S vs. EVO: One Engine, Two Concepts – the Transmission Is the Decisive Difference

The KTM 1390 Super Adventure S and 1390 Super Adventure S EVO share the same engine, platform, and WP SAT suspension. The EVO gets KTM’s automated manual transmission, AMT – the brand’s first automatic transmission in a road motorcycle. The S retains the proven manual six-speed gearbox. This is not a cosmetic hierarchy like R and R EVO on the Super Duke. It fundamentally changes the riding experience. Riders who want to shift actively and control every gear change choose the S. Riders who prefer to rely more heavily on electronics and tour in a more relaxed way choose the EVO. Both make 173 hp, use the same suspension and brakes, and offer the same fundamental touring capability. The EVO costs EUR 2,000 more than the S.

There are further differences. Adaptive cruise control with radar is standard on the EVO, while the front radar is optional on the S. Quickshifter+ is optional on the S, while the EVO has no need for it. The S is therefore the more purist and active version, aimed at riders who want to retain direct control over every shift.

Engine: 173 hp, 1,350 cc, Cam Shift – 15 hp More Than the 1290 SAS, With Lower Fuel Consumption

The 1,350 cc LC8 V-twin uses a 75-degree cylinder angle, 110 mm bore, and 71 mm stroke, and produces 173 hp in the 1390 Super Adventure S. That is 15 hp more than the previous 1290 Super Adventure S while fuel consumption remains the same or lower at 5.7 L/100 km according to WMTC. With a 23-liter tank, calculated range exceeds 400 km. The Cam Shift system uses two-stage intake-cam control to optimize power delivery across the rev range: gentler valve timing at low rpm improves everyday rideability, while the more aggressive high-rpm profile delivers maximum performance. Keihin EMS, Ride-by-Wire, twin ignition, and Euro 5+ are standard.

For many riders, the S model’s manual six-speed transmission is the decisive reason to choose it over the EVO. It provides more direct feedback and lets the rider remain actively involved in the bike’s dynamics. Quickshifter+ can be added through the PowerParts program. A slipper clutch is standard.

WP SAT Through-Rod: New Fork Architecture, New Sensors, 200 mm of Travel – a New Benchmark for Touring Suspension

The 1390 Super Adventure S uses a further-developed version of WP APEX SAT semi-active suspension rather than the same system fitted to the 1390 Super Duke R EVO or 990 RC R. The new Through-Rod fork architecture combines elements of open- and closed-cartridge designs. A continuous rod through the fork leg reduces friction while improving response. New pulse-width-modulation, or PWM, sensors allow more precise and faster damping adjustment. The system continuously reacts to road surface and rider inputs.

Suspension travel is 200 mm at both ends. Seat height can be set to 847 or 867 mm. Four damping modes are standard: Comfort, Street, Sport, and Rain. The optional Suspension Pro package adds expanded manual adjustment possibilities. Wheelbase is 1,558 mm. KTM calls the SAT setup “the best on the market.” That is marketing language, but the Through-Rod concept is genuinely new and is not currently offered in this form by another touring motorcycle. An automatic preload adjuster manages spring preload without rider intervention.

Brakes and Tires: Radial Brembos, 320 mm Discs, New Master Cylinders, Dunlop Trailmax Meridian With Ice-Ax Tread

The 1390 Super Adventure S uses twin 320 mm front discs with radially mounted four-piston Brembo calipers, new brake master cylinders, and revised pads – a stronger system than on the previous 1290. At the rear, a two-piston Brembo caliper works on a 267 mm disc. Cornering ABS is integrated with Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control.

Dunlop Trailmax Meridian tires are standard. Their Ice-Ax sipe structure is designed to improve traction on unpaved roads and optimize water evacuation without sacrificing road performance. Sizes are 120/70 R19 front and 170/60 R17 rear. The 19-inch front wheel also gives the 1390 Super Adventure S more capability on gravel and loose surfaces than road-focused machines using a 17-inch front.

