KTM 1290 Super Adventure Oil Change | Back in the Garage

In this episode of Back in the Garage, we change the motor oil and filter in my 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure. I also show you how to reset your service light.
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Mario Orsini
PO Box 64
Bunker Hill, WV 25413

[@grishfish]

If you do the drain plugs in reverse (the forward one first), you'll drain most of the oil in the crankcase and transmission in one shot. Then when you open the rear plug (over the exhaust header), you'll get a lot less oil and it'll be easier to manage with the foil ramp.

[@2WR]

Thanks for the tip. It's almost time to change it again.

[@ouch74]

I just did the oll change on my 16' 1290gt. Different bike but pretty much the same rc8 powerplant. So anyway I did try to tighten the two oil filter bolts to torque spec and wound up snapping one of the bolt heads off. What a booger to get the rest of the bolt out of the engine case. Drilled a 1/16" hole and tried to drill screw out completely and went up to 3/32" and of course snapped the bit into the hole I drilled. However got lucky with another bit and managed to drill out a bit of the broken bit and with some deflection started just another bit of drilling. Enough to get purchase with a jewelers flat head screwdriver and loosen and remove the rest of the broken bolt out of the engine case. Since it's a bit time consuming to get the correct KTM bolt I got lucky and found the correct thread/length allen bolt from my stash of hardware to replace. Moral of my post is listen to this guy and don't go by the torque specs. Hand tightening these bolts till they bottom out with the tiniest bit of a pinch snug is good enough. Other wise putting a ratchet tool on them may very well lead to broken bolt heads. In my case I bought the bike used from a dealer that part of the bike purchase was to service the bike but IMHO they must've reefed on the bolts as they all seemed overly tight so of course the little ones for the filter had to give up the ghost when I tried applying torque specs with a tool too big for the job. Better to just hand tighten with a screwdriver type torx tip.

[@Tommygun75]

I know this is a year late but I did exactly the same thing this week. Snapped one after replacing the filter and oil. Thought one bolt would be enough whilst I figured out what to do. Started the engine and created the mother of all money shots over the driveway. So now I'm sitting with a bike full of oil and now way to start the engine. Managed to drill in and use a hex extractor. Came out pretty easy. Lesson learnt.

[@RLP-mj2qu]

You will overflow if you try to put all 4 quarts back in at once. Put in 3 quarts, run the engine briefly, and then slowly put in the fourth.

[@2WR]

You are correct. I should've mentioned that.

[@PatrickFlinner]

If you open the front oil drain plug first then the oil filter before touching the last drain plug, it will ensure that less oil spills out of it. I chopped up a plastic coke bottle and mounted it with a coat hanger to funnel the oil away from the pipe. Austrian engineering I tell you...

[@2WR]

Patrick Flinner drained the front first on the most recent oil change; made a small difference. Still used the foil just a little more of it and a MUCH bigger drain pan. Will never understand putting oil drain plugs of the exhaust.

[@756766]

Good Vid, Mario. Doing the First Oil Change tomorrow then leaving on Tuesday across the Country to Buffalo, NY. I live in California, So looking forward to the journey.

[@2WR]

Have a safe ride!

[@cosmo00013]

thank you for your video Mario, I am about to do this soon on my 1190...take care and ride safe!!

[@ES44AC-2]

Thanks for showing us the oil change process on the KTM.

[@2WR]

No problem

[@Caledonia747]

Just serviced mine , you have turn the engine over ( without starting ) after filling it up with about 3 litre of oil to get the correct oil level then top it up to the correct setting. Mines took just over 4 litres of 10w 50.

[@marianob1975]

Hi Mario, today I did this task in my 1290 SA for first time. This video helped me alot. I would like to tell you that if you stand your motorcycle with side stand you dont need aluminium foil. Oil went directly to the bucket. It is much easy since the motorcycle is leaning to the left.

[@2WR]

Glad to hear it helped!

[@bynightful]

Nice video.. Greetings from Greece!

