Saying your adventure touring bike is the most advanced is quite the claim in 2025: you’re up against some stone-cold killers when it comes to the tricksy gizmo and gadget.
Ducati and BMW are no mugs, and the various Multistradas, GS and XR models all have Space-Shuttle rivalling levels of technology in terms of performance-enhancing riding aids, safety kit and luxury touring accoutrements (yes we know the Space Shuttle was old 1970s tech really but you get the idea).
But that ‘most advanced’ claim is exactly what KTM is making with the new 2025 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO model that’s just been launched. And while the Austrian outfit adds a mild caveat about it being the most technologically-advanced machine in its line-up, it also says the new bike ‘obliterates the playing field’. Big talk indeed.
But a quick look down the spec list lends plenty of weight to Team Orange’s claims. It has the latest WP semi-active electronic suspension, new bodywork with updated LED lighting, a gigantic iPad-sized 8.8 inch touchscreen dashboard with new switchgear to help operate it, and the latest radar-assisted Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
This uses a fifth-generation radar sensor from Bosch, featuring performance optimization, improved truck detection, a higher maximum speed, and updated cancellation thresholds, with Dynamic, Street, and Group Ride functionality. This new ACC setup also adds Brake Assistance, Collision Warning, and Distance Warning for 2025.
The engine is uprated with more cubes – up from 1,300 to 1,350cc – and extra power. It’s now putting out 173 PS@9,500 rpm and 145Nm@8,000 rpm, thanks to reworked engine internals and all-new CAMSHIFT variable valve technology.
This is claimed to provide improved rideability in the low rpm range as well as higher peak performance, low emissions, and better fuel consumption. At higher revs, the inlet cams shift sideways, opening the valves wider, for a longer time to maximise gas flow and provide more top-end performance.
In the lower rev range, the inlet cams reduce the valve timing and lift, optimizing torque and low-down rideability.
This new powerplant is mated to KTM’s all-new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) – a first for the firm and exclusive to the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO for the moment.
It was first seen as a prototype in the hands of Johnny Aubert on the formidable Iron Road Prologue at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, and KTM says it’s one of the most innovative engine developments the firm has come up with in recent years.
AMT allows the rider to choose between a traditional manual shifting gearbox, by way of the foot lever or bar-mounted paddles, or a completely twist-and-go automated transmission with automatic centrifugal clutch operation and robotic gear changes.
Even more impressively, the AMT system works alongside the radar-assisted Adaptive Cruise Control to give full ‘start and stop’ ability in traffic. This has been around in cars for years, but it’s a first in a bike we reckon, and will probably take some time to get used to (you’ll also need to be ready to put a foot down when you stop of course…)
It’s scarcely worth pointing out, but the new 1390 Super Adventure S EVO also comes with all of the usual riding aids: cornering switchable ABS, cornering traction, quickshifter, four power modes, wheelie control, engine brake control and more.
The semi-active WP SAT suspension is a new design, with 48mm USD forks and rear monoshock, with the whole system claimed to be tuned for more precise action and consistent damping behaviour at higher frequencies.
This was achieved using new PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) sensors, together with a new through-rod fork construction that combines damper design borrowed from both Open Cartridge and Closed Cartridge suspension units.
Styling and ergonomics have also been updated for 2025, with new bodywork and seat design, all-new LED headlight, new windshields, and storage compartment, to mention a few.
And the frame’s also been revised for reworked frame stiffness, improving handling and track stability, with 8mm lower and 10mm wider footpeg positioning to improve rider comfort thanks to a wider knee angle.
It’s a tempting proposition for sure, and looks set to put the gigantic orange adventure machine back in the fight for 2025. No final word on UK pricing as we write this, but the new 2025 Super Adventure S will be in showrooms in February.
| 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE S EVO TECH SPECS | |
| Engine | |
| Engine type | twin-cylinder, four-stroke, V 75° (EURO 5+) |
| Displacement | 1,350 cc |
| Bore/stroke | 110/71mm |
| Power | 127 kW (173 PS) @ 9.500 rpm |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 8.000 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 13:1 |
| Starter/battery | Electric starter / 12V 8Ah Lithium-Ion battery |
| Transmission | Automated Manual transmission (AMT), 6 gears |
| Fuel system | Keihin EFI (54 mm throttle bodies) |
| Valve gear | four valves per cylinder/DOHC/Camshift |
| Lubrication | Pressure lubrication with 3 Eaton pumps |
| Engine oil | Motorex, SAE 10W-50 |
| Primary drive | 40:76 |
| Final drive | 17:42, chain |
| Cooling | Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger |
| Clutch | Automatic PASC slipper clutch, centrifugally operated |
| Engine management | Keihin EMS with RBW, double ignition |
| Traction control | Cornering MTC (lean-angle sensitive, disengageable, 4 modes, Rally mode opt.) |
| Fuel consumption | 6,7 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 155 g/km |
| Chassis | |
| Frame | Chrome-Moly steel trellis frame, powder coated |
| Subframe | Aluminium, powder coated |
| Handlebar | Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm |
| Front suspension | WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down Ø 48 mm |
| Adjustability | Semi-active |
| Rear suspension | WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber |
| Adjustability | Semi-active, electronically regulated preload |
| Suspension travel front/rear | 200/200 mm |
| Front brake | 2 x Brembo four-piston, radially mounted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm |
| Rear brake | Brembo twin-piston, fixed caliper, brake disc Ø 267 mm |
| ABS | Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS, 3 modes) |
| Wheels front/rear | Cast aluminium wheels 3.50 x 19″; 5.00 x 17″ |
| Tyres front/rear | Dunlop Meridian 120/70 ZR 19; 170/60 ZR 17 |
| Chain | X-Ring 525 |
| Silencer | Stainless steel silencer |
| Steering head angle | 65,2° |
| Triple clamp offset | 32 mm |
| Trail | 110 mm |
| Wheel base | 1558 mm ± 15 mm |
| Ground clearance | 223 mm |
| Seat height | 847/867 mm |
| Tank capacity (approx.) | approx. 23 litres/5 l reserve |
| Weight (empty) | 228 kg |
| Weight (fully fueled) | 245 kg |
| Electronics | |
| ABS Modes | Street, Sport (cornering sensitive) / Offroad |
| Ride Modes | Street, Sport, Rain, Offroad, RALLY (TA), 3 custom modes |
| Engine Management Systems | MTC, MSR, Engine Brake Control |
| Cruise Control | ACC |
| Heated grips | Technical Accessory |
| Connectivity | Onboard Map Navigation, Call-In, Call-Out, Music Selection |
| Technical Accessories (TA) | Tech Pack, Rally Pack, Suspension Pro |