KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO: A Review and the Gremlin's Tale (2026)

The KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO: A Clutchless Adventure or a Gremlin's Tale?

I recently had the opportunity to test ride the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO, a bike that promises to revolutionize the adventure biking experience with its clutchless technology. But, as I soon discovered, this bike is not without its quirks.

The Evo's clutchless system is a game-changer for many riders, offering a more relaxed and effortless riding experience. Personally, I found it fascinating how quickly I adapted to the absence of the traditional clutch lever. The Evo's manual mode still provides the same level of control, and the foot lever and paddle-shift make gear changes a breeze. However, I must admit that I missed the clutch lever in certain situations, such as when pulling away on an uphill gravel road or when filtering through traffic.

What makes this bike truly stand out is its superb TFT dash, mapping, and connectivity features. The radar-enabled adaptive cruise control is a game-changer, offering a level of convenience and safety that is head and shoulders above basic cruise control. However, I was disappointed to encounter false dashboard warnings, which are a common issue with KTM bikes.

The Evo's performance is impressive, with a close call between it and its competitors, the Ducati Multistrada V4 S and BMW R1300GS. The Evo's playful and frivolous nature makes it a joy to ride, and its capabilities are truly impressive.

However, the bike's reliability is a concern. After just 1369 miles, I encountered a traction control failure, cruise control malfunction, and AMT issues. The bike entered safe mode, restricting engine performance and gear changes. This is a significant issue, and I am waiting to hear the outcome of KTM's investigation.

In my opinion, the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO is a bike that shows great potential, but it is not without its flaws. The clutchless system is a fascinating innovation, but the reliability issues are a major concern. I would recommend this bike to adventurous riders who are willing to put up with the occasional glitch, but I would also advise them to be prepared for unexpected issues.

One thing that immediately stands out is the Evo's ability to adapt to different riding conditions. The bike's mapping and connectivity features allow it to adjust to the rider's needs, making it a versatile and enjoyable ride. However, the false dashboard warnings are a constant source of frustration and a reminder that even the most advanced bikes can have their quirks.

In conclusion, the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO is a bike that shows great promise, but it is not without its flaws. The clutchless system is a fascinating innovation, but the reliability issues are a major concern. I would recommend this bike to adventurous riders who are willing to put up with the occasional glitch, but I would also advise them to be prepared for unexpected issues.

What many people don't realize is that the Evo's clutchless system is not a panacea for all riding issues. While it offers a more relaxed and effortless riding experience, it is not a replacement for the traditional clutch lever. The Evo's manual mode still provides the same level of control, and the foot lever and paddle-shift make gear changes a breeze.

If you take a step back and think about it, the Evo's clutchless system is a fascinating innovation that shows great potential. However, it is not without its flaws, and riders should be prepared for unexpected issues. The Evo's ability to adapt to different riding conditions is impressive, but the reliability issues are a major concern.

In my opinion, the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO is a bike that shows great promise, but it is not without its flaws. I would recommend this bike to adventurous riders who are willing to put up with the occasional glitch, but I would also advise them to be prepared for unexpected issues.

A detail that I find especially interesting is the Evo's ability to adjust to the rider's needs. The bike's mapping and connectivity features allow it to adapt to different riding conditions, making it a versatile and enjoyable ride. However, the false dashboard warnings are a constant source of frustration and a reminder that even the most advanced bikes can have their quirks.

What this really suggests is that the Evo's clutchless system is a fascinating innovation that shows great potential, but it is not without its flaws. The bike's reliability issues are a major concern, and riders should be prepared for unexpected issues. However, the Evo's ability to adapt to different riding conditions is impressive, and its capabilities are truly impressive.

KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO: A Review and the Gremlin's Tale (2026)

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