2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Specifications

Name: 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Brand: KTM

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Overview

KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a sport motorcycle, displacing 1301 cc. Power comes from a Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 13.5:1. On the performance side, it delivers 132 kW @ 9500 rpm of peak power and 140 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque. On the road, the 2020 1290 Super Duke R tips the scales at 189 kg, carries a 16-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 835 mm and spans a 1497 mm wheelbase. The full 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R compared with other bikes in the Sport category

We checked the recorded figures for the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R against up to 2003 bikes in the Sport category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.

Only 42 of the other 2002 bikes in the Sport category have a larger engine displacement than the 1301 cc of the 1290 Super Duke R.
With 140 Nm, the 1290 Super Duke R has the joint 51st highest torque of 1573 bikes in the Sport category, 85% above the category average of 75.8 Nm.
Seat height of 835 mm is taller than that of 1421 of the other 1606 bikes in the Sport category.
Narrowing the field to the 593 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1301 cc is larger than that of 570 of the other 592.

Versus the 2019 model

Compared with the 2019 model, peak power increased from 130.2 kW to 132 kW (+1.8 kW) and peak torque eased from 141 Nm to 140 Nm (-1 Nm). Displacement and seat height are unchanged.

2020 1290 Super Duke R - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: With 132 kW @ 9500 rpm and 140 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque on tap, the 1290 Super Duke R is no slouch for its class.
Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.

Considerations

Tall seat height: At 835 mm, shorter riders will likely be on tiptoes at a standstill - worth sitting on one before you buy.
Chain final drive upkeep: Budget time for routine chain maintenance - it's cheap to replace but needs consistent attention to avoid premature sprocket wear.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

1290 Super Duke R's Liquid cooling setup is low-maintenance provided the coolant interval is kept - old, acidic coolant is the main cause of long-term corrosion in the water passages.

Brake disc and pad wear

Braking up front comes from 2 x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema four piston, radially mounted caliper - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.

Suspension condition on used examples

The 1290 Super Duke R's suspension runs 48mm WP APEX, USD forks at the front. The rear uses WP APEX shock absorber. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.

Final drive maintenance

The 1290 Super Duke R uses chain final drive, which is cheap to replace but needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get a full service life out of the sprockets.

Frame & chassis check

Built around a CrMo-steel trellis frame, powder coated, Subframe Cast aluminium / Composite, the 1290 Super Duke R's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.

1290 Super Duke R - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R with its 1301 cc sport, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. 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 6 years old, this sport is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy 1290 Super Duke R should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects the 1290 Super Duke R's 1301 cc four stroke, 75°v-twin cylinder, dohc, 4 valves per cylinder like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 13.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

Carburetor upkeep

Deposits in the carbs are the usual culprit behind poor running on a stored 1290 Super Duke R - strip and clean the float bowls before the first start. Pilot jets clog first and get overlooked most, so make a point of checking them.

2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R have?

The 2020 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 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R weigh?

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R weighs 189 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much power does the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R make?

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R produces 132 kW @ 9500 rpm of power and 140 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R?

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R has a 16-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 266-320 km between stops.

Is the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R suitable for shorter riders?

The 2020 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 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R have?

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R uses 2 x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema four piston, radially mounted caliper at the front and single 240mm disc Brembo two piston, fixed caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R use?

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R runs 120/70 ZR 17 front and 200/55 ZR 17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R have?

The 2020 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

132 kW / 180 hp @ 9500 rpm

Torque

140 Nm / 103.3 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

189 kg / 416.6 lbs

Fuel Capacity

16 Litres / 4.2 US gal

Full 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Specifications

Year 2020

Make Model KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Seat Height 835 mm / 33 in

Wheelbase 1497 mm / 59 in ± 15 mm

Ground Clearance 160 mm / 6.3 in

Dry Weight 189 kg / 416.6 lbs

Fuel Capacity 16 Litres / 4.2 US gal

Max Power 132 kW / 180 hp @ 9500 rpm

Max Torque 140 Nm / 103.3 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm

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 13.5:1

Cooling System Liquid cooling

Emissions Euro

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

Exhaust Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer with two catalytic converters

Fuel Induction Keihin EFI Throttle body 56 mm

Lubrication Pressure lubrication with 3 Eaton pumps

Starter Electric

Battery Capacity 12V 12Ah

Clutch PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated

Final Drive Chain, X-Ring 525

Primary Drive 40:76

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type CrMo-steel trellis frame, powder coated, Subframe Cast aluminium / Composite

Suspension - Front 48mm WP APEX, USD forks

Suspension - Rear WP APEX shock absorber

Handlebar Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm

Steering Angle 64.8°

Trail 108 mm / 4.3 in

Wheel Travel - Front 125 mm / 4.9 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 140 mm / 5.5 in

Traction control MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 3-Mode, disengageable, Track mode optional)

Brakes - Front 2 x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema four piston, radially mounted caliper

Brakes - Rear Single 240mm disc Brembo two piston, fixed caliper,

ABS Bosch 9.1 MP 2.0 (with cornering ABS and SUPERMOTO ABS)

Tyres - Front 120/70 ZR 17

Tyres - Rear 200/55 ZR 17

Wheels Cast aluminium wheels

Wheels - Front 3.50 x 17

Wheels - Rear 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.