KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO - BEAST MODE | Knox Review

[@fahadladha6938]

Anyone thinking this bike is flawed based on this review, please don’t! It is absolutely brilliant and capable. Yes it will give headshakes at full throttle but this can be dialled out by adding rear preload through the dash, I did this at Donington and able to hit very low 1.40’s in complete road trim. Fully pinned on the back straight in third - sixth gears, no headhsakes. Cant compare this to a race bike with 80-something lb-ft of torque - there’s 110 going thru the crank on this and it makes you smile ALL the time on road or track.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks and definitely not flawed at all, its awesome. Just needs some upgrades in my opinion. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@markettradinggenius]

Fahad, what preload, on the dash, would you put in order to prevent the headshakes on the handlebars?

[@fahadladha6938]

@@markettradinggenius I started off with the KTM track recommended 60-65% but was getting head-shakes when fully pinned on track. I increased it to 75% and it was perfect after that. All dependent on your weight and what the bike is doing underneath you.

[@markettradinggenius]

@@fahadladha6938 Excellent...what is your height and weight, if you don't mind me asking?

[@fahadladha6938]

@@markettradinggenius 72kg without riding gear, 171cm

[@Maoshung]

I bought one of these back in June and it is fantastic! Full system exhaust sprint air filter and a re-flashed ECU and it is definitely a beast. I’m not sure why he wasn’t able to comfortably ride it to its max capacity or at least to his max ability. The Evo model with the suspension is fantastic.

[@Rik448]

The suspension on the Evo is fully adjustable in the settings. Would be interesting to see if that could make a difference on your experience.

[@paulocarreiro5855]

Thanks Aaron for the honest review! I own a 2018 SDR and I'm not convinced yet. Perhaps I'll be in the future. Cool gear, too.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Paul, appreciate it! Aaron KNOX

[@ulaskvlcm]

Which is more powerful, 1390 or streetfighter? Which would be your choice?

[@Arman-tm1kz]

You should be since the 2020 gen 3 is already quite an upgrade to gen2

[@SteveSzss]

@KnoxArmour I have a 2018 gen 2 with 17,000 miles on it (original owner) and I've spent a lot of time dialing it in to my liking. I live in southern California mountains which is what I taylor my bikes to and run a Dunlop Q5S in the rear and the Q5 on the front. My 1290 is a ripper. I still ride the 1290... and I bought the 1390 Superduke last April. I just put over 9,000 miles on it and I have to say... the 1390 is way better in every way than the gen 2. Motor, handling, electronics... everything. It's a carving nimble beast. I make use of the electronics and turn it from a comfy commuter to a sharp canyon carving tool. I put a Racefit pipe on it and it barks. I push my 1390 past 140 mph regularly and have never had an issue with stability whatsoever. Don't listen to this review. It's very very stable. Granted I make sure my wheels/tires are properly balanced .... Do NOT let this review stray you away from buying this bike. I sold my Streetfighter V4S after putting 14,000 miles on it and used that money buy the 1390. The 1390 is WAY better than the streetfighter in my opinion, especially the handling. It's the best bike I've ever owned and I've had just about everything you can think of. Get one!

[@morry27jd24]

I bought one and it’s unbelievably good in so many ways. I can’t say I have experienced the handling issues you describe but maybe I’m not pushing hard enough 😂 Sport mode with preload dialled in correctly and I find it very stable.

[@mm93249]

Yes! Knox content is back! 👏

[@afletra]

that weird yet aesthetic headlight really grow on me

[@KnoxArmour]

100%

[@Arman-tm1kz]

Nope, not here, how hard I try.. Still going to end up buying one but still.. huge letdown.. especially with the upcoming Super Adventure

[@Maoshung]

I bought one of these back in June and it is fantastic! Full system exhaust sprint air filter in a re-flashed ECU and it is definitely a beast.

[@jonasbaine3538]

How much power after tuned?

