Quick Analysis
KTM 50 SX
3.5 pts
Unweighted: 2 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R
34.5 pts
Unweighted: 22 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid Cooled |
| Displacement | 49.9 cc | 1350 cc |
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine | 2 cylinder, 4 stroke, V 75° (EURO 5+) |
| Power | 5.3 bhp @ 11500 rpm | 140 kW (190 hp) @ 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 5.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm | 145 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.3 L | 17.5 L |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | 16.9 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 41 kg | 210 |
| Seat Height | 653 mm | 834 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Bosch 9.3 MP (incl. cornering-ABS and Supermoto ABS) |
| Front Brake | Disc 160 mm | 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm |
| Front Suspension | XACT 35 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 35 mm | WP APEX-USD Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc 160 mm | Brembo two piston, fixed caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm |
| Rear Suspension | XACT WP mono shock | WP APEX-linkage shock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 60/100 - 12 | Michelin Power GP, 120/70 ZR 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 2.75 - 10 | Michelin Power GP, 200/55 ZR 17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubed | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Cast aluminium wheels 3.50 x 17"; 6.00 x 17" |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | — | 12V 11.2 Ah |
| Color Options | Electronic Orange | Orange | #FF6600 |
| Cons | High Maintenance: As a 2-stroke engine, it requires frequent servicing and tuning. Small Fuel Tank: Limited capacity means more frequent refills. Kick-Start Only: No electric start, which can be tricky for very young riders. Limited Power for Older Kids: The 50cc engine may not be enough as the rider grows or becomes more skilled. Sensitive to Tuning: Owners report issues like fouling spark plugs or needing to frequently re-jet the carb: “Used to run great … then started fowling plugs … Moved to a 95 main jet … About 15 kph slower …” Parts Cost & Availability: As a race‑oriented bike, some parts can be expensive or harder to source for older models. | High Running & Maintenance Cost: Premium components (tires, brakes, consumables) and insurance can be expensive, as noted in reviews. Prone to Rear Tyre Wear: In aggressive use (especially on a track or spirited riding), the rear Michelin Power GP rubber may wear out quickly. Windblast & Comfort: As a naked “beast,” it offers limited wind protection, which can make highway riding tiring or uncomfortable. High Seat Height: The seat height (834 mm) may not be ideal for shorter riders. Electronics / Reliability Quirks: Some users have reported occasional electronic gremlins, sensor issues, or clutch drag. Expensive Purchase Price: Given the power and components, it comes with a high price tag compared to some rivals. |
| Detailed Overview | The KTM 50 SX is a purpose-built mini motocross bike, tailored primarily for very young and beginner racers who want to get a genuine motocross experience without jumping straight to bigger bikes. It’s more than just a “toy” — KTM has packed serious race-bike DNA into this 50cc model, making it a standout choice for youth motocross training and competitive racing. At the heart of the 50 SX is a 49.9 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke engine, which delivers a punchy yet manageable power output. According to KTM’s specs, this engine is paired with a centrifugal automatic clutch, meaning there’s no manual clutch lever to worry about — the clutch engages automatically, which is ideal for young riders still building coordination and confidence. The engine uses a Seletra 2p D36 system for fuel delivery (on some models), which helps in precise tuning and reliable performance. KTM has thoughtfully designed the chassis for both strength and agility. The frame is made from chromoly steel, which keeps it light but sturdy. The overall design ensures that the bike is highly maneuverable, making it easier for young riders to learn balance and control on a real race-ready structure. The 50 SX isn’t just about motor and frame — it comes with serious suspension too: a WP XACT 35 mm upside-down fork at the front and a WP mono‑shock at the rear.The front suspension travel is around 200 mm and the rear is close to 190 mm, giving enough give for track bumps and jumps. In terms of ergonomics, the seat height is just 653 mm, making it very accessible for younger riders. Ground clearance is around 233 mm, giving the bike enough space to handle uneven terrain without scraping too much.The fuel tank capacity is modest — 2.3 liters — but that’s more than enough for short motocross sessions that young riders typically do. For braking, KTM hasn’t compromised: the 50 SX is equipped with disc brakes both front and rear, each 160 mm in size. This provides good stopping power and control, which is very important for safety and learning advanced