2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Specifications

Name: 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
Brand: KTM

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Overview

For 2021, KTM offers the 1290 Super Duke GT as a sport motorcycle with 1301 cc on tap. The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is built around a 75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves engine. Out on the road, the 1290 Super Duke GT delivers 173 hp of peak power and 141 Nm of torque. In everyday use, the 2021 1290 Super Duke GT tips the scales at 225.4 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 22.7 kg heavier than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT spec sheet below.

2021 1290 Super Duke GT - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: Peak output on the 1290 Super Duke GT is 173 hp and 141 Nm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
Large fuel range: With a 23-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.

Considerations

Tall seat height: A 835 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

With Liquid cooling, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.

Brake disc and pad wear

2x 320 mm floating discs, Brembo calipers, ABS up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by WP Semi-Active, ø 48 mm up front and Linkage-assisted WP semi-active shock at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Chain final drive on the 1290 Super Duke GT means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.

Frame & chassis check

The Chromemoly steel trellis chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

Handling the weight at a standstill

The 1290 Super Duke GT's 225.4 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.

1290 Super Duke GT - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept 1290 Super Duke GT settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a 1290 Super Duke GT's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A 1290 Super Duke GT that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT have?

The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT uses a 75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves engine with 1301 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooling.

How much does the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT weigh?

The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT weighs 225.4 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT make?

The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT produces 173 hp of power and 141 Nm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT?

The 2021 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 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT suitable for shorter riders?

The 2021 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 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT have?

The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT uses 2x 320 mm floating discs, Brembo calipers, ABS at the front and Single 240 mm disc, Brembo caliper, ABS at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT use?

The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT runs 120/70 x 17, Pirelli Angel GT front and 190/55 x 17, Pirelli Angel GT rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT have?

The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is fitted with a 6-Speed with up/down quickshifter 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

75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves

Power

173 hp / 129 kW @

Torque

141 Nm / 104 lb-ft @

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

225.4 kg / 497 lbs

Fuel Capacity

23 Litres / 6.1 US gal

Full 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Specifications

Year 2021

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 225.4 kg / 497 lbs

Max Power 173 hp / 129 kW @

Max Torque 141 Nm / 104 lb-ft @

Displacement 1301 cc / 79.4 cu in

Engine Detail 75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves

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

Clutch PASC slipper, hydraulically operated

Final Drive Chain

Transmission / Drive 6-Speed with up/down quickshifter

Frame Type Chromemoly steel trellis

Suspension - Front WP Semi-Active, ø 48 mm

Suspension - Rear Linkage-assisted WP semi-active shock

Rake 24.9°

Trail 107 mm / 4.2 in

Wheel Travel - Front 125 mm / 4.9 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 129.5 mm / 5.1 in

Brakes - Front 2x 320 mm floating discs, Brembo calipers, ABS

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

Tyres - Front 120/70 x 17, Pirelli Angel GT

Tyres - Rear 190/55 x 17, Pirelli Angel GT

Wheels - Front Aluminium, 3.50 x 17 in

Wheels - Rear Aluminium, 6.00 x 17 in

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