Adventure motorcycles have always promised do‑it‑all versatility. In a way, this is what fueled the fastest‑growing segment in motorcycling. Yet the story has never been straightforward for heavyweight machines. Some were plush enough for long freeway runs but felt like towering skyscrapers the moment you hit dirt. Others were desert‑slaying beasts that rattled your teeth loose by the third fuel stop.
Then there are a few unicorns that truly deliver on that promise, improving with each generation as they refine the balancing act. One of the most impressive examples comes from Austria’s legendary big‑displacement lineage, a brand known for raw aggression and rally pedigree. So, here’s how KTM has finally managed to smooth out the rough edges and blend comfort with true capability.
Full-Size ADVs Rarely Bring Proper Off-Road Abilities
While comfort is almost a guarantee on full-size ADVs, they rarely bring proper off-road prowess. That’s something middleweight ADVs like the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and Yamaha Tenere 700 do better, given their low weight and stripped-back serious designs. In fact, most bikemakers rarely have properly premium off-road adventure bikes at all. Just look at the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally, for instance. It aims to be off-road-capable, but if you want serious dirt abilities, Ducati would pitch you its DesertX instead. There are exceptions, though, and the bike below is exactly that.
The KTM 1390 Super Adventure R Finally Gets Comfort And Capability Right
KTM has always carried its “Ready to Race” philosophy as a badge of honor, building a reputation for producing some of the most aggressive and dirt‑capable motorcycles out there. Its adventure lineup now covers all the bases. At one end, you have the entry‑level 390 Adventure. Step up, and you find the 890 Adventure R, a mid‑weight machine that thrives on technical trails.
Sitting at the top is the recently updated 2026 1390 Super Adventure lineup, replacing the outgoing 1290 Super Adventure generation with more displacement, more refinement, and more tech. The 1390 comes in two flavors. The R variant, which we are focusing on here, appeals to purists who want a traditional manual gearbox and serious off‑road capability. The S EVO variant is more road‑biased, with an Automated Manual Transmission and radar technology aimed at long‑haul comfort.
Rally-Proven Performance At $21,649
The 1390 Super Adventure R lands at $21,649, a sweet spot that undercuts rivals while still delivering flagship performance. The BMW R 1300 GS Adventure starts at $23,795 and climbs quickly once you begin ticking option boxes to match KTM’s kit. The Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally will set you back a hefty $32,495, asking over ten grand more for similar capability wrapped in Italian styling. Finally, there’s the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer, which comes in at $24,895.
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Big LC8 V-Twin Delivers Explosive Power With Refinement
KTM gave the LC8 engine on the 1390 Super Adventure a serious upgrade. The bore has been pushed out to 110 millimeters while the stroke stays at 71, bumping displacement to 1,350 cc from the 1,301 cc of the 1290 Super Adventure. Compression is now 13:1, which adds punch and efficiency. The real trick is KTM’s new Camshift system. With variable valve timing on the inlet camshafts, the engine feels smooth and tractable at low speeds, then transforms into a high‑lift, high‑duration powerhouse at high revs.
Fueling is equally refined. Ride‑by‑wire throttle and advanced fuel injection keep delivery precise, while 54 millimeter throttle bodies and a sophisticated Keihin EFI system feed the bigger appetite. The result is a linear, predictable surge of power that makes you feel more in control than ever.
Balanced Power Delivery To Conquer Any Terrain
The 75‑degree V‑twin now produces 170 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 107 pound‑feet of torque at 8,000 rpm. That is serious muscle, making the 1390 among the most powerful adventure bikes on the market. The six‑speed manual transmission and PASC slipper clutch are built to handle the extra load, while the optional quickshifter lets you flick through gears smoothly without touching the clutch. The final drive is a chain.
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Adventure Geometry That Balances Comfort and Control
The 1390 Super Adventure R is built around a steel trellis frame. A long swingarm and geometry tuned for stability and torsional stiffness give the bike extra rigidity. A 25.2‑degree rake and 4.4 inches of trail should give it decent on-road abilities, too. All this while, the wheelbase is 62.1 inches wheelbase and there’s 9.5 inches of ground clearance.
The ergonomics promise to be upright and comfortable, with the footpegs now 8 millimeters lower and 10 millimeters wider. The handlebar is wider and adjustable, so you can fine‑tune your fit. Seat height remains at 34.6 inches, which can be a stretch for some riders. Wet weight comes in at about 549 pounds, which is right in line with other bikes in its class.
Geometry And Underpinning That Work On And Off Road
Suspension comes from WP XPLOR, with 48‑millimeter inverted forks up front and a fully adjustable monoshock with Progressive Damping System in the rear. Both ends deliver 9.4 inches of travel, more than enough to soak up rocks, ruts, and potholes. The wheel setup is classic adventure spec, with a 21‑inch front and 18‑inch rear, both spoked and ready with off‑road tires. Braking is handled by Brembo, with dual 320‑millimeter front discs and four‑piston calipers, plus a 267‑millimeter rear disc. Cornering ABS ties it all together.
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Packs Technology That Helps You Go Further, Faster, Safer
KTM’s Super Adventure models have always been loaded with tech, and the 1390 R keeps that tradition alive. Front and center is a huge 8‑inch portrait‑style TFT touchscreen that feels more like a command hub. On the electronics front, you get lean‑sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, cruise control, keyless ignition with the ARA system, and a tire pressure monitor. Ride modes cover Rain, Street, Sport, Off‑Road, and Custom, while Rally mode is available as an optional upgrade. KTM also offers Hill Hold Control, Quickshifter Plus, and a front radar unit through its accessories catalog.
Aggressive Stance That Makes Sense
The 1390 Super Adventure R’s aggressive looks fit every bit the part of a modern KTM. The front end has been completely redesigned to match the latest generation of the brand’s lineup. Fresh bodywork and a shorter windshield keep the focus on off‑road riding, while a stiffer crash bar adds durability. The LED headlight is the centerpiece, complete with cornering functionality. Put it all together, and the 1390 R becomes a rare machine that balances raw, high‑capacity power with genuine everyday usability. For modern explorers, this evolution finally blends the harmony of comfort, technology, and unyielding capability exactly right.
Sources: KTM USA