In 2026, the heavyweight adventure class has officially entered a new dimension. While the “liter-class” used to be defined by 1,000cc engines, the arms race has pushed displacement, horsepower, and technology to levels once reserved for superbikes. At the heart of this revolution is the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S.
KTM 1390 Super Adventure S: Powerful, Tech-Loaded ADV Bike.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a motorcycle that combines raw, heart-pounding power with the kind of technology you’d expect from a luxury sports car, the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S is here to make that dream a reality — and then some.
KTM has never been shy about pushing limits, but with the 1390 Super Adventure S, the Austrian brand has genuinely redefined what an adventure motorcycle can be. At its heart sits a reworked 1350cc LC8 V-twin engine churning out a class-leading 173 hp — a significant jump over its predecessor — paired with CamShift variable valve timing technology for a power delivery that feels equally at home in crawling city traffic and wide-open highways.
But power alone doesn’t tell the full story. The 1390 Super Adventure S arrives loaded with a suite of rider aids that feel genuinely useful rather than just spec-sheet padding. Think next-generation WP semi-active suspension, Brembo radial brakes, a brand-new V80 portrait touchscreen, and an optional 5th-generation Bosch front radar system with adaptive cruise control, collision warning, and brake assist.
Whether you’re planning a transcontinental tour through Europe, blasting canyon roads in the American Southwest, or picking your way through the winding back lanes of the British countryside, the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S has been engineered to do it all — confidently, safely, and with a sense of occasion that makes every ride feel like an event.
In this deep-dive review, we’ll unpack everything you need to know: the specs, the riding experience, how it stacks up against rivals like the BMW R 1300 GS, and most importantly — whether it’s worth your hard-earned money. Let’s get into it.
KTM 1390 Super Adventure S – Full Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 75° V-twin (LC8) |
| Displacement | 1350 cc |
| Max Power | 173 hp (129 kW) @ 9,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 145 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 13:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled with water/oil heat exchanger |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection (Keihin EMS, ride-by-wire) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual, chain drive |
| Clutch | Multi-plate wet clutch |
| Frame Type | Chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame |
| Front Suspension | WP SAT semi-active USD fork (48 mm) |
| Rear Suspension | WP SAT semi-active monoshock |
| Suspension Travel | 220 mm (front & rear) |
| Front Brake | Dual 320 mm discs, Brembo 4-piston calipers |
| Rear Brake | 267 mm disc, Brembo 2-piston caliper |
| ABS System | Cornering ABS (Bosch with advanced rider aids) |
| Front Tire | 19-inch (120/70 approx.) |
| Rear Tire | 17-inch (170/60 approx.) |
| Wheelbase | 1558 mm (61.3 in.) |
| Weight (Dry) | 227 kg (500 lbs approx.) |
| Weight (Wet) | 244 kg (538 lbs approx.) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23 liters (6.07 US gallons) |
| Display | 8-inch TFT touchscreen with connectivity (glove-friendly) |
| Riding Modes | Multiple ride modes (Street, Sport, Rain, Off-road, Custom) |
| Lighting | Full LED with cornering lights |
| Additional Features | Adjustable windshield, cornering ABS, wheelie control, connectivity, optional AMT (EVO variant) |
| Price | $20,999 – $23,500+ |
The Powerhouse: 1,350cc of Pure Adrenaline
The headline for 2026 is the engine. KTM has reworked the legendary LC8 V-Twin, increasing displacement from 1,301cc to 1,350cc. But the displacement is only half the story; the real magic lies in the new Camshift technology.
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At Low Revs: The cams prioritize smooth torque and fuel efficiency, making the bike surprisingly docile in city traffic or technical dirt sections.
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At High Revs: The camshafts shift laterally, opening the valves wider and for longer. This unleashes a staggering 173 HP and 145 Nm of torque.
The Transmission Revolution: Manual vs. AMT
For 2026, KTM offers two distinct flavors of the 1390: the standard S (Manual) and the S EVO (Automated Manual Transmission).
