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KTM 1290 / 1390 Super Duke R.

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2014 to 2024 models.

22owner complaints

5recalls

5%involved a crash, fire or injury

1,600typical miles at complaint

KTM 1290 / 1390 Super Duke R years to avoid. The model years with the most complaints filed with NHTSA.

20156 complaints

No single problem: a collapsed oil filter, pulsing front brakes, the speedometer, and one fatal crash fire.

1 reported a crash and 1 a fire.

Recall 18V033000 (service brakes, hydraulic): The piston within the Brembo front brake master cylinder may fail.

After 2015, no model year drew more than 4.

Fewest complaints on file: 2014 (2), 2017 (1), 2021 (1). Few complaints is not a clean bill of health, just fewer owners filing.

What each year's complaints describe comes from reading their text. These are counts, not rates: there are no sales figures per motorcycle model year. A complaint is not proof of a defect.

Every year9 model yearsMost complaints: 2015See every year →ProblemsBrakes36% of complaintsbrakes36%engine27%throttle & speed control18%See problems →Recalls & safety5 recallsFree fix at any dealerSee recalls & safety →Specs & enginesEvery versionpower, weight, seat height and priceSee specs →

Complaints by model year.

20142

20156

20164

20171

20182

20192

20203

20211

20241

Popular years get more complaints just because more were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect them. There are no U.S. sales figures by motorcycle model year, so these are counts, not rates.

What owners complain about. Share of complaints.

brakes36%

engine27%

throttle & speed control18%

electrical9%

transmission & drivetrain9%

Recalls 5

Electrical System 2022
The main wiring harness may be misrouted or missing parts, which can cause wiring harness damage and result in an electrical short-circuit or engine stall.
Electrical System 2021
The wiring harness located in the rear of the motorcycle may be routed incorrectly, which could result in wiring damage and an electrical short-circuit.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 2018
The piston within the Brembo front brake master cylinder may fail.

Show all 5

Fuel System, Gasoline 17V194000
The preformed fuel hose can develop small holes or cracks, potentially causing a fuel leak.
Fuel System, Gasoline 15V441000
The affected motorcycles may leak fuel from the threaded inserts at the rear of the gas tank.

Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific bike's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Specs The maker's claimed figures for a representative year. ~ means approximate.

KTM 1290 / 1390 Super Duke R

2014–now

177 (1390: 187) hpClaimed crank figure

Engine: 1,301 cc (1,350 cc in 1390) liquid-cooled 75-degree V-twin LC8LC8 V-twin (1290 Super Adventure) family
Torque: 103 (1390: 107) lb-ftclaimed
Weight: ~465 lbwet or curb, as the maker quotes it
Seat height: 32.8 in
Price new: ~$18,999 (2021)base U.S. MSRP before destination, approximate

From the makers' U.S. spec sheets (the EU sheet for horsepower where the U.S. one leaves it out), checked against a sample on Nov 11; years and versions differ.

Filed as: 1290 SUPER DUKE R, 1290 SUPER DUKE GT, 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO. Source: NHTSA owner complaints (model years 2000-2026) and recalls. Every motorcycle

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Updated Nov 14, 2026

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