KTM 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE R Picture this: You’re standing at the edge of a seemingly endless gravel road, winding through barren mountainscapes or dusty deserts. What do you need? Not a luxury cruiser, but a beast. A motorcycle that craves adventure as much as you do—one that takes a beating and propels you forward with brutal efficiency. This is where the KTM 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE R comes in. Less of a motorcycle, more of a statement. A bike that doesn’t just push boundaries—it outright ignores them.

Looks: Function Over Everything

Just look at it. The 1390 R isn’t built for posing in front of Cologne Cathedral. It’s tall, angular, almost aggressive in its stance. The long suspension travel, the chunky off-road tires (usually standard), the high-mounted exhaust—every detail screams “Dirt!” The slim fuel tank is deliberately designed to give you maximum freedom of movement when standing up. KTM goes all-in on weight savings wherever possible, though “light” is a relative term for a machine like this. The result? A presence that commands respect. It’s the two-wheeled equivalent of a shredded athlete in performance gear—no unnecessary bulk, no flashy gimmicks, just pure intent.

The Heart of the Beast: The LC8 Powerhouse

That “1390” in the name isn’t just for show. KTM bored out its legendary V2 engine to a whopping 1,350cc. The result? Sheer, unadulterated power. We’re talking around 160 hp and a torque curve that kicks in early and launches you forward like a slingshot. But it’s not just raw brutality—this engine is far more refined than its predecessors. Throttle response is sharper, the power delivery more precise. The deep growl of the V2 morphs into a furious howl under load—a soundtrack guaranteed to give you goosebumps.

The best part? This power isn’t just for straight-line speed. Off-road, at low speeds and on tricky terrain, the abundant torque is a godsend. You can short-shift, clutch less, and let the bike pull you through deep sand or steep, slippery climbs with an almost unfair level of confidence. KTM nailed the balance between brute performance and real-world off-road capability.

Chassis & Suspension: Built for the Rough Stuff

This is where the “R” truly shines. The chromoly steel frame is the backbone, but the real magic lies in the fully adjustable WP XPLOR PRO suspension. Up front, you’ve got beefy upside-down forks with separate compression and rebound damping; out back, a monoshock—both offering a generous 240mm of travel. That’s not just a number—it’s your lifeline in the rough.

This setup swallows potholes, rocks, roots, and washboard ruts like they’re nothing more than minor vibrations. It keeps the wheels planted and you in control. Ground clearance is another strong suit—you don’t go around obstacles, you go over them. Period. Combined with the standard spoked wheels (for maximum durability on hard landings), the 1390 R gives you a near-indestructible feel.

Electronics: Your High-Tech Co-Pilot

As wild as the 1390 R is, it’s no dinosaur. The whole package is wrapped in cutting-edge tech, starting with the sharp TFT display—your command center for an arsenal of rider aids:

• Multiple Ride Modes (Including Optional Rally Mode): From mellow “Street” to aggressive “Sport,” open “Offroad,” and the ultra-permissive “Rally” mode—you can fine-tune the bike exactly how you need it. Rally mode is pure gold in deep off-road sections, giving you maximum control over slip and power delivery.
• Motor Slip Regulation (MSR): Prevents rear-wheel lock-up when chopping the throttle—crucial for stability on loose surfaces or wet roads.
• Cornering MTC & ABS: Both lean-angle-sensitive. Traction control intervenes just enough to keep the rear wheel in check without killing forward momentum. Off-road ABS can be fully disabled at the rear (essential for controlled slides) and reduced at the front.
• Quickshifter+ (Up & Down): For clutchless shifts—a real bonus when riding hard.
• Cruise Control & Optional Lane Assist: For those long highway stretches between adventures.

Daily Riding? Sure… But Let’s Be Real

Can you commute on the 1390 R? Absolutely. The upright seating is comfortable, the windscreen (often power-adjustable) works well, and the electronics keep things manageable even on wet backroads. But let’s be honest—that’s not what it’s for. It’s tall, wide (especially with the rally-style handlebar), loud, and firmly focused on off-road performance. The tank gives decent range, but you’ll feel its ~220 kg (dry) weight in stop-and-go traffic. This is a bike that makes zero compromises for the sake of pavement comfort.

Who’s This Fox For?

The KTM 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE R isn’t for beginners or Sunday café racers. It’s the ultimate tool for serious adventure riders who don’t just ride trails—they conquer them. For those chasing the most remote places, demanding a bike as tough and relentless as they are. It commands respect—both in how it rides and in its premium price tag—and it requires skill, especially off-road.

Final Verdict: Not Just a Motorcycle—A Passport

The 1390 R isn’t a plush touring couch. It’s a challenge, an invitation, and ultimately, a license. A license to ride where others won’t. A license to not just test limits, but rewrite them. With its brutal power, unmatched off-road prowess, and smart electronics, it’s the undisputed king of hardcore adventure bikes.

“Yeah, it’s loud. And demanding. And it’ll push you—physically and mentally. But that’s the whole damn point, isn’t it? For those of us who want more than just smooth tarmac, who crave that adrenaline rush when things get wild, this is the machine. The 1390 R doesn’t coddle you—it drags you to places lesser bikes can’t reach. To forgotten trails, viewpoints far off the tourist radar.

Forget poetic nonsense about ‘keys to freedom’—this is a hardcore tool for riders who want to tame real terrain. A tool that won’t let you down when things get steep, rocky, or sandy. It’s not about romance—it’s about trust. Trust that this bike will get you through. So if you’re ready to push yourself and explore places you’d otherwise only see on Google Earth… well, now you know where to look. The trails are out there. And so is the 1390 R.“