KTM 1290 Super Duke R Oil Change DIY

In this Chance Moto DIY, we’ll be doing a detailed step-by-step walkthrough on how to perform an oil change on the KTM 1290 (LC8) motor.  This procedure was performed on a 2018 Super Duke R but will apply to any of the 1290 bikes (1290 Super Duke GT, 1290 Super Adventure, etc).

Supplies you’ll require for this DIY are 1) fresh oil (~3.5L) of your choice and 2) a new oil filter cartridge (KTM part # 61338015200).  Optional replacement (wear) parts are the rubber gaskets for the 2 oil drain bolts and oil filter cover which are included in the KTM Oil Filter Service Kit (KTM part # 00050000068).

Required tools:

• T30 Torx
• 13mm socket
• Ratchet w/extension
• Pliers

Also Recommended (optional):

• Torque wrench
• Reverse/Snap Ring pliers (for oil filter extraction)
• Tin foil (to cover exhaust as shown below)

You’ll also want the usual assortment of shop towels, an oil drain pan, pig mat, disposable gloves and a funnel.

Preparation:

• As with any oil change, the oil will flow out of the bike much more quickly and effectively if it’s hot, so either take it for a ride or let it warm up for 5 minutes
• Put the bike on a paddock stand or on its side stand
• On the left side of the bike, locate the oil drain bolts and oil filter cover (as shown below)
• Remove the oil filler cap to increase flow of oil out of the motor

Step 1: 

• Pull the left oil drain bolt
• If you release it slowly, you can avoid a hot oil deluge and resulting mess

Step 2:

• Cover the exhaust with some tin foil
• Pull the right oil drain bolt

Step 3:

• Remove the 2 x T30 Torx bolts that hold the oil filter cover in place
• Using a set of pliers (and shop cloth, to avoid scratching), pull the oil filter cover off

• Once the cover has been removed, pull out the oil filter cartridge using the reverse pliers
• If you do not have a set of reverse pliers, you can try using regular pliers…in reverse
• Take note of the asymmetric nature of the filter cartridge as you will want to ensure correct orientation when inserting the new one
• With both oil drain bolts and the oil filter removed, let all the oil drain from the bike

Step 4:

• Clean an inspect the oil filter cover gasket (black rubber seal)

• Clean and inspect the oil drain bolt gaskets (x2)
• Keep an eye on the 3 rubber gaskets, as they degrade with time and will eventually result in leaks (KTM replacement part # 00050000068)

Step 5:

• Insert the new oil filter cartridge, paying particular attention to the orientation
• The cartridge goes in with the open end (with rubber seal) on the inside and the solid ring facing out
• If you’re meticulous, you can pre-pour a little oil into the filter to get the media saturated (optional)
• Wipe the cover’s mating surface clean (on the motor) to ensure no debris will interfere with the seal
• Replace the oil filter cover by hand-pressing it on and orienting it so that the bolts have a clear path to the threads through the cover
• The cover should fit snugly on the motor before you insert and tighten the bolts
• Hand tighten the 2 x T30 Torx bolts -you do not need to torque them
• Their purpose is only to hold the cover in place, so the required torque is probably less than you think

Step 6:

• Wipe the mounting surfaces clean for the oil drain bolts
• Replace the 2 x 13mm oil drain bolts and torque to 20nM
• Wipe all residual oil off the motor -this will make it easier to check for leaks in the latter steps

Step 7:

• Begin refilling the oil
• Unless you measured how much came out of the bike, you can begin by adding 3L
• Due to the location of the sight glass, it’s normal for it to look like the bike is over-filled until you’ve run the bike to circulate the oil

• Put the oil fill cap on and start the bike
• Let the bike run for 30 seconds to get oil circulating throughout the motor
• Turn the bike off and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle

Step 8:

• With the bike level (and not on the side stand), top up the oil to the recommended level, using the sight glass
• KTM’s manual states that the oil level should be between the 1st and 2nd hash mark from the top

• Once you’ve reached the correct oil level, run the bike for 1 minute to ensure that the oil has completely circulated and that the oil filter is saturated
• This is a good time to check for any leaks
• Turn the bike off, check the oil level one more time and top up as needed

Step 9:

• Clean up and go ride!