braking techniques. On the wheels front, the bike uses spoke wheels, keeping things light and rugged for off-road racing. Despite its small size, the 50 SX is very race-focused. The frame has been redesigned to mimic the flex and rigidity characteristics of full-size MX bikes. The new frame also comes with frame protectors, which help reduce damage in case of falls — a common occurrence when young riders are learning. The handlebars are lightweight aluminum, with a bend that suits smaller riders, and the footpegs are designed to give a solid grip even when things get muddy or rough. KTM also includes power-reduction kits in its parts catalog for the 50 SX. These kits let parents or coaches limit the power output while the rider is still learning, which is a smart way to scale the bike’s performance to the rider’s ability — and once they’re better, the full power can be unlocked. When it comes to reliability, the 50 SX has a liquid cooling system for better thermal management. The engine’s central crankshaft design helps in keeping the mass well-balanced, which contributes to smoother handling. As for maintenance, like all 2-stroke motorcycles, it does need regular care — but KTM has made key parts (like the clutch) durable, using a reinforced clutch basket for longevity. Overall, the KTM 50 SX is a very well-engineered youth motocross bike that brings real race performance to younger riders. It balances power, weight, and control in a way that helps beginners grow into serious racers. Whether for track training, competitive racing, or just building early riding skills, it’s absolutely one of the top choices in the mini-moto world. | What stands out about the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is how everything on the bike seems to be built around performance rather than routine use, and that becomes clear once you look at the mechanical setup. It uses a 1350cc V-twin engine that produces close to 190 bhp and around 145 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The bike also gets a quickshifter and slipper clutch, which help in smoother gear changes, especially when riding at varying speeds. The throttle is controlled electronically through a ride-by-wire system, which manages how the engine responds to inputs. The frame is a steel trellis unit, designed to keep the bike rigid while also managing weight. The overall kerb weight is around 200 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is about 17.5 litres. The seat height is approximately 834 mm, which may feel slightly tall for some riders, particularly in slow-moving traffic. The riding position is slightly forward-leaning but still within the naked bike layout, with wide handlebars that offer leverage while turning. For suspension, the bike uses fully adjustable WP Apex components. At the front, there are upside-down forks, and at the rear, a monoshock setup is used. Both ends can be adjusted for preload, compression and rebound, allowing changes based on road conditions or riding style. The bike runs on alloy wheels fitted with wide tyres, which are designed to provide grip during acceleration and cornering. Braking is handled by twin discs at the front and a single disc at the rear. The system includes dual-channel ABS, along with features like cornering ABS and traction control, which help maintain stability when braking or riding on different surfaces. These systems work in the background and adjust based on the situation. The electronics package includes a TFT display that shows information such as speed, ride modes and system settings. It also supports features like cruise control and smartphone connectivity. The bike offers multiple riding modes, allowing changes in throttle response and electronic support systems depending on riding conditions. The overall design follows a sharp and aggressive naked bike style, with exposed elements and minimal bodywork. The tank, frame and panels are shaped to give the bike a compact but muscular appearance. Instead of trying to balance multiple roles, the setup stays focused on delivering a specific type of riding experience, which is reflected in both its design and mechanical layout. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | In a market where most motorcycles are built around everyday needs, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R represents a very different approach to motorcycling in India. Its large-capacity engine and aggressive naked design are not shaped around daily commuting, especially in dense city traffic, but around performance and rider engagement. This makes it relevant to a smaller group of riders who are looking for more than basic transport and are interested in high-performance machines. Over time, factors like improving road infrastructure, growing track culture and increased awareness among buyers have created space for such motorcycles in the country. While its usage may be limited in typical conditions, it reflects how the Indian market is gradually opening up to motorcycles that prioritise performance and riding experience over everyday practicality., 4.6, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the KTM 50 SX? A: It has a 49.9 cc 2-stroke engine. Q: What kind of transmission does it use? A: The KTM 50 SX has a single-speed automatic transmission. Q: How is the KTM 50 SX started? A: It uses a kick-start. Q: Does it have a clutch? A: Yes — a centrifugal (adjustable) clutch, so the rider doesn’t have to use a manual clutch lever. