Superduke 1290R Essential Mods

Sorry if this has been done before but I couldn't find a thread.

What are everyone's top / essential mods for the 1290R?
I pick mine up on Saturday and have decided to do nothing to it before I've run it in, however I have already bought an Austin Racing GP1R low level can and link pipe/de cat.

I'm assuming that the SAS have to go but are there orange anodised blanking plates?
I like the powerparts adjustable levers
On the 990s the airbox and exhaust were essential mods. Is that still the case?should one simply cut out the 'windows' above the air intakes, fit a bit of metal gauze and have done, or cut a panel out of the top of the airbox and fit a K&N like I did on one of my SDs or go for a Rottweiler? Thoughts?
Are screens a must have?
Has anyone fitted hand guards and or heated grips?

What are your thoughts?

I think you'll find that the top mod that most people do is fit rim tape.

I've fitted the Akro system and SAS blanking plates and what an improvement it makes ! I've also fitted a Power Commander and QS. Not had a chance to get it mapped yet. Can't see how I can get much improvement but will give it a go when I get some tine. Toyed with the idea of an airbox mod but honestly find it so good now that I'm not sure I'll go down that route. I've got the PP levers. They're nice if a touch blingy. I've the heated grips for those balmy Scottish evenings.

IMO there are no "must do" mods on the 1290, apart from the exhaust
It really depends on the way you ride the bike.

First up in my list though, now that i ve got the akra, are rearsets and a tail tidy. Then a steering damper, as the stock one is pretty useless

Once i am done with the above, a set of tripples, wheels and some WP competition line suspensions and we are ready

As above the exhaust is the main mod, I have the Akrapovic silencer with Bodis link pipe (no cat.) SAS removed and Akrapovic map uploaded. But my personal must do would be setting the suspension to the KTM “Sport” settings, that suited my riding style perfect.

I have the KTM heated grips and they work well, you don’t need a screen (or rim tape).

Bodis de-cat
Remove db-killer from stock muffler
Remove SAS and evap canister
Then either deal with a dealer to upload the Akra map or buy PCV.

When fitting the Bodis Decat with Akrapovic Slip on is it best to have the Akrapovic map installed or use a Power Commander?
I have read posts where some have done both or even added other electronic gizmo's and that they run lean without the Akrapovic map installed but despite the search button being my friend I am still left feeling a little unsure.

Thanks for the comments so far!

I picked up my SD today so have started the running in process. I don't think I've owned a road bike that so wanted to wheelie whilst running in before!
I have the bike booked in for a fortnight on Monday for first service where they will:
Remove the CAT and fit the Austin racing exhaust and link pipe,
Remove the SAS and condenser
fit the powerparts adjustable length levers
fit the tail tidy

I will modify the airbox myself I think by cutting out the two 'windows' above the air intakes and fitting a K&N panel filter to the top of the airbox.
This is a mod that will cost about £40 as opposed to the $400 plus shipping plus import duty for the Rottweiler which will make me feel good enough about myself to buy a Power Commander and get the whole thing set-up on the dyno.

Small bump. I am trying to get all my ducks in a row for my future install of "essentials"; GP1 decat, K&N filter, SAS removal, Evap can removal.

I know the SAS requires a resistor be put in-line to keep the idiot light off. From looking at the fiche, it appears the evap can valve has a harness plug as well. I wanted to ask, does it also trigger the idiot light? And if so, what resistance value resistor needs to be used?

Edit: Short answer, yes. I know this because I searched. Derp.

I am really impressed no one mentions as an essential mod the steering damper. The stock one really sucks and needs replacing or at least servicing.
Quite a disappointment for a high performance bike with such price tag.

After riding 5000 klm on the beast, i now consider that to be the most essential mod.

+1
I agree, the stock one is sh1t.
First thing I did was piss off the ugly rear guard and make a nice tail tidy to replace it.
Then I got to work and modified another damper to do the job as ktm should have done in the first place.

oh yea bought one done that and you are right oe one is pants

Interesting that no-one mentions suspension.

Is it still the case that the 1290 Forks have no pre-load adjustment?

If you're not able to get the sag set correctly surely a rework of the forks is fairly important?

Thanks.

Well I have thought about it but it's unlikely.

I need to put my 06 back together. I'll get the suspension serviced too, it's untouched since 06!

change stock foot pegs
motohooligan makes a great set
however the full akra system was a really sweet addition !!!!

The first thing you should do is secure the rear brake reservoir cover because it will vibrate loose. To make the side stand easier to use, I have been thinking of just sticking a piece of heater hose on the end.

BIG BUMP anybody ditching the cat really owes it to themself to download the akra map. My dlr charged $42 this time and I haven't done the sas block off plates so I get some popping on decel but the bike runs cooler and louder and feels smoother at low rpm in higher gears than stock. I put the K&N air filter in to hold me til I decide what airbox to do.

Yep. Much better to have fluid, well damped suspension that is capable of reacting to surface imperfections, rather than a bike that overly damped and slow to compress or extend.