Electronics: 8-Inch Portrait TFT, Cruise Control, TPMS, Keyless Go, Optional Radar – Full Touring Equipment and Full Adjustability

The new 8-inch portrait TFT uses optical bonding, eliminating the air gap between the display and outer glass to reduce reflections and improve readability in direct sunlight. An anti-reflective coating is also used. The display provides access to all major functions and settings. Cruise control is standard. Front radar is optional – the most important electronics difference from the EVO, where radar-based adaptive cruise control is standard. Keyless Go, TPMS, cornering lights, cornering ABS, and lean-sensitive MTC traction control are standard. Hill Hold Control is optional.

Rain, Street, Sport, and Offroad riding modes are standard, with Rally mode optional. Quickshifter+ and Suspension Pro are also optional. The new windshield can be adjusted by up to 70 mm without tools and was developed in the wind tunnel; KTM says it is quieter and offers better protection than the previous 1290 design. Every major rider contact point – brake lever, clutch lever, shift lever, handlebar position, seat, and windshield – is adjustable. A large storage compartment ahead of the fuel filler includes a USB-C port. Keyless Go is standard.

Ergonomics and Long-Distance Use: 847–867 mm Seat Height, 23-Liter Tank, 91 dB(A), 230 kg Payload – Fully Two-Up Capable

The seat adjusts between 847 and 867 mm, accessible figures for a large adventure-tourer. Fully fueled weight is around 245 kg, acceptable for this performance class. Payload is 230 kg, enough for two people and luggage without immediately reaching the limit. At the quoted 5.7 L/100 km, the 23-liter tank provides a calculated range of more than 400 km. Stationary noise is 91 dB(A), comfortably below Tyrol’s 95 dB limit, so there is no riding ban.

Handling: 173 hp for the Road, 19-Inch Front for Gravel – the Sportiest Adventure-Tourer in Its Class

The 1390 Super Adventure S is not an all-rounder for everyone. It is a deliberately road-focused adventure-tourer with high-alpine performance: an aggressive engine, sporty semi-active suspension, and a 19-inch front wheel that still allows occasional gravel use. Think of it as a superbike on stilts. The engine shares its basic architecture with the 1390 Super Duke GT, but the character here is unmistakably Adventure.

KTM positions it as the most powerful adventure-tourer under EUR 25,000 and as the machine with the most sophisticated semi-active touring suspension in the segment. Riders who want that performance and still want to shift manually should choose the 1390 Super Adventure S. Riders who want an automatic choose the EVO. Those who want less power and a lower price can look toward the BMW R 1300 GS or Honda Africa Twin.

Cost: EUR 21,494 Plus Ancillary Charges, Four-Year Warranty

KTM offers up to four years of Premium Manufacturer Warranty from model year 2025, provided scheduled servicing is performed by an authorized KTM dealer. Direct rivals include the BMW R 1300 GS from EUR 19,990 plus ancillary charges, with 145 hp and optional semi-active suspension; it is more comfort-oriented and less sporty. The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES costs EUR 18,069 with 102 hp and electronic suspension as standard; it is less expensive but considerably less powerful. The Ducati Multistrada V4 S costs EUR 24,590 plus ancillary charges, makes 170 hp, and uses semi-active suspension; it is more expensive with similar performance.

Verdict

173 hp, semi-active WP Through-Rod SAT suspension with 200 mm of travel, radial Brembo brakes, Dunlop Meridian tires, a 23-liter tank, 91 dB(A) stationary noise, and 230 kg of payload. The 1390 Super Adventure S is the sportiest and most powerful manually shifted adventure-tourer on the market – aimed at riders who want to retain control of the gearbox while still getting one of the most complete electronics packages in the class.

 

Quick Check

+ 173 hp from a 1,350 cc LC8 V-twin with Cam Shift – 15 hp more than the 1290 predecessor.

+ Semi-active WP APEX SAT: new Through-Rod fork combining open- and closed-cartridge elements; new PWM sensors; 200 mm travel front and rear.