[@ehsan83]

Nice job. changing the oil on this bike is very messy due to its two drain holes. very special. first time i see. Thanks for sharing

[@2WR]

Yeah, gonna need a drain pan with a bigger mouth. Otherwise, not a difficult job and fairly quick. Thanks for watching.

[@RC7MASTER]

Thank you for this vlog bro.. Ride safe and God bless

[@CanadianMotoGal]

nice macgyver-ing on that foil tunnel lol!!! Nice vid - I want your garage :)

[@2WR]

I do love my garage. I'm constantly adding cool tools and toys to it to get it just the way I want.

[@zydecbro]

dig your videos bro, been helping me out lots!!

[@cobra4640]

Thanks for the videos Mario I have the same exact motorcycle as you do so you videos are great help. Getting ready to change my oil before my Mexico trip (Chicago to Cancun 🔫)

[@2WR]

Have fun and BE SAFE!

[@bob53820]

Thanks, just got mine done.

[@surfgreen34]

Merci pour ce tutoriel très intéressant.

[@cmlago]

Buenas tardes! Muchas gracias. Saludos desde Argentina!

[@2WR]

I should've paid more attention in Spanish class. De nada, mi amigo!

[@dirkvanderheyden8386]

nice clear video. Greets from Belgium

[@2WR]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@SuperFlyfisher101]

great how to video! thanks again very helpful!

[@2WR]

No prob!

[@JoyDiv757]

Thanks, good to know. I'm going to repeat that stuff with my bike!

[@2WR]

No prob!

[@crogamer1197]

Nice video friend keep up with good work and have awesome day God bless you

[@2WR]

Thank you!

[@exboyfriend8232]

that was pretty cool ...keep it up

[@taylor2105]

Sure enough. Good vid. Thank ya

[@2WR]

No prob!

[@ljmarino1]

A large magnet works really well for removing old oil filter.

[@2WR]

That works too

[@benoitgirard7779]

I always put a dab of oil on the oil filter "gasket" (engine side), just to be safe

[@2WR]

I do as well though can't remember if I mentioned it in the video. Thanks for watching

[@basketboy3812]

Dude, Thanks for your video. Actually it's help us!

[@2WR]

Awesome! Glad it helped!

[@wrkings]

Great tutorial mate, thx

[@2WR]

No problem 👍

[@integer9826]

thanks man great video

[@samuelnutas999R]

Great video

[@dainiusbacianskas]

I started watching your video, it got a little weird... Anywhere, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Recommended Use, Engine Oil, 10W-40 ,10W-50, Full Synthetic... I see in your video that you use Mineral Oil 10W-40.. An engine that produces high operating temperatures, a fully synthetic oil would not be a better choice? Thank you

[@2WR]

Believe it or not the bike comes with (or at least did) regular mineral oil in it. I decided to further extend the break in period. I ran the mineral oil another 1,000 miles before switching to synthetic. 60,000 miles later, zero engine problems.

[@FredyFerrer]

I have done the oil change as you indicate, but after doing it, I have started the motorcycle for 2 minutes, but the oil level in the window does not go down, and normally when starting it up it should go down, is this correct ?. Do you know what could be the reason? Thanks

[@2WR]

The oil level didn’t drop in the sight glass after you turned the bike off?

[@superduty131]

FYI.....head down to your local harley davidson dealer and pick up one of there drain pans. They are extra large, very low profile and will be very handy for other projects.

[@2WR]

Thanks for the info. I ended up picking up a wide, low profile pan a few months back. Can't remember when I go it though.

[@ArizonaRE]

Nicely done, tidy shop too B-)

[@2WR]

Thanks but I've seen pictures of your shop and it's much tidier!

[@tacjam1]

I think changing the oil on the kick stand vs Center stand will give you a lean towards the oil plugs?

[@2WR]

It's a negligible difference. It's easier for me when working on the lift to have it upright as it's more secure and then it's in position to add the oil and check the sight glass.

[@tacjam1]

No biggie, I was just following the owners manual which does say use the side stand, when the bike is on the side stand and you lift it up and put it back down on the side stand you get all the oil that's trapped by air to drain as well, for your followers however, I recommend following the owners manual.

[@zhians2001]

Hey bud; can you show us how to change the break pads on KTM 1290 Super Adventure; cheers

[@2WR]

I can add that to my list though it's going to be awhile before I have time to get that shot/edited. I do have an upcoming video where I show how to remove/install the wheels that should get you 90% of the way there since I show how to take off the brake calipers to get access to the pads.

[@zhians2001]

great looking to see that

[@vtwin1979]

Did you check the oil level standing bike upright as the manual suggests or on the side stand?

[@2WR]

Center stand

[@petergrochal2]

I am confused. The 1290T manual says that there should go full synthetic oil - Motorex power synt 4t. Why did you put mineral oil in?

[@2WR]

For the first oil change, a KTM factory mechanic recommended I stick with mineral oil (which comes in the bike from the factory) for a few thousand more miles for break in. Been running synthetic since the from around 3,000 miles. I’d have to check my records for the exact. As for brand, I run Motorex but run whatever reputable brand you want. All manufacturers have a recommended brand based mostly on licensing or partnership deals.

[@petergrochal2]

@@2WR oh ok, thank you for explanation....do you think Motul 7100 10w-50 will do just as good as Motorex?

[@stebeast3274]

Thanks

[@barryweaver8833]

So how do you know when it's time to replace both of the small cylindrical screens?

[@2WR]

Replace them when they get damaged/torn/stretched. I would recommend putting new Orings on every other oil change.

[@barryweaver8833]

@@2WR Thanks, I think for now I will just keep cleaning the screens with contact cleaner and make sure they look normal like you said. O rings same thing and just inspect them really close and verify no leaks. I wrote down your recommendations so thanks again!!!

[@cozmo911fgff]

What torque wrench would you recommend for this bike? I have the same bike

[@2WR]

A quality 20-100 ft/lb 3/8" (I have a Kolbalt but Craftsman is good too) to get started. I have 5 or 6 torque wrenches at this point to cover all aspects but the 20-100 will cover 90% of what you need.

[@Loudpedal10]

Is there a reason you used 10w40 mineral oil? My 1290 SA manual calls for 10w50 synthetic. Just curious.

[@2WR]

Dealer recommended sticking with mineral oil for the first oil change (I've since switched to synthetic). Manual does call for synthetic. It calls for 10w50 or 5w40.

[@sinki19841984]

So doing 15000 km/1 year with the mineral oil??

[@Loudpedal10]

jelly72 Absolutely not. If KTM wanted mineral at the first service they'd say so. Dealerships are full of so called mechanics that are stuck on old school practices passed down over decades by word of mouth. There's a huge amount of both motorcycles and cars that have come factory filled with fully synthetic oil for over 20 years. I did my first service at 600 miles and used Motorex full synthetic. Today I just did my 9300 mile service. I didn't have to add any oil over the last 8700 miles. Looking at the sight glass I'd guess it consumed a couple ounces. Sorry for the rant but Bubba at the local shop does NOT know more than KTM about what oil your bike needs.

[@2WR]

Loudpedal10 your comment amuses me. You may want to find out who owns the dealership I frequent before running off at the mouth.

[@Loudpedal10]

2 Wheeled Rider obviously I offended you that wasn't my intent. Hear me out. You ran your bike for 600+ miles for the run-in period. That would have been on factory synthetic oil. Within the first 100 miles or so the rings will have seated. If they haven't they likely never will. The rest is meshing gears running together ideally without generating any appreciable metal caught by the filter or screens. Going to a mineral oil AFTER the critical run-in is very strange. We may be 180 out on this but I do watch and enjoy your videos.

[@ticoenmoto]

Hello my friend... I'm abou to buy a 1290 super adventure... I saw in the manual that you change every 15.000km or 9.300miles the oil according to the manual... Of course the first change is in 1.000km or 625miles... The Ktm people in Costa Rica say that you have to do maintenance every 3.125 miles cause here gasoline is not that good, and the weather is too hot... Not like Austria and shits like that... In my opinion they only want more money of course making you go and go every time for "2 years warranty" so that's why they say that bullshit... Help me, and tell that the better choice you can do is fallow the manual... Or if you are agree with them, tell some reasons please

[@2WR]

Sounds like BS to me. If you stick with the manufacturer's recommendations you're bike should be fine and they'll have to honor any warranty claims.

