KTM 1390 Super Duke R (2024+) Maintenance Schedule and Service Info
This is the maintenance schedule and service information for the KTM 1390 Super Duke R, a 2024+ model replacing the outgoing 3rd gen KTM 1290 Super Duke R, a bike nobody really thought was lacking on any front…
The 1390 SDR comes in a few different rims, but they all share the same core, a 1350cc LC8 liquid-cooled 75-degree V-twin that makes peak power of 140 kW (190 hp) at 10000 rpm, a bump over the 1290. This engine has all the tech you could want — a cam-shift system for different breathing under load, a massive airbox, liquid cooling with a water/oil heat exchanger to further cool the oil, and much more — the bike is 60% new.
The final drive is via a six-speed box (with optional reverse shift pattern) and chain on a single-sided swingarm, as with previous Super Duke Rs. The whole package is a crazy light 201 kg / 443 lb “Ready to Race”, even with a larger tank than its predecessor — while maintaining Euro 5+ spec. (Putting it in race trim will easily shave off more weight.)
The KTM 1390 Super Adventure / SMT have been spied but haven’t been released.
Photography by Rudi Schedl and KISKA Gmbh.
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KTM 1390 Super Duke R Service Intervals
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R’s service intervals are every 9300 mi / 15000 km or annually. At every one of these services, change the oil and filter and look over the maintenance schedule for other items to do.
Every 18600 miles or 30000 km (with no specific time interval), change the spark plugs. But one upside of the 1390 SDR’s maintenance schedule is that the valve clearance interval is considerably wider than that of the 1290 — it’s now at 60000 km or 37,200 mi, on par with the Ducati Diavel V4 and the Indian Scout 1250.
You also need to periodically change the brake fluid, clutch fluid (as the 1390 has a hydraulic clutch), and coolant at different periods.
Make sure you also regularly clean and check the tension of the chain — see below for guidance.
Maintenance Schedule for the KTM 1390 Super Duke R (2024+)
Below is the maintenance schedule for the KTM 1390 Super Duke R, adapted from the manual from the 2024 model, but simplified.
Notes:
- After the end of the service schedule, keep repeating it in this pattern.
- The maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual is presented in one big block. It’s split up here into two sections — the major items, and the regular “inspection checklist”.
Maintenance Schedule (Major Items)
Below is the maintenance schedule of “major items”.
| miles x 1000 | 0.62 | 9.3 | 18.6 | 37.2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 1 | 15 | 30 | 60 | Every |
| Annual service checklist (see below) — Perform all items | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the engine oil (10W/50 oil that meats JASO MA2 spec, e.g. Motorex Power Synt 4T) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the oil filter (HF650) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Clean the oil screens | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the air filter (DNA P-KT12N20-0R), clean the air filter box. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Change the front brake fluid. (Castrol DOT 4) | 2 years | ||||
| Change the rear brake fluid. (Castrol DOT 4) | 2 years | ||||
| Change the hydraulic clutch fluid. (Castrol DOT 4) | 2 years | ||||
| Change the coolant (Motorex M3.0) | 4 years | ||||
| Check/clean the oil nozzle for clutch lubrication | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check the headlight setting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check the chain, rear sprocket, engine sprocket, and chain guide. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year | |
| Check the fork bearing. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the wheel bearings. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the shock absorber linkage for play. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the steering head bearing for play. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check the wheel bearings, and measure the wheel bearing play. Grease the rear hub. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the frame | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Check the link fork | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Change the spark plugs (air filter removed). – 2 x NGK LKAR9DI-10 for inside plugs – 2 x NGK LMAR7DI-10 for outside plugs | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Check the valve clearance (air filter and spark plugs removed) | ✓ | ||||
| Change the SAS diaphragm valves. | ✓ |
Annual Service Checklist
Below is the annual checklist for the KTM 1390 Super Duke R (2024+ model). Do these checks according to the maintenance schedule above.
Notes
- [Dealer] marked items need specialist dealer tools.
- # Items not required at break-in — but simple to perform.
| KTM 1390 Super Duke R Annual Service Checklist |
|---|
| [Dealer] Read out the fault memory using the KTM diagnostics tool. |
| [Dealer] Check the exhaust valve control unit with the KTM diagnostics tool. |
| [Dealer] Program the shift shaft sensor. |
| Check that the electrical system is functioning properly. |
| Check the front brake pads, including that they’re well-secured. |
| Check the rear brake pads, including that they’re well-secured. |
| Check the brake discs for warp and wear. |
| Check the brake lines for damage and leakage. |
| Check the front brake fluid level. |
| Check the rear brake fluid level. |
| Check/correct the fluid level of the hydraulic clutch. |
| Check the shock absorber and fork for leaks. Perform service as needed and depending on how the vehicle is used. |
| Clean the dust boots of the fork legs |
| Check the tire condition |
| Check tire pressure (see below table) |
| Check the rim run-out |
| # Check the chain, rear sprocket, engine sprocket, and chain guide. (See below for guidance) |
| Check the chain tension (see below guidance) |
| Check that the rear wheel nut (right side) is tightened to the specified torque. |
| Check the exhaust system for leaks, and that the exhaust clamps have the prescribed tightening torque. |
| # Check the cables for damage and routing without sharp bends (fuel tank removed) |
| Check the coolant level in the compensating tank. |
| # Check the fuel pressure. |
| Check that the radiator fan is functioning properly. |
| Grease all moving parts (e.g. side stand, hand lever, chain) and check for smooth operation. – Use lithium soap-based grease for major moving parts – Use Motul chain paste for the chain |
| Check all hoses (fuel, coolant, bleeder, drainage etc.) and sleeves for cracking, leaks, and incorrect routing |
| Empty the drainage hoses |
| Check the tightness of the safety-relevant screws and nuts which are easily accessible. |
| Check the antifreeze (level and condition) |
| Final check: Check the vehicle is roadworthy and take a test ride |
| [Dealer] Reset the service interval display. |
| [Dealer] Read out the error memory after the test ride using the KTM diagnostics tool. |
| [Dealer] Enter electronic proof of service. |
KTM 1390 Super Duke R Chain Maintenance
Like on many high-power super nakeds, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R’s chain is likely to get a lot of abuse.
