The 2025 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO is packed with production-bike technology, including an automated manual transmission, radar-assisted cruise features, semi-active suspension and integrated navigation. KTM calls it the most technologically advanced adventure bike in its own range; the available evidence does not establish that it is the techiest production motorcycle of any kind.
That distinction matters: KTM’s specifications describe what the bike is designed to offer, not how well every system works on the road. A fair “ever” ranking would need consistent comparisons with other current motorcycles and independent evidence on usability and performance.
What is the 2025 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO?
It is the technology-focused, range-topping version of KTM’s 2025 Super Adventure line. KTM’s official model page positions it at the leading edge of that lineup. The company’s launch announcement, dated 22 October 2024, called it the most technologically advanced adventure machine in KTM’s “wheelhouse.” Both are manufacturer claims about KTM’s own range, not an all-brand comparison.
The strongest case for its technological ambition is the combination of systems: an automated/manual transmission, front radar and adaptive cruise functions, electronically controlled suspension, configurable ride settings, a large touchscreen and integrated offline navigation. Whether that package makes it more capable or easier to use than another bike requires evidence beyond a feature list.
#1 Best Overall
- Model-Specific Fit: Designed for KTM1390 Super Adventure ADV R S (2026~), these DRB GRAPHIX tank grip pads provide a precise fit for the fuel tank area without using a universal cut.
- Enhanced Grip Control: Textured tank and knee grip surfaces help improve rider contact with the motorcycle during braking, cornering, commuting, and touring.
- Helps Protect the Tank: Helps reduce wear, knee friction, and minor scratches on the fuel tank surface from daily riding use.
- Comfortable Riding Contact: Low-profile grip texture supports stable knee contact while maintaining comfort during everyday and long-distance rides.
- Easy Installation: Adhesive backing allows simple application after cleaning and aligning the pads. Includes installation-friendly components depending on the product package.
Engine technology and claimed figures
KTM specifies a 1,350 cc LC8 V-twin producing 173 PS and 145 Nm, with EURO 5+ compliance. These are KTM’s stated 2025 model specifications, not independently verified test results. The company attributes changes to the engine’s output and efficiency to several revisions, including increasing the bore from 108 mm to 110 mm and adding CAMSHIFT variable valve lift.
How CAMSHIFT works
KTM says CAMSHIFT switches between two inlet-cam profiles. Above 6,500 rpm, it selects the higher-lift profile, completing the change in a stated 3–5 milliseconds. Those figures describe KTM’s system; the published specification does not independently establish how the change feels or affects performance in real riding.
How KTM’s AMT transmission works
The Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is not simply a conventional manual gearbox: it can shift automatically or let the rider select gears manually, without conventional clutch-lever operation. KTM describes a centrifugal clutch and a selector sequence of P–N–1–2–3–4–5–6. Park uses a locking pawl.
Rank #2
- Model-Specific Fit: Designed for KTM1390 Super Adventure ADV R S (2026~), these DRB GRAPHIX tank grip pads provide a precise fit for the fuel tank area without using a universal cut.
- Enhanced Grip Control: Textured tank and knee grip surfaces help improve rider contact with the motorcycle during braking, cornering, commuting, and touring.
- Helps Protect the Tank: Helps reduce wear, knee friction, and minor scratches on the fuel tank surface from daily riding use.
- Comfortable Riding Contact: Low-profile grip texture supports stable knee contact while maintaining comfort during everyday and long-distance rides.
- Easy Installation: Adhesive backing allows simple application after cleaning and aligning the pads. Includes installation-friendly components depending on the product package.
Automatic and manual modes
- A mode: the transmission shifts automatically.
- M mode: the rider chooses shifts using either the foot lever or handlebar paddles.
KTM says its electromechanical shift actuator changes gear in 50 milliseconds. That is a manufacturer-stated shift time; it does not, on its own, tell you how smooth, predictable or convenient the AMT is in traffic, on winding roads or at low speed.
What the radar and adaptive cruise features do
KTM lists a fifth-generation front radar system and updated adaptive cruise control. The stated feature set includes group riding mode, a hold function, distance assist and warning, collision warning, braking assistance, and automatic start and stop when the radar system is paired with AMT.
These are descriptions of advertised functions, not proof of real-world detection accuracy, intervention quality or a safety benefit. The cited KTM materials do not provide independent testing of how the system behaves in different weather, traffic or road conditions.
Rank #3
- Model Compatibility: Fits 1390 Super Adventure R and S models from the 2021 through 2026 model years.
- Vehicle Application: Designed specifically for use on 1290 Super Adventure R and S motorcycle variants within stated range.
- Component Function: Serves as a rear luggage rack carrier case support bracket for mounting storage cases.
- Part Type: Acts as a replacement support bracket to restore equipment carrying capacity function.
- Installation Scope: Intended for direct installation on compatible motorcycles to provide standard case support structure.
Suspension: semi-active as standard, Suspension Pro optional
KTM specifies WP APEX Semi-Active Technology with electronically controlled magnetic damping valves. Its listed settings are Sport, Street, Comfort and Rain. The semi-active system is part of KTM’s description of the S EVO; Suspension Pro is an optional package, and exact equipment or availability should be checked for the relevant market.
What Suspension Pro adds
KTM says the optional package adds separate fork compression and rebound settings, Anti-Dive, an Auto mode that supports off-road riding, and an off-road damping mode. The listed functions do not establish how much they improve comfort, handling or off-road performance; that calls for riding evidence.
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Display, navigation and ride settings
The cockpit has an 8-inch portrait touchscreen and integrated offline map navigation through the motorcycle’s connectivity unit, according to KTM. The 2025 model page also lists revised switch cubes, a larger phone compartment and two USB-C ports.
