Quick Analysis
KTM 65 SX
3.0 pts
Unweighted: 1 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 | 64.9 cc | 1350 cc |
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine | 2 cylinder, 4 stroke, V 75° (EURO 5+) |
| Power | 11.2 bhp @ 11500 rpm | 140 kW (190 hp) @ 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 10.8 Nm @ 7500 rpm | 145 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.5 L | 17.5 L |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | 16.9 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 62 kg | 210 |
| Seat Height | 730 mm | 834 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Bosch 9.3 MP (incl. cornering-ABS and Supermoto ABS) |
| Front Brake | Disc 198 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 180 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 - 14 | Michelin Power GP, 120/70 ZR 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 80/100 - 12 | 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 | Orange | Orange | #FF6600 |
| Cons | High maintenance: being a 2-stroke race bike, it needs frequent servicing and top-end rebuilds. Costly parts: replacement parts (especially race-specific ones) can be expensive. Kick-start only — no electric starter, which may be difficult for smaller/younger riders. Limited fuel capacity: small fuel tank means more frequent refuels. Size limitations: while great for its class, more advanced or heavier riders may outgrow it soon. Not road legal — strictly made for off-road/motocross use. | 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 65 SX is one of the most iconic and trusted youth motocross bikes in the world, built for young riders who are ready to step into competitive racing. Designed as a bridge between mini dirt bikes and full-size motocross machines, the 65 SX gives young racers the taste of real racing performance with features inspired directly from KTM’s bigger SX lineup. For many aspiring riders, this bike marks the beginning of a serious motocross journey. At the core of the KTM 65 SX is its 64.9 cc 2-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, designed to deliver smooth yet powerful performance. The engine is known for its sharp throttle response and punchy powerband, which helps riders tackle jumps, corners, and straights with ease. With its race-tuned powervalve system, the bike offers strong torque and acceleration across the rev range, making it highly competitive on the track. The 6-speed gearbox paired with a hydraulic clutch further enhances control, allowing young riders to shift smoothly and confidently during intense racing situations. One of the major highlights of the 65 SX is its lightweight chassis, which gives the bike excellent agility. Weighing just around 53 kg, it allows young riders to maneuver easily, even in technical sections. The frame is built using high-strength chromoly steel, offering a perfect balance of rigidity and flexibility. This helps maintain stability during high-speed riding while still giving enough flex to absorb rough terrain. Suspension plays a huge role in motocross, and KTM has equipped the 65 SX with premium WP XACT suspension. At the front, it features a 35 mm AER air fork, which allows easy adjustment based on the rider’s weight and riding conditions. At the rear, a fully adjustable WP monoshock ensures consistent damping performance. This suspension setup works beautifully on jumps, whoops, and rutted tracks, making the bike feel planted and confidence-inspiring. Braking is equally impressive, with hydraulic disc brakes on both ends providing sharp stopping power. This is especially important for young racers learning advanced braking techniques such as trail braking and hard corner entries. The wave-style discs also help manage heat buildup during longer motos. The ergonomics of the KTM 65 SX are carefully designed to suit growing riders. The seat height, footpegs, and handlebar position give young riders a natural and balanced stance, allowing them to ride longer with less fatigue. The slim bodywork also makes it easier for riders to shift their weight when cornering or navigating obstacles. Another advantage is its “grow-with-the-rider” setup. Many components, including the handlebar and suspension, can be adjusted, making the bike suitable for a range of ages and sizes. This is one of the reasons why parents and young racers prefer the 65 SX — it adapts as the rider’s skills and physical size improve. Overall, the KTM 65 SX is a race-ready machine built to deliver high performance, reliability, and confidence to young riders entering the world of competitive motocross. With its strong engine, agile handling, premium suspension, and race-focused design, it remains one of the best choices for aspiring motocross champions. | 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 mileage? A: The mileage of the KTM 65 SX is around 20–25 kmpl, depending on riding style. Q: What is the engine capacity? A: It comes with a 64.9 cc 2-stroke engine. Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed is approximately 95–100 km/h. Q: Does the KTM 65 SX have electric start? A: No, it features a kick-start mechanism. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is roughly 750 mm, suitable for young riders. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: It has a 3.5-liter fuel tank. Q: Is the KTM 65 SX road legal? A: No, it is not road legal, as it is built specifically for motocross. Q: What type of brakes does it have? A: The bike uses hydraulic disc brakes on both front and rear. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The KTM 65 SX weighs around 53 kg (dry weight). Q: Is the KTM 65 SX good for beginners? A: Yes, it’s ideal for young riders with some basic experience entering competitive motocross. | 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 | | 546500 | Standard | 2295800 |
| Pros | Very lightweight chassis (~53 kg) makes it super agile for young riders. Powerful 64.9 cc 2-stroke engine tuned for competitive performance. High-quality WP XACT suspension (air front fork + mono-shock) gives great control over jumps and bumps. Hydraulic clutch & 6-speed gearbox for smooth gear shifts. Adjustable ergonomics: seat height, handlebar, and bodywork can be tuned to grow with the rider. Strong braking with disc brakes front and rear for reliable stopping power. Built with true “race ready” pedigree — shares tech with bigger KTM SX bikes. | 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 | Kickstarter | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6 gears |
