Right: You won’ t find a more capable partner than this, no matter where your adventure points you. Below: Smooth is fast. KTM’ s customizable ride modes keep the journey moving along as conditions require. Bottom: KTM’ s ABS system works really well in both on-road and off-road conditions.
lever harder. Sure enough, the bike immediately engaged ABS, which I’ m usually not comfortable feeling in my fingers, but I just ignored it and squeezed harder. To my surprise, the system continued to stay engaged just enough to slow me down and allow me to maintain steering input and change directions as I went down the hill. Did the rear lock up because rear ABS was off? Sure, now and then, but the engine braking generally kept things pointed in the right direction, so it wasn’ t a concern.
One big feature that stuck out along the trail was the lack of heat I felt on my legs when we were chugging along and I gave the clutch a workout. With a motor this big and powerful, in slow- speed stop- and- go conditions, heat can be a killer. And it’ s not just a rider- discomfort issue but a real tricky dance to ensure the engine keeps running and maintains power, the oil doesn’ t break down, and the clutch system doesn’ t fade on your way to the Thunderdome. How did KTM achieve all this? By totally redesigning the cooling system. That means new fans, new radiator angles for maximum airflow, and a separate cooling circuit for each cylinder. I glossed over much of the technical briefing, but I can tell you they have the heat issue handled.
The big question I wanted to sort out was how well this motorcycle lived in two totally different worlds. I knew the design team spent years ensuring the 1390 Super Adventure R would be capable off- road. Having ridden the street- going 1390 Super Adventure S Evo, I knew it was capable on the road, with its larger windscreen, semi- active suspension, and cast wheels. But would the R feel comfortable in a canyon, leaning over with long- travel suspension and off- road- oriented tires and wheels? Surprisingly yes, but I wouldn’ t have guessed it. In fact, when the speeds picked up in the twisty sections, I reluctantly followed suit because I wanted to keep up with the group. Initially I didn’ t trust that the tires and suspension
32 / SEPTEMBER 2026 / RIDERMAGAZINE. COM