First Look: 2025 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo

Saying your adventure touring bike is the most advanced is quite the claim in 2025: you’re up against some stone-cold killers when it comes to the tricksy gizmo and gadget.

2025 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo

Ducati and BMW are no mugs, and the various Multistradas, GS and XR models all have Space-Shuttle rivalling levels of technology in terms of performance-enhancing riding aids, safety kit and luxury touring accoutrements (yes we know the Space Shuttle was old 1970s tech really but you get the idea).

2025 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo

But that ‘most advanced’ claim is exactly what KTM is making with the new 2025 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO model that’s just been launched. And while the Austrian outfit adds a mild caveat about it being the most technologically-advanced machine in its line-up, it also says the new bike ‘obliterates the playing field’. Big talk indeed.

2025 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo

But a quick look down the spec list lends plenty of weight to Team Orange’s claims. It has the latest WP semi-active electronic suspension, new bodywork with updated LED lighting, a gigantic iPad-sized 8.8 inch touchscreen dashboard with new switchgear to help operate it, and the latest radar-assisted Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

2025 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo

This uses a fifth-generation radar sensor from Bosch, featuring performance optimization, improved truck detection, a higher maximum speed, and updated cancellation thresholds, with Dynamic, Street, and Group Ride functionality. This new ACC setup also adds Brake Assistance, Collision Warning, and Distance Warning for 2025.

2025 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo

The engine is uprated with more cubes – up from 1,300 to 1,350cc – and extra power. It’s now putting out 173 PS@9,500 rpm and 145Nm@8,000 rpm, thanks to reworked engine internals and all-new CAMSHIFT variable valve technology.

This is claimed to provide improved rideability in the low rpm range as well as higher peak performance, low emissions, and better fuel consumption. At higher revs, the inlet cams shift sideways, opening the valves wider, for a longer time to maximise gas flow and provide more top-end performance.

2025 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo

In the lower rev range, the inlet cams reduce the valve timing and lift, optimizing torque and low-down rideability.

This new powerplant is mated to KTM’s all-new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) – a first for the firm and exclusive to the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO for the moment.

2025 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo

It was first seen as a prototype in the hands of Johnny Aubert on the formidable Iron Road Prologue at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, and KTM says it’s one of the most innovative engine developments the firm has come up with in recent years.

AMT allows the rider to choose between a traditional manual shifting gearbox, by way of the foot lever or bar-mounted paddles, or a completely twist-and-go automated transmission with automatic centrifugal clutch operation and robotic gear changes.

2025 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo

Even more impressively, the AMT system works alongside the radar-assisted Adaptive Cruise Control to give full ‘start and stop’ ability in traffic. This has been around in cars for years, but it’s a first in a bike we reckon, and will probably take some time to get used to (you’ll also need to be ready to put a foot down when you stop of course…)