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KTM 640 Duke II

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Make Model

KTM 640 Duke II 

Year

2003 - 04

Engine

Four stroke, single Cylinder. SOHC, 4 valves, engine balancer

Capacity

624.6 cc / 38.1 cu in
Bore x Stroke 101 x 78 mm
Compression Ratio 11.5:1
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Lubrication 2 x Eaten oil pumps

Induction

Mikuni BST 40 carburetor

Ignition

Kokusan contactless DC-CDI ignition with advanced system

Starting

Electric & kick

Spark Plug

NGK DRBEA

Battery

12V 8Ah, maintenance free

Max Power

40.1 kW / 55 hp @ 7000 rpm

Max Torque

60 Nm / 6.1 kgf-m / 44.3 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm

Clutch

Multi-disc in oil bath

Transmission

5 Speed

Primary Drive Ratio

30:81, straight cut gears

Gear Ratios

1st 14:35 / 2nd 15:24 / 3rd 18:21 / 4th 20:19 / 5th 22:18

Final Drive Ratio

17:38

Final Drive

Chain, O-ring 5/8 x 1/4"

Frame

Central chrome-moly steel frame

Front Suspension

WP - 4054 Roma Top adjuster, preload, compression and rebound adjustable

Front Wheel Travel

140 mm / 5.5 in

Rear Suspension

Central shock absorber WP IBS with PRO-LEVER linkage to rear- swing-arm with needle bearing

Rear Wheel Travel

170 mm / 6.7 in

Front Brakes

Single 320 mm disc, 4 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

Single 220 mm disc, 1 piston caliper

Front Tyre

120/70 - ZR17 58H

Rear Tyre

160/60 - ZR17 69H

Steering Head Angle

62.5o

Wheelbase

1460 mm / 57.5 in

Ground Clearance

250 mm / 9.9 in

Seat Height

860 mm / 33.9 in

Dry Weight

145 kg / 320lbs

GVWR

350 kg / 773 lbs

Engine Oil Capacity 

2.2 Litres / 2.3 US qt / 1.9 Imp qt

Fuel Capacity 

11.3 Litres / 3.0 US gal / 2.4 Imp gal

Standing ¼ Mile  

12.5 sec

Top Speed

162 km/h / 101 mph

 

KTM's Duke was the machine that brought the Austrian firm to the attention of many riders in the late 1990s. Formerly restricted to niche off-road bikes, it was this supermotard-styled bike which gained KTM recognition as a major bike manufacturer.

The original Duke, launched in 1994 used a 610cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine in an off-road chassis, equipped with a distinctive twin headlight nosecone and 43cm (17in) wire spoked wheels. Its 41kW (55bhp) power and 145kg (3201b) mass made it an exciting ride, but it was only imported into the UK in limited numbers.

 

The latest Duke, the 640, was launched in 1999. It has an uprated 624cc version of the old four-valve engine, which produces similar power, but with more torque, in a similar steel-tube cradle chassis. WP upside-down forks and WP monoshock provide excellent handling, while stylish BBS 43cm (17in) cast wheels wear grippy sportsbike tyres. A massive 320mm (12.6in) front brake disc is matched to a single four-piston Brembo racing caliper, giving amazing braking power, helped by the tiny 145kg (3201b) mass. The outrageous nosecone is also still there, with a twin headlight design, and sweeping fuel tank.

 

On the road, the Duke excels in tight, twisty city streets or mountain passes, where its quick steering, long travel suspension and amazing brakes all work superbly.

Narrow uphill hairpin bends which can tie a 'proper' race-replica sportsbike in knots are easily dealt with on the Duke.

It is not really suited to longer trips though - there's little in the way of comfort or equipment, and the tiny fuel tank only holds 11.5 Litres (2.5 gal) - barely enough for 160km (100 miles) between refills.

The Duke's high-specification chassis parts also have a price penalty - it is an expensive machine, costing as much as some 600cc four-cylinder sportsbikes.