KTM 1290 SUPERDUKE R User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL 2016
1290 Super Duke R
Art. no. 3213400en

DEAR KTM CUSTOMER 1
*3213400en*
3213400en
09/2015
DEAR KTM CUSTOMER
Congratulations on your decision to purchase a KTM motorcycle. You are now the owner of a state-of-the-art sports motorcycle that will
give you enormous pleasure if you service and maintain it properly.
We wish you a lot of enjoyment in riding this vehicle.
Enter the serial numbers of your vehicle below.
Chassis number ( p. 28) Dealer's stamp
Engine number ( p. 30)
Key number ( p. 29)
The Owner's Manual contained the latest information for this model series at the time of going to print. Slight deviations resulting from
continuing development and design can, however, not be completely excluded.
All specifications are non-binding. KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH specifically reserves the right to modify or delete technical specifications,
prices, colors, forms, materials, services, designs, equipment, etc., without prior notice and without specifying reasons, to adapt these to
local conditions, as well as to stop production of a particular model without prior notice. KTM accepts no liability for delivery options, devi-
ations from illustrations and descriptions, misprints, and other errors. The models portrayed partly contain special equipment that does not
belong to the regular scope of supply.
© 2015 KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH, Mattighofen Austria
All rights reserved

DEAR KTM CUSTOMER 2
Reproduction, even in part, as well as copying of all kinds, is permitted only with the express written permission of the copyright owner.
ISO 9001(12 100 6061)
According to the international quality management standard ISO 9001, KTM uses quality assurance processes that lead to
the maximum possible quality of the products.
Issued by: TÜV Management Service
KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH
5230 Mattighofen, Austria
This document is valid for the following models:
1290 Super Duke R US (F9975P9, F9975P2)

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 MEANS OF REPRESENTATION ........................................ 7
1.1 Symbols used ...................................................... 7
1.2 Formats used....................................................... 8
2 SAFETY ADVICE.............................................................. 9
2.1 Use definition - intended use ................................ 9
2.2 Safety advice....................................................... 9
2.3 Degrees of risk and symbols ................................ 10
2.4 Overview of labels .............................................. 12
2.5 Reporting safety defects ..................................... 17
2.6 Noise emission warranty ..................................... 17
2.7 Operating noise warning ..................................... 18
2.8 Consumer rights................................................. 18
2.9 Tampering warning............................................. 18
2.10 Safe operation ................................................... 19
2.11 Protective clothing ............................................. 20
2.12 Work rules......................................................... 20
2.13 Environment...................................................... 20
2.14 Owner's Manual ................................................. 21
3 IMPORTANT NOTES...................................................... 22
3.1 Manufacturer and implied warranty...................... 22
3.2 Operating and auxiliary substances ...................... 22
3.3 Spare parts, accessories ..................................... 22
3.4 Service ............................................................. 23
3.5 Figures ............................................................. 23
3.6 Customer service................................................ 23
4 VIEW OF VEHICLE ........................................................ 24
4.1 View of vehicle, front left (example) ..................... 24
4.2 View of vehicle, rear right (example) .................... 26
5 SERIAL NUMBERS ....................................................... 28
5.1 Chassis number ................................................. 28
5.2 Type label ......................................................... 28
5.3 Key number....................................................... 29
5.4 Engine number .................................................. 30
5.5 Fork part number ............................................... 30
5.6 Shock absorber article number ............................ 31
5.7 Steering damper article number .......................... 31
6 CONTROLS................................................................... 32
6.1 Clutch lever....................................................... 32
6.2 Hand brake lever................................................ 32
6.3 Throttle grip ...................................................... 33
6.4 Switches on the left side of the handlebar ............ 33
6.4.1 Combination switch........................................ 33
6.4.2 Light switch .................................................. 34
6.4.3 Hazard warning flasher switch......................... 34
6.4.4 Menu switch.................................................. 35
6.4.5 Turn signal switch.......................................... 35
6.4.6 Horn button .................................................. 36
6.5 Switches on the right side of the handlebar .......... 36
6.5.1 Emergency OFF switch ................................... 36
6.5.2 Electric starter button .................................... 37
6.6 Ignition/steering lock.......................................... 37
6.7 Immobilizer....................................................... 38
6.8 Opening the filler cap......................................... 38
6.9 Closing the filler cap .......................................... 40
6.10 Seat lock........................................................... 41
6.11 Baggage lugs ..................................................... 42
6.12 Tool set............................................................. 42

