Meet the motorcycle
The R is the off-road-oriented member of the 1390 family. Its importance is not simply the larger number on the tank: engine breathing, suspension control and the way the rider moves around the motorcycle have been reconsidered together. The following riding implications are engineering interpretation of published equipment, rather than a claim of a road test.
2025 confirmation of the MY26 production programme; North American model release 8 January 2026. This is not a claim of a 2026 global first appearance.
The key numbers
| Item | Manufacturer specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1,350 cc V-twin |
| Output | 173 PS / 145 Nm |
| Suspension travel | 240 / 240 mm |
| Wheels | 21 / 18 in |
| Fuel tank | 23 L |
| Seat / no-fuel weight | 880 mm / 231 kg |
Manufacturer figures for the market stated above. Dry, wet and no-fuel weights use different definitions and should not be compared directly.
The changes, explained.
Camshift: two breathing strategies
The 1,350 cc V-twin uses two inlet-cam profiles, replacing the previous 1,301 cc generation.
How it works
A sliding cam selects different valve lift and opening duration. Shorter, lower openings suit lower engine speeds; a higher-lift profile admits more charge when revs rise.
What it means on a ride
In principle this broadens the usable response between slow trail work and fast road transfers, without relying only on higher peak power.
The consideration · This adds moving parts and control complexity. Published peak figures do not establish real-world fuel range or low-speed smoothness.
Manual WP XPLOR and PDS
The R retains manually adjustable, long-travel suspension instead of the S EVO’s semi-active road-oriented system.
How it works
Damping meters oil flow to control wheel movement. PDS increases resistance near the end of compression, adding support as the rear suspension approaches its travel limit.
What it means on a ride
A rider can tune loaded touring support and rough-surface compliance independently of an electronic automatic adjustment strategy.
The consideration · Adjustment takes knowledge and trial. Long travel cannot compensate for an unsuitable spring rate or excessive load.
Chassis stiffness and protection
KTM describes a stiffer frame and a strengthened standard engine guard with an extra support arm.
How it works
Frame stiffness governs how loads pass between the steering head, engine and swingarm. A supported guard spreads some impact load into its mounts instead of relying on a thin plate alone.
What it means on a ride
These changes target consistent steering and damage resistance on rough tracks; they matter most when the large motorcycle carries luggage.
The consideration · Stiffer does not automatically mean more comfortable, and a guard is not a guarantee against a major rock strike.
A new vertical 8-inch cockpit
The premium touchscreen replaces the earlier cockpit layout; a shorter screen and revised bodywork support the R’s dirt-oriented ergonomics.
How it works
An optically bonded screen reduces internal reflections. Moving information into a tall display changes the space available for controls and navigation.
What it means on a ride
The potential gain is clearer access to settings and navigation while retaining room to move forward during off-road riding.
The consideration · Navigation availability and optional radar vary by market. Check the local specification; a large touchscreen should be configured before moving.
A closer look at the hardware
Where it fits
The R makes sense as a large-capacity adventure platform when its physical size and manual suspension are deliberate choices. Evaluate loaded balance and seat reach alongside the engine specification; none of the upgrades turns it into a lightweight enduro.
Sources & photo licences
- KTM MY26 production confirmation ↗ · 2025-09-11
- KTM MY26 R release ↗ · 2026-01-08
- KTM R equipment ↗
- KTM R technical specification ↗
Photograph credits and permitted use
- KTM 1390 Super Adventure R: official MY26 whole-bike product image; original regional warranty artwork retained. · © KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH
Official source · copyright retained ↗ - KTM 1390 Super Adventure R: official MY26 unpaved riding photograph. · © KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH
Official source · copyright retained ↗ - KTM 1390 Super Adventure R: official full motorcycle illustration shown with the suspension feature. · © KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH
Official source · copyright retained ↗
Researched 2026-10-20 · Availability and equipment can differ between Europe and China. Technical implications are editorial interpretation; no independent riding test is claimed.