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 2.3 litres. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 653 mm. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The dry (or “without fuel”) weight is about 43.5 kg for recent models. Q: What kind of suspension does the KTM 50 SX use? A: It comes with WP XACT suspension — a 35 mm upside-down fork in the front and a WP mono-shock at the rear. Q: What brakes does it have? A: It has disc brakes both at the front and rear, each 160 mm. Q: What power does the KTM 50 SX produce? A: The KTM 50 SX produces around 5.3–5.4 PS at ~11,500 rpm. Q: Is the KTM 50 SX road legal? A: No — it's designed for off-road / motocross use, not for street-legal riding. Q: What kind of clutch does it have for young riders? A: It uses a centrifugal clutch, which automatically engages at high RPM — good for beginners or young riders who don’t manually operate a clutch. Q: What is the ground clearance? A: The ground clearance is 233 mm. Q: Is there a guarantee or warranty for KTM 50 SX? A: According to specs, it has a 2-year standard warranty. Q: What is the typical maintenance challenge or issue to watch for? A: Some owners report carburetor tuning issues | Q: What engine powers the KTM 1390 Super Duke R? A: It is powered by a 1,350 cc liquid-cooled V-twin (LC8) engine. Q: What is KTM 1390 Super Duke R's power and torque output? A: The engine produces 190 PS (140 kW) at 10,000 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. Q: What is the seat height and weight of the 1390 Super Duke R? A: The seat height is 834 mm, and the dry (or “without fuel”) weight is around 200.5 kg per KTM specifications. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of KTM 1390 Super Duke R? A: The fuel tank can hold 17.5 litres. Q: What type of brakes and suspension does KTM 1390 Super Duke R use? A: It features twin 320 mm Brembo Stylema calipers at the front, a 240 mm Brembo disc at the rear, 48 mm WP APEX USD fork up front, and a WP APEX linkage monoshock at the rear. Q: What rider aids and electronics are included on KTM 1390 Super Duke R? A: The 1390 Super Duke R comes with lean-angle (cornering) ABS, cornering traction control (KTM calls it MTC), wheelie control, launch control, a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control, and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth (KTM Connect). Q: What riding modes are available in KTM 1390 Super Duke R? A: It offers 5 riding modes: Street, Sport, Rain, Track, and Performance (depending on the market version). Q: What is the ex-showroom price of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R in India? A: The Super Duke R is priced at ₹ 22.96 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. Q: What is the service interval for this model? A: According to KTM’s 1390 spec sheet, it has a long service interval, up to 15,000 km (depending on region/market). |
| Fuel System | — | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | | 475000 | Standard | 2295800 |
| Pros | Very Lightweight: Makes it easy for young riders to handle and build confidence. Automatic Transmission: The centrifugal clutch and automatic gearbox simplify riding for beginners. Adjustable Suspension: High-quality WP fork and shock can be tuned to rider weight and track conditions. Racing‑Oriented Build: Frame and components are derived from KTM’s full-size SX range, giving a race-ready feel. Power-Reduction Kits Available: Helps beginners by limiting power until they’re ready for more. Good Cooling: Liquid cooling ensures the engine stays healthy even under hard off‑road use. Tool-Free Adjustability: Seat height, suspension, and other parts can be adjusted without special tools. | Massive Power & Torque: The 1,350cc LC-8 V-twin makes 190 PS (or ≈ 187 bhp) and 145 Nm of torque, delivering brutal acceleration and a very exciting powerband. Advanced Engine Technology: Uses variable valve timing (cam-shift) for a wider spread of performance, making the engine more flexible and usable across RPMs. Premium Brakes & Suspension: Equipped with Brembo Stylema calipers and high-quality WP Apex suspension, which gives excellent braking feel and handling. Modern Electronics Suite: Cornering ABS, cornering traction control (MTC), wheelie control, launch control, ride modes, quickshifter, and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth make it very civilized for the performance it offers. Refined Ride for Its Power: Despite its raw power, reviewers note that the new 1390 feels easier to ride than earlier versions, thanks to improved ergonomics, electronics, and ride-height control. Long Service Interval: According to the spec sheet, the service interval is up to 15,000 km, which is very good for a high-performance bike. |
| Starter | — | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | Manual | 6 gears |
