My steering head is clicking when on the brakes and when releasing the brakes. Anyone have a "How to" for this on the 1290? I'm also getting it if I'm stationary while holding the brake and compressing the forks. Its a clicking that kind of sounds like creaking. I'm looking to do it myself as my nearest dealer is a long road trip.

Mate I feel your pain as my dealer is 400km away. BUT think!! It is still under warranty, take it there!
If the bearings are shot (as they probably are at this mileage) and you try to fix it yourself you can see a potential outcome here.....

If you want to persist, the 1290 is pretty much the same as any other bike.

Like you I am a distance from my dealer (450km).
As it is a simple generic job, (not KTM specific), have you considered negotiating with your dealer to have the work done locally under warranty by an agreed workshop?
Even if you share the costs, would be cheaper and easier than travelling, particularly if you decide to tow it.

Any risk of violating the warranty, by servicing this yourself? let's say replacement parts are needed now or some point in future, where does having taken this on leave you?

I have the same noise on mine. I had the dealer check it out yesterday and they checked the steering head bearings and reported all is Ok. Their conclussion is that it is the brakes. Mine has made the noise from new.

Cheers

Oh and he also said that there was another 1290 coming in to have the same thing checked on the weekend. It must be quite common?

This seems to be happening on quite a few 1290's now.
I have mentioned it to my dealer and they tried to suggest it was the brakes but it isnt!
I have never had this issue on any bike i have owned old or new. If it happens mention it straight away with your dealer and get them to make a note of your call on your account as then you have the issue logged.
I have a copy of the 1290 workshop manual and it is a job you can do yourself. My dealer was happy with me having a go but i did mention it may have to be booked in if i dont get anywhere with it.
Ideally you do need to jack the front up NOT with a paddock stand. I removed the footrests and inserted two bolts then rested the bolts on axle stands, then managed to strap the rear wheel down to lift the front.
The clicking on mine has greatly reduced but not 100%, i might not have tightned enough maybe but i am happy with it for now, see how it goes. If it gets worse then it will be booked in as its the dealers problem on a new bike!

The 1190 boys are suffer with problems with the steering head bearings, I know of 2 guys that have had theirs renewed here in Brisbane.