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
6.13 Supporting strap ................................................ 43
6.14 Helmet lock....................................................... 43
6.15 Passenger footrests ............................................ 44
6.16 Shift lever ......................................................... 44
6.17 Foot brake lever ................................................. 45
6.18 Side stand......................................................... 46
7 COMBINATION INSTRUMENT ....................................... 47
7.1 Overview ........................................................... 47
7.2 activation and test ............................................. 47
7.3 Matrix display.................................................... 48
7.4 Segment display ................................................ 48
7.5 indicator lamps.................................................. 49
7.6 Message on the matrix display............................. 50
7.7 Shift warning light ............................................. 51
7.8 Service display .................................................. 52
7.9 Matrix display menu........................................... 52
7.9.1 "Favorites"..................................................... 52
7.9.2 "Trip 1"......................................................... 53
7.9.3 "Trip 2"......................................................... 53
7.9.4 "General Info"................................................ 54
7.9.5 "Set Favorites" ............................................... 54
7.9.6 "Settings"...................................................... 55
7.9.7 "Warning"...................................................... 55
7.9.8 "Heating" (optional)........................................ 56
7.9.9 "MTC/ABS".................................................... 56
7.9.10 "Drive Mod" ................................................... 57
7.9.11 Menu overview............................................... 58
7.9.12 "Language".................................................... 59
7.9.13 "Distance" ..................................................... 60
7.9.14 "Temp" ......................................................... 60
7.9.15 "Pressure" ..................................................... 61
7.9.16 "Fuel Cons" ................................................... 61
7.9.17 "Clock/Date" .................................................. 62
7.9.18 "Shift Light" .................................................. 62
7.9.19 "Heat Grip".................................................... 63
7.9.20 "DRL" ........................................................... 63
8 ERGONOMICS .............................................................. 64
8.1 Handlebar position............................................. 64
8.2 Adjusting the handlebar position ...................... 64
8.3 Setting the basic setting of the clutch lever .......... 65
8.4 Adjusting the basic position of the hand brake
lever ................................................................. 66
8.5 Adjusting the basic position of the foot brake
lever .............................................................. 66
8.6 Setting the step plate of the foot brake lever......... 67
8.7 Checking the basic position of the shift lever ........ 67
8.8 Adjusting the basic position of the shift lever .... 68
8.9 Setting the shift lever stub.................................. 69
9 PREPARING FOR USE................................................... 70
9.1 Advice on first use ............................................. 70
9.2 Running in the engine ........................................ 71
9.3 Loading the vehicle............................................ 72
10 RIDING INSTRUCTIONS................................................ 74
10.1 Checks and maintenance measures when
preparing for use................................................ 74
10.2 Starting............................................................. 75
10.3 Starting off........................................................ 76
10.4 Shifting, riding .................................................. 76
10.5 Applying the brakes............................................ 80

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5
10.6 Stopping, parking............................................... 82
10.7 Transport .......................................................... 83
10.8 Refueling .......................................................... 84
11 SERVICE SCHEDULE .................................................... 86
11.1 Additional information........................................ 86
11.2 Required work ................................................... 86
11.3 Recommended work ........................................... 88
12 SUSPENSION SETTING................................................. 89
12.1 Fork/shock absorber ........................................... 89
12.2 Adjusting the compression damping of the fork..... 89
12.3 Adjusting the rebound damping of the fork........... 90
12.4 Compression damping of the shock absorber......... 91
12.5 Adjusting the low-speed compression damping of
the shock absorber............................................. 92
12.6 Adjusting the high-speed compression damping
of the shock absorber ......................................... 93
12.7 Adjusting the rebound damping of the shock
absorber............................................................ 94
12.8 Adjusting the spring preload of the shock
absorber ........................................................ 94
13 SERVICE WORK ON THE CHASSIS................................. 97
13.1 Lifting the motorcycle with the rear lifting gear ..... 97
13.2 Removing the rear of motorcycle from the lifting
gear.................................................................. 97
13.3 Lifting the motorcycle with the front lifting gear.... 98
13.4 Taking the motorcycle from the front lifting gear ... 99
13.5 Removing the passenger seat .............................. 99
13.6 Mounting the passenger seat............................. 100
13.7 Removing the front rider's seat.......................... 100
13.8 Mounting the front rider's seat........................... 101
13.9 Mounting the helmet lock on the vehicle ............ 101
13.10 Disassembling the main silencer .................... 102
13.11 Installing the main silencer ........................... 104
13.12 Checking the chain for dirt................................ 105
13.13 Cleaning the chain ........................................... 105
13.14 Checking the chain tension ............................... 107
13.15 Adjusting the chain tension............................... 108
13.16 Checking the chain, rear sprocket, motor
sprocket, and chain guide................................. 110
13.17 Checking/correcting the fluid level of the
hydraulic clutch............................................... 113
14 BRAKE SYSTEM ......................................................... 115
14.1 Antilock braking system (ABS) .......................... 115
14.2 Checking the brake discs .................................. 117
14.3 Checking the brake fluid level of the front
brake .............................................................. 118
14.4 Adding front brake fluid ................................ 118
14.5 Checking the front brake linings ........................ 120
14.6 Checking the rear brake fluid level..................... 121
14.7 Adding rear brake fluid ................................. 122
14.8 Checking the brake linings of the rear brake ....... 124
15 WHEELS, TIRES ......................................................... 125
15.1 Removing the front wheel .............................. 125
15.2 Installing the front wheel .............................. 126
15.3 Removing the rear wheel ............................... 129
15.4 Installing the rear wheel ................................ 130
15.5 Checking the tire condition ............................... 132
15.6 Checking the tire air pressure............................ 134
16 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ................................................. 135
16.1 Daytime running light (DRL)............................... 135

