KTM 1290 Super Duke R
2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R: 180 hp naked bike, 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin, 189 kg without fuel, no longer sold new in France. Full specs and press reviews.
At a glance
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R, nicknamed "The Beast", is KTM's hyper naked: a 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin with 180 hp and 140 Nm, a steel trellis frame and 189 kg without fuel. It is no longer in KTM France's range, which has replaced it with the 1390 Super Duke R (2024 model year); this page covers its last model year, 2023, whose last price listed by KTM France is €20,250 (bikes in stock). Reviewers praised its more usable engine and sharp chassis, as effective on the road as on track, but criticised an abrupt throttle, firm suspension, almost no wind protection and a quickshifter sold as an option.
World press review
Meta-score
9 sources
Press ratings
Much stiffer, better-controlled chassis that fixes the Super Duke's historic weakness on track; almost no wind protection, even for a naked bike.
Better than its predecessor, especially for front-end feel, without being reason enough to replace a 2017-2019; a bike bought with the heart.
Much improved chassis, smooth engine and polished electronics; divisive styling, many extras at additional cost, not necessarily suited to beginners.
Engine response, handling, agility and effectiveness praised; high price and no wind protection.
Easier to handle and more composed on track, exceptional engine, cutting-edge electronics; less comfortable and more nervous on the road, smaller tank, optional quickshifter despite a steep price rise.
Front-end stability, strong midrange and top-end engine, riding position, suspension and sporty versatility praised; slightly sharp front brake bite and high price.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
No review covers the 2023 model year, which only changes the paint: the nine reviews used here all cover the 2020 model year of the same generation, technically identical apart from the quicker-action throttle added in 2022. MCN gives it 4/5, Motorcycle.com 90/100 and bikesales 85/100, hence a meta score of 85/100; bikesales named it its 2020 bike of the year. Visordown, BikeSocial, 1000PS, Motociclismo, Moto-Net and Le Repaire des Motards tested it without a numeric score.
What reviewers like: a powerful twin that is more usable than before (MCN, Motorcycle.com), a chassis far more composed on track without losing anything on the road (Motorcycle.com, Visordown), a stable front end and quality suspension (Le Repaire des Motards), polished electronics (1000PS, Moto-Net) and riding fun that bikesales, Motociclismo and BikeSocial rank above everything else.
What they criticise: the quickshifter and Track mode sold as options (Motorcycle.com, MCN, Moto-Net, 1000PS), a high price (MCN, Motociclismo, Le Repaire des Motards), abrupt throttle response at low speed and firm suspension (bikesales), almost no wind protection (Visordown, Motociclismo), less comfort on the road (Moto-Net), a slightly sharp initial bite from the front brake (Le Repaire des Motards) and divisive styling (1000PS).
Key quotes
"By dialling back this aggression, and refining its chassis and power output, KTM have made their naked bike far more fun to ride while still ensuring 'The Beast' retains a welcome bit of attitude. It’s had its claws trimmed, but its teeth remain nice and sharp…"
"What is so nice about this KTM is its track prowess doesn’t make it any less of an enjoyable street bike."
"Let’s face it, motorcycling should be about fun, excitement, and freedom, and the 1290 Super Duke R delivers all those things and much, much more."
"What’s for sure is that the revitalised 1290 Super Duke R is bringing a seriously sharp knife to the fight."
"Its pointlessness is exactly the point – this is a bike bought with the heart and not the head."
"Anyone looking for a powerful naked bike who above all values fun in the saddle cannot ignore the KTM Super Duke."
"Does it have flaws? Yes, but insignificant ones."
"The Super Duke R sets a new standard in the family of very sporty roadsters."
Pros
- Powerful 180 hp LC8 twin, more usable than before
- Composed chassis, as effective on the road as on track
- Adjustable WP APEX suspension and Brembo Stylema brakes
- Comprehensive electronics (IMU, cornering ABS, cruise control, keyless ignition)
- Low weight of 189 kg without fuel
Cons
- No longer in KTM France’s range
- Quickshifter and Track mode optional
- Abrupt throttle at low speed and firm suspension
- Almost no wind protection
- High price
- Range of about 230 km from 16 litres
Our review
Is the 1290 Super Duke R still on sale?
