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Naked Motorcycles

2021KTM 1290 Super Duke R

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The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a high-performance naked bike powered by a 1301cc V2 engine delivering 177 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque. Built for experienced riders seeking aggressive styling and cutting-edge technology, it excels as a track-capable streetbike with precise handling and explosive acceleration. This flagship naked is renowned for combining raw power with advanced electronics and superbike-level performance in an upright package.

Capacity: 1301.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 189.0 kg
Seat height: 835 mm
Power: 177.0 HP (132.0 kW) @ 9500 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

What’s new for the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke R

vs the 2020

Spec	2020	2021
Front suspension	WP USD Ø 48 mm	WP APEX 48
Rear suspension	WP Monoshock	WP APEX - Monoshock

Other years 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail97%

Cornering30%

City riding15%

Daily riding15%

Touring15%

Two-up5%

Track10%

Best for: Built purely for technical off-road riding, tight trails, and competitive enduro use rather than any road-going performance.
Built for: A raw, high-revving two-stroke enduro weapon that rewards aggressive throttle control and precise body positioning over raw straight-line speed.
Not ideal for: Not suitable for riders wanting a comfortable road bike, highway touring, or passenger carrying capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 835mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke R, with a relaxed knee angle of around 130 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1301.0 ccm
Power: 177.0 HP (132.0 kW) @ 9500 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 169 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: MKTXC1.30SD5-006
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 7.22 L/100km (32.6 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 0.8 CO g/km
Torque: 140.0 Nm (14.3 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 6.20 litres/100 km (16.1 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.9365 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 108.0 x 71.0 mm
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Keihin EMS with RBW, twin ignition
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced oil lubrication with 3 pumps

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1482 mm
Seat height: 835 mm
Dry weight: 189.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 16.00 litres
Ground clearance: 160 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Chrome-moly tubular space frame, powder-coated
Front suspension: WP APEX 48
Rear suspension: WP APEX - Monoshock
Front wheel travel: 125 mm
Rear wheel travel: 140 mm
Rake (fork angle): 25.2°

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS. Radially mounted four-piston brake calipers
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS. Two-piston brake caliper. fixed brake disc
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 120/70-17
Rear tyre: 200/55-17

Other

Color options: Black/orange/blue

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2013	2016	2019	2021	2024
Capacity	1299 cc	1301 cc	1301 cc	1301 cc	1301 cc
Dry weight	189 kg	192 kg	195 kg	189 kg	209 kg
Seat height	835 mm	835 mm	835 mm	835 mm	835 mm
Fuel capacity	18 L	18 L	18 L	16 L	—

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRINGDec 2022 · 22V900000

KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling all 2020-2022 1290 Super Duke R and Super Duke R EVO motorcycles. 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.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the main wiring harness installation, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2023. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is KTB2211.

These recalls cover some 2021 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all KTM recalls →

Rider Reviews

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MotorcycleDB

The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a naked bike that does exactly what it promises. The 1301cc engine produces 177 hp and 140 Nm, which suits the bike's character well. With an 835 mm seat and a 189 kg weight, it is best suited to comfortable, upright everyday riding, although it is not built for long motorway trips or off-road riding. Overall, a solid choice for the right rider.

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