KTM is once again sharpening its claws in the hyper-naked game, this time with something even more focused, more exotic, and a little bit meaner the KTM 1390 Super Duke RR. If the standard Super Duke R is “The Beast,” this one’s the Beast on a strict race diet.
After surfacing through European type-approval documents, the 1390 Super Duke RR is now one of the most anticipated bikes in the liter-plus performance space. And even though KTM isn’t chasing extra horsepower this time, the RR promises a fiercer, lighter, and more precise riding experience one that’s built for riders who want every corner to feel like a qualifying lap.
Lighter, Sharper and More Focused
Weight has always been the enemy of performance, and KTM’s engineers know it well. The standard 1390 Super Duke R tips the scales at 467 pounds (wet), but the RR version cuts 17 pounds, bringing that number down to just 450 pounds. That’s a serious diet in superbike terms.
This weight drop may sound small on paper, but when paired with KTM’s torque-rich 1,350cc engine, it translates to noticeably sharper corner entries, snappier acceleration, and a crisper throttle feel. Less weight also means better braking and quicker transitions exactly the kind of traits that make a hyper-naked feel like a pure track weapon.
It’s a philosophy KTM has applied before with the 1290 Super Duke RR, a bike that became a collector’s favorite and a benchmark for how raw and refined could coexist on two wheels. The 1390 RR looks ready to continue that legacy.
The Same Heart, but a Meaner Pulse
KTM hasn’t tinkered with the motor, and honestly, it didn’t need to. The 1,350cc V-twin remains a torque monster. You still get 190 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque at 8,000 rpm figures that already had the Super Duke R sitting near the top of its class.
But here’s where the RR’s brilliance lies: it doesn’t have to make more power to be faster. By improving its power-to-weight ratio, KTM effectively boosts real-world performance. Expect faster acceleration times, improved throttle response, and an even more savage mid-range punch.
That Titanium Soundtrack
Visually, the 1390 Super Duke RR gets an immediate identity shift thanks to the Akrapovič titanium muffler a twin-stacked setup that not only drops weight but adds a deeper, more aggressive soundtrack. This exhaust is currently available as an accessory for the base model, but it’s likely standard equipment on the RR.
Besides the performance benefits, the twin outlet design also complements the sharp tail section and carbon-heavy silhouette. It’s a small detail, but it’s one that gives the RR an unmistakable presence, even parked.
Premium Hardware and Handling Upgrades
The leaked homologation files reveal that the handlebar is 17 mm wider, possibly to make space for lever guards similar to what KTM did with the 1290 RR. The slightly wider bar also changes the ergonomics subtly, offering better leverage and more confidence during aggressive lean-ins or fast transitions.
The real performance leap, though, is expected from the WP Apex Pro suspension. If confirmed, it’ll be a clear step above the already competent WP Apex setup on the R. The Apex Pro system is lighter, more adjustable, and tuned for track-day precision giving riders razor-sharp feedback and control.
| Component | 1390 Super Duke R | 1390 Super Duke RR (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,350cc V-Twin | 1,350cc V-Twin (unchanged) |
| Power | 190 hp @ 10,000 rpm | 190 hp @ 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 8,000 rpm | 145 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
| Weight (Wet) | 467 lbs | 450 lbs |
| Exhaust | Standard | Akrapovič Titanium Muffler |
| Handlebar Width | Standard | +17 mm (for lever guards) |
| Suspension | WP Apex | WP Apex Pro (expected) |
Built for the Few
As expected, the 1390 Super Duke RR will be a limited-edition model much like its predecessor, the 1290 RR, which was capped at just 500 units worldwide. KTM hasn’t confirmed production numbers yet, but exclusivity is guaranteed.
With limited availability comes premium pricing. Expect it to carry a steep markup over the standard 1390 R, pushing it into superbike money territory. For collectors and hardcore track-day riders, though, that won’t be a deal-breaker this is as close to factory-built race machinery as it gets without switching to a full-faired RC model.
Launch Delays and What’s Next
The 1390 Super Duke RR was rumored to make its grand debut at EICMA 2025, but sources suggest KTM’s internal restructuring and recent financial turbulence pushed the schedule back. However, with Bajaj’s acquisition of KTM bringing renewed stability and investment, the RR project could be back on track sooner than expected.
Pricing remains unannounced, but given the RR’s exclusivity and premium kit, expect a significant jump over the base 1390 Super Duke R’s price tag.
Conclusion
The KTM 1390 Super Duke RR isn’t about brute force; it’s about refinement an evolution that focuses on agility, precision, and raw mechanical connection. It’s a hyper-naked that trades excess horsepower for intelligent engineering and purist performance.
Lighter, sharper, and built in limited numbers, this RR will likely be the dream machine for riders who crave track intensity with street legality. If KTM nails the final setup and manages to launch it on schedule the 1390 RR could easily reclaim the “King of the Streets” crown.
FAQs
It’s around 17 pounds lighter than the standard 1390 R, weighing just 450 lbs (wet).
No, it carries the same 190 hp and 145 Nm figures as the standard version but with a better power-to-weight ratio.
The RR features a twin-outlet Akrapovič titanium muffler, standard from the factory.
Yes, production is expected to be limited to around 500 units, just like the 1290 Super Duke RR.
There’s no confirmed date yet, but industry reports suggest a possible delay beyond 2025, pending KTM’s production plans.
