KTM Drops the Curtain on the 2028 1390 Super Adventure S Evo
The adventure touring world just got a significant jolt. KTM has officially pulled back the curtain on the 2028 1390 Super Adventure S Evo, confirming specifications, a comprehensively updated electronics package, and a global launch timeline that places the bike in dealerships in the first quarter of 2028. For fans of KTM's flagship adventure platform, this announcement represents the most meaningful evolution of the 1390 Super Adventure lineage since the model debuted — and on paper, it looks like the Austrian brand has been listening closely to long-distance riders.
The reveal comes after months of spy shots, teaser images, and carefully worded statements from KTM's headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria. Now that the embargo has lifted, the full picture is clear, and it is an impressive one.
Engine and Powertrain: Refined, Not Reinvented
KTM has wisely avoided the temptation to wholesale replace the 1350cc LC8 V-twin that underpins the Super Adventure range. Instead, engineers focused on refinement — specifically in combustion efficiency, thermal management, and low-rpm torque delivery, areas where long-haul touring riders had voiced preferences in owner surveys and feedback programs.
- Displacement: 1350cc LC8 V-twin (75-degree configuration)
- Peak Power: Approximately 170 hp at 9,000 rpm (Euro 5+ compliant)
- Peak Torque: Approximately 145 Nm delivered lower in the rev range than the outgoing model
- Transmission: Six-speed with updated quickshifter+ featuring smoother auto-blipper calibration
- Fueling: Revised throttle body mapping across all ride modes
The headline change is a recalibrated fuel injection map that KTM says improves urban fuel economy by an estimated eight percent without compromising peak output. Thermal management improvements — including updated coolant routing and a revised fan strategy — should also address one of the most consistent complaints from owners in slow traffic: excess heat reaching the rider's legs.
The Electronics Package: A Generational Leap
This is where the "Evo" designation earns its keep. KTM has essentially rebuilt the electronics architecture from the ground up, transitioning to a new central processing platform they are calling KTM Connect 3.0. The result is faster sensor polling, more nuanced intervention across all rider aids, and a dramatically improved human-machine interface.
Ride Modes and Cornering ABS
The 2028 1390 Super Adventure S Evo ships with five factory ride modes: Street, Sport, Offroad, Rain, and the highly customizable Rally mode that can be configured through the new 7-inch TFT display. Lean-angle-sensitive ABS has been upgraded with what KTM describes as a "predictive braking algorithm" that factors in pitch rate, not just lean angle, for more confidence on mixed-surface descents — a capability that will resonate strongly with riders who regularly transition between tarmac and gravel.
Traction Control and Cornering Light
The Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) system, which prevents rear wheel hop on aggressive downshifts, has been recalibrated for the new torque curve. Cornering light function — standard on the S Evo — now responds more progressively, with a wider activation range at lower speeds, improving visibility in mountain switchbacks and tight urban junctions alike.
Semi-Active Suspension
The WP XPLOR Pro semi-active suspension system carries over in principle but has been updated with new damper internals and a revised terrain-scanning algorithm. KTM says the system now makes 25 percent more adjustments per second compared to the outgoing model, allowing it to react more effectively to short, sharp surface imperfections at highway speeds. Travel remains 220mm front and rear, maintaining the bike's genuine off-road credibility.
Connectivity and Navigation
The new 7-inch TFT display is the centerpiece of the rider interface upgrade. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration — a first for the Super Adventure platform — alongside the updated KTM My Ride app. Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity enables helmet communicator pairing with reduced latency, and a new USB-C charging port with 65W fast-charging capability means keeping devices powered on extended touring days is no longer an afterthought.
Turn-by-turn navigation has been embedded natively into the dash rather than relying solely on a mirrored phone display, giving riders cleaner, larger map rendering even without a paired smartphone. The system supports offline maps for remote adventures where data connectivity is unreliable.
Chassis, Ergonomics, and Weight
KTM has retained the chromoly steel trellis frame that gives the Super Adventure its blend of rigidity and repairability, but the subframe has been revised in aluminum alloy to trim mass at the rear. The claimed wet weight sits at approximately 228 kg — a modest but meaningful reduction over the outgoing model, particularly appreciated during low-speed technical terrain.
Seat height options remain dual: a standard 870mm position and a lowered 850mm variant via the seat and suspension adjustment combination. Handlebar sweep has been widened by 5mm, a small but ergonomically meaningful change for tall riders on long days in the saddle. The fuel tank retains its 23-liter capacity, providing a realistic touring range approaching 350–400 kilometers between fills depending on conditions and load.
Global Launch Date and Availability
KTM has confirmed a global reveal event in late November 2027, with media test rides scheduled for January 2028. Dealer allocations are expected to land in key markets — including North America, Europe, and Australia — by March 2028. Pricing has not been officially confirmed at time of writing, though industry analysts expect the 1390 Super Adventure S Evo to sit at a modest premium over the outgoing model's launch price, reflecting the significant electronics investment.
KTM's dealer network has already been briefed on the model, and many locations are expected to begin taking deposits within weeks of the official November reveal event. Riders interested in securing an early allocation are encouraged to contact their local KTM dealer directly.
First Impressions: Why This Matters
The 2028 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo arrives at a moment when the premium adventure touring segment is more competitive than it has ever been. Rivals like the BMW R1300GS, Ducati Multistrada V4, and Triumph Tiger 1200 have all raised the bar in recent years. KTM's answer is a machine that leans into its performance DNA while addressing the real-world usability concerns of touring riders — a balance that, if the specs translate to the road and trail, could reclaim the top spot for the orange brand in this fiercely contested class.
We will have full first-ride impressions and a detailed comparison test as soon as media test bikes are made available in early 2028. Stay tuned.