Not new from the range: KTM France’s Naked Bike line-up now only offers the 1390 Super Duke R and its variants (R EVO, RR) alongside the smaller Dukes. There is no 2024 model year of the 1290 Super Duke R: the 2023 is the last one. Its page is still reachable on KTM France’s website, with a warranty mention valid for bikes in stock sold from 3 February 2025. KTM unveiled its replacement, the 1390 Super Duke R, on 28 November 2023, for sale from January 2024. This page covers the 2023 model year.
How much did it cost?
The last price listed by KTM France for the 2023 model year is €20,250 including VAT, excluding registration costs, for bikes in stock; the launch price of this model year is not known. Motorcycle.com quoted a US price of $18,699 for the 2020 model year. In France, the only colour offered is orange, a silver and orange livery with orange frame and wheels. The R EVO (WP semi-active suspension) and RR (limited series) versions are separate models, not covered here.
What did the 2020-2023 generation bring?
The 2020 model year, “The Beast 3.0”, changed everything: a chromoly trellis frame three times stiffer, using the engine as a stressed member, a swingarm pivot raised by 5 mm, a composite rear subframe, WP APEX suspension, a six-axis IMU and a tank reduced to 16 litres. According to BikeSocial, KTM claimed 6 kg less than the previous generation. The 2022 model year added a shorter-travel throttle grip (65° instead of 72°) and the silver and orange livery; the 2023 brings no documented technical change.
How good is the engine?
The 1,301 cc 75° LC8 V-twin (108 x 71 mm, 13.5:1 compression) gets titanium intake valves, 56 mm throttle bodies, dry-sump lubrication, a PASC slipper clutch and a six-speed Pankl gearbox. KTM claims 180 hp (132 kW) and 140 Nm; its 2020 specification table puts these figures at 9,500 and 8,000 rpm. MCN finds it less aggressive than before and more fun, and believes midrange torque matters more than the 200 hp of some rivals. bikesales, on the other hand, finds the throttle response abrupt at low speed.
How does it ride?
The 48 mm WP APEX upside-down fork (125 mm travel) is adjustable for compression and rebound, the WP APEX shock (140 mm) for tool-free preload, rebound and high- and low-speed compression. Two Brembo Stylema calipers grip 320 mm discs, and the Bridgestone Hypersport S22 tyres are 120/70 and 200/55 ZR17. KTM France quotes 189 kg without fuel, a 1,497 mm wheelbase and 160 mm ground clearance; the 2023 owner’s manual gives about 198 kg, 1,492 mm and 150 mm. Motorcycle.com finds it as effective on the road as on track, and Visordown believes its chassis finally fixes the Super Duke’s historic weakness on circuit. bikesales finds its suspension very firm over big bumps.
What electronics?
Rain, Street and Sport modes, Bosch cornering ABS with Supermoto mode, lean-sensitive traction control, wheelie control, cruise control, keyless ignition, tyre pressure monitoring and the 5-inch TFT screen with KTM MY RIDE connectivity are standard. The Track mode (nine-level traction control, launch control) and Performance mode, the Quickshifter+ and MSR engine-braking control are optional, which Motorcycle.com and MCN regret at this price level.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
KTM publishes no homologated fuel consumption, only CO2 emissions of 130 g/km. bikesales recorded an average of 7.0 L/100 km, giving a range of about 230 km from 16 litres. The manual calls for an oil change every 15,000 km or every 12 months, and a valve clearance check and spark plug replacement every 30,000 km.
Who is it for?
The 1290 Super Duke R requires a full A licence and is aimed at experienced riders: 1000PS does not consider it necessarily suited to beginners. It suits those who want a very powerful naked bike, usable every day thanks to its cruise control and adjustable handlebars, and able to handle track days.
Where does it come from?
