It’s fair to say that 2024 was tough for KTM, but the Austrian manufacturer hasn’t taken things lying down and has an aggressive new model plan for 2025 which it hopes will get sales back on track in the new year.
We’ve already brought news of the company’s new automatic transmission system and fancy new TFT dashboard, and these are among the technical highlights on some of their new 1390 models: the 1390 Super Adventure S, the 1390 Super Adventure S Evo and the 1390 Super Duke GT, while an R version of the 990 Duke completes a quartet of hot orange metal coming into our showrooms in the new year.
The Super Adventure S Evo is KTM’s flagship adventure bike and frankly the spec sheet is stunning. The V-twin motor gets a 50cc capacity hike, up to 1350cc, and with KTM’s new variable valve timing technology it delivers a stonking 173bhp – putting right up against Ducati’s Multistrada V4 in the battle of the high performance adventure bikes. Like Ducati, they’ve then thrown every conceivable piece of technology at it to create something very special indeed.
It’s the first KTM to be announced with the AMT transmission, which allows the rider to choose between a traditional shifting manual, either using the usual foot lever or bar-mounted paddles, or to have a completely twist-and-go automated transmission.
The chassis is built around a modified version of the old 1290 Super Adventure frame, with WP’s semi-active suspension gracing both ends. KTM says that this is improved over the previous generation technology, with a new fork construction and sensors contributing to more consistent damping at higher frequencies.
Styling and ergonomics have also been updated, with new bodywork and seat design, new LED headlights, screen and a storage bin among the changes. The footpegs are lower and wider than before, which KTM say will make for a more comfortable ride.
The 1390 Super Adventure S Evo also gets the massive new 8.8” TFT touchscreen dashboard, radar linked adaptive cruise control, brake assistance, collision warning and distance warning, while numerous ride modes increase the KTM’s adaptability. In addition to the ‘Evo’ model, KTM will offer a standard Super Adventure S which foregoes the radar linked goodies and auto gearbox, while retaining all the other hot spec.
The 1350cc motor also finds its way into the 1390 Super Duke GT, KTM’s sports touring version of the bonkers Super Duke supernaked. It gets the radar technology and semi-active suspension among its many upgrades, while the 990 Duke R also gets a decent upgrade with the addition of the new dashboard, better suspension and a 7bhp power hike – giving the naked middleweight a peak output of 130bhp.
As well as the big capacity machines, KTM has revealed a new 390 Adventure R, as well as a refreshed version of its Freeride E electric off-roader at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan this week, and you’ll be able to see them for yourself at Motorcycle Live, which takes place in Birmingham between 16-24 November. The shows also give a first opportunity to see KTM’s entry into the supersport category, the 990 RC R. The fully faired sportsbike was announced back in May, with specs and photographs released of track prototypes. The MotoGP inspired 990 RC R will likely be in production during 2025, although KTM are remaining surprisingly shy when it comes to giving away too many details.
While KTM remains the volume brand for Pierer Mobility, the group’s wider portfolio also has plenty of other new metal to show off. Husqvarna showcases the Vitpilen 801, a close relative of the Svartpilen 801 we tested for the channel earlier in the year, while luxury marque MV Agusta presented the staggering F3 Competizione. The 800cc triple makes a staggering 160bhp and weighs 14kg less than the F3 RR upon which it is based. Just 300 are set to be made, priced at around £33,000.
Ambitious Chinese manufacturer CFMOTO, which has a strategic alliance and technology sharing agreement with Pierer Mobility, also has plenty of exciting new models and concepts for 2025. Concepts included a V4 superbike and motocrosser, while triples were also the order of the day for them with the unveiling of a pair of sporty 675cc three-cylinder machines in faired and naked forms.
