2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Specifications

Name: 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Brand: KTM

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Overview

The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a sport motorcycle built around 1301 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 13.2:1. 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R delivers 130.2 kW @ 8870 rpm of peak power and 141 Nm @ 7000rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2018 1290 Super Duke R tips the scales at 195 kg, carries a 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 835 mm and spans a 1482 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 7.7 kg lighter than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2018 1290 Super Duke R - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R makes 130.2 kW @ 8870 rpm with 141 Nm @ 7000rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Large fuel range: The 18-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 R 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 2 x 320mm Floating discs, Brembo monoblock 4 piston radial fixed calipers 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 R runs WP-USD ø 48 mm fork and WP-Monoshock 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 Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated - 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.

1290 Super Duke R - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained 1290 Super Duke R 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 on any 1290 Super Duke R. 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.

2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R have?

The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R uses a Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 1301 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooling.

How much does the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R weigh?

The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R weighs 195 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much power does the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R make?

The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R produces 130.2 kW @ 8870 rpm of power and 141 Nm @ 7000rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R?

The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R has a 18-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 300-360 km between stops.

Is the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R suitable for shorter riders?

The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R 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 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R have?

The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R uses 2 x 320mm Floating discs, Brembo monoblock 4 piston radial fixed calipers at the front and Single disc, Brembo 2 piston fixed calipers at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R use?

The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R runs 120/70 ZR17 Metzeler M7RR front and 190/55 ZR17 Metzeler M7RR rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R have?

The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R Spec Evolution

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R was produced across 5 model years (2017-2022). 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	2017	2018	2019	2020	2022
Max Power	130.2 kW / 177 hp @ 8870 rpm	130.2 kW / 177 hp @ 8870 rpm	130.2 kW / 177 hp @ 8870 rpm	132 kW / 180 hp @ 9500 rpm	132 kW / 180 hp
Dry Weight	195 kg / 430 lbs	195 kg / 430 lbs	195 kg / 430 lbs	189 kg / 416.6 lbs	180 kg / 396.8 lbs
Engine Detail	Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, 75° V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Seat Height	835 mm / 32.9 in	835 mm / 32.9 in	835 mm / 32.9 in	835 mm / 33 in	837 mm / 32.9 in
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp galUnleaded premium fuel (95 RON)	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp galUnleaded premium fuel (95 RON)	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp gal Unleaded premium fuel (95 RON)	16 Litres / 4.2 US gal	16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Frame Type	Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated	Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated	Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated	CrMo-steel trellis frame, powder coated, Subframe Cast aluminium / Composite	Chrome-moly tubular space frame, powder-coated
Brakes - Front	2 x 320mm Floating discs, Brembo monoblock 4 piston radial fixed calipers	2 x 320mm Floating discs, Brembo monoblock 4 piston radial fixed calipers	2 x 320mm Floating discs, Brembo monoblock 4 piston radial fixed calipers	2 x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema four piston, radially mounted caliper	2 x 320 mm Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper
Wheelbase	1482 mm / 58.3 in	1482 mm / 58.3 in	1482 mm / 58.3 in	1497 mm / 59 in ± 15 mm	-

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Power

130.2 kW / 177 hp @ 8870 rpm

Torque

141 Nm / 14.4 kgf-m / 104 ft-lb @ 7000rpm

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

195 kg / 430 lbs

Fuel Capacity

18 Litres / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp galUnleaded premium fuel (95 RON)

Full 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Specifications

Year 2018

Make Model KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Seat Height 835 mm / 32.9 in

Wheelbase 1482 mm / 58.3 in

Ground Clearance 141 mm / 5.5 in

Dry Weight 195 kg / 430 lbs

Fuel Capacity 18 Litres / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp galUnleaded premium fuel (95 RON)

Max Power 130.2 kW / 177 hp @ 8870 rpm

Max Torque 141 Nm / 14.4 kgf-m / 104 ft-lb @ 7000rpm

Displacement 1301 cc / 79.3 cu-in

Engine Detail Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Bore x Stroke 108 x 71 mm

Compression Ratio 13.2:1

Cooling System Liquid cooling

Emissions Euro 4 compliant

Engine Management Keihin EMS with RWB, double ignition and cruise control

Ignition Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment

Lubrication Pressure lubrication with 3 Eaton pumps

Starter Electric

Battery Capacity 12V 11.2Ah

Clutch PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated

Final Drive Chain 520 X-ring

Final Drive Ratio 17:38

Primary Drive Ratios 40:76

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated

Suspension - Front WP-USD ø 48 mm fork

Suspension - Rear WP-Monoshock

Rake 24.9°

Steering Head Angle 65.1°

Trail 102 mm / 4.2 in

Wheel Travel - Front 125 mm / 4.7 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 156 mm / 6.1 in

Brakes - Front 2 x 320mm Floating discs, Brembo monoblock 4 piston radial fixed calipers

Brakes - Rear Single disc, Brembo 2 piston fixed calipers

ABS Two-channel Bosch 9.1 MP ABS (incl. Cornering ABS and Supermoto mode Disengegable)

Tyres - Front 120/70 ZR17 Metzeler M7RR

Tyres - Rear 190/55 ZR17 Metzeler M7RR

Wheels - Front 17x 3.5 in., cast aluminum alloy

Wheels - Rear 17x 6.0 in., cast aluminum alloy

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