The Moto Ref

KTM 1390 Super Duke R vs KTM 790 Duke

Two naked bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits. These two sit in different classes, so each score is computed within its own class.

KTM

1390 Super Duke R

60.5

/ 100

vs

KTM

790 Duke

60.8

/ 100

Winner

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0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

KTM 1390 Super Duke R0 km/h
1390 Super Duke R
KTM 790 Duke0 km/h
790 Duke

Points by category

Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated

Engine and performance

out of 25
1390 Super Duke R
18.8
790 Duke
20.0

Handling and chassis

out of 20
1390 Super Duke R
13.0
790 Duke
12.7

Value

out of 20
1390 Super Duke R
6.8
790 Duke
8.2

Practicality

out of 15
1390 Super Duke R
5.4
790 Duke
4.9

Technology

out of 10
1390 Super Duke R
9.5
790 Duke
8.3

Reliability and ownership

out of 10
1390 Super Duke R
7.0
790 Duke
6.7

Specs side by side

Full specification comparison: KTM 1390 Super Duke R versus KTM 790 Duke
SpecKTM1390 Super Duke RKTM790 Duke
Engine
EngineLC8 75 degree V-twin, liquid cooled, DOHCLC8c parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement1350 cc799 cc
Power190 hp at 10,000 rpm95 hp at 9,500 rpm
Torque145 Nm at 8,000 rpm87 Nm at 8,000 rpm
Power to weight0.90 hp/kg0.52 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight212 kg184 kg
Front suspensionWP APEX 48 mm split function, 125 mmWP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 140 mm
Front adjustabilityFully adjustableNon-adjustable
Rear suspensionWP APEX monoshock, 140 mmWP APEX monoshock, 150 mm
Rear adjustabilityFully adjustablePreload only
Front brake320 mm, monobloc 4-piston300 mm, radial 4-piston
ABSCornering ABSCornering ABS
Dimensions
Seat height834 mm825 mm
Wheelbase1497 mm1475 mm
Fuel capacity17.5 L14 L
Claimed consumption5.9 L/100 km4.5 L/100 km
Fuel range297 km311 km
Ownership
Price€21,999€8,999
Service interval15,000 km15,000 km
Valve check30,000 km30,000 km
Warranty2 years2 years
Equipment
DashTFTTFT
Ride modesYesYes
Traction controlYesYes
QuickshifterStandardOptional
Cruise controlOptionalNot available
ConnectivityYesYes
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Verdict

The KTM 790 Duke wins this comparison narrowly, 60.8 points to 60.5.

The gap of 0.3 points is built mostly in value, where the 790 Duke takes 1.4 points out of the 1390 Super Duke R. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the 1390 Super Duke R is the quicker machine: 190 hp and 145 Nm moving 212 kg, against 95 hp and 87 Nm moving 184 kg for the 790 Duke. That is 0.90 hp per kilo playing 0.52.

The 790 Duke costs €8,999, which leaves €13,000 in your pocket against the 1390 Super Duke R at €21,999. Service intervals run 15,000 km on the 790 Duke and 15,000 km on the 1390 Super Duke R.

Better for city and commuting

KTM 790 Duke

A 825 mm seat, 311 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.

Better for weekend twisties

KTM 790 Duke

95 hp pushing 184 kg with WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

KTM 1390 Super Duke R

297 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.

Frequently asked

Which is faster, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R or the KTM 790 Duke?
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R. It carries 0.90 hp per kilo (190 hp, 212 kg wet) against 0.52 hp per kilo for the KTM 790 Duke (95 hp, 184 kg).
Is the KTM 1390 Super Duke R cheaper than the KTM 790 Duke?
The KTM 790 Duke is cheaper at €8,999 list, €13,000 less than the KTM 1390 Super Duke R at €21,999.
Which is better for shorter riders?
The KTM 790 Duke. Its 825 mm seat is 9 mm lower than the KTM 1390 Super Duke R, and at 184 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the 1390 Super Duke R or the 790 Duke?
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R, which scores 9.5 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control, a standard quickshifter and phone connectivity. The KTM 790 Duke counters with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity.
Which goes further on a tank?
The KTM 790 Duke: 311 km from its 14 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 297 km for the KTM 1390 Super Duke R.
Which bike wins overall?
The KTM 790 Duke, scoring 60.8 of 100 against 60.5 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

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