KTM 1290 SUPERDUKE R (2017 - 2019) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £260
Power: 177 bhp
Seat height: Medium (32.9 in / 835 mm)
Weight: Medium (430 lbs / 195 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £7,800 - £11,500

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The beastly KTM 1290 Super Duke R was chiselled and tweaked in 2017 with slightly more power, suspension and styling updates. But its new electronics took centre stage with more refined rider aids and a new Track riding mode, which lets you choose differing levels of throttle response and allows you to turn anti-wheelie off with the traction control still active.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
5 out of 5 (5/5)

Revised WP suspension had new internal damping settings and heavier fork springs - up from 95 to 100N/mm. On the road it offers a plusher ride and on track there’s lots of more control, agility and feeling through the tyres. It now comes with Metzeler M7 Sportec RR sports rubber as standard.

The riding position is more aggressive, but still comfy, thanks to new bars that are 20mm wider, 5mm lower and 18.5mm further forward.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
5 out of 5 (5/5)

KTM have given its 1301cc V-twin motor the Euro 4 treatment for 2017, so it’s quieter and emits 10% less CO2. But the Austrian supernaked was never conceived to stop the ice caps going liquid and the good news is the KTM is still as unhinged as ever, even if it has gained nearly a stone in weight (6kg) thanks to those meddling Eurocrats.

The revised motor makes a claimed 177bhp, up 4bhp over the previous model, thanks to a new crank, cylinder head, titanium inlet valves, a higher compression ratio and 10mm shorter inlet trumpets, which let the 1301cc V-twin rev an extra 500rpm.

It would be tricky to notice the modest power hike unless you rode old and new Super Duke Rs back-to-back, especially with the extra weight it’s carrying, but it’s still a corker of an engine that oozes grunt. Even as low as 2750rpm it’s making 74ftlb of torque.

Fast cornering on the KTM 1290 Super Duke R

On track the KTM is nothing short of sensational. It leaps out of corners, even in lazy gears, and demolishes the straights in a thunderous gush of superbike-like lunacy. With no fairing it’s hard to hang on at such high speeds and after a day spent on track you’ll leave with arms and neck like Popeye.

But despite the motor’s savagery when you poke it with a stick, it’s docile and friendly at normal speeds with a beautiful on/off throttle response.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Super Duke R is built with impressive attention to detail and top quality parts, but it’s no secret they’ve had their problems with quality and reliability with some machines. But the Austrian firm are constantly developing and improving their machines and most riders have had nothing but trouble-free ownership.

We don't currently have any 2017 KTM Super Duke R owners' reviews on MCN.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

This machine is right at the priciest end of the super naked scale, especially when you start adding accessories. Yamaha’s brilliant MT-10 is the undoubted class-leader in the value stakes, costing a whopping four grand less than the KTM.

A side-on view of the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

You now get keyless ignition and cruise control in standard trim, along with quality WP suspension, Brembo calipers, three riding modes, traction and wheelie control and ABS. Pay extra and you can also specify the extra Track riding mode, a quickshifter, autoblipper, heated grips and any number of sexy KTM Power Parts accessories.

Specs

Engine size 1301cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 8v, V-twin
Frame type Tubular steel trellis
Fuel capacity 18 litres
Seat height 835mm
Bike weight 195kg
Front suspension 48mm, WP forks adjustable for rebound and compression damping
Rear suspension Single WP rear shock, fully adjustable
Front brake 2x320mm discs with Brembo four-piston radial caliper
Rear brake 240mm single disc with single-piston caliper
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 190/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption -
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £260
New price -
Used price £7,800 - £11,500
Insurance group 17 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two years

Top speed & performance

Max power 177 bhp
Max torque 104 ft-lb
Top speed 165 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range -

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 2014: KTM 1290 Super Duke R hits dealers, replacing the 990 Super Duke.
  • 2017: Second-generation Super Duke R has Euro 4 engine with 4bhp more, styling, electronics and chassis tweaks.

