KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2.0 (2017-2019) 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 2.0” (per KTM), or otherwise known as the SDR, as updated for 2017, and made through model year 2019.
The previous version of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R (“The Beast 2.0”) was made between 2014 and 2016. It had largely the same specs, but lacked a lot of the options for the 2017 model. However, it was slightly more powerful and slightly lighter.
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 2017+ tune, the engine produces 130 kW (177 hp) at 9750 rpm and 141 Nm (104 ft-lb) at 7000 rpm — a lot of power and torque! The 2017-2019 SDR has ABS and traction control, but lacks the “keep you alive” aids of the 2020+ model, so this is far from a beginner’s bike.
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.
The maintenance schedule for the 2017-2019 1290 Super Duke R is similar to that in the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, which uses the same basic motor, though tuned differently (more for torque, and less for top-end power).
In 2020, KTM updated the Super Duke R for Euro 4 regulations, and gave it a six-axis IMU. See the maintenance schedule for the 2020+ 1290 KTM Super Duke R “The Beast 3.0” separately.
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Maintenance Schedule for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R (2017-2019)
Below is the maintenance schedule for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, adapted from the manual from the 2017 bike.
Notes:
- Maintenance schedule intervals for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R are 15000 km (9300 mi), with a major service (valve service & new plugs) every two intervals.
- 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).
Required maintenance
| miles x 1000 | 0.62 | 9.3 | 18.6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 1 | 15 | 30 | Every |
| [Dealer] Read out the fault memory using the KTM diagnostics tool. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| [Dealer] Check the exhaust valve control unit with the KTM diagnostics tool. | ✓ | ✓ | Year | |
| Check that the electrical system is functioning properly. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the engine oil and the oil filter and clean the oil screens. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the front brake linings. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the rear brake linings. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the brake discs. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the brake lines for damage and leakage. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the front brake fluid. | 2 years | |||
| Change the rear brake fluid. | 2 years | |||
| Change the hydraulic clutch fluid. | 2 years | |||
| Check the front brake fluid level. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the rear brake fluid level. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check/correct the fluid level of the hydraulic clutch. | ✓ | ✓ | Year | |
| Check the shock absorber and fork for leaks. Perform service as needed and depending on how the vehicle is used. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Clean the dust boots of the fork legs | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the play of the steering head bearing. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the tire condition | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check tire air pressure | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the chain, rear sprocket, engine sprocket, and chain guide. | ✓ | ✓ | Year | |
| Check the chain tension. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Measure the wheel bearing play and grease the rear hub. | ✓ | |||
| Check that the rear wheel nut (right side) is tightened to the specified torque. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the spark plugs (air filter removed). | ✓ | |||
| Check the valve clearance (air filter and spark plugs removed) | ✓ | |||
| Change the SAS membrane. | ✓ | |||
| Check the cables for damage and routing without sharp bends (fuel tank removed) | ✓ | ✓ | Year | |
| Check the coolant level in the compensating tank. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the air filter, clean the air filter box. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the fuel pressure. | ✓ | ✓ | Year | |
| [Dealer[ Check the CO adjustment using the KTM diagnostics tool. | ✓ | ✓ | Year | |
| Check the headlight setting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check that the radiator fan is functioning properly. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Final check: Check the vehicle for safe operation and take a test ride. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| [Dealer] Read out the error memory after the test ride using the KTM diagnostics tool. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| [Dealer] Reset the service display using the KTM diagnostics tool. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| [Dealer] Make a service entry in KTMDealer.net and in the Service and Manufacturer Warranty Booklet. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Recommended maintenance
| miles x 1000 | 0.62 | 9.3 | 18.6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 1 | 15 | 30 | Every |
| Check the frame | ✓ | |||
| Check the link fork | ✓ | |||
| Check/clean the oil nozzle for clutch lubrication | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check the swingarm bearing. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the wheel bearings. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Grease all moving parts (e.g. side stand, hand lever, chain) and check for smooth operation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Empty the drainage hoses. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check all hoses (fuel, coolant, bleeder, drainage etc.) and sleeves for cracking, leaks, and incorrect routing | ✓ | ✓ | Year | |
| Check the antifreeze. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the screws and nuts for tightness. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the coolant. | 4 years |
Wheels and Tyres for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R (2020+)
Stock, the 1290 Super Duke R from 2017-2019 shipped with Metzeler Sportec M7 RR 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
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is KTM’s “The Beast”. They call it that themselves. And for 2017, the name was upgraded to “The Beast 2.0”.
The Super Duke R 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 de-tuned 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 that point onward, 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 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 (this one), 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 2017 update brought a slight loss of power thanks to emissions restrictions, in addition to a slightly increase in weight (in large part from the exhaust).
But KTM increased the rev limit and thus managed to eke out a bit more power, in part due to higher-spec engine internals.
The 2017 KTM Super Duke R also got a big style update in the form of its front headlight. The Super Duke R has always had quite aggressive styling, but the insect-like front end of the 2017-onward SDR was shocking even to those who are used to being shocked by style from the Austrian brand.
KTM revised the suspension for the 2017 1290 Super Duke R. It always had sporty-track oriented suspension, but the 2017-onward models are more unabashedly track machines than they ever were previously.
Most importantly, the 2017 got a big technology update, including cruise control, keyless entry, and phone app connectivity. In addition, from 2017 onward, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R got an optional quickshifter — something that many owners and reviewers believed should have been standard.
The 2021 KTM Super Duke R added a six-axis IMU, as well as other updates to keep the big V-twin within emissions spec.
Manual for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R (2017-2019)
The above maintenance schedule comes from the user’s manual for the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R. It’s essentially identical to the manual for later years.
You can get the user manual directly from KTM’s website.
