KTM 1290 Super Duke R 3.0 (2020-2023) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and service intervals for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, a.k.a. “The Beast 3.0” (per KTM themselves), or otherwise known as the SDR, as updated for 2020 from the previous 2017-2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R.
The previous version of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R (“The Beast 2.0”) was made between 2017 and 2019. It had largely the same specs, but was slightly heavier, and lacked the IMU of the 2020-2023 model.
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R has always been based around a 1301cc 75-degree liquid-cooled V-twin that is fed by monstrous 56mm throttle bodies.
In the 2020 tune, the engine produces 132 kW (180 hp) at 9500 rpm and 140 (103 ft-lb) Nm at 8000 rpm — more torque than is humanly possible to keep on the ground at all times. Luckily, you have robots to assist you, in the form of rider aids — cornering ABS, lean angle-aware traction control, anti-wheelie control, and more.
The basic engine of The Beast has remained the same since its launch in 2014, with peak power staying roughly at that number, though creeping higher in the rev range, along with the peak torque point — a result of emissions restrictions and engine tuning trying to keep up.
The maintenance schedule for the 1290 Super Duke R is similar to that in the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, which uses the same basic motor, though tuned differently.
From 2024, KTM replaced the SDR with the KTM 1390 Super Duke R.
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KTM 1290 Super Duke R Service Intervals
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R’s service intervals are every 9300 mi / 15000 km. At every one of these services, change the oil and filte,r and look over the maintenance schedule for other items to do.
Every 18600 miles or 30000 km (with no specific time interval), check the valve clearances and change the spark plugs.
You also need to periodically change the brake fluid, clutch fluid, and coolant.
Make sure you also regularly clean and check the tension of the chain.
Maintenance Schedule for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R (2020-2023)
Below is the maintenance schedule for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, adapted from the manual from the 2021 bike.
Notes:
- After the end of the service schedule, keep repeating it in this pattern.
- The maintenance schedule in the manual is broken up into two sections — required maintenance and recommended maintenance (but you should do both).
Maintenance Schedule (Major Items)
Below is the maintenance schedule of “major items”.
| miles x 1000 | 0.62 | 9.3 | 18.6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 1 | 15 | 30 | Every |
| Annual service checklist (see below) — Perform all items | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the engine oil | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the oil filter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Clean the oil screens | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the air filter, clean the air filter box. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Change the front brake fluid. | 2 years | |||
| Change the rear brake fluid. | 2 years | |||
| Change the hydraulic clutch fluid. | 2 years | |||
| Change the coolant | 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. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Measure the wheel bearing play and grease the rear hub. | ✓ | |||
| Check the frame | ||||
| Check the link fork | ||||
| Change the spark plugs (air filter removed). | ✓ | |||
| Check the valve clearance (air filter and spark plugs removed) | ✓ | |||
| Change the SAS membrane. | ✓ |
Annual Service Checklist
Below is the annual checklist for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R (2020-2023 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 1290 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. |
| Check the rear brake pads. |
| Check the brake discs for warp and wear. |
| Check the brake lines for damage and tightness |
| 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 steering head bearing for play. |
| Check the tire condition |
| Check tire pressure (see below table) |
| Check the rim run-out |
| # Check the chain, rear sprocket, and engine sprocket. |
| Check the chain tension (see below guidance) |
| Check that the rear wheel nut (right side) is tightened to the specified torque. |
| Check that the exhaust system for leaks, and that the exhaust clamps have the prescribed tightening torque. |
| # Check the cables for damage and routing without kinks (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 |
| Empty the drainage hoses |
| Check all hoses (fuel, coolant, bleeder, drainage etc.) and sleeves for cracking, leaks, and incorrect routing |
| Check the tightness of the safety-relevant screws and nuts which are easily accessible. |
| Check the antifreeze |
| Final check: Check the vehicle for safe operation and take a test ride. |
| [Dealer] Set the service interval display. |
| [Dealer] Read out the error memory after the test ride using the KTM diagnostics tool. |
| [Dealer] Make a service entry in KTMDealer.net |
KTM 1290 Super Duke R Chain Maintenance
Like on many high-power super nakeds, the SDR’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. 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 1290 Super Duke R, you simply pull up the chain on the top part, and see if it goes around the markings on the chain sliding guard.
