KTM 1390 Adventure, 1490 Adventure Bikes Spied, Readying For 2025

Three large-capacity KTM adventure bikes have been recently spotted testing abroad. These prototypes offer a glimpse of the exciting products the brand plans to introduce, mostly by 2025. KTM recently unveiled an update to its flagship engine platform, increasing displacement from 1290cc to 1390cc, which now powers the 1390 Super Duke R. The discovery of these 3 big-capacity KTM adventure bikes, adds fuel to the pre-existing speculation surrounding a potential 1490cc machine in development by the Austrian motorcycle company. This larger displacement engine would represent KTM's most powerful motorcycle to date.

KTM 1390 Rally

The 1390 Rally machine borrows its design cues from KTM's championship-winning 450 Rally bike, suggesting a serious focus on off-road capability. Its slim front end, split fuel tank, and flat seat all point towards a machine built for conquering rough terrain. The bike appears to borrow the frame and swingarm from the existing 1290 Adventure, along with its WP suspension. Adding to the aggressive look are vertically stacked projector LED lights and a tall windscreen. Interestingly, a slightly shorter windscreen can be seen strapped to the rear seat, hinting at potential adjustability or an optional extra. Further enhancing the off-road prowess is a double-barrel Akrapovic exhaust. Braking duties seem to be handled by dual front discs and a single rear disc, all paired with spoke wheels wrapped in knobby tyres.

KTM 1390 Super Adventure S

KTM's 1390 Super Adventure S is built for conquering asphalt with a powerful 1390cc V-Twin engine (borrowed from the 1390 Duke) estimated to deliver 190 bhp and 145 Nm of torque. Lightweight alloy wheels with road-biased tyres all speak the same highway-focused tune. The WP suspension tuned for pavement ensures agility and control. A wide windscreen with a cool air duct is expected to keep the rider comfortable on long hauls. Unlike its off-road sibling, the 1390 Rally, the Super Adventure S has unique road-focused bodywork and hardware.

Potential Touring King: KTM 1490 Super Adventure

The final spotted prototype has sparked excitement among long-distance touring enthusiasts. The potential 1490 Super Adventure hints at a touring behemoth designed to devour miles with ease. The prototype motorcycle, though unfinished, reveals several interesting details. The overall size and proportions are noticeably bigger than KTM's current top adventure model. It sports a futuristic-looking headlight design with vertically stacked projectors, hinting at a complete redesign from the current offerings. Further inspection reveals a new swingarm, likely used for testing purposes and potentially modified for the final product.

The engine is also expected to be a next-generation 1490 unit, a significant upgrade from the current 1390cc V-Twin that produces around 190 bhp. The focus on road-biased tyres and alloy wheels suggests this upcoming KTM will prioritise pavement performance, though the exact wheel sizes remain unclear. With a larger rider information area, a bigger windscreen might also be in the works to offer increased rider comfort for long journeys. While an official debut for the KTM 1490 Adventure could be a couple of years away, this sighting has certainly sparked excitement among adventure motorcycle enthusiasts, eager to learn more about this potential powerhouse.

A few weeks back we mentioned some of the large-capacity KTM motorcycles that were expected to come to India. You can read about it here. These Adventure prototypes that have now been spotted, are nowhere in the plans to come to India. However, a change in the landscape in terms of response to the initial introductory models might change the picture by 2025.