2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Specifications

Name: 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
Brand: KTM

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Overview

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is a sport motorcycle built around 1301 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a 75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve engine. 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT delivers 129 kW of peak power and 144 Nm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2016 1290 Super Duke GT tips the scales at 228 kg, carries a 23-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 835 mm and spans a 1482 mm ±15 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 33.3 kg heavier than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT compared with other bikes in the Sport category

Here is how the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT stacks up against other bikes in the Sport category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 2003 models.

Engine displacement of 1301 cc is larger than that of 1954 of the other 2002 bikes in the Sport category.
Only 39 of the other 1572 bikes in the Sport category have a higher torque than the 144 Nm of the 1290 Super Duke GT.
With 835 mm, the 1290 Super Duke GT has the joint 136th tallest seat height of 1607 bikes in the Sport category, 4% above the category average of 803 mm.
Narrowing the field to the 697 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1301 cc is larger than that of 667 of the other 696.

2016 1290 Super Duke GT - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT makes 129 kW with 144 Nm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Strong front braking: The dual disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
ABS fitted: Anti-lock braking is standard, adding a real margin of safety on wet roads or in an emergency stop.
Large fuel range: The 23-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.

Considerations

Tall seat height: The 835 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

The Liquid cooling system on the 1290 Super Duke GT needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.

Brake disc and pad wear

The dual disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the 1290 Super Duke GT runs WP Semi-Active, ø 48 mm and WP Semi-Active monoshock, single sided swingarm at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Chrome-moly steel trellis - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Handling the weight at a standstill

At 228 kg, the 1290 Super Duke GT is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.

1290 Super Duke GT - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT with its 1301 cc sport, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 10 years old, this sport is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained 1290 Super Duke GT should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the 1290 Super Duke GT's 1301 cc 75º v twin, 4 stroke, dohc, 4 valve. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Carburetor upkeep

Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the 1290 Super Duke GT has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.

2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT have?

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT uses a 75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve engine with 1301 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooling.

How much does the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT weigh?

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT weighs 228 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT make?

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT produces 129 kW of power and 144 Nm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT?

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a 23-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 383-460 km between stops.

Is the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT suitable for shorter riders?

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a seat height of 835 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT have?

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT uses 320 mm Dual floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston calipers, ABS at the front and 240 mm Single disc, 2-piston Brembo caliper, ABS at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT use?

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT runs 120/70 ZR17, Pirelli Angel GT front and 190/55 ZR17, Pirelli Angel GT rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT have?

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is fitted with a 6-Speed transmission.

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Spec Evolution

The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT was produced across 8 model years (2016-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Max Power	129 kW / 173 hp @	129 kW / 173 hp @	129 kW / 173 hp @	173 hp / 129 kW @	173 hp / 129 kW @	173 hp / 129 kW @	175 hp / 130.4 kW @ 9750 rpm	175 hp / 130.4 kW @ 9750 rpm
Wet Weight	228 kg / 506 lbs	228 kg / 506 lbs	228 kg / 506 lbs	225.4 kg / 497 lbs	225.4 kg / 497 lbs	225.4 kg / 497 lbs	225 kg / 496 lbs	223 kg / 492 lbs
Engine Detail	75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve	75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve	75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve	75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves	75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves	75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves	75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves	75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves
Seat Height	835 mm / 32.9 in	835 mm / 32.9 in	835 mm / 32.9 in	835 mm / 32.9 in	835 mm / 32.9 in	835 mm / 32.9 in	835 mm / 32.9 in	835 mm / 32.8 in
Frame Type	Chrome-moly steel trellis	Chrome-moly steel trellis	Chrome-moly steel trellis	Chromemoly steel trellis	Chromemoly steel trellis	Chromemoly steel trellis	Chrome-moly tubular space frame, powder-coated	Chromoly steel trellis with cast-aluminum/composite subframe, powder-coated
Wheelbase	1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ±0.59 in	1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ±0.59 in	1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ±0.59 in	1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ± 0.59 in	1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ± 0.59 in	1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ± 0.59 in	1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ± 0.59 in	1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.3 in ± 0.59 in
Brakes - Front	320 mm Dual floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston calipers, ABS	320 mm Dual floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston calipers, ABS	320 mm Dual floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston calipers, ABS	2x 320 mm floating discs, Brembo calipers, ABS	2x 320 mm floating discs, Brembo calipers, ABS	2x 320 mm floating discs, Brembo calipers, ABS	2x 320 mm discs, Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper	2x 320 mm discs, Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper
Ground Clearance	140 mm / 5.5 in	140 mm / 5.5 in	140 mm / 5.5 in	140 mm / 5.5 in	140 mm / 5.5 in	140 mm / 5.5 in	141 mm / 5.5 in	141 mm / 5.5 in

Key Specifications

Engine

75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve

Power

129 kW / 173 hp @

Torque

144 Nm / 14.68 kgf-m @

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

228 kg / 506 lbs

Fuel Capacity

23 Litres / 6.1 US gal

Full 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Specifications

Year 2016

Make Model KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Seat Height 835 mm / 32.9 in

Wheelbase 1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ±0.59 in

Ground Clearance 140 mm / 5.5 in

Fuel Capacity 23 Litres / 6.1 US gal

Wet Weight 228 kg / 506 lbs

Max Power 129 kW / 173 hp @

Max Torque 144 Nm / 14.68 kgf-m @

Displacement 1301 cc / 79.4 cu in

Engine Detail 75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve

Bore x Stroke 108 x 71 mm

Cooling System Liquid cooling

Fuel Induction Keihin EFI, throttle body 56 mm

Ignition Keihin EMS with RBW, dual ignition

Lubrication System Pressure lubrication, 3 Eaton pumps

Starter Electric

Battery Capacity 12V, 12 Ah

Clutch PASC slipper, hydraulically operated

Final Drive Chain

Transmission / Drive 6-Speed

Frame Type Chrome-moly steel trellis

Suspension - Front WP Semi-Active, ø 48 mm

Suspension - Rear WP Semi-Active monoshock, single sided swingarm

Rake 24.9º

Trail 107 mm / 4.2 in

Wheel Travel - Front 125 mm / 4.9 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 156 mm / 6.1 in

Brakes - Front 320 mm Dual floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston calipers, ABS

Brakes - Rear 240 mm Single disc, 2-piston Brembo caliper, ABS

Tyres - Front 120/70 ZR17, Pirelli Angel GT

Tyres - Rear 190/55 ZR17, Pirelli Angel GT

Wheels - Front Aluminium, 3.50 x 17"

Wheels - Rear Aluminium, 6.00 x 17"

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.