KTM 1290 Adventure - How to Replace the Air Filter

KTM recommends changing the air filter on your 1290 Adventure motorcycle every 9,300 mi (15,000 km). I have some good news and bad news. The good news is the air filter is very easy to change out…once you get to it. The bad news is the fuel tank needs to be removed to access the air box. Thanks KTM. It’s a little time consuming, but not as bad as it sounds. There are instructions listed below in the Prep Work section on how to remove the fuel tank.

Prep Work

There are a few steps that need to be completed prior to replacing the air filter. Click on the articles below for detailed instructions.

1. Remove the Seat
2. Remove the Side Panels
3. Remove the Fuel Tank Cover
4. Remove the Mask Spoiler
5. Remove the Fuel Tank

Tools Needed

• T20 Torx
• 6mm Hex Socket
• 3” Extension
• Ratchet

Remove the Air Filter

1. With a T20 Torx, remove the two screws and the plastic shroud that is covering some of the electrical components and part of the air box cover.

2. With a 6mm Hex Socket remove the 8 screws around the air box cover.

3. KTM recommends you unplug the electrical connection on top of the cover and disconnect the vent line at the rear of the cover. That is really not needed to just replace the air filter. Simply lift the cover up and rotate it to the left side of the bike. It will rest there while swapping out the air filter.

4. There is an angled wedge that locks the air filter into place. With you hand pull up on the locking wedge. Once the wedge has been pulled up you can remove the wedge, air filter frame, and air filter.

5. Inspect the air box for any dust or dirt. Clean the inside of the air box if any dust or dirt is found.

Install the Air Filter

1. Place a new air filter into the air filter frame.

2. Slide the air filter frame with the new air filter into the air box in the same direction that it came out. The sealing surface faces towards the front of the motorcycle.

3. Slide the locking wedge in behind the air filter frame to lock it into position. The narrow end of the locking wedge goes down into the air box. There are 2 grooves on the back of the air filter frame that the wedge slides down through. Lines those grooves up and push the wedge all the way down. You will feel it click into place.

4. Rotate the air box cover back into place. Check all around the edges of the cover to make sure they are lined up with the air box. Reinstall the 8 screws with a 6mm Hex Socket.

5. Place the plastic shroud back into position and reinstall the 2 screws with a T20 Torx.