Riders Preferred Membership
Shop by Vehicle
Track Order
Contact Us
The tagline for this motorcycle on KTM's website reads "more is more," and if that's your philosophy, then maybe the new Super Adventure S Evo is your style. It's bigger, more powerful, as bristling with performance features as you can get, and it's also the first model to use KTM's new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
The Super Adventure S Evo also gets the latest version of the WP Semi-Active Technology suspension, which allows the rider to adjust suspension settings electronically from the TFT display. The system also reacts instantly to changing road conditions and changes settings to suit. The system includes settings for off-road riding.
But the real groundbreaking first for the Super Adventure Evo is the use of KTM's Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). Our man Dustin Wheelen got a hint of how it works when he recently tested Bosch's latest Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS). One of Bosch's test mules was a prototype of this 1390 Super Adventure S Evo. Later, KTM revealed more information about how its AMT works, and for full details you can read Dustin's report on that.
In brief, the AMT lets the rider choose whether to shift manually using either a traditional foot shifter or by using paddles on the left handlebar switchgear, or the rider can switch to Auto mode and let the motorcycle decide when to upshift or downshift. Either way, there's no clutch lever and a centrifugal clutch prevents engine stalling.
So that's variable valve timing, electronically adjusted suspension, an automatic transmission, and we're not nearly done with the tech yet. In addition to the expected Sport, Street, Comfort, and Rain ride modes, the rider can set custom modes and can adjust settings for a wide range of parameters, such as throttle response, engine braking, shifting on the AMT, settings on the electronic suspension, and more.
The Super Adventure S Evo also gets updated Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that includes some of the Bosch features Dustin tested last month such as Brake Assistance, Collision Warning, and Distance Warning. By working with AMT, ACC can now do things not possible for motorcycles with manual transmissions. For example, you can set ACC so that if you are in stop-and-go traffic and the vehicle ahead comes to a complete stop, the KTM will also come to a full stop and resume moving when traffic ahead starts moving.
Naturally, the Super Adventure S Evo gets the new 8.8-inch TFT display KTM recently unveiled. KTM says it is more colorful, more readable, has a coating that repels fingerprints and glare alike, and can be operated even when wearing winter gloves.
New bodywork is designed not just for looks, but also to improve cooling for the engine and to direct hot air away from the rider's knees. There's a new LED headlight and the radar unit for the Bosch ACC is tucked underneath to be less noticeable. KTM also reworked the trellis frame to make it stiffer and lowered the footpegs by about a third of an inch.
All that provides a lot to consider, but two pieces of critical information remain unknown: When you can actually get a Super Adventure S Evo and how much you'll have to pay to do so. KTM says units will be shipping to dealers early next year — except in North America. For us, KTM just says it will arrive in time for the 2026 model year. So no, that 2026 in the title above was not a typo.
The price? Well, we'll just have to wait to see how far KTM takes this "more is more" thing.
| 2026 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo | |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | N/A |
| Engine | 1,350 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, 75-degree V-twin |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed automatic, chain |
| Claimed horsepower | 170 @ 9,500 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 107 foot-pounds @ 8,000 rpm |
| Frame | Steel trellis |
| Front suspension | WP Semi-Active Technology 48 mm inverted fork, electronically adjustable; 7.9 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | WP Semi-Active Technology shock, electronically adjustable; 7.9 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Brembo with ABS |
| Rear brake | Brembo with ABS |
| Rake, trail | 24.8 degrees, N/A |
| Wheelbase | 61.3 inches |
| Seat height | 33.3 to 34.1 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 6.1 gallons |
| Tires | 120/70ZR19 front, 170/60ZR17 rear |
| Claimed weight | 540 pounds |
| Available | Late 2025 in North America; earlier elsewhere |
| Warranty | 24 months |
| More info | ktm.com |