The KTM AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)
The “S EVO” model introduces the AMT, which eliminates the clutch lever entirely. Unlike a traditional automatic, this is a performance-oriented system that allows for:
Comparison: KTM 1390 Super Adventure S vs. BMW R1300GS
| Feature | KTM 1390 Super Adventure S (2026) | BMW R1300GS (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Architecture | 1350cc Liquid-Cooled V-Twin | 1300cc Air/Liquid-Cooled Boxer |
| Max Horsepower | 173 HP @ 9,500 rpm | 145 HP @ 7,750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 145 Nm @ 8,000 rpm | 149 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Wet Weight | 245 kg (540 lbs) approx. | 237 kg (522 lbs) |
| Seat Height | 847 / 867 mm (Adjustable) | 850 mm (33.5 in) – Adjustable |
| Fuel Capacity | 23 L (6.1 US Gal) | 19 L (5.0 US Gal) |
| Electronics | Radar ACC, 8-inch Vertical TFT | Radar ACC, Front Collision Warning |
| Price | $20,999 – $23,500+ | $20,274 – $26,000+ |
High-Performance Gear for the 1390 Rider
When you are piloting a machine capable of these speeds, your gear is your life-support system. Here is the 2026 kit designed to match the 1390’s capabilities.
The Helmet: Arai Tour-X5 (KTM Edition)
A 173 HP ADV bike needs a helmet that won’t buffet at high speeds. The Arai Tour-X5 is the benchmark for aerodynamics. In 2026, it features an improved “V-shape” visor that cuts through the air, and its multi-density EPS liner is designed specifically for high-energy impacts.
The Suit: KTM PowerWear Terra Adventure V2
Designed in collaboration with Alpinestars, this suit is a “modular” masterpiece. It features a removable GORE-TEX waterproof shell and massive “air-vent” panels on the chest and back. When you’re working hard in a technical section, the ventilation is life-saving; when the weather turns on a mountain pass, the GORE-TEX keeps you bone dry.
The Boots: Alpinestars Toucan GORE-TEX
You need a boot that can protect your ankles if you drop a 245kg bike, but still allow you to “feel” the gear lever. The Toucan offers a rigid lateral ankle brace (like a motocross boot) but features a flexible GORE-TEX membrane for walking comfort.
Tech: Cardo Packtalk Edge (KTM Special)
With the 1390’s new 8.8-inch touchscreen handling your navigation and music, you need a comms system that integrates perfectly. The Packtalk Edge uses “Air Mount” magnetic technology and JBL speakers, ensuring you can hear your turn-by-turn directions even over the roar of the V-Twin at 9,000 RPM.
KTM 1390 Super Adventure S: People Also Ask
How much horsepower does the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S have?
The 2026 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S pumps out around 170 hp from its 1,350cc V-twin engine, delivering explosive torque (107 lb-ft) for highway dominance and off-road grunt rivaling superbikes while keeping adventure versatility.
What is the AMT gearbox on the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo, and do I need it?
AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) lets you choose between traditional manual shifting via foot lever or bar-mounted paddles, or a fully automatic twist-and-go mode all without a clutch lever.
How does the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S compare to the BMW R 1300 GS?
The KTM wins on outright power (173 hp vs BMW’s 145 hp) and technology breadth, while the BMW R 1300 GS is lighter and has a more established reliability reputation. Both offer semi-active suspension and radar cruise control, but the KTM brings a more aggressive, performance first character making it the better pick for speed enthusiasts, while the GS remains the benchmark for all-round versatility.
Is the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S suitable for off-road riding?
The “S” is primarily street-focused, rolling on 19-inch front and 17-inch cast alloy wheels optimised for tarmac performance. It offers multiple ride modes including Offroad, and the semi-active suspension handles light gravel and dirt tracks confidently.
When will the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S be available in the USA, and what is the expected price?
The standard 1390 Super Adventure S is already available in several markets, while the AMT-equipped S Evo is slated for North America as a 2026 model. Official US pricing has not yet been confirmed, but based on European pricing and its class positioning, expect it to sit in the $20,000–$24,000 range — competitive with the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure variants.
Final Thoughts
The KTM 1390 Super Adventure S is not just an update — it’s a statement. KTM has taken everything that made the 1290 a respected adventure machine and supercharged it with more power, smarter electronics, and a riding experience that genuinely blurs the line between touring comfort and sports bike excitement.
Could we find fault? Minor ones. The 245 kg wet weight means it demands respect at slow speeds, and the premium pricing places it firmly in aspirational territory. For riders who want a more off-road-capable companion, the Adventure R makes more sense.
Power & Performance ★★★★★
Technology ★★★★★
Comfort ★★★★☆
Off-road Ability ★★★☆☆
Value for Money ★★★★☆
