cc, similar to the 1390 Super Duke, resulting in increased power output. The unit now delivers 173 HP at 9,500 RPM and a heftier torque of 145 Nm, which kicks in at 8,000 RPM—over 1,000 RPM later than the 1290 model. However, there's still plenty of grunt even from low revs, as I had the chance to experience during a prototype test ride, but more on that later.

The introduction of CAMSHIFT technology is also set to enhance valve control. At lower RPMs, the lift of the intake cams is reduced to ensure smoother power delivery, while at higher RPMs, the valves open longer and wider to achieve maximum engine output. This approach combines efficiency with the ability to have the engine's full power available on-demand.

A technical innovation from KTM, known even before the Super Adventure announcement, is the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), making its debut in the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO 2025. This technology allows the rider to choose between manual shifting and a fully automatic riding mode. In manual mode, gears can be changed either via the foot shifter or paddle shifters on the handlebars. The automatic mode takes over gear shifting entirely, offering a hassle-free ride without compromising the riding experience.

The AMT, which originated in the prototype for Johnny Aubert at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, expands options for the rider, especially during long trips or in heavy city traffic where frequent shifting is required. This technology simplifies the ride depending on the situation without sacrificing control over the motorcycle. The KTM Instagram channel's wheelie sessions clearly show that this automatic transmission is anything but boring.

Another innovation is the V80-TFT display unit (featuring 32 GB storage and 3 GB RAM supporting eSim, GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi), integrated into an 8-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. This display is designed to be easily operated even with gloves on and remains highly readable under difficult lighting conditions. Anti-reflective, anti-fingerprint, and anti-glare coatings ensure clarity even in bright sunlight.

Through the TFT display, riders can access a wide range of settings and information, including ride modes, connectivity options (such as an offline navigation system), and adaptive cruise control (ACC).

The latter feature is already known from the 1290 Super Adventure S, but now, in conjunction with the AMT, it offers a traffic distance control function that can autonomously stop and restart the motorcycle in stop-and-go traffic. How this will function in practice, such as whether a warning will appear on the display indicating to put your foot down, remains to be seen.

The KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO 2025 is equipped with the latest generation of adaptive cruise control (ACC), supported by a new fifth-generation front radar sensor from Bosch, which includes a braking assistant, collision warning, and distance warning. This system can automatically regulate the distance to vehicles ahead, thereby offering increased safety, especially on longer highway journeys.

Additional safety features include improved truck detection and various modes for dynamic riding or group rides. These features aim to make riding on diverse routes safer and more relaxed.

The KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO 2025 will be available from the start of the 2025 season at authorized KTM dealers. The new flagship model is expected to be priced higher than the current KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, which is listed at €23,990 in Austria and €21,599 in Germany. KTM is offering a VAT-equivalent discount on the outgoing model in both markets. It's a great time to make a purchase, especially for those who can do without the extra power, features, and the automated transmission AMT.

In mid-September, KTM invited selected journalists to a special event at their main plant in Mattighofen. Alongside an intensive tour of all the facilities (including research and development!), day two featured a ride with various prototypes. Among them was a KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO equipped with the AMT. The half-hour I spent in the saddle of this powerful adventure tourer was highly promising. The engine—what a powerhouse! Even at low revs, it shows a smooth, responsive character that hints at the incredible potential for power delivery in this class. The display animations are fluid and the information is detailed. The semi-active suspension responds so well that you feel instantly at home on the big bike. Initial impressions of the AMT were also positive, with gear changes occurring quickly and smoothly, at least in automatic mode. When shifting manually, the feel with the foot shifter is good, though the buttons on the left handlebar of the tested prototype are still a bit unfamiliar. Additionally, the AMT currently lacks a kickdown function.