KTM’s Beast of a Street Bike Returns to Its Most Focused Evolution

Upon its addition to the KTM lineup, the 1290 Super Duke R earned the nickname ‘the Beast.’ Needless to say, it wasn’t a moniker that stuck because of an approachable output or accommodating riding manners.

As a result, the bike has since commanded quite the following throughout its production life, and KTM has continued to tweak it with power updates, chassis improvements and added electronic aids. In more ways than one, the current 1390 Super Duke R Evo is a highly evolved beast compared to its predecessors. 

KTM

Even still, it can’t hold up against the latest in a string of KTM’s releases. As an even more sculpted version of the 1390 Super Duke platform, it unleashes the brand’s wildest (yet also most refined) beast yet.

The Super Duke goes on a diet

Meet the new 2026 KTM 1390 Super Duke RR, a motorcycle the Austrian manufacturer is billing as “the most extreme evolution” of its hypernaked philosophy. If you’re familiar with other potent KTM rides, you’ll know this amounts to a bold statement.

For starters, the bike has been on an aggressive cut that makes it even more focused and responsive than its predecessors. KTM cites a 24-pound reduction compared to the standard 1390 Super Duke R, bringing the curb weight down further from an already svelte 440 pounds dry.

KTM

Of course, that’s a feat accomplished through the informed addition of some truly drool-worthy materials and components. In addition to an abundance of carbon fiber, you’ll find featherweight forged wheels and a MotoGP-derived suspension setup comprising WP Pro forks and shocks.

What’s more, the 1390 Super Duke RR promises to be even more capable when ridden at its very limit. As part of the top-shelf upgrades, KTM has also switched out the brakes with a set of Brembo HyPure Sport calipers and wrapped the wheels in Michelin Power GP Hypersport rubber.

KTM

KTM’s techiest street bike yet 

In any event, while the new RR treatment doesn’t give the Super Duke more power, it was hardly lacking in standard form. When paired with a titanium Akrapovič slip-on exhaust, KTM claims 190 horses and 107 lb-ft of torque from the 1,350cc LC8 V-twin.

That said, the bike does benefit from a pretty comprehensive software upgrade. Thanks to the addition of a suite of tech pack features as standard, the brand claims that the 1390 Super Duke RR boasts the “the most complete electronics package ever fitted to a street-going KTM.”

KTM

On the road, this means it touts impactful additions like motor slip regulation, engine brake control, an upgraded quickshifter and even an adaptive brake light. Moreover, KTM has fitted the RR with an all-new 8.8-inch TFT touchscreen display, and it gains a new Beast Mode function alongside its usual Rider Airs and Ride Modes.

Dressed in a set of tank-mounted winglets and wearing a new headlight design and livery, the 1390 Super Duke RR is certainly a bike that draws attention. Whether it’s a looker is obviously subjective, though KTM’s refinements mean it makes a case for realizing the beauty within the beast.

KTM

Availability and pricing

According to KTM’s announcement, the  2026 1390 Super Duke RR is set to arrive at dealers by May. Production will be limited to 350 units. 

KTM

2026 KTM 1390 Super Duke RR

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