KTM launched the 1290 Super Duke R in 2014 to replace the 990 Super Duke R (999 cc). The first generation claimed 180 hp and 144 Nm, the second (2017-2019) 177 hp and 141 Nm. The 2024 1390 Super Duke R uses the 2020 chassis with a 1,350 cc, 190 hp engine.
Recalls
Two recalls affected this generation for wiring harnesses that could cause a short circuit, or even a fire: in 2021 for the 2020 model year, in 2022 for the 2020 to 2022 model years. Neither concerns the 2023 model year.
Specifications
| Displacement | 1301 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 180 hp (132 kW) @ 9,500 rpm (rpm from the 2020 manufacturer spec table; KTM France 2023: 180 hp) |
| Torque | 140 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
| Weight | 189 kg (without fuel, KTM France; the 2023 owner's manual gives about 198 kg) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 1.05 |
| Seat height | 835 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 16 L |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 15,000 km or 12 months — Valves: 30,000 km (KTM 2023 owner's manual) |
| Engine type | 75° LC8 V-twin, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, twin spark, dry sump, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, PASC slipper clutch |
| License | A |
| MSRP | €20,250 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 108 x 71 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 13,5:1 |
| Fuel system | Keihin electronic fuel injection, 56 mm throttle bodies, ride-by-wire, twin spark ignition |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (titanium intake valves), chain-driven |
| Max torque RPM | 8000 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Chromoly tubular trellis frame (engine as stressed member), cast aluminium and composite rear subframe; single-sided swingarm |
|---|---|
| Trail | 106 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1497 mm |
| Ground clearance | 160 mm |
| Front suspension | 48 mm WP APEX upside-down fork, adjustable compression and rebound, 125 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | WP APEX linkage monoshock, adjustable preload (tool-free knob), rebound and high- and low-speed compression, 140 mm travel |
| Front brake | Dual 320 mm floating discs, Brembo Stylema four-piston radial monobloc calipers |
| Rear brake | Single 240 mm disc, two-piston Brembo caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 200/55 ZR17 |
| ABS system | Bosch 9.1 MP cornering ABS (6-axis IMU), Supermoto ABS mode |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Rain, Street, Sport, Track (optional), Performance (optional) |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Anti-wheelie | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Optional two-way Quickshifter+ |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Dashboard | 5-inch tilting colour TFT, bonded glass |
| Connectivity | KTM MY RIDE (smartphone: turn-by-turn navigation, music, calls) |
| Other features | 6-axis IMU, Lean-sensitive MTC traction control (9 levels in Track mode), Supermoto ABS mode, MSR engine-braking control (optional), Launch control (with Track mode), KTM RACE ON keyless ignition, Tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), Automatic indicator reset, Full LED lighting |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Sporty roadster: wide 760 mm handlebars adjustable in 4 positions over 21 mm, footpegs adjustable in two positions |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | Almost none (naked bike without flyscreen) |
| Max total weight | 425 kg |
The 1290 Super Duke R offers a sporty roadster riding position, with an 835 mm seat and wide 760 mm handlebars adjustable in four positions (21 mm range). The footpegs can be fitted higher and further back for the track, and the clutch and brake levers are adjustable. Visordown finds wind protection almost non-existent, even for a naked bike; Moto-Net finds it less comfortable than the previous generation on the road, while Le Repaire des Motards likes its riding position. bikesales finds the suspension firm enough to jolt over big bumps. The permissible total weight is 425 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
7.0 L/100 km (average recorded by bikesales, Australian press, in 2020)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~230 km (calculated: 16 L tank / 7.0 L/100 km recorded by bikesales)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 15,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 30,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 30,000 km |
