The new KTM Brabus 1400 R is being developed and will use the new 1,350cc twin-cylinder KTM LC8.
The 1,350cc LC8 was introduced last year and used in the KTM 1390 Super Duke range for 2024, replacing the older and smaller 1,301cc version that was (and is, in the case of the Super Adventure) found in KTM’s 1290 range.
That 1,301cc unit was also the heart of the KTM Brabus bikes until last year. Since these have always been based on the Super Duke, it makes sense that a new KTM Brabus would use the new 1350cc LC8, which produces 190 hp and 145 Nm in the 1390 Super Duke R Evo of 2024.
This was already predicted, but Motorrad reports that it is confirmed due to Brabus’ application to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for several motorcycle-related product names.
Specifically, Brabus has registered trademarks for “Brabus 1400 R Tailor Made”, “Brabus 1400 R Rocket” and “Brabus 1400 R Signature”.
This means that, in addition to the change of engines in line with KTM’s development, the Brabus bike will have multiple variants in its new form. Exactly how each will differ from the others is unclear, although “Rocket” immediately means absolute performance (it’s a name Brabus already uses on its Mercedes-derived high-performance cars), while “Signature” is perhaps more related to a luxury appearance and, from “Tailor Made”, we can infer a customized variant.
Neither KTM nor Brabus have yet made any official announcement about the 1400 R, but Motorrad suggests that the bike could be available before the end of the year.