KTM·Roadster·1301cc

1290 Super Duke R

↘ Evolution history · 2014 → 2023
10
Years of production
3
Generations
1301
current cc
180
Horsepower
10
Vintages

The Austrian Beast: LC8 1301cc V-twin 177hp, chromoly trellis frame and cutting-edge electronics — KTM's iconic hyper-naked.

↓ Changes year by year
Gen 3 · 2020 — 2023
THIRD GENERATION — NEW FRAME, 5" TFT AND EVO

Deep overhaul in 2020: new lighter chromoly trellis frame (189kg wet), revised LC8 1301cc for smoother delivery, standard 5" TFT, 4 standard modes. The track-focused 1290 RR (2021) and EVO (2022, Brembo Stylema + fully adjustable WP Apex) represent the generation's apex. Check wiring harness recall on 2020–2022 models. Replaced by the 1390 Super Duke R in 2024.

2023
AAesthetics
Final model year — new colours on R and EVO — production ceases late 2023, replaced by 1390 Super Duke R (1390cc) for 2024
Minor
2022
CFrame
EVO introduced: Brembo Stylema calipers + Bosch ABS Pro (sharper, more modular braking) — fully adjustable WP Apex suspension standard — 189kg
Medium
EElectronics
EVO: bidirectional Quickshifter+ standard, enriched MSR (Motor Slip Regulation) — 2020–2022 wiring recall closed by KTM
Medium
2021
CFrame
1290 Super Duke RR (track edition) introduced: fully adjustable WP Factory suspension, Supermoto forged aluminium wheels, Michelin Power Cup 2 tyres, 184kg wet weight
Medium
SSafety
2020-2022 wiring harness recall issued (engine stall risk from harness routing) — require proof of repair on purchase
Minor
MEngine
Euro 5 compliance — engine tweaks for emissions, power maintained at 180hp
Medium
AAesthetics
New colours for the standard 1290 Super Duke R
Minor
2020
MEngine
Revised LC8 1301cc — +3hp (180hp / 133kW) via new ram-air intake and larger exhaust headers — improved low-rpm progression — fuel tank reduced to 16L (vs 18L gen 1/2) — wet weight reduced to 189kg
Major
CFrame
New lighter chromoly trellis frame — revised WP Apex 48mm fork — revised WP Apex PDS rear shock — Michelin Power 5 tyres as standard
Major
EElectronics
Standard 5" colour TFT — 4 standard riding modes (Rain/Street/Sport/Track) — retained 6-axis IMU — standard MTC + anti-wheelie + Launch Control — optional bidirectional Quickshifter+
Major
Buyer radar
2022

EVO Brembo Stylema + fully adjustable WP — the most accomplished 1290. Wiring recall resolved: worry-free purchase.

TOP BUY
2023

Final year — recent examples in excellent condition if recall resolved. Outstanding value before stepping up to the 1390.

TOP BUY
2020

Gen 3 launch year — active wiring recall (engine stall risk). Require proof of repair before any purchase.

CAUTION
Gen 2 · 2017 — 2019
SECOND GENERATION — IMU AND CRUISE CONTROL

KTM sharpens The Beast in 2017: recalibrated LC8 (most powerful in KTM history per manufacturer), lean-sensitive MTC via standard 6-axis IMU, standard Cruise Control, Track mode (optional Performance Pack), stiffened WP fork correcting gen 1 dive, and My Ride Bluetooth. The platform reaches full maturity.

2019
AAesthetics
Two new colour options — mechanics and electronics unchanged
Minor
2018
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2017
MEngine
Euro 4 recalibrated LC8 — raised rev ceiling, refined torque curve — most powerful LC8 engine produced by KTM per manufacturer
Major
EElectronics
Lean-sensitive MTC via standard 6-axis IMU — standard Cruise Control — optional Track mode (Performance Pack: 9-level TC, 9-level anti-wheelie, Launch Control) — optional My Ride Bluetooth
Major
CFrame
Stiffened WP 48mm fork (harder springs — corrects gen 1 dive) — revised WP rear shock — new twin-LED headlight — revised bodywork design
Medium
Buyer radar
2019

Mature gen 2 — lean-sensitive IMU, Cruise Control, master cylinder recall resolved. Best used value of the generation.

TOP BUY
2017

Better suspension and lean-sensitive MTC than gen 1. Verify the master cylinder recall (2015–2018) is resolved.

GOOD PICK
Gen 1 · 2014 — 2016
FIRST GENERATION — LC8 1301CC

Successor to the 990 Super Duke, the 1290 arrives at EICMA 2013 with a 1301cc 75° V-twin 177hp, chromoly trellis single-sided swingarm frame, 4 riding modes and standard MTC. 'The Beast' redefines the hyper-naked segment — some first-generation recalls to check.

2016
AAesthetics
Final gen 1 year — orange/black Special Edition launched — mechanics and electronics unchanged
Minor
2015
SSafety
Brake master cylinder recall (potential piston cracking, 2015–2018 models) — verify repair record on purchase
Minor
AAesthetics
New colours — mechanics unchanged
Minor
2014
MEngine
Launch: LC8 1301cc 75° V-twin — 177hp (132kW) / 144Nm — Bosch ride-by-wire injection — 18L fuel tank — 2014 fuel tank overflow tube recall to verify
Major
CFrame
Chromoly trellis frame + single-sided aluminium swingarm — inverted WP 48mm fork — Brembo M50 4-piston radial calipers 320mm — 189kg dry — 835mm seat — 1,497mm wheelbase
Major
EElectronics
4 riding modes (Rain/Street/Sport/Supermoto) — MTC traction control — Bosch dual-channel ABS — PASC hydraulic slipper clutch — optional quickshifter
Major
Buyer radar
2016

Mature gen 1, fuel recall resolved — best generation year. Good used value.

GOOD PICK
2014

First model year: fuel overflow and master cylinder recalls. Require full service history.

CAUTION