[@Maoshung]

@@jonasbaine3538 not been dyno tuned but just having the throttle plates actually open to 100% when you twist 100% is nice! Way better throttle response and there isn’t dead spots anymore when really getting on it.

[@ritacrosbie9569]

Superb photography and presentation - cheers!

[@mrp3930]

even if you don't ride it to it's full potential, it's still a seriously cool looking bike. I'd be happy riding around on one now I'm getting on in years, sports bikes play havoc on my wrists.

[@SayWhat1067]

Awesome review for giving it a different take, and well done for going flat out! I recently took my 1390 to the track as well, and it scares me senseless on the straights. Such a beast of a machine!

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks, and yes, it is a bit scary! Aaron KNOX

[@paulquinn94]

@@KnoxArmour It's the first bike i have owned that gave me the adrenaline rush similar to the CR500 I had when I was a lot younger (and lighter). If you have ridden a 17+ hands horse when it has 'bolted', you will know the feeling of "Oh SH#T, I am not longer in control of this beast. Sweet merciful Jesus, please don't kill me"!

[@Starship007]

I have owned 2 super Duke 1290r’s. On the dyno most torque and horsepower below 9500 rpm. Comparing 200 plus bikes dyno’s the SD makes more horsepower/torque til 9500 vs competition. I would love a 1390. The bike has useable street power everywhere. It’s hard to ride a 200 horsepower plus bike around town at 12,000 rpm. So easy to work on SD engine. Love seeing the whole engine vs hidden by plastic panels.

[@jamest5149]

Please try the regular SD and see if the normal suspension fixes the flighty handling. Would make a good follow up comparison video.

[@Mcfc2Rich]

I love that tracksuit

[@IanOwens-s8w]

Nice review. Still consider that your motorcycle clothing is some of the best on the market.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks, much appreciated! Aaron KNOX

[@anicholls37]

Great video what an absolute beast of a bike 💪

[@shapelessdream]

are you guys going to make a review of the mt09sp? i think alot would be interested in you guys take on it!

[@reinton6085]

I’ve had multiple issues. Traction control turned itself off. Unable to switch ride mode, «close throttle» appears even if the engine is not running, engine failure light comes and goes. Nothing permanent though, but it comes and goes. Dealer not able to figure it out. One software update and it all started. 1390 R(not EVO). But: hillarious when it works!

[@Rik448]

Could it be the battery? That has been an issue in the past with the 1290 and caused all kinds of electronic issues.

[@reinton6085]

@@Rik448 I've tried two different batteries, so I don't think so. But thanks anyway:-)

[@АртурВангелович]

That music in the beginning reminds me of Dune ❤❤❤

[@giovanniricci4369]

I had the V3 Evo and, if ever, I’d pass the electronic suspensions’ stuff. It may trigger a lot of trouble while standard ones feel good and reduce the opportunity for issues. Thanks ✌️

[@luz6028]

What was your suspension setting? I didn't have a feeling that this bike is unstable.

[@KnoxArmour]

Pretty sure it was on automatic. Its hard on a short test like these to dial absolutely everything in. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@animal100000]

Great review 👌

[@markholmes5695]

Agree re SFV4 fuel economy … but I chose the 2024 SFV4s (grey Nero)over the SDR. Far better machine IN MY OPINION. Better finish, better stability, insanely good and reliable electronics they really nailed it. You can whack it into ‘full power’ engine mode- they make it hard to find it on the display and with good readon- it’s nuts, I’m not pro enough to ride in full 💀

[@ulaskvlcm]

Which is more powerful, 1390 or streetfighter? Which would be your choice?