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 1290 Super Duke R:
- Loosen the fastener on the eccentric hub of the single 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.
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 1290 Super Duke R (2020-23)
Stock, the 1290 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 1290 Super Duke R (2020 update)
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is KTM’s “The Beast”. They call it that themselves.
It’s a fairly unique naked bike in the segment because it’s not based around a supersport motorcycle, so it’s not a stripped down and retuned sportbike. The only other motorcycle in the big bore naked segment like this is the Triumph Speed Triple.
The 1290 Super Duke R was first released in 2013 for the 2014 model year.
From then, it has had the same basic engine: a 1301cc 75-degree DOHC liquid-cooled V-twin. It has always had the same power and torque figures — 138 kW (180 hp) peak, somewhere around 8500-9500 rpm.
The Duke is really a sport bike that’s able to be ridden on the street thanks to its wide torque band. But every photo and review of it attests to its prowess on the track; one would be remiss to think of the SDR as a commuter.
The revs at which the SDR makes its peak power and torque crept up with each generation — likely as a result of KTM tuning a bike and trying to keep up with emissions regulations.
There are three main generations of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, a.k.a. “The Beast”: its original, 2.0, and 3.0 incarnations.
| Spec | The Beast | The Beast 2.0 | The Beast 3.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model years | 2014-2016 | 2017-2019 | 2020+ |
| Peak power | 132 kW (180 bhp) @ 8880 rpm | 130 kW (177 hp) @ 9750 rpm | 132 kW (180 hp) @ 9500 rpm |
| Peak torque | 144 Nm (106 ft-lb) @ 6600 rpm | 141 Nm (104 ft-lb) @ 7000 rpm | 140 Nm (103 ft-lb) @ 8000 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 13.2:1 | 13.6:1 | 13.5:1 |
| Weight (dry | 189kg / 417 lb (dry) | 195 kg / 429 lb | 189 kg / 417 lb |
| Display | Tachometer dial + dual LCD | TFT | Improved menu system, better switch block |
| External | – | * 20mm wider handlebars * LED headlight (“bug” design) | * New, lighter frame * Smaller, lighter exhaust |
| Front Suspension | 48mm WP inverted fork, fully adjustable | Same but stiffer spring rates, and sportier damping settings | WP APEX separate function 48mm inverted fork, fully adjustable |
| Brakes | Brembo M50 monoblock, 4-pot, 320mm | Brembo M50 monoblock, 4-pot, 320mm | Brembo Stylema monoblock |
| Electronics | * ABS * Ride modes * Traction controls * Limited customisation | *TPMS * Cruise control * Phone app connectivity * Keyless | * 6-axis IMU (cornering ABS) * Programmable buttons * Lean-aware TC * Wheelie control |
| Options | None | * Motor Slip Regulation * Quickshifter * App connectivity * Track pack with full control | * Same |
The 2020-2023 generation has a lot of the technological prowess of the 2017 update. The most important improvement is the 6-axis IMU, which means lean angle-aware braking and traction control. In other words, god mode!
In terms of the frame and power, KTM eked out a couple of power more at the top end, and lightened the entire motorcycle by 6kg, bringing it down to its 2014-2016 levels.
While the weight increase of the second gen wasn’t noticeable, it’s nice to get things back to the original spec.
Manual for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R (2020, 2021)
The above maintenance schedule comes from the user’s manual for the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke R. Parts come from online parts catalogues, and some advice comes from other repositories.
You can get the user manual directly from KTM’s website.