TABLE OF CONTENTS 6
16.2 Removing the battery .................................... 135
16.3 Installing the battery ..................................... 137
16.4 Recharging the battery .................................. 140
16.5 Changing the main fuse.................................... 144
16.6 Changing the fuses in the fuse box .................... 147
16.7 Changing the headlight bulb ............................. 150
16.8 Changing the turn signal bulb ........................... 152
16.9 Checking the headlight setting .......................... 153
16.10 Adjusting the headlight range............................ 154
16.11 Activating/deactivating the ignition key .............. 155
17 COOLING SYSTEM ...................................................... 160
17.1 Checking the coolant level in the compensating
tank................................................................ 160
17.2 Correcting the coolant level in the
compensating tank........................................... 161
18 ENGINE TUNING ........................................................ 163
18.1 "Drive Mod" ..................................................... 163
18.2 Motorcycle traction control (MTC) ...................... 163
19 SERVICE WORK ON THE ENGINE ................................ 165
19.1 Checking the engine oil level............................. 165
19.2 Changing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning
the oil screens ............................................. 166
19.3 Adding engine oil............................................. 170
20 CLEANING, CARE ....................................................... 173
20.1 Cleaning motorcycle ......................................... 173
20.2 Checks and maintenance steps for winter
operation......................................................... 175
21 STORAGE................................................................... 177
21.1 Storage ........................................................... 177
21.2 Preparing for use after storage........................... 178
22 TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................. 179
23 TECHNICAL DATA....................................................... 181
23.1 Engine ............................................................ 181
23.2 Engine tightening torques ................................. 182
23.3 Capacities ....................................................... 185
23.3.1 Engine oil ................................................... 185
23.3.2 Coolant ....................................................... 186
23.3.3 Fuel ........................................................... 186
23.4 Chassis ........................................................... 186
23.5 Electrical system.............................................. 187
23.6 Tires............................................................... 188
23.7 Fork................................................................ 188
23.8 Shock absorber................................................ 189
23.9 Chassis tightening torques ................................ 191
24 SUBSTANCES ............................................................ 196
25 AUXILIARY SUBSTANCES ........................................... 199
26 STANDARDS .............................................................. 201
27 INDEX OF SPECIAL TERMS ......................................... 202
28 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS............................................ 203
29 LISY OF SYMBOLS...................................................... 204
29.1 Red symbols.................................................... 204
29.2 Yellow and orange symbols................................ 204
29.3 Green and blue symbols.................................... 204
INDEX ............................................................................... 206

1 MEANS OF REPRESENTATION 7
1.1 Symbols used
The meaning of specific symbols is described below.
Indicates an expected reaction (e.g. of a work step or a function).
Indicates an unexpected reaction (e.g. of a work step or a function).
All work marked with this symbol requires specialist knowledge and technical understanding. In the interest of your
own safety, have these jobs performed by an authorized KTM workshop. There, your motorcycle will be optimally
cared for by specially trained experts using the specialist tools required.
Indicates a page reference (more information is provided on the specified page).
Indicates information with more details or tips.
Indicates the result of a testing step.

