VehicleVerdict

2020 Ktm 1290 Super Duke R problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2020 Ktm 1290 Super Duke R — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other 1290 Super Duke R years?

1290 Super Duke R NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted7 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 2 complaints2019: 2 complaints2020: 6 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 0 complaints
1290 Super Duke R NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 1290 Super Duke R years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Ktm 1290 Super Duke R problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine233%
Transmission233%
Electrical System117%
Speed Control117%

Does the 2020 Ktm 1290 Super Duke R have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V900000Electrical SystemDecember 6, 2022 · 1,040 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

21V122000Electrical SystemFebruary 26, 2021 · 521 units

Defect

KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2020 1290 Super Duke R motorcycles. 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.

Consequence

An electrical short-circuit could cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

KTM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear wiring harness, and repair as necessary. In addition, dealers will modify a piece of the bodywork called the "tail end lower part" to correct the routing of the wiring harness and add wiring protection and cable ties. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. KTM's number for this recall is TB2104.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The shifting mechanism components became loose, and it hindered me from shifting up - it would upshift with difficulty, then it would go from 1st gear to neutral, making for a very dangerous experience. It quickly degraded and I could not shift out of 1st gear at all.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 16, 2021

“The shifting mechanism components became loose, and it hindered me from shifting up - it would upshift with difficulty, then it would go from 1st gear to neutral, making for a very dangerous experience. It quickly degraded and I could not shift out of 1st gear at all.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 16, 2021

“THIS FAULT HAS OCCURRED TWICE WITHIN 220 MILES (2 WEEKS). WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE AND ENTERING A CORNER (IN MOTION), THE DASH SHOWED THE ALERT OF "MTC FAILURE". THIS FAILURE NOT ONLY CAUSED THE BIKE TO BECOME UNSETTLED/UNSTABLE, BUT UPON TURNING THE THROTTLE TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE CORNER, I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 24, 2021

“THIS FAULT HAS OCCURRED TWICE WITHIN 220 MILES (2 WEEKS). WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE AND ENTERING A CORNER (IN MOTION), THE DASH SHOWED THE ALERT OF "MTC FAILURE". THIS FAILURE NOT ONLY CAUSED THE BIKE TO BECOME UNSETTLED/UNSTABLE, BUT UPON TURNING THE THROTTLE TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE CORNER, I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 24, 2021

2020 Ktm 1290 Super Duke R — common questions

Is the 2020 Ktm 1290 Super Duke R reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2020 Ktm 1290 Super Duke R have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Ktm 1290 Super Duke R. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.