Other versions

Although there is only one model of 1290 Super Duke R, the platform also birthed the creation of the 1290 Super Duke GT sports tourer, which is essentially the same bike with slightly more wind protection and practicality.

Owners' reviews for the KTM 1290 SUPERDUKE R (2017 - 2019)

6 owners have reviewed their KTM 1290 SUPERDUKE R (2017 - 2019) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your KTM 1290 SUPERDUKE R (2017 - 2019)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Equipment: 3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Annual servicing cost: £260
3 out of 5 A great bike, spoilt by minor problems
29 February 2024 by Jim

Version: Gen 2

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £300

Best feature, the ride and engine, gearbox, quickshifter, especially the down shift and the aggressive look.Worst feature, Key, I'm on my 3rd key1st one replaced on warranty 2nd cost near £300. Then you have to find somewhere to put ut when riding, when you put it in a ignition to start, that's its home, so easy. BAD IDEA KTM.. Keyless start, such a hopless part to change. Also, side stand, part that sticks out to kick side stand down when on bikeis threaded in, fell out on a ride went to Ktm to buy part gave me one, wrong thread, gave me another, wrong thread. Dealer said is it a new sidestand, I replied no and had the bike fron new, un able to replace piece missing on sidestand, I found along bolt and locklite it in and still using. Dealer said I need a new complete side stand at close to 200, madness. Did not recommend bike to mates. Deffo KTM, Keeps Taking Money.. But the ride is fantastic. I was going to change it for a new one but not prepared to go to sort new problems.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Great brakes

Engine 5 out of 5

Love it

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Key original key was intermittent part in Key was missing. Rest of bike very good, had from new.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Prices varied in both dealers used.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Standard Tyres very good, replaced with the standard ones. Favourite feature, quickshifter Recommended accessories track pack and option for non standard can.

Buying experience: Dealer new

4 out of 5 The beast
27 March 2023 by PMC

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £300

Bad points Poor clutch slave cylinder needs bleeding regularly or replace with Oberon Poor steering damper Tech pack/ track pack paid extras Good points Mental power Handling good Looks good Eats tyres

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Good enough all rounder , powerparts seat might help a bit

Engine 5 out of 5

Loads of useable power

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Clutch slave needs bleeding regularly Radiator leaks on some ( not mine yet)

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5

Quick shifter build in but has to be unlocked by dealers along with many other modes all should be included with the sale of the bike

5 out of 5 Ktm awesome engine
26 February 2021 by Mark Higgs

Year: 2018

The engine dominates the bike , it’s so so strong , you can’t fail to be impressed every ride

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

This bike does everything, I’ve been touring around France with mates who were on gs 1200s with no problem and very good fuel consumption

Engine 5 out of 5

Out of all the bikes I’ve owned this has the best engine, it’s a train , so much low down torque and loads of power up top , just awesome!

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Had no issues with this bike in 3 years of ownership

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Not the cheapest to service but probably not far off every other manufacturer

Equipment 3 out of 5

I love the look of the bike , the engine and handling and also the wind deflection is good , the worst part of the bike is KTM making you pay extra to unlock features the bike has built in !

Buying experience: I got mine new from main dealer

4 out of 5 It's all about the engine.
25 September 2020 by Shortbread.

Year: 2019

An experience for sure, but not without noticeable faults.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes are excellent, good feed back and initial bite. Suspension wasn't that great, it sits very tall and I found the rear pogo'd and the front was very vague. I was considerably slower on track than my Daytona 675 because I just couldn't get confident in the front end, even after lots of setting up and adjusting. On the road, it's ok, pegs are nice and low, feels comfortable but again, very tall.

