Chromoly trellis frame, powder-coated, aluminium sub frame
Front Suspension
WP Upside-down forks, 4860 ROMA
Front Wheel Travel
140 mm / 5.5 in
Rear Suspension
WP monoshock, 4618 with Pro-lever deflector
Rear Wheel Travel
140 mm / 5.5 in
Front Brakes
Single 320 mm floating disc, radially screwed
four-piston brake caliper
Rear Brakes
Single 240 mm floating disc, single piston caliper
Front Rim
Cast aluminium wheels 3.5 x 17"
Rear Rim
Cast aluminium wheels 5.5 x 17"
Front Tyre
120/70 - R17
Rear Tyre
160/60 - R17
Steering Head Angle
63.5°
Trail
100.7 mm / 3.96 in
Wheel base
1472 mm / 57.9 in
Ground Clearance
155 mm / 6.1 in
Seat Height
865 mm / 34 in
Dry Weight
148.5 kg / 327 in
GVWR
350 kg / 772 lbs
Engine Oil Capacity
1.7 L / 1.8 US qt / 1.5 Imp qt
Fuel Capacity
13.5 Litres / 3.6 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal
The new 690 Duke has the pleasure of introducing itself as
one unique-looking motorcycle with performance to match. KTM made the revamp
noticeable by building a new frame and fitting the bike with new fairings
and seat, but what really makes this bike stand out is its powerful new
engine together with the strong sound coming from a new under engine
exhaust.
Very important is the fact that KTM made use of the 690 Supermoto in order
to end up with this baby so the suspensions and brakes will remind you of
its sister as they remain virtually the same.
KTM first introduced the Duke in 1994 as a supermoto bike
featuring a 609cc single-cylinder which came to life using a kick start. It
was the manufacturer’s first stock supermoto machine and it could be easily
distinguished due to its unique styling and spoked wheels.
In the ‘90s, KTM would make sure that the Duke receives new features from
two to two years so 1996 brought the much needed and desired electric
starter together with an uprated oil pump.
As you could already guess, it is now all about 1998 model year when the
most famous and beloved version was launched, the Duke ||. KTM preferred to
mark this way the important displacement change (the engine was now a 625cc
beast, not a 609cc one). Also ten years ago was when the bike would have
featured stylish new headlights in a redesigned nose cone which helped make
the 1998 model year easy recognizable.
The Duke || continued selling well and created quite a fan club even though
the manufacturer stayed away of it for a while until in 2005 the Duke ||
Black entered the scene, followed by a Limited Edition model only a year
after. This last version was painted in KTM orange (rims included), and it
gave a feel of what was about to come after the 640 Duke || will inspire its
looks on its 990cc brother. The result is what you can see today as a 2008
model year. KTM tried to set the bike apart from the Supermoto class in the
attempt of individualizing the Dukes, but it still remains a Supermoto bike.
Competition
Despite the manufacturer’s attempt of not going with the
crowd and have a separate supermoto line, even though the Duke practically
started it all, I would like to compare it with real supermoto bikes. If not
so, this bike has virtually no competition given to its engine, exterior
design and riding position.
When it comes to Supermotards it is impossible for me not to mention the
Aprilia SXV 4.5-5.5 as it is one of the most successful and versatile
motorcycles out there. Given the fact that it features two cylinders
positioned in the V configuration, it is easy to declare it a winner, but
let’s not precipitate things. The Duke, despite its single cylinder, manages
to put out 65 horses which are more than able to make a rider forget what
determines its adrenaline rush. Many will consider the 550cc version more
suitable and able to deal with such a powerful single-cylinder, but I’m not
underestimating the 450cc V-twin Aprilia motor either.
Husqvarva is also known for delivering awesome performing supermoto bikes
and the SM 610 is one of its best. Featuring a 576cc 4-Stroke, 4 valves,
SOHC, Liquid Cooled Single, this motorcycle seems more appropriate for the
race against the subject of this review, the KTM 690 Duke. Shall I even
mention that the Brembo brakes and Marzocchi suspensions make it seem like
Husqvarna’s Duke? No, I guess you’ve already figured that out.
Riding Impressions
Powered by KTM’s 654cc, 65bhp LC4 single-cylinder engine, the 690
Duke is light, agile and fun to ride. Perhaps more fun than the 65bhp power
output may suggest. Motociclismo tested the bike recently, and here are some
excerpts from what they have to say about it:
The 690 Duke can be surprisingly tempting. It looks better than its other
690-series cousins, has better ergonomics and a character that’s all its own.
Mechanically, the Duke seems to vibrate a bit less than KTM’s other 690 bikes.
On the move, the bike feels responsive – twist the throttle and the small Duke
picks up speed immediately – it almost makes you forget you’re riding a bike
with a 65bhp single-cylinder engine. Wind protection is non-existent, but
otherwise the Duke can be as suitable for longer rides as some of the bigger,
more powerful bikes.
With firmer, shorter-travel suspension than other KTM 690s, the Duke feels
better when accelerating or braking hard. The bike does not pitch or wallow too
much, and the single 320mm front brake disc offers adequate stopping power.
The 690 Duke’s chassis is impeccable: steering accuracy at high speeds and
stability in fast corners is exemplary. The lightweight (149kg) Duke gives you
the confidence to ride it as hard as you want. And yet, the suspension is not
too hard or too soft – it’s just right for twisty mountain roads and even works
well on the racetrack, should you take the bike to one. Top speed is around
180km/h, which isn’t too bad. Overall, the KTM 690 Duke is just beautiful – the
perfect single-cylinder bike.