[@leanit5756]

Mine so far has been perfect in terms of no glitches or problems. That said, I have one of the same design complaints with it as I did my 1290 SD-R and ADV-R. That is the switch gear ergonomics. I have large but not extra large hands. I am constantly accidentally activating the +/- buttons, high beam switch, multi-function (4-way) switch, and C1/C2 switches while riding. It is super annoying. The switch gear pod on the left side needs to be moved inboard about 3/8" or 10mm. Same with the C1/C2 switch... or that switch needs to be made shorter in length. Oh, and keyless ignition is bullshit and a huge pain because where the hell did I leave the key? And where do you put it when you go to ride? Especially in the rain? Or when wearing leathers? Brilliant bike otherwise though. On the head shake, the solution is proper rear ride height, body position, and light grip on the bars during hard acceleration. It was the same on my 890 ADV-R and 690 SM. That is the way KTM makes their bikes.

[@Spiritof38Productions]

Is there enough room under the hoodie to accommodate my alpinestars airbag vest?

[@KnoxArmour]

I guess it depends on size, but we'd always recommend wearing an airbag over the top. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@Spiritof38Productions]

​@@KnoxArmourthanks

[@cycletexas9157]

All bikes should be weighed with no fuel. Otherwise, manufacturers are penalized for giving extra capacity.

[@KnoxArmour]

Perhaps, but in that case don't call it a wet weight or "ready to race" weight. Its confusing to the consumer. And in any case, a few extra ltrs from extra fuel capacity doesn't actually make that much difference, given that most of the bikes in a given class have a similar capacity, whereas quoting a wet weight, and then needing to add 17-19ltrs of fuel does add quite a lot of weight on top of the quoted weight. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@MartyrDK]

For the street whats the point of more than 100 Hp??

[@kellycorrigan307]

Fun, I have one that’s 110hp another 125hp boring compared to mt10, super duke, and zh2.

[@A.J.1656]

To go fast, do wheelies and have fun. You're welcome to ride around on a Honda Navi all you want. Lol

[@KnoxArmour]

Not a huge amount... but they are hugely fun and the feeling of the excess of power is unreal! Aaron KNOX

[@Anthony-fc8dw]

Having more than 100bhp is a way to recharge and reconnect, helping you maintain balance in life, cultivating relationships and developing emotional resilience.

[@evanjohn503]

any bike that's as flighty as this should have a fairing. Why KTM don't even consider this is certainly one of the reasons they don't sell as many as they should. They could design a KTM style fairing - but they'd probably charge 5k extra, or take it off the bike after the running-in period.

[@A.J.1656]

If it had a faring, it wouldn't a naked bike and I wouldn't have bought one.

[@Rik448]

@@A.J.1656same here

[@jonasbaine3538]

Wish someone would make aftermarket full fairings for it

[@williamrae9954]

Still 15kg heavier than a 32yr old Fireblade...and that was fully faired!

[@A.J.1656]

And was 456cc smaller.

[@Rik448]

And didn’t have all the tech onboard

[@markholmes5695]

And was a sports bike /track bike as opposed to a naked.

[@David-ye1pk]

noting like superduke

[@kevinroark5815]

Finally someone is being honest while other vloggers/reviewers are just sucking KTM's Stick.

[@cosbro5389]

ITS STILL A ktm

[@ktkace]

too much trouble too little refinement/reliability... YIKES!!!

[@AldredsquashUk]

KTM want top money for unreliable machines, there not being fair to customers that buy their products...hence why this company will never become a top motorcycling manufacturer

[@fearme46]

KTM isn’t a top motorcycling manufacturer?

[@Rik448]

How many KTM’s did you own?

[@AldredsquashUk]

@@Rik448 two unfortunately

[@JimmysLeftSock]

*their not being fair

[@Bikesandbikesandbikes]

@@JimmysLeftSockthey’re 😂😂

[@TheValbunnys]

Hartside pass my favorite road I wish I was there when you Record the video so we could compare it to my 1290 -2023 full system £6k less than 1390 . I ride that road at list twice a week in the summer .perfect road to improved your ridding and my duke never fail 0 issues 6k miles 🫶