KTM 1290 Super Duke R and GT Key Replacement

Quick answerThe 1290 Super Duke R started with black transponder keys and an orange programming key, then moved to the Race On keyless key from the 2017 model year; the Super Duke GT's 2017 manual still shows the orange-key system and its 2019 manual shows Race On. On a Race On bike, KTM's manual says a lost key must be deactivated and new keys activated by an authorized KTM workshop, and the black backup key will start the bike in the meantime.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R and GT key quick facts

The 2014 1290 Super Duke R manual describes black ignition keys that are activated when delivered, with spares ordered by the key number on the KEYCODECARD.
From the 2017 manual, the 1290 Super Duke R has no ignition lock: a Race On key and a handlebar button replace it.
The 2017 1290 Super Duke GT manual describes black keys and the orange programming key; the 2019 GT manual describes Race On.
2017 to 2020 Super Duke R manuals supply a black ignition key for when the Race On key is unavailable or its battery is too low.
The Race On key's fold-out key bit is only used for the seat lock and optional cases; the fuel cap unlocks electrically.
The Race On key runs on a CR 2032 battery and has a stated maximum range of 1.5 m.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R and GT key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2014-2016	1290 Super Duke R	black transponder keys with KEYCODECARD, orange programming key system	yes	The 2014 manual says the black keys are activated when delivered and two more spares can be ordered and then activated.
2017	1290 Super Duke GT	black transponder keys plus orange programming key	yes	Conventional ignition lock. The seat lock and fuel cap take the ignition key.
2017-present	1290 Super Duke R	Race On keyless key plus backup key	yes	The 2017, 2019 and 2020 manuals describe a black backup key; confirm the backup on later years by VIN. Up to four keys can be activated by an authorized KTM workshop.
2019	1290 Super Duke GT	Race On keyless key plus black Race On key	yes	The seat lock opens with the Race On key or the black Race On key.
2024	1390 Super Duke R	Race On keyless key	yes	The manual describes Anti Relay Attack and says a lost ignition key must be deactivated by an authorized KTM workshop.

Two generations of key

Early 1290 Super Duke R bikes belong to KTM's orange-key family. The 2014 manual puts the key number on the KEYCODECARD, says the black ignition keys are activated when delivered, and says another two spare keys can be ordered from an authorized KTM workshop and need to be activated for use. The 2017 Super Duke GT manual is explicit about the rest: the ignition may only be switched on with a black key, and the orange programming key is what activates and deactivates black keys.

From the 2017 model year the Super Duke R manual describes something quite different. The ignition and steering lock is replaced by a remote key with a transponder, the Race On key, and a button on the handlebar. The steering locks electromechanically with the bars turned fully left, and the immobilizer engages as soon as the ignition is switched off with the button. The GT follows in its 2019 manual.

Need a key for your 1290 Super Duke R?

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Living with Race On: weak battery, backup key, range

KTM's manuals give the Race On key a maximum range of 1.5 m around the steering lock and warn that a weak key battery or radio interference shortens it. If the key battery is too low, the manual says to place either the Race On key or the black key at the antenna area by the steering lock and repeat starting, then stow the key again once the engine runs.

The black key matters more than it looks. The 2020 manual says it is only intended for situations in which the Race On key is not available or not functional, and that it can start the bike when the Race On key's battery is too low for the transponder to be recognized. The troubleshooting table lists using the black ignition key among the remedies when the bike does not respond to the Race On key. Keep it at home rather than under the seat, and keep both keys several centimeters away from other electronics, as the manual asks.

KTM also warns never to leave the bike unattended with the Race On key or the black key close to it, since anyone can then switch it on.

Which locks use a key blade

Orange-key bikes: the black key works the ignition and steering lock and the fuel filler cap, and on the 2017 GT the seat lock on the left side of the bike.
Race On bikes: the seat lock, on the left side under the seat, opens with the Race On key's fold-out bit or the black key. Optional cases use the same bit.
Race On bikes: the fuel tank filler cap has no key slot in the manual's procedure. Folding up the cover unlocks it while the ignition is on or has been off for less than a minute.

What the manual says about a lost key

For Race On bikes the manual is short: a lost ignition key must be deactivated by an authorized KTM workshop to prevent unauthorized persons from operating the vehicle, the keys supplied are activated when delivered, and up to four ignition keys in total can be activated by an authorized KTM workshop, with the key number provided in each case. So the KEYCODECARD still matters on a keyless bike.

For orange-key bikes the owner has more control, because the orange programming key can deactivate a lost black key and activate a replacement. Without the orange key, that turns into a job for programming equipment.

What a lost-key visit involves

Tell us the year first, because it decides everything. On an orange-key Super Duke we cut a black key on site and program it, and it helps a great deal if you can hand us the orange key. On a Race On bike, replacement keys have to match the bike's year and market and be activated to it; where our equipment does not support a given year, the dealer is the right route and we will say so. Either way, have photo ID, registration or title, the VIN, the KEYCODECARD and any remaining key ready.

Where to find the key code

KTM's Super Duke manuals say the key number can be found on the KEYCODECARD. Dealer setup instructions for the 1290 Super Duke R have the black ignition key and KEYCODECARD removed and kept for handover, so both should be in the original paperwork.

What to have ready

Have this ready when you call or text

Year, make and model of the bike
Where the bike is parked
Whether you have any working key, a broken key or a key code
Photo ID and registration or title (we verify ownership before making a key)

KTM 1290 Super Duke R and GT key FAQ

Which years of 1290 Super Duke R have Race On?

The owner's manual describes Race On from the 2017 model year. The 2014 manual describes black transponder ignition keys with a KEYCODECARD.

My Race On key battery is flat. How do I start my Super Duke?

KTM's manual says to place the Race On key or the black key at the antenna area by the steering lock and repeat starting. The Race On key takes a CR 2032 battery.

I lost my Race On key but have the black key. Can I keep riding?

The black key will start the bike, but KTM's manual says a lost key must be deactivated by an authorized KTM workshop so nobody else can use it. Get a replacement activated at the same time so you are not down to one key.

Does the 1290 Super Duke GT use the orange key?

The 2017 GT manual describes black keys and an orange programming key. The 2019 GT manual describes Race On, so check which your bike has.

How many keys can be activated on a Race On Super Duke?

KTM's manual says up to four ignition keys in total can be activated by an authorized KTM workshop.

The immobilizer system on this bike

KTM Immobilizer: Orange Key, Black Keys and Race OnKTM has used two immobilizer setups on its big twins: black transponder ignition keys managed by an orange programming key, and from 2017 the Race On keyless key on the 1290 Super Duke R and 1290 Super Adventure.

More KTM models

Services for this bike

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Motorcycle Immobilizers Explained: HISS, KIPASS and MoreA motorcycle immobilizer is an anti-theft system that only lets the engine start when it recognizes a coded chip in the key or a paired fob.
Bought a Used Motorcycle With No Key? Here's What to DoA used or auction motorcycle without keys can usually get new ones, but plan on the full all-keys-lost process and bring the signed title or other transfer paperwork plus photo ID, since a locksmith or dealer has to tie you to the VIN.
Harley Saddlebag and Tour-Pak Lock Keys: What Matches WhatOn Harley-Davidson Touring models, the factory hard saddlebags and the Tour-Pak are opened with the same barrel key as the ignition, according to Harley's owner's manuals.

Where we come to you

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.