KTM 1290 Super Duke R Insurance

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R — aka the “Beast” — is a blistering performer, boasting an LC8 75° V-twin with a mighty 177 horsepower on tap — enough to rip the naked bike to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. Few competitors can match the staggering performance and brutal street presence of the Super Duke — it’s really in a league of its own.

That said, there’s a downside to such stunning performance:  insurance rates. Displacing over 1300cc, and boasting such impressive horsepower numbers, the Super Duke has been plagued with high rates. Fortunately, we might be able to help.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R Insurance Rates

A wide range of factors influence your motorcycle insurance premiums in varying degrees:  make/model of bike, driving record, age, location, coverage amounts, coverage types, even credit score. We collected sample rates from a few real Super Duke owners:

• Male, 30, Oregon, Full Coverage, Geico:  $424 / year (Progressive quoted $700+)
• Male, 67, Florida, Full Coverage, Geico: $790 / year (State Farm quoted $1200+)
• Male, 69, New York, Full Coverage: $285/ year

As you can see, rates very quite widely — even from one insurer to the next. That’s why it’s crucial to compare quotes from a few different companies — otherwise, you could end up paying hundreds too much.  Fortunately, we can help!

1290 Super Duke R: History and Specifications

Introduced in 2014, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R bowled over the motorcycle. The power and performance were simply staggering. The naked bike made 170 horsepower (150.7 hp at the rear wheel) and ran 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds — just blistering. In fact, the bike largely engendered the “super naked” market, which includes such bikes as the BMW S1000R, Ducati Monster 1200, Suzuki B-King, Triumph Speed Triple R, Yamaha MT-10, and more.

With the increased competition, KTM wasn’t going to let the Beast be dethroned. In 2017, the bike received a major update, making 177 horsepower with smoother throttle response and a host of other updates. The Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) system now boasts multi-stage, lean angle sensitive ABS and traction control — not mention a “supermoto mode” that disables rear ABS.

Coverage Recommendations

Everybody knows that most states require you to carry liability coverage — the amounts, of course, vary from state to state. While opting for liability-only coverage is the most affordable option, it’s only available if you own your Super Duke outright. If it’s financed, the lender will require you to carry full coverage until the bike is paid off and the lien released.

Of course, we strongly recommend that all Super Duke owners carry full coverage anyway. The Beast is not a cheap machine to own, and liability coverage won’t cover the bike in case of an accident, theft, acts of God, and so on. You need to carry collision and comprehensive coverage for that — together known as full coverage. Fortunately, comparing rates between various insurers can’t help you secure a full coverage policy at a policy that won’t break the bank.

Keeping Your Rates in Check

There are several ways to minimize your rates, which include taking a weekend MSF course, keeping your throttle hand in check, and bundling your bike with another vehicle or policy. That said, the single biggest way to decrease your rates is to compare quotes from other insurers.