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 L / 2.3 US qt / 1.9 Imp qt
Fuel Capacity
11.3 L / 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.
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.