Rank #4
- [Compatibility]:Suitable for 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S R 1290 SAS 2021-2024 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE S/R 2025 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO 2024 2025
- [Function]:The motorcycle key shell cover can protect the key from wear and tear, bumps, and enhance its aesthetic appeal and grip feel
- [Product material]: The key shell cover made of CNC aluminum with a durable anodized surface. The keychain is made of weaving, hard and durable.
- [Easy to Install]:Simply refer to the accessories we provide and fix the screws to complete the installation, which is simple and intuitive.
- [Service]: If you encounter any problems after receiving our product, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are committed to solving your problem and will provide comprehensive support and after-sales service, including solutions for installation difficulties and product related issues.
Customizable ride modes can combine settings for ABS, traction control, throttle response, engine braking, AMT shift behavior, suspension damping and preload, and the display interface. That breadth makes the interface part of the bike’s technology story, but the published feature list does not show how easy the controls are to operate while riding.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to judge the “techiest production bike” claim
A feature count alone cannot settle the superlative. A useful comparison would examine the same categories across contemporary production adventure-tourers, then consider how reliably and intuitively the systems work in real use.
| Comparison area | What KTM states for the S EVO | What a broader ranking would still need |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic A mode, rider-controlled M mode, centrifugal clutch, Park position and manual shifts by foot lever or handlebar paddles. | Consistent comparison of operation, low-speed behavior and rider override against other production systems. |
| Radar and cruise | Front radar, updated adaptive cruise and the listed assistance and warning functions. | Independent evaluation of detection, interventions and use across road and traffic conditions. |
| Suspension | WP APEX semi-active damping; Suspension Pro adds further adjustment and modes. | Comparable equipment and independent assessment of comfort, control and adjustability. |
| Navigation and display | 8-inch touchscreen, offline map navigation and configurable display and ride settings. | Comparable assessment of interface usability, navigation function and integration. |
| Engine technology | 1,350 cc V-twin with CAMSHIFT variable valve lift and KTM’s stated output figures. | Consistent comparison of technology and independently measured performance. |
KTM’s cited materials establish the features and specifications it claims for its own motorcycle. They do not compare this bike with other brands, independently validate the advertised system behavior, or establish an all-category production-bike ranking. So “one of the most feature-rich adventure bikes” may be a reasonable description of its specification, but “the techiest production bike ever” remains unproven.
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- 790 Adventure 2020, 790 Duke 2020, 1290 Super Duke GT 2020, 1290 Super Adventure R 2020, 790 Adventure R Rally 2020, 790 Duke 2020, 790 Adventure R 2020, 1290 Super Adventure S 2020, 790 Adventure 2020, 1290 Super Adventure S 2020,
- 790 Duke 2019, 1290 Super Duke GT 2019, 1290 Super Duke R 2019, 1290 Super Duke R 2019, 790 Adventure 2019, 1290 Super Adventure R 2019, 1090 Adventure R 2019, 1290 Super Duke GT 2019, 1290 Super Adventure S 2019, 790 Adventure R 2019, 1290 Super Adventure S 2019, 790 Duke 2019, 790 Adventure 2019,
- 1290 SUPER DUKE GT 2018, 1290 SUPER DUKE GT 2018, 1290 Super Adventure R 2017, 1290 Super Adventure T 2017, 1290 Super Duke GT 2017, 1290 Super Duke GT 2017, 1290 Super Duke R 2016, 1190 Adventure 2016, 1190 Adventure R 2016, 1290 Super Adventure 2016, 1290 Super Duke GT 2016, 1290 Super Duke GT 2016, 1290 Super Duke R 2016, 2016 1290 Super Duke R Special Edition, 1190 Adventure 2016,
- 1190 Adventure R 2014, 1290 Super Duke R 2014, 1190 Adventure 2014, 1190 Adventure 2014, 1290 Super Duke R 2014, 1190 RC8 R 2014, 1190 Adventure 2013, 1190 RC8 R 2013, 1190 Adventure 2013, 1190 RC8 R 2012, 1190 RC8 R 2012, 1190 RC8 R 2012,
- 1190 RC8 R 2011, 1190 RC8 R 2011, 1190 RC8 R Track 2011, 1190 RC8 2010, 1190 RC8 2010, 1190 RC8 R 2010, 1190 RC8 R 2010, 1190 RC8 R 2010, 1190 RC8 R 2009, 1190 RC8 2009, 1190 RC8 2009, 1190 RC8 2009, 1190 RC8 2008,
Other published figures to interpret carefully
KTM also publishes engineering, maintenance and efficiency figures for the 2025 model. These can be useful context, but their qualifications matter as much as the numbers.
- Frame stiffness: KTM reports increases over the previous-generation frame of 13% longitudinally, 23% laterally and 73% torsionally. The cited product information does not state an independent measurement method.
- Valve-clearance checks: KTM states a 60,000 km interval, compared with 30,000 km for the previous 1290 Super Adventure. Treat this as KTM’s published figure, not a universal service rule: check the owner’s manual and local service schedule for the specific motorcycle and market.
- Consumption and emissions: KTM lists 6.7 l/100 km and 139.5 g/km of CO₂ for the 1390 Super Adventure models. Confirm the applicable homologation and regional specification before relying on either figure.
Availability and market-specific details
KTM’s 22 October 2024 launch announcement said authorized-dealer availability was expected early in 2025. That was a launch-era forecast, not confirmation of current stock, pricing or availability. Check an authorized KTM source in your market for present details, and verify optional-package fitment and equipment locally.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
