Similar to the debut of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R, the KTM 1390 Super Duke GT has been spotted on testing grounds, signaling a revamp in the Austrian company’s lineup. It appears that other models featuring the previous “1290” version of the LC8 V-twin engine are set to follow suit, maintaining the momentum ignited by the flagship Super Duke R.
Before diving into the specifics, let’s refresh our memory on the intricacies of the “1390” engine. Despite the name, KTM’s numerical designations often don’t precisely reflect the engine’s actual displacement. In reality, the 1390 powerplant measures at a true 1,350cc. Compared to its predecessor, the “1290” motor at 1,301cc, the increase is a modest 49cc. This bump stems from a mere 2mm enlargement in bore, from 108 to 110mm, while maintaining the previous 71mm stroke.
However, don’t let the seemingly minor increase fool you. The performance gains of the 1390 engine are substantial, with peak power climbing from a claimed 177 hp to an impressive 188 hp. This enhancement owes much to KTM’s innovative variable valve timing and lift system, akin to BMW’s ShiftCam and systems utilized in several Audi vehicles. The mechanism adjusts the intake camshafts laterally during operation, engaging a second, more aggressive cam profile when the ECU deems it necessary. Consequently, the engine’s peak revs rise from 9,500 to 10,000 rpm, accompanied by a torque increase from 103 to 107 lb.-ft. Given the historical engine tuning similarities between the Super Duke GT and the Super Duke R, it’s reasonable to anticipate that the same principles will apply to this new iteration of the 1390 Super Duke GT.
The upcoming 1390 Super Duke GT heralds significant changes, particularly in its chassis. Unlike its predecessor, which was based on the tubular steel frame of the pre-2020 1290 Super Duke R, the new GT adopts the latest version’s chassis. This updated trellis design, introduced in 2020, boasts approximately three times the rigidity of its predecessor while shedding around 5 pounds from the bike’s overall weight.
In addition to the main frame upgrade, the 1390 Super Duke GT receives a cast aluminum subframe, aligning with the changes implemented in the 2020 Super Duke R. However, the subframe for the GT is uniquely tailored to accommodate enhanced pillion comfort and luggage-carrying capacity. Beneath it, the bike features the same updated single-sided swingarm debuted with the 2020 Super Duke R, while the suspension appears to be the electronically adjustable, semi-active “third gen” WP Apex kit, akin to the one utilized on the current 1390 Super Duke R Evo. Similarly, the Brembo brakes and wheels remain consistent carryovers from the Super Duke R model.
