Category:
Hyper-naked Motorcycle
Positioning:
High-performance, track-focused, premium naked sportbike.
Competitors:
BMW S1000R, Aprilia Tuono V4 1100, Ducati Monster 1200, Yamaha MT-09 SP (though the 1290 SD R is positioned higher in performance).
Engine Design:
LC8 V-twin engine, known for its immense torque and power output.
Electronics:
Advanced rider aids including traction control, ABS, ride modes, often incorporating sophisticated electronics for performance and safety.
Chassis Design:
Lightweight, high-strength chassis, often with advanced WP suspension components, contributing to exceptional handling.
Design Philosophy:
'The Beast' moniker signifies its aggressive styling, raw power, and track-bred capabilities.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, inspection, assembly of all internal components (pistons, rings, valves, camshafts, crankshaft, connecting rods, oil pump, etc.)
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, electronic control unit (ECU) functions, sensor diagnostics and replacement, emission control systems
Transmission:
Gearbox operation, clutch assembly, gear shift mechanism, transmission fluid specifications and changes
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork (WP Suspension) service and adjustment, rear shock absorber service, swingarm, linkage system, wheel bearing replacement, steering head bearing service
Brakes:
Brake system service (front and rear calipers, master cylinders, brake lines), brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures, ABS system diagnostics and service
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams for all circuits, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), lighting systems, starter motor, horn, dashboard/instrument cluster functions
Fuel System:
Fuel tank removal and installation, fuel pump operation and testing, fuel filter replacement, injector cleaning and testing
Cooling System:
Radiator service, coolant specifications and replacement, water pump inspection and service, thermostat function
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler removal/installation, catalytic converter inspection, lambda sensor service
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing panel removal and installation, seat removal, tank cover access, minor bodywork repairs
Basic Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment and lubrication, brake pad inspection and replacement, tire pressure checks
Intermediate Repairs:
Clutch fluid replacement, brake fluid replacement, coolant flush and replacement, wheel bearing replacement, steering head bearing adjustment/replacement, suspension adjustments and minor servicing
Advanced Repairs:
Engine top-end rebuild (cylinder head, valves), engine bottom-end rebuild (crankshaft, con-rods), transmission disassembly and repair, full electrical system troubleshooting and component replacement, ABS module diagnostics
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault code interpretation (if applicable), step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts
Diagnostics:
Procedures for diagnosing engine performance issues, electrical faults, ABS malfunctions, and other system problems
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repair procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine and gearbox rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Detail Level:
High: Includes detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, fluid capacities, and diagrams for all workshop procedures.
Type:
V-twin, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled (LC8)
Bore X Stroke:
108 mm x 71 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, chain drive
Compression Ratio:
13.5:1
Horsepower:
Approx. 180 HP (132 kW) at 8870 rpm (for 2014 model)
Torque:
Approx. 144 Nm (106 lb-ft) at 6750 rpm (for 2014 model)
Type:
Electronic fuel injection (MPI - Multi-point fuel injection) with dual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Fuel (95 RON or higher)
Oil Type:
Full Synthetic Motorcycle Oil, SAE 10W-50 (KTM recommends Motorex Power Synt 4T 10W/50 or equivalent specification)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.2 liters (3.4 US qt) with filter change
Type:
6-speed, claw shifted
Clutch:
Pascale (anti-hopping) wet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically actuated
Gear Ratios:
Refer to Manual for specific gear ratios (e.g., 1st: 34/13, 2nd: 31/16, 3rd: 29/18, 4th: 28/20, 5th: 25/22, 6th: 23/24)
Final Drive:
X-ring 525 chain
Transmission Oil Type:
KTM recommends Motorex Top Speed 4T 15W/50 or equivalent API SG, JASO MA/MA2 specification
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.8 liters (0.85 US qt)
Crash Test Results:
Motorcycles are not typically subjected to standardized crash test ratings like cars. Safety focus is on rider aids and handling dynamics.
ABS:
Bosch ABS (Cornering ABS often included in later models, standard ABS for 2014)
Traction Control:
MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control), often with multiple modes
Ride Modes:
Multiple selectable ride modes (e.g., Sport, Street, Rain) influencing engine mapping and traction control intervention.
Lighting:
LED lighting systems, typically including DRL (Daytime Running Light)
Brakes:
High-performance Brembo brakes (e.g., radial four-piston calipers at the front, twin-piston caliper at the rear).
Suspension:
High-quality WP Suspension components for stability and rider feedback.
Instrument Cluster:
Multi-function LCD display providing speed, RPM, gear indicator, fuel level, trip meters, ambient temperature, and system warnings. May include basic lap timer or data logging on some variants.
Rider Aids:
Comprehensive suite including ABS, MTC, multiple Ride Modes, and potentially a quickshifter (often an option or on later models).
Device Integration:
Limited in 2014 models, typically no smartphone integration or advanced connectivity features beyond basic diagnostic port access.
Oil Filter Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Check:
Check every 10,000 km (6,000 miles), replace as needed or every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as per manual recommendation.
Valve Clearance Check:
First check at 10,000 km (6,000 miles), then every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Chain Maintenance:
Lubricate and adjust chain every 1,000 km (600 miles) or after riding in wet conditions.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50% mixture with distilled water. KTM recommends Motorex Coolant M3.0.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid (or DOT 5.1 if specified).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, chain and sprockets due to high torque and spirited riding.
Electronics Quirks:
Occasional sensor issues or dashboard warnings, typically resolvable with diagnostics and software updates (as detailed in the manual).
Suspension Leaks:
Potential for fork seal or rear shock seal leaks with high mileage or aggressive use, requiring professional servicing.
Heritage:
KTM, an Austrian manufacturer, has a strong heritage in off-road racing (motocross, enduro) and has successfully transitioned into street motorcycle production, known for performance and 'Ready to Race' philosophy.
Lineage:
The 1290 Super Duke R evolved from KTM's V-twin platform, building upon the success of models like the 990 Super Duke R, amplifying power, technology, and chassis sophistication.
First Generation Launch:
The 1290 Super Duke R was introduced for the 2014 model year, representing a significant leap in performance and technology for KTM's naked sportbike offering.
Manufacturing Location:
Austria (KTM AG)
