1290 Super Duke shuts off

drdonsktm

drdonsktm

Active member
I've got a '15 KTM 1290 SD with PCV and it won't rev past 4500 rpm. I took it out for a battery charging run and it ran great for 35 miles. Then it wouldn't take over 4500 rpm in any gear at any throttle opening. Just shuts off like a light switch. No blubbering or stumbling, just goes flat on it's face. I was able to drive home smoothly as long as I did go over 4300 rpm. Any ideas?
 
Critter

Critter

A car in space...hmmmm.
drdonsktm said:
I've got a '15 KTM 1290 SD with PCV and it won't rev past 4500 rpm. I took it out for a battery charging run and it ran great for 35 miles. Then it wouldn't take over 4500 rpm in any gear at any throttle opening. Just shuts off like a light switch. No blubbering or stumbling, just goes flat on it's face. I was able to drive home smoothly as long as I did go over 4300 rpm. Any ideas?
Click to expand...

Sounds like the bike is in Limp Mode...
 
Kalvin00

Kalvin00

Well-known member
I'd try removing the PCV first and see if that changes anything.

I believe the 1190/1290 bikes have always needed fairly frequent fuel filter changes, with similar sporadic running issues--could be something to do with that?
 
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bgamebiker

bgamebiker

Love to ride
Happened to me with a Honda VFR and it had to do with the reg/ rec. Eventually the reg/ rec failed and the bike wouldn't run at all. No idea if this is what you're dealing with, just bought I'd share.
 
drdonsktm

drdonsktm

Active member
Thanks for the input. While I got no lights or MTC warning it sounds like a "limp mode" issue. The only posts on it were regarding the GT @ 6000 rpm but it's definitely cutting out like a limp mode issue. But without warning code? I removed the tail and checked wires to the PCV, all looked OK, I moved a combination tool that was next to the PCV, put it back together and it started and revved past 8,000. I'll have to ride it. I do run a catless Akrapovic system without SAS but that's been fine for years.
 
RickM

RickM

Well-known member
My GT went into limp mode exhibiting similar physical symptoms. But it did throw check engine and MTC failure warnings. It was due to exhaust servo calibration
 
paul cbr

paul cbr

Custom User Title
Same thing happened to my 1190 - the big KTMs are known to clog fuel filters due to a mixture of the ethanol gas blend in the states. I swapped mine at 13k miles and then added an in-tank filter sock. You can get them pretty cheap from a guy on ADVrider named “gefr” or spend a bunch from the dealer. Pretty easy to change out.
 
DannoXYZ

DannoXYZ

Well-known member
Make sure your CEL actually works and lights up when key is ON before starting. Many bikes have had theirs disconnected due to ECU detecting PC and flashing it constantly . Easier than removing PC as test, just load zero map on it.
 
Tom G

Tom G

"The Deer Hunter"
paul cbr said:
Same thing happened to my 1190 - the big KTMs are known to clog fuel filters due to a mixture of the ethanol gas blend in the states. I swapped mine at 13k miles and then added an in-tank filter sock. You can get them pretty cheap from a guy on ADVrider named “gefr” or spend a bunch from the dealer. Pretty easy to change out.
Click to expand...

KTM as an Austrian manufacturer should be able to handle the ethanol in the gas since Europe also has a 10% alcohol blend in the gas.
 
drdonsktm

drdonsktm

Active member
If the system will go into limp mode due to a dirty fuel filter and not throw a MTC code then that is probably the problem. I need to know where the fuel pump is located as the parts micro phish doesn't show that. I assume in the tank which has to be removed. Sorry if this post is in the wrong forum.
 
Z3n

Z3n

Squid.
Piggyback setups and 1290s tend to have problems, unfortunately. Check your grounds, your wiring harness connections, etc.

1290 has a battery voltage indicator in the dash so that'll tell you pretty quick if the charging system isn't working.
 
J

JealousFromOH

Active member
drdonsktm said:
I've got a '15 KTM 1290 SD with PCV and it won't rev past 4500 rpm. I took it out for a battery charging run and it ran great for 35 miles. Then it wouldn't take over 4500 rpm in any gear at any throttle opening. Just shuts off like a light switch. No blubbering or stumbling, just goes flat on it's face. I was able to drive home smoothly as long as I did go over 4300 rpm. Any ideas?
Click to expand...

My '14 1290R behaved very similarly 2 years ago. Getting on the gas it would just cut out at 5k RPM, no codes no errors, the bike just wouldn't go. It was like I would twist the throttle and immediately slide forward in the seat due inertia from the power being cut. Of course, I was several hundred miles away from home, in the middle of nowhere Oregon.

The culprit was a dirty fuel filter. Changed the fuel filter, never had another problem. I'd start there.Part # 61007090100. The fuel pump is located on the bottom side of the tank, so yeah, easiest way is to remove the tank, drain it and flip it upside down. Removing the tank is very simple.

When you replace the tank, make sure those rubber C shaped rings on the subframe don't twist and allow the tank to rest on the open part of the C... That can allow the tank to vibrate against the radiator and supposedly contribute to the all too common cracked radiator on the 1290R. At least, that's what KTM says.

I don't know how to make pics work on this site, but here's the relevant info from the manual.

https://imgur.com/oehyRSW
https://imgur.com/jZnVus6

And here's the lengthy write-up I did on the incident when it happened. Feel free to read it and decide if it sounds like what you're dealing with.
http://www.ktmsmt.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=11887&sid=84b6b4b9bc2aef0fb087ba42dd1a6d9a
 
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drdonsktm

drdonsktm

Active member
JealousfromOH is correct. Both the nylon bag filter and paper filter were gross @ 23k miles. And my washable air filter was covered with asphalt from these county roads @10k miles. Plugs looked fine, albeit rich, but replaced them. I also replaced the fuel pump which was half the price of two small fuel filters! The beast is back!
 
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