+ Automatic preload adjustment without rider input.

+ Four damping modes: Comfort, Street, Sport, Rain; optional Suspension Pro package.

+ Radial four-piston Brembo calipers standard; twin 320 mm discs; new master cylinders and pads.

+ Dunlop Trailmax Meridian standard with Ice-Ax tread structure and optimized water evacuation.

+ 19-inch front wheel: better gravel capability than motorcycles with a 17-inch front.

+ 8-inch portrait TFT with optical bonding and anti-reflective coating.

+ Cruise control standard; Keyless Go; TPMS; cornering lights.

+ Seat height adjustable between 847 and 867 mm.

+ 23-liter tank: more than 400 km range at 5.7 L/100 km.

+ 230 kg payload: fully suitable for two-up touring with luggage.

+ 91 dB(A) stationary noise – well below Tyrol’s 95 dB limit.

+ Windshield adjustable by 70 mm without tools; wind-tunnel optimized.

+ Up to 4 years Premium Manufacturer Warranty; built in Mattighofen.

 

– No AMT automatic transmission: that is the reason to buy the S, but automatic-transmission fans should choose the EVO.

– Front radar is optional; standard on the EVO.

– Quickshifter+ is optional.

– Around 245 kg fully fueled: heavy for serious off-road use, though acceptable for a road-focused adventure-tourer.

– Warranty coverage depends on scheduled servicing at an authorized KTM dealer.

 

Technical Specifications: KTM 1390 Super Adventure S (2026)

Country of Manufacture: Austria, KTM Mattighofen

Engine: LC8 V-twin, 75-degree cylinder angle, 1,350 cc, 110 mm bore x 71 mm stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, Cam Shift two-stage intake-cam control, Keihin EMS, Ride-by-Wire, twin ignition, Euro 5+

Power: 173 hp, 15 hp more than the 1290 Super Adventure S

Torque: Not separately stated in the source; characteristically strong through the low and midrange

Transmission: Manual six-speed; slipper clutch; Quickshifter+ optional

Difference vs. EVO: S: manual transmission, front radar optional, Quickshifter+ optional. EVO: AMT automated manual transmission, radar standard, adaptive cruise control

Riding Modes / Electronics: Rain, Street, Sport, Offroad standard; Rally mode optional; Bosch MSC cornering ABS; MTC; cruise control standard; front radar optional; Hill Hold Control optional; TPMS; Keyless Go; cornering lights

Frame: Chrome-molybdenum steel trellis frame; engine as stressed member

Fork: 48 mm WP APEX SAT USD, semi-active; Through-Rod design combining open- and closed-cartridge elements; new PWM sensors; 200 mm travel; automatic damping control

Rear Shock: WP APEX SAT semi-active; 200 mm travel; automatic preload adjuster

Damping Modes: Comfort, Street, Sport, Rain; optional Suspension Pro package

Front Brakes: Radial four-piston Brembo calipers; twin 320 mm discs; new master cylinders and pads; cornering ABS

Rear Brake: Two-piston Brembo caliper; 267 mm disc; ABS

Wheels: 19-inch front; 17-inch rear

Tires: 120/70 R19 front; 170/60 R17 rear; Dunlop Trailmax Meridian standard

Display: 8-inch portrait TFT; optical bonding; anti-reflective coating; wireless connectivity; turn-by-turn navigation

Windshield: Adjustable by 70 mm without tools; wind-tunnel optimized

Seat: Two-stage adjustment: 847 mm / 867 mm

Weight: Approx. 245 kg fully fueled

Payload: 230 kg

Wheelbase: 1,558 mm

Fuel Tank: 23 liters; more than 400 km range at 5.7 L/100 km WMTC

Stationary Noise: 91 dB(A), below Tyrol’s 95 dB limit

Price in Germany: EUR 21,494 plus ancillary charges

Warranty: Up to 4 years Premium Manufacturer Warranty from MY2025; scheduled servicing at an authorized KTM dealer required