After receiving a few facelifts in the last five years, KTM has unveiled a new Super Duke. The 1390 Super Duke R arrives with numerous updates over its predecessor. The main objective of these updates is to enhance its competitiveness against other naked bikes from Japan and Europe.

Among its many competitors, the Yamaha MT-10 is a significant Japanese contender that the 1390 must outperform to lead the segment. The MT-10 boasts a potent engine, top-quality components, and features. Hence, it’s natural to wonder how the KTM and Yamaha match up against each other, and that is precisely what we will discuss today.

• 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R

  After half a decade, the KTM Super Duke has received a considerable update for 2024. The most significant change is the new engine, now displacing 1,350 cubic centimeters–49 more than the 1290 version. This enables the Super Duke to produce 187 horsepower, making it the most potent KTM naked bike to date. Other updates include a new TFT instrument cluster, updated WP Apex suspension, and, most importantly, a completely redesigned aesthetic.

  Pros

  • Powerful V-twin engine
  • Quality underpinnings

  Cons

  • Design is not widely appealing

• 2023 Yamaha MT-10

  Expert Opinion: The 2023 Yamaha MT-10 stays true to its 2022 improvements. Since its debut in 2016, it continues to hold its position as one of the best hyper-naked superbikes in the market. It’s a development of Yamaha’s highly-praised YZF-R1 superbike transformed into an incredibly thunderous hyper-naked motorcycle. It’s enjoyable, agile, packed with torque, and extremely aggressive in the low end.

  Pros

  • Sub-$16,000 MSRP
  • One of the only true-blue liter-class offerings in the segment
  • YZF-R1-derived electronics

  Cons

  • Not as flashy in terms of underpinnings

2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R vs Yamaha MT-10 – Performance

KTM and Yamaha have taken two different approaches. The 1390 Super Duke R has a large V-twin engine, while the MT-10 boasts a liter-class mill from the YZF-R1. Consequently, there is a significant difference in their power outputs.

The 1390 Super Duke R Produces More Power Than The Yamaha MT-10

“No replacement for displacement” is a fitting statement when you look at the outputs of both motorcycles. With an extra 350cc, the Super Duke churns out 187 ponies–a considerable 23 more than the MT-10. Similarly, the former offers an additional 25 pound-feet of torque compared to the latter.

The final straws, meanwhile, are the power bands and the efficiency. Being a twin, the Super Duke’s power kicks in earlier in the rev range, which also helps to promise slightly better fuel efficiency. On the other hand, the inline-four MT consumes more fuel and operates within a peaky RPM range.

2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R vs Yamaha MT-10 – Dimensions And Underpinnings

As hyper-naked offerings, these two bikes share several similarities in terms of underpinnings and dimensions. 17-inch wheels, dual front discs, USD forks, and an identical weight all ensure close competition. However, just like in performance, there’s a clear winner here.

The 1390 Super Duke R Has More Premium Underpinnings Than The MT-10

In their typical Japanese fashion, the MT-10 focuses on the essentials. It comes with a set of 43 mm USD forks and monoshock, along with a diamond chassis. On the other hand, the European Super Duke takes things up a notch with its sturdier 48 mm forks, top-notch Brembo Stylema calipers, and a fancy single-sided swingarm. In addition, the KTM also offers more ground clearance, a larger tank, and a lower saddle height than its competitor. The MT-10’s only advantage in this regard is its super-compact 55.3-inch wheelbase.