Basic maintenance for the chain includes regularly
- Cleaning and lubricating the chain
- Checking the chain for wear/damage
- Adjusting the chain tension
Clean and lubricate the chain with chain lubricant. KTM recommends Motorex chain cleaner. A well-recommended and affordable one is Motul chain lubricant, or Motul chain paste for a portable option.
To check the tension on a KTM 1390 Super Duke R, you simply pull up the chain on the top part with a specified amount of pressure (15 kg / 33 lb), and see if it goes around the markings on the chain sliding guard. It’s much simpler than on many motorcycles — you don’t need to pull out your ruler.
You do need to elevate the rear wheel first — so you need a single-sided swingarm bike stand. (Or what I like to do — use a pipe through the axle and a normal paddock stand.)
If the chain is too loose (usually the case), you need to adjust it using the C spanner in the factory toolkit, or an aftermarket one.
This is how you adjust chain tension on the 1390 Super Duke R:
- Loosen the fastener on the eccentric hub of the single-sided sided swing-arm
- Use the C spanner to set the chain tension. Keep checking the chain tension to make sure it’s at the right point.
- Tighten the eccentric hub screw to 70 Nm / 52 lb-ft.
- Lower the motorcycle
There’s a guide on YouTube here on Kyle Ebright’s channel. It’s for the 1290, but the same procedure applies for the 1390 Super Duke R.
If you can’t get the chain tight enough, then it may be too worn. To check its wear state, pull on the top section of the chain with a specified weight, and check the length of 18 rollers on the upper chain section. The maximum length should be 272 mm / 10 11/16 inches. If it’s beyond this, you need to change the chain (as well as the sprockets).
Wheels and Tyres for the KTM 1390 Super Duke R
Stock, the 1390 Super Duke R ships with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres. But you can fit any sport or track tyres you want.
The pressures below are for a single rider.
| Wheel | Tyre size | Tyre pressure (cold) |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL | 2.5 bar psi (36 bar) |
| Back | 200/55 ZR 17 M/C (75W) TL | 2.5 psi (36 bar) |
About the KTM 1390 Super Duke R (2024+)
The Super Duke R has been a fan favourite of naked motorcycles for a long time. The KISKA-designed styling has always been garish and divisive, but the riding experience and engine feel have been phenomenal for a while, since the first 990 Super Duke was introduced in 2005.
The Super Duke R doesn’t have a “superbike” cousin. It’s thus unlike the Ducati Streetfighter V4, which is the naked sibling to the Panigale V4, or the BMW M 1000 R, which is the streetfighter bestie of the BMW M 1000 RR. No, the Super Duke R is most like the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS (the RR came afterwards and isn’t a full-on superbike anyway) — designed specifically to be hammered on the road. Which isn’t to say it isn’t a blast around the track. It just comes with handlebars by default, and for some, that’s the best configuration anyway.
Like all other Super Dukes before it, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is powered by a liquid-cooled V-twin. Similar to a Ducati superbike motor, the SDR’s engine is designed to be revved — and the 1390 makes its peak power at 10000 rpm, which is phenomenal for a twin.
The engine has a 2mm larger bore than the outgoing 1290’s engine, giving it a total displacement of 1350 cc. Peak power is 140 kW / 190 hp at 10000 rpm, with peak torque arriving north of 8000 rpm. But there’s torque everywhere, as you might expect.
The 1390 hasn’t ever been at the top of the horsepower game, but it has been at the top (or near it) in peak torque. This is another indication that the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is designed for road riding. “It’s how the bike produces its midrange that makes it fun,” according to KTM development rider Jeremy McWilliams.
KTM helps that midrange with electronically actuated cam-shift technology that adjusts valve timing (duration and lift) in the midrange (just shy of 6,000 rpm) depending on engine load. It’s a variable valve timing system similar to that used on the latest model BMW 1000 engines.
There’s usually another reason for implementing variable valve timing — managing to reach peak power while satisfying emissions requirements (which are usually based on idling or everyday performance).
Enough about the bike; you probably already know it’s awesome. It presumably instantly gives you the skills to write like this:
What makes it interesting from a maintenance perspective?
Firstly, in terms of everyday performance, this bike has a chain drive and a single-sided swingarm. So you’re going to have to clean the chain and adjust the tension. This means you’ll need some way of elevating the rear wheel. Since you’re unlikely to add a centrestand to this thing (sacrilege! so many kilos of weight, and less cornering clearance), then you’ll need a paddock stand modified to be able to lift a bike with a single-sided swingarm.
Secondly, the SDR has a hydraulic clutch. So plan on changing the clutch fluid when you change the brake fluid. (On the other hand, there’s no clutch cable that can fray and upset your track day fun.)
Finally, the big ‘un: The valves. The valve service interval of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is a whopping 40000 miles or 64000 km. That’s huge! Few are the bike owners who even reach that mileage on their first bike — or any bike, unless it’s their only bike and they ride the snot out of it (good for them). In reality, people have multiple bikes and various commitments, and sometimes bike that are pushed hard have untoward endings.
Manual for the KTM 1390 Super Duke R
The above maintenance schedule comes from the user’s manual for the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R, cross referencing with the other spec (Evo) for any differences. Parts come from online parts catalogues, and some advice comes from other repositories.
You can get the user manual directly from KTM’s website.
