2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR

Alan Dowds

Alan Dowds has been writing about motorcycles since 1994, when he launched his own Scottish bike magazine in Glasgow....

Published: April 23, 2026

The Austrian brand’s wildest limited-edition supernaked raises its game once again for 2026, with a stunning 11kg weight saving over the Super Duke 1390 R, Brembo HyPure brakes, forged wheels, WP Pro suspension and a 192bhp 1,350cc V-twin engine

KTM’s Super Duke has long been the wild choice in the supernaked category. Since it was first launched as the 990 Super Duke more than 20 years ago in 2004, the punchy V-twin platform has been a byword for crazy antics.

2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR
2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR

 

KTM used its highest-output V-twin supersport engines, with massive power and torque figures, in a fine-handling chassis package, and aggressive styling to match the take-no-prisoners performance.

2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR
2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR

Not at all a machine for the faint-hearted, it’s been a big hit for the firm throughout the past couple of decades, carving out a niche amongst fans of powerful, fine-handling naked superbikes with unique styling and high-tech equipment.

2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR
2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR

And now for 2026, the firm has released a new benchmark in that family: the Super Duke 1390 RR. It’s based on the ‘R’ variant of the 1390, and is a limited-edition version, with the same Euro 5+ compliant 192bhp 75° 8v DOHC V-twin LC8 motor, making 142Nm of torque. Capacity is a beefy 1,350cc (can it get much bigger?!), there’s Camshift variable valve timing, and on this bike it comes with a titanium Akrapovic end can too, which saves weight and gives a sporty sound.

2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR
2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR

KTM also says that several revisions and updates have been implemented to enhance engine reliability, and that means longer service intervals. Valve clearance checks are now only required after 60,000 kilometres.

2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR
2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR

The chassis makes the big headlines though, and is responsible for a claimed 11kg cut in mass on this bike – now down to 189kg wet without fuel in the 17.5 litre tank. That 11kg weight loss is down to a combination of lighter parts – forged rims, updated suspension, and a load of carbon-fibre bodywork, together with smaller upgrades throughout.

2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR
2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR

KTM’s uprated the suspension package, with a brace of suspension installations which it says are designed for ultimate track performance, with ‘MotoGP inspiration’ behind their design. Up front is a WP Pro Components 8548 Closed Cartridge spring fork with an internally pressurised reservoir that maintains consistent oil pressure and helps prevent cavitation.

2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR
2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR

KTM says it delivers stable, predictable damping performance even under the most challenging riding conditions. Developed with racing in mind, the closed-cartridge design apparently eliminates hydraulic-stroke limitations, enabling riders to continuously and precisely control damping characteristics.

The use of high-quality, lightweight materials further reduces the overall fork weight while improving rigidity and feedback. There’s fully adjustable compression and rebound damping as well as preload adjustment – nice.

2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR
2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR

Out back, there’s a WP Pro Components 8750 shock, which has been developed specifically for the Super Duke RR, and is claimed to deliver exceptional traction, stability, and adjustability for both track and aggressive road riding. It’s been engineered using the latest racing expertise and developed in collaboration with championship-level riders, and the 8750 shock offers a wide range of tuning possibilities.

2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR
2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR

Riders can tailor the suspension setup through independently adjustable high- and low-speed compression damping, plus rebound damping and preload, while a new 50mm piston and 14mm damper rod improve oil circulation and reduce pressure spikes within the damper. KTM says that means smoother operation and more consistent performance under extreme loads.

There are some slick new wheels too: lightweight seven-spoke forged aluminium wheels, inspired by the rims on KTM’s RC16 MotoGP race bike, which weigh 1.5 kg less than the cast rims found on the standard Super Duke R.

2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR
2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR

Those sweet hoops are fitted with Michelin Power Cup 2 track-ready tyres: the street-legal hypersport rubber is claimed to warm up quickly and features a dual-compound construction for optimum grip and stability.

The chassis package is rounded off by Brembo’s latest brake package: two HyPure Sport four-piston radial calipers with 320mm floating discs and a MCS master cylinder.

2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR
2026 KTM Super Duke 1390 RR

KTM says this bike has the most comprehensive electronics package ever on a road bike – all based around a massive new 8.88-inch touchscreen LCD dashboard and six-way backlit switchgear featuring haptic feedback (they click reassuringly when pushed).

Ride modes include a new ‘BEAST’ mode with predictably minimal intervention from the cornering traction control and ABS systems. Wheelie control, launch control, engine brake control, quickshifter and LED lighting are also all there too.

The price for all this? It’s not cheap at £24,999 otr, and only 500 will be made. If you’re keen on this latest nutter machine, get down to your local KTM dealer asap!

www.ktm.com