Engine 5 out of 5

The party piece, an absolute revelation and makes you forget most of the flaws. It's just all encompassing, so much torque and violence it beggers belief. It actually feels like the engine is too much for the frame, like it's trying to twist the frame up, it really is staggering and will destroy almost anything from 30mph onwards.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Overall finish isn't great, certainly not up there with Triumph, Ducati etc. Plastics feel a little cheap, paint easily chipped. I had multiple engine warning lights before I reached 2000 miles, majority were ghost faults and a turn off and on again sorted it, but then the quick shifter failed.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Surprisingly good on fuel, insurance was less than a speed triple, MT-10 and S1000R. First service around £200, pretty average.

Equipment 3 out of 5

Plenty of electrical toys, but only at a premium extra cost over stock.

Buying experience: Bought from Premier Bikes in Oxford, excellent service, great range of bikes.

4 out of 5 Superduke Carnage
19 June 2020 by Pooch Purtill

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £150

If you want a bike that feels like a really comfortable very fast Cross between a Super Moto and a sportsbike This the bike for you if you can afford it. Also it’s a lot of fun on track days + you can fit a certain amount of luggage so be great to get to Spain when possible. It is a bit high in the seat I’m 5ft 8 ins and wouldn’t want to be any shorter.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Bikes as happy on the track as it is on the road great all rounder in my opinion.

Engine 5 out of 5

What an engine it is genuinely awesome and when you get used to dropping one less gear on a corner and using the torque it’s a really great feeling, it really is a pleasure to ride and it makes you smile constantly.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

It’s a nicely built bike but since owning it the only problem I had was Switchgear packed up causing lots of warnings and as I ran out of warranty it cost £540 to fix £394 of that was the switch gear. It’s quite common for radiators to start leaking check Facebook Superduke Carnage page for cheaper fix than new radiator. Oh and fuel gauge packed up too but was replaced under warranty.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Love the riding position it’s so relaxed if you play with the suspension settings that are printed on the underside of seat and are in handbook you can firm up for track days.

Buying experience: Got the bike Ona pcp deal trading my Ducati Monster 1100 in as a £5000 deposit but still had to pay extra to turn on all the trick electrics and quickshifter on which is a bit tight of KTM and they only offer £6400 to buy it back at end of pcp deal knowing they’re going to get probably £9000 - £10000 as it’s mint and only about 5000 miles on clock plus factory rearsets power parts seat and hump factory rearsets etc.

5 out of 5
25 December 2019 by Jason

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £300

This bike makes me grin ear to ear every time I ride it, and I've owned for 2 years! Poke it and it's a monster, be easy and it's a docile commuter and actually comfortable for 150mi rides. It's wondrous in the mountain twisties. With the full akra at 10k rpm it sounds like a dream. It flatters riders with it's capabilities. I have several motorcycles but this one will remain in the stable for a very long time! Best feature is the motor! Worst feature is stock sound (easily fixed).

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

For what it is the comfort is fantastic and it is a great all around bike. If im going over 150miles or need to take more than a backpack I'll take my Super Adv S, but I'm no iron butt. For me, the SDR is at it's best on the mountain twisties (im not a track rider). Will never put someone on the back of it, not what it's made for!

Engine 5 out of 5

Power everywhere from low, mid, high - I've never had a better, more flexible, more balanced powertrain on any vehicle..from slow to on the pipe, there are no weak spots. I did put the full akra kit with PCV, AT, Dyno tuned it, but not because it needed it, just because I could, wanted better sound and investing in such a fantastic bike is a no brainer.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Only issue was a weeping break resivour...10k miles! Excellent build quality all around, no issues with paint, trim, anything!

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

The 18k service is approx $1k I believe - eg for valve adjust, etc...

Equipment 4 out of 5

Must have Power Parts accessories include: heated grips & comfort seat. I added CRG Arrow mirrors to cleanup the front. Stock tires and brakes are fantastic, stock exhaust heavy, ugly, poor sound. Dash functionality is effective. Ride modes, cornering abs/tc, all the electronics are awesome! Track mode let's you hang it out there as you desire!

Buying experience: Bought new in late 18 so got a good discount from the dealer.

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