KTM 1390 Super Adventure Confirmed … by AMA Pro Racing?
American Flat Track Adventure Trackers class to debut at Sturgis
AMA Pro Racing announced a new American Flat Track Adventure Trackers class, which will debut with an exhibition race at the inaugural Sturgis TT on Aug. 11. The class will feature 1,000cc and larger adventure bikes such as the Harley-Davidson Pan America, the BMW R 1300 GS, and the KTM 1390 Super Adventure.
Yes, that’s right, AMA Pro Racing includes the as-yet-unannounced KTM 1390 Super Adventure on its list of approved motorcycles for the class, alongside the 1290 model.
We all expected that a 1390 Super Adventure was coming since the engine debuted on the 1390 Super Duke R, in fact, we might have already seen it, with KTM teasing a new adventure bike with an automatic transmission with the AMT Prototype. We just didn’t expect the official mention of the bike by name would come from American Flat Track.
The AFT Adventure Trackers class will use nearly stock production-based adventure motorcycles with two, three or four cylinders and a displacement larger than 1,000cc. The exhibition race will use the ½ mile long Sturgis course, offering a mix of asphalt and dirt, plus a jump.
While some modifications will be allowed, the race bikes will use stock bodywork, engines, frames, swingarms and fuel tanks, among other parts. The initial list of approved motorcycles includes:
- BMW R 1250 GS
- BMW R 1300 GS
- Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally 1158
- Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
- Honda Africa Twin 1100
- Kawasaki Versys 1000
- KTM 1290 Super Adventure
- KTM 1390 Super Adventure
- Suzuki V-STROM 1050
- Triumph Tiger 1200
- Yamaha Super Ténéré 1200
Interestingly, the regulations state that the “transmission internals must remain the same as the homologated model,” so theoretically, if the production KTM 1390 Super Adventure is available with an automatic shifting system, then that could be allowed. KTM was keen to show the AMT Prototype in a racing environment at the Erzbergrodeo, so it’s not inconceivable it may want to demonstrate that technology in AFT. The same could also apply to the R 1300 GS, which Motorcycle.com has confirmed will be available with a similar technology in the form of BMW’s Automated Shift Assistant. For that matter, the Africa Twin’s dual clutch transmission might also be eligible, though the list suggests only the non-DCT model has been approved for now.
Automatic or not, the next question we have is whether the 1390 Super Adventure will be announced ahead of the Aug. 11 Sturgis TT, or if KTM will enter the AMT Prototype for the exhibition race.
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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This is cool. I don't care what the haters say. Racing is fun especially when racing things not necessarily designed for the track. And European and Japanese bikes are included so those people can't cry "unfair!"
I am waiting for the rumored KTM 1890 Super Duper Adventure. Sure it will gain another 150 lbs, but for monster ADV bikes that rarely go off-road (except in KTM demos with expert riders), who cares. As long as it is possible for a strong 25 year old guy who is 6'4" and benches 240 lbs to get it off the kickstand, its all good. I want mine in 100% KTM orange, even the engine. Maybe the tires. Why not, we are proud to 'show our colors'. In America, big is better, so huge is the best. Am I right?
Oh, I am now hearing a new rumor of a KTM 2690 that will eclipse the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm at a measly 2500cc and only a weak 180HP. Ha ha. KTM Rules. The 2690 Uber-Suprema Adventure will feature 35" Gladiator X-Comp A/T tires that will be perfect for highway or severe off-road use. This bike will have 260HP at 8000 RPM thanks to an electric-assist turbocharger, and a proper 240 ft-lbs of torque. That's enough torque to climb a full grown Sequoia! The suspension will of course be by WP, a new 56mm fork design to handle the expected lightweight (LW version) at only 725 lbs. The engine format (single, dual, etc.) is TBD. This uber bike is expected to outsell every other KTM model ever made. Rider Tip: hit the gym.