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2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Overview
The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a sport motorcycle built around 1301 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 13.5:1. 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R delivers 132 kW @ 9500 rpm of peak power and 140 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2020 1290 Super Duke R tips the scales at 189 kg, carries a 16-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 835 mm and spans a 1497 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2020 1290 Super Duke R - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R makes 132 kW @ 9500 rpm with 140 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: The 835 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
General ownership notes
The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R has built a reputation for solid everyday reliability when serviced to schedule. As with any motorcycle of this era, documented service history is the single biggest indicator of long-term reliability when buying used.
1290 Super Duke R - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained 1290 Super Duke R should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any 1290 Super Duke R. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R have?
The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R uses a Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 1301 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooling.
How much does the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R weigh?
The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R weighs 189 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R make?
The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R produces 132 kW @ 9500 rpm of power and 140 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R?
The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R has a 16-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 266-320 km between stops.
Is the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R has a seat height of 835 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R have?
The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R uses 2 x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema four piston, radially mounted caliper at the front and Single 240mm disc Brembo two piston, fixed caliper, at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R use?
The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R runs 120/70 ZR 17 front and 200/55 ZR 17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R have?
The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
KTM 1290 Super Duke R Spec Evolution
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R was produced across 5 model years (2017-2022). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2022 |
| Max Power |
130.2 kW / 177 hp @ 8870 rpm |
130.2 kW / 177 hp @ 8870 rpm |
130.2 kW / 177 hp @ 8870 rpm |
132 kW / 180 hp @ 9500 rpm |
132 kW / 180 hp |
| Dry Weight |
195 kg / 430 lbs |
195 kg / 430 lbs |
195 kg / 430 lbs |
189 kg / 416.6 lbs |
180 kg / 396.8 lbs |
| Engine Detail |
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, 75° V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Seat Height |
835 mm / 32.9 in |
835 mm / 32.9 in |
835 mm / 32.9 in |
835 mm / 33 in |
837 mm / 32.9 in |
| Fuel Capacity |
18 Litres / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp galUnleaded premium fuel (95 RON) |
18 Litres / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp galUnleaded premium fuel (95 RON) |
18 Litres / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp gal Unleaded premium fuel (95 RON) |
16 Litres / 4.2 US gal |
16 Litres / 4.2 US gal |
| Frame Type |
Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated |
Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated |
Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated |
CrMo-steel trellis frame, powder coated, Subframe Cast aluminium / Composite |
Chrome-moly tubular space frame, powder-coated |
| Brakes - Front |
2 x 320mm Floating discs, Brembo monoblock 4 piston radial fixed calipers |
2 x 320mm Floating discs, Brembo monoblock 4 piston radial fixed calipers |
2 x 320mm Floating discs, Brembo monoblock 4 piston radial fixed calipers |
2 x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema four piston, radially mounted caliper |
2 x 320 mm Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper |
| Wheelbase |
1482 mm / 58.3 in |
1482 mm / 58.3 in |
1482 mm / 58.3 in |
1497 mm / 59 in ± 15 mm |
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Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
132 kW / 180 hp @ 9500 rpm
Torque
140 Nm / 103.3 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm
Weight
189 kg / 416.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity
16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
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Full 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Specifications
Year
2020
Make Model
KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Seat Height
835 mm / 33 in
Wheelbase
1497 mm / 59 in ± 15 mm
Ground Clearance
160 mm / 6.3 in
Dry Weight
189 kg / 416.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity
16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Displacement
1301 cc / 79.3 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
108 x 71 mm
Compression Ratio
13.5:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooling
Emissions
Euro
Engine Management
Keihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition
Exhaust
Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer with two catalytic converters
Fuel Induction
Keihin EFI Throttle body 56 mm
Lubrication
Pressure lubrication with 3 Eaton pumps
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12V 12Ah
Clutch
PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Chain, X-Ring 525
Primary Drive
40:76
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
CrMo-steel trellis frame, powder coated, Subframe Cast aluminium / Composite
Suspension - Front
48mm WP APEX, USD forks
Suspension - Rear
WP APEX shock absorber
Handlebar
Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
Steering Angle
64.8°
Trail
108 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front
125 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
140 mm / 5.5 in
Traction control
MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 3-Mode, disengageable, Track mode optional)
Brakes - Front
2 x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema four piston, radially mounted caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single 240mm disc Brembo two piston, fixed caliper,
ABS
Bosch 9.1 MP 2.0 (with cornering ABS and SUPERMOTO ABS)
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear
200/55 ZR 17
Wheels
Cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - Front
3.50 x 17
Wheels - Rear
6.00 x 17
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