The 2026 KTM 1390 Super Adventure R is KTM’s answer to riders who want serious off-road capability without surrendering on high-speed performance. This is a full-bore, long-range adventurer built around a reworked LC8 V‑twin and KTM’s new Camshift variable-valve system. It’s loud where it should be, precise where it counts, and heavier than an enduro — but engineered so the extra mass rarely feels clumsy.
WHAT KTM CHANGED FOR 2026
This isn’t a mild update. KTM increased displacement to 1350 cm³ (bore/stroke now 110.0 x 71.0 mm) and added the brand’s Camshift variable cam profiles. The headline factory figures are 173 PS peak power and 145 Nm of torque. KTM also stretched service intervals: valve clearance checks are now listed at around 60,000 km.
ENGINE & ELECTRONICS — POWER THAT CAN BE TAME OR WILD
The Camshift system gives the 1390 an adaptive personality. Below the camshift point the engine behaves with reduced valve lift and shorter valve timing for tractable low-end response. When the cams shift at higher rpm the intake profile opens up and delivers the high-end surge that produces the 173 PS peak.
Practical outcome: you can ride tight, technical singletrack with a measured throttle while still having an open-road, high-speed motor when you want it. Test-ride reports and factory materials confirm that dedicated off‑road modes can reduce peak output dramatically — reviewers measured the off‑road mapping down near 100 hp to make trail work realistic.
CHASSIS, SUSPENSION & WEIGHT
KTM split the difference between rally geometry and long-distance stability. The R wears a 21/18 wheelset, a tall seat (listed at 880 mm / ~34.6 in), and a long-range tank at about 23 litres (~6.08 US gal). Wet/ready-to-ride weight is in the high 240 kg range — reviews list roughly 544–547 lb wet (~247–248 kg), depending on spec and options.
Suspension on the R is hardcore KTM off‑road hardware. The fork is a WP XPLOR 48 mm unit derived from KTM’s off‑road race program, and the rear uses a high-end PDS shock tuned for aggressive terrain. Published riding impressions and tech briefs cite about 9.5 in of usable travel in heavy-duty settings, which is why the R behaves so confidently when you push it off-road despite its mass.
BRAKES, WHEELS & TRACTION AIDS
Stops come from a purpose-upgraded braking system. KTM added Brembo front master cylinder upgrades and a controlled ABS/TC suite that’s IMU-based and fully adjustable. Riders will like the sharper bite and more linear feel over earlier models.
If you plan to ride away-from-everything, the electronics are a real tool: multiple ride modes, off-road traction control settings, adjustable engine braking and hill-hold functions (Tech Pack/Rally Pack options). You can dial the bike into a docile trail mule or into a high-speed touring missile.
ERGONOMICS & LONG-RANGE USABILITY
Seat height and width tell the story: this is not a short-leg bike. Riders with average height should test-stand the bike in a showroom before committing. KTM reduced cockpit clutter with a vertically mounted 8‑inch TFT display and optional navigation and OTA updates. The 23 L tank and improved cooling make high-speed slab miles less stressful, and the chassis makes it easier to maintain highway speeds with confidence even when fully loaded.
REAL-WORLD RIDING: HOW IT FEELS
The engine is tuned to keep its composure at highway pace and folds into a usable, predictable tool in the dirt when you choose the right mode. Yes, you can get the front end to float if you open the throttle too hard on loose surfaces — that’s the nature of 173 hp on a big-tyred adventure bike — but the electronics and suspension allow the rider to manage it without constant panic.
Low-speed maneuvering requires technique and respect for the weight. If you spend most of your miles on tight singletrack, a lighter middleweight ADV will be easier. If your riding includes long highways, heavy luggage, and fast dirt tracks, the 1390 R is in its element.
MAINTENANCE, OPTIONS & COSTS
Factory specs list recommended engine oil as Motorex SAE 10W‑50. Valve checks extended to the 60,000 km interval reduce long‑term ownership costs compared with older big-V twins. KTM offers a four-year limited warranty in many markets and a range of accessory packs — Performance, Tech and Rally options add quickshifter, hill-hold, launch control variants and expanded off‑road ABS mapping.
WHO SHOULD BUY THE 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE R?
- Choose this bike if you need the fastest, most capable long-range rally-capable KTM and you spend serious time on fast gravel roads and highways with occasional hard off-road sections.
- Consider something smaller if you spend the majority of your time on tight technical trails, commute in heavy traffic daily, or are strongly limited by inseam reach.
SHORT, PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS
- Power/torque: 173 PS and 145 Nm make it one of the most powerful ADV twins in its class.
- Tank/seat: 23 L fuel capacity and 880 mm seat height suit long miles but raise access concerns for shorter riders.
- Weight: Expect a wet mass around 244–248 kg (roughly 540–547 lb), and plan loading and recovery strategies accordingly.
- Service interval: KTM lists valve checks only after approximately 60,000 km, a tangible ownership benefit.
FINAL JUDGMENT
The 2026 KTM 1390 Super Adventure R is unapologetically big, fast and focused. It marries rally-capable suspension and geometry with a high-output, modern V‑twin and electronics that let the rider tame or unleash that power as needed. For a rider who needs true long-range capability and expects to mix high-speed dirt with slab miles, it’s a standout. For riders whose world is tight technical trails or who cannot comfortably manage a tall, heavy machine, KTM’s smaller Adventure range will be more sensible.
If you’re buying, spend time on the seat, test the electronic modes, and add luggage and protection options before you ride into the remote stuff. This one rewards preparation — and punishes overconfidence.
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