1 MEANS OF REPRESENTATION 8
1.2 Formats used
The typographical formats used in this document are explained below.
Specific name Identifies a proprietary name.
Name®Identifies a protected name.
Brand™ Identifies a brand available on the open market.
Underlined terms Refer to technical details of the vehicle or indicate technical terms that are explained in the
glossary.

2 SAFETY ADVICE 9
2.1 Use definition - intended use
KTM sport motorcycles are designed and constructed to meet the normal demands of regular road operation and also for use on race
courses, but not for offroad use.
Info
The motorcycle is only authorized for operation on public roads in the homologated version.
2.2 Safety advice
A number of safety instructions need to be followed to operate the vehicle safely. Therefore, read this manual carefully. The safety instruc-
tions are highlighted in the text and are referred to at the relevant passages.
Info
The vehicle has various information and warning labels at prominent locations. Do not remove information/warning labels. If they
are missing, you or others may not recognize dangers and may therefore be injured.

2 SAFETY ADVICE 10
2.3 Degrees of risk and symbols
Danger
Indicates a danger that will immediately and invariably lead to fatal or serious permanent injury if the appropriate measures are not
taken.
Warning
Indicates a danger that is likely to lead to fatal or serious injury if the appropriate measures are not taken.
Caution
Indicates a danger that may lead to minor injuries if the appropriate measures are not taken.
Note
Indicates a danger that will lead to considerable machine and material damage if the appropriate measures are not taken.
Warning
Indicates a danger that will lead to environmental damage if the appropriate measures are not taken.

11

2 SAFETY ADVICE 12
2.4 Overview of labels
L01488-10

2 SAFETY ADVICE 13
1 Type label for USA
2 Type label for Canada
3 Information on suspension setting
3 Information on chain tension
3 Technical Information
4 Information on preparations for use
5 Information on noise emissions
6 Information on emissions control
C00936-01
Type label for USA

2 SAFETY ADVICE 14
C00937-01
Type label for Canada
L01470-01
Information on suspension setting

2 SAFETY ADVICE 15
L01472-01
Information on chain tension
L01475-01
Technical Information

2 SAFETY ADVICE 16
L01471-01
Information on preparations for use
C00938-01
Information on noise emissions

2 SAFETY ADVICE 17
C00939-01
Information on emissions control
2.5 Reporting safety defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause an accident resulting in injury or death, you should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying KTM North America, Inc.
If NHTSA receives multiple similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your
dealer, or KTM North America, Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1–888–327–4236 or visit the website www.nhtsa.dot.gov, or
write to: NHTSA Headquarters, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building, Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other informa-
tion about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
2.6 Noise emission warranty
KTM Sportmotorcycle AG warrants that this exhaust system, at the time of sale, meets all applicable U.S. EPA Federal noise standards.
This warranty extends to the first person who buys this exhaust system for purposes other than resale, and to all subsequent buyers.
Warranty claims should be directed to:
KTM North America, Inc., Customer Support, 1119 Milan Ave., Amherst, OH 44001, USA
Phone: [phone]
www.ktmusa.com
KTM Canada, Inc., Customer Support, 1375-1 Marie-Victorin, Saint-Bruno, QC J3V 6B7

2 SAFETY ADVICE 18
Phone: [phone] x 4250
www.ktmcanada.com
2.7 Operating noise warning
This product should be checked for necessary repair or replacement parts if the motorcycle noise has increased significantly through use.
Otherwise, the owner may become subject to penalties under the applicable ordinances.
2.8 Consumer rights
Warranty claims should be submitted to a KTM workshop. If you are not satisfied, please contact:
KTM North America, Inc., Customer Support, 1119 Milan Ave., Amherst, OH 44001, USA
Phone: [phone]
www.ktmusa.com
KTM Canada, Inc., Customer Support, 1375-1 Marie-Victorin, Saint-Bruno, QC J3V 6B7
Phone: [phone] x 4250
www.ktmcanada.com
Different rights may apply, according to national or regional legislation.
2.9 Tampering warning
Tampering with the noise control system is prohibited. Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing thereof:
1 The removal or rendering inoperative by any person other than for purposes of maintenance, repair, or replacement, of any device or
element of design incorporated into any new vehicle for the purpose of noise control prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate pur-
chaser or while it is in use, or
2 the use of the vehicle after such device or element of design has been removed or rendered inoperative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are the acts listed below: