KTM 1290 Super Adventure Key Replacement

Quick answerThe 1290 Super Adventure has had three key setups: black keys with an orange programming key through 2016, a Race On keyless key with a black backup key from 2017, and from the 2021 Super Adventure S a Race On key with a RACE ON chip as backup. On the keyless bikes KTM's manual says lost keys are deactivated and new ones activated by an authorized KTM workshop, while the backup key or chip held at the antenna will still start the bike.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure key quick facts

The 2016 1290 Super Adventure manual describes black ignition keys, an orange programming key and a KEYCODECARD.
The 2017 Super Adventure S and R manuals describe Race On: no ignition lock, a Race On key with a 1.5 m range and a black backup key.
From the 2021 Super Adventure S manual the backup is a RACE ON chip that starts the bike when held directly to the antenna.
The 2021 and 2024 manuals describe Anti Relay Attack, which switches off the key's remote response five minutes after the ignition is turned off.
On the 2021 and later S, the fuel cap and passenger seat release electrically, and there is a passenger seat emergency release for a flat 12 V battery.
KTM says up to four ignition keys in total can be activated by an authorized KTM workshop.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
Through 2016	1290 Super Adventure	black transponder keys plus orange programming key	yes	Described in the 2016 manual. Up to four black keys can be activated; the seat lock and filler cap take the ignition key.
2017-2020	1290 Super Adventure S and R	Race On keyless key plus black backup key	yes	Described in the 2017 S and R manuals. The key's fold-out bit works the seat lock and optional cases.
2021-present	1290 Super Adventure S	Race On keyless key plus RACE ON chip	yes	Described in the 2021 and 2024 S manuals. Adds Anti Relay Attack, which can be switched on or off in the dash.

The key by generation

The first 1290 Super Adventure is an orange-key bike. Its 2016 manual says the ignition may only be switched on using a black ignition key, that the orange programming key activates and deactivates black keys, and that another two spare keys can be ordered by the key number on the KEYCODECARD and then need to be activated. It also carries KTM's warning never to put several ignition keys on one ring.

The 2017 Super Adventure S and R manuals describe Race On instead. The ignition and steering lock is replaced by a remote key with a transponder, and the bike comes with a black ignition key intended only for situations in which the Race On key is not available or not functional. KTM's 2018 dealer setup instructions show how the set arrives: the Race On key in the storage compartment, the black ignition key and KEYCODECARD under the seat, all kept for handover.

The 2021 Super Adventure S manual changes the backup. In place of a black key there is a RACE ON chip, which like the Race On key can start the bike by being held directly to the vehicle antenna.

Need a key for your 1290 Super Adventure S?

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Flat key battery and Anti Relay Attack

Every Race On manual gives the same answer for a weak key battery: hold the Race On key, or the black key or chip, at the antenna area on the bike and repeat starting, then stow it again once the engine is running. Range is given as 1.5 m and drops with battery voltage and radio interference.

On the 2021 and later S, Anti Relay Attack can be switched on in the combination instrument. With it active, the key's remote response is deactivated five minutes after the ignition is switched off, and the bike then behaves as if the key were out of range until you press the button on the key, which gives a ten minute window. That is worth knowing before you decide a key has failed. The manual also notes that changing the key battery resets the key's side of the function until the key is next in range at switch-off.

Seat, fuel cap and what still takes a key

2016: the seat lock on the left side of the bike and the fuel filler cap both take the black ignition key.
2017 to 2020: the seat lock opens with the Race On key's fold-out bit or the black key, and the same bit is used for optional cases.
2021 and later S: the fuel tank filler cap unlocks when its cover is folded up with the ignition on or switched off for less than one minute. The passenger seat releases by a tip switch under the same condition.
2021 and later S: if the tip switch does not work, for example because the 12 V battery is discharged, the manual points to a passenger seat emergency release on the right side of the bike below a cover.

What the manual says about lost keys

On the 2016 bike, the owner's manual walks through losing one black key and losing all of them. Both start with the orange programming key, which deactivates the missing keys; a new black key is then ordered by the key number on the KEYCODECARD and activated. Without the orange key there is no owner procedure.

On Race On bikes the manual says a lost ignition key must be deactivated by an authorized KTM workshop to prevent unauthorized persons from operating the vehicle, and that up to four keys in total can be activated by an authorized KTM workshop. The 2017 manual adds that the key number must be provided.

What a lost-key visit involves

Give us the model year and whether you hold the orange key, the black key or the RACE ON chip, since each one changes the job. On a 2016 bike we cut and program a black key on site. On Race On bikes, a replacement key has to match the year and market of the bike and be activated to it; where our equipment does not cover a given year we will tell you the dealer is the better route. Bring photo ID, registration or title, the VIN and the KEYCODECARD.

Where to find the key code

The 2016 and 2017 1290 Super Adventure manuals say the key number can be found on the KEYCODECARD. Setup instructions show the card stored under the seat with the black key for handover, so it should be with 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 Adventure key FAQ

Does my 1290 Super Adventure have the orange key or Race On?

The 2016 manual describes black keys and an orange programming key. The 2017 and later S and R manuals describe Race On, with a black backup key at first and a RACE ON chip from the 2021 S.

What is the RACE ON chip for?

KTM's manual says it is only intended for situations in which the Race On key is not available. Held directly to the vehicle antenna, it starts the bike the same way the key does.

My Super Adventure stopped detecting the key after a coffee stop. Is the key dead?

Possibly not. With Anti Relay Attack active, the 2021 and later manuals say the key's remote response switches off five minutes after the ignition is turned off, and pressing the button on the key wakes it for ten minutes.

How do I get the seat off with a flat battery?

On the 2021 and later S, the manual describes a passenger seat emergency release on the right side of the bike below a cover, for when the electric release does not work.

Can a lost Race On key be blocked?

Yes. KTM's manual says a lost ignition key must be deactivated by an authorized KTM workshop so nobody else can operate the bike.

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

Motorcycle Key Fob and Keyless Ignition ProblemsMost keyless motorcycle problems come down to a weak fob battery, a fob the bike is not reading, a damaged fob or a lost one.
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.
When to Get a Spare Motorcycle Key, and Why NowGet a spare motorcycle key as soon as you are down to one working key.
Roadside Assistance and Lost Motorcycle Keys: What It CoversMost motorcycle roadside plans will send help or tow the bike when a key is lost, but few pay for the key.

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Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.