| Chain | Tension checked at 1,000 km, then every 15,000 km or 12 months; chain, rear sprocket and front sprocket checked every 15,000 km (525 X-Ring chain) |
KTM’s 2023 owner’s manual specifies a first service at 1,000 km, then an oil and filter change every 15,000 km or every 12 months, and air filter replacement every 15,000 km. Valve clearance is checked and the spark plugs (two per cylinder) are replaced every 30,000 km. Brake and clutch fluids are replaced every 24 months, coolant every 48 months; chain tension and drivetrain condition are checked every 15,000 km. For bikes in stock sold from 3 February 2025, KTM France offers a Premium Manufacturer Warranty of up to 4 years, provided services are carried out by an authorised KTM dealer; an optional extension can cover the bike for up to 12 years or 80,000 km.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 1290 Super Duke R | €20,250 | 180 hp (132 kW) @ 9,500 rpm (rpm from the 2020 manufacturer spec table; KTM France 2023: 180 hp) | 189 kg (without fuel, KTM France; the 2023 owner's manual gives about 198 kg) |
| KTM 1390 Super Duke R2026 | €20,749 | 190 hp | 200.5 kg (without fuel) |
| Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS2025 | €20,195 | 183 hp | 199 kg (wet) |
| BMW S 1000 R2027 | €17,000 | 170 hp | 199 kg (wet) |
| Ducati Streetfighter V42027 | €25,290 | 214 hp | 191 kg (without fuel) |
| Yamaha MT-102024 | €15,999 | 165.9 hp | 212 kg (wet) |
Generations
Compare →- 1290 Super Duke R (1re génération)2014 – 2016
1,301 cc · 180 hp · 144 Nm · 189 kg (without fuel)
Launch of "The Beast", replacing the 990 Super Duke R: 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin, Bosch cornering ABS, traction control and Supermoto ABS mode.
- 1290 Super Duke R (« The Beast 2.0 »)2017 – 2019
1,301 cc · 177 hp · 141 Nm · 203 kg (without fuel)
First real update: Euro 4 engine with 13.6:1 compression and titanium intake valves, new LED headlight, TFT screen and richer electronics (Track mode, optional Quickshifter+).
- 1290 Super Duke R (« The Beast 3.0 »)2020 – 2023
1,301 cc · 180 hp · 140 Nm · 189 kg (without fuel)
Complete overhaul: trellis frame three times stiffer using the engine as a stressed member, WP APEX suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes, 6-axis IMU, 16-litre tank and 6 kg less dry weight according to KTM; quicker-action throttle and EVO version in 2022.
- 1390 Super Duke R2024 – today
1,350 cc · 190 hp · 145 Nm · 200 kg (without fuel)
Successor built on the 2020 chassis: bore increased to 110 mm (1,350 cc), variable camshaft timing, 60 mm throttle bodies, 17.5-litre tank, new headlight and Euro 5+ compliance.
Compare with this generation →
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1290 Super Duke R (1re génération)2014 – 2016 Launch of "The Beast", replacing the 990 Super Duke R: 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin, Bosch cornering ABS, traction control and Supermoto ABS mode. | 1,301 cc | 180 hp | 144 Nm | 189 kg without fuel |
| 1290 Super Duke R (« The Beast 2.0 »)2017 – 2019 First real update: Euro 4 engine with 13.6:1 compression and titanium intake valves, new LED headlight, TFT screen and richer electronics (Track mode, optional Quickshifter+). | 1,301 cc | 177 hp | 141 Nm | 203 kg without fuel |
| 1290 Super Duke R (« The Beast 3.0 »)2020 – 2023 Complete overhaul: trellis frame three times stiffer using the engine as a stressed member, WP APEX suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes, 6-axis IMU, 16-litre tank and 6 kg less dry weight according to KTM; quicker-action throttle and EVO version in 2022. | 1,301 cc | 180 hp | 140 Nm | 189 kg without fuel |
| 1390 Super Duke R2024 – today Successor built on the 2020 chassis: bore increased to 110 mm (1,350 cc), variable camshaft timing, 60 mm throttle bodies, 17.5-litre tank, new headlight and Euro 5+ compliance. Compare with this generation → | 1,350 cc | 190 hp | 145 Nm | 200 kg without fuel |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
Rear wiring harness that may be damaged due to assembly errors (risk of short circuit and fire): harness inspection and modification of the lower rear part. Concerns the 2020 model year, not the 2023.
Voir le rappel →Main wiring harness that may be misrouted or missing parts (risk of short circuit, fire or engine stall): inspection and repair. Concerns the 2020 to 2022 model years, not the 2023.