[@ticoenmoto]

You're right...! But here in Costa Rica they say you that you loose the warranty if you don't do it in their way... I love 1290, and I want it... And sometimes a like to write directly to Ktm Austria, and ask them about that... Or buy the bike and the Ktm Costa Rica to the shit and do myself everything... They wanna make you go every 3.125 miles... And pay $200 every time or more

[@2WR]

I'm not sure how the laws in Costa Rica are written. Here in the US the BMW dealer told my buddy he would have to have all the service done at the BMW dealer or the warranty would be voided; which is NOT true. As long as you can prove the work was done, (receipts etc) it doesn't matter who performs it. Your best bet would be to contact KTM HQ or find another dealer.

[@ticoenmoto]

Thanks a lot for answer me 2 Wheeled Rider , i think I'll have to look another brand cause here just exist one Ktm dealer... And they keep that way of work... I tried the 1290 yesterday and it's amazing... It's a beat jeje The only problem I saw was the heat that expulsion the engine or I don't know what... Really hot

[@PelleHalldin]

I'm in the U.S. so no weird warranty/oil change scams here, but I had to have engine rebuilt on my 1190 Adventure R at 6500 miles because filter got clogged up. Thought I could run it to 9300 miles. Never doing that again. Luckily I put a lot of miles on my bike, and had only had the bike for a couple of months when this happened, so warranty took care of it (R model only comes with 1 yr). However, had to wait for 2 months for parts, and to have the work done. Bike ran fine after this, but I won't go over 5k miles between changes now.

[@cemkochisarli8881]

why did you use mineral oil ?

[@malakibeatty5044]

I wonder if he’s back in the garage

[@robertg5775]

wasn't a 1290... I had one of those. white is 11... process is exactly the same.

[@2WR]

What’s not a 1290?

[@Youtuberngajelas]

What is the oil change interval on the 1290?

[@2WR]

Breaking a 600 miles. After that 15,000km or 9,300 miles.

[@98durangopack]

Did you change all the o rings??

[@2WR]

I change them every other oil change.

[@Motowanderlust]

Shouldnt this be done with warm engine or not?

[@2WR]

Best to warm it up.

[@nortondlcl]

What I don't miss owning KTM

[@robertsilvarprmotoracing9083]

How much suspesion oil level ktm 1290 aventure????

[@2WR]

The one with the red plug gets 430ml and the one with the white plug gets 680ml

[@robertsilvarprmotoracing9083]

@@2WR 🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@robertsilvarprmotoracing9083]

How much suspesion oil level KTM excf,sxf,exc 250,450. And 690????

[@2WR]

Dunno on the 690 but the 250/450 forks I did a video on kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2LKmmaVrNCqqa8

[@robertsilvarprmotoracing9083]

@@2WR você têm vídeo mostrando como trocar os retentores da suspensão da 1290 ADV????

[@cmmoto]

hahahaha...good job man

[@2WR]

U-S-A! Thank you lol!

[@ronanrogers4127]

It's a really clumsy design, I don't know why KTM did it that way because there are different options they could have chosen. It's difficult to change oil without making a mess, and it's even harder with the KTM alloy bash plate fitted - it's possible, but unnecessarily difficult

[@2WR]

True, still beats the hell outta changing the oil on my old CBR600. Oil filter was in the middle of the exhaust manifold.

[@readytorace1974]

Ronan Rogers Maybe it would be less messier if the bike was standing on the sidestand?

[@chaosdragonballs3575]

,1000,

[@Broncoride]

You do realize you're setting yourself for tin foil hat comments. Ha

[@2WR]

What's wrong with a tin foil hat?

[@rostislavryabkov4200]

I think it's actually KTM 1190, not 1290.

[@2WR]

Pretty sure I know what my own bike is... However, the oil change procedure is the same for both.

[@rostislavryabkov4200]

Yep, my bad :). It's "T" version.

[@mv4896]

Silly....