The new Duke of KTM
Premiere of the KTM 690 Duke
Content of
KTM is renovating the 690 Duke and converting it from an exclusive noble burner to a fun bike for everyone.
The GC-60 on Gran Canaria is a fascinating strip of asphalt that runs close to the rock, sometimes deeply into it, the new KTM 6th90 Duke promoted from Atlantic zero level to a pass height of 930 meters. The rhythm is hard and fast. The KTM flies from left to right and back again as light as a feather, the punch of its 690 single-cylinder tends to lift the front wheel when it rips open, even in second gear. She darts precisely between oncoming cars and racing cyclists stomping uphill, twirling on the narrow strip between rock face and abyss towards the sky. The Duke rules! It burns up to the top of the pass with unbelievable ease and captivates all of the driver’s senses without overwhelming them. Yes, sporty motorcycling can be so easy!
What did they grumble, the hardcore Duke fans, when the first pictures and details of the new Duke became known. He was softened. It would be a cheap bike, since the suspension will no longer have to be adjusted from 2012 onwards. And stingily equipped, otherwise the price reduction to 6990 euros (without ABS) and 7490 euros (with ABS) would not be possible.
And now this! The sportiest Duke of all time, despite the lack of adjustment options on the chassis. Fast as an arrow, razor sharp, greedy – and technically more advanced than a Honda Firebalde. Equipped with initial tires that perfectly match the motorcycle, a perfectly functioning "drive-by-wire" system, three selectable injection mappings and the optional state-of-the-art ABS from Bosch. Then there is the strongest and most cultivated single worldwide. 70 HP peak power, 70 Nm maximum torque, around 160 kilograms with a full tank. Heart, what do you want more?
But anyone who thinks the Duke is a pure heating iron is mistaken. The super handy single cylinder is an entry-level motorcycle par excellence. Drives smoothly and powerfully from 3000 rpm, steers neutrally and playfully, neither overwhelmed by excessive power delivery nor by hyper-aggressive brakes. The throttle response can be adjusted from gentle to snappy thanks to three selectable mappings, and the fully electronic throttle valve control (drive-by-wire) ensures perfect propulsion even in the lowest speed regions.
The 690 Duke is also ergonomically convincing. If the seat height of 835 mm is too high for you, you can order the “factory lowering” to 800 mm. Only the brake lever protruding far from the throttle grip is unattractive and could prevent people with short fingers from enjoying a leisurely ride on a Duke. The no longer adjustable landing gear will not do this. It masters the sporty distillery and comfort-oriented everyday life with ease.
Technical data / HP rating
KTM
KTM 690 Duke with playful handling.
Technical specifications
drive
Single-cylinder four-stroke engine, 4 valves / cylinder, 51.5 kW (70 PS) at 7500 / min *, 70 Nm at 5500 / min *, 690 cm3, bore / stroke: 102.0 / 84.5 mm, compression: 12.6: 1, ignition / injection system, 46 mm throttle valves, hydraulically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six -speed gearbox, chain
landing gear
Steel tubular space frame, steering head angle: 63.5 degrees, caster: 115 mm, wheelbase: 1466 mm, inner fork tube diameter: 43 mm, spring travel from / h .: 135/135 mm
Wheels and brakes
Cast light alloy wheels, 3.50 x 17 / 5.00 x 17, front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 160/60 ZR 17, 320 mm single disc brake with four-piston fixed calliper at the front, 240 mm single disc with Single-piston floating caliper at the rear, ABS (optional 500 euros surcharge)
Weight (empty) 150 kg *
Tank capacity: 14.0 liters super
Base price 6990 Euro (more ancillary costs) *
PS judgment
The cultivated and strong single-cylinder, a chassis that can withstand the sporty pace, but is not uncomfortable and this very light-footed, stress-free handling not only make the 690 Duke incredibly, but also a great entry-level bike. Anyone who wants to heat properly with it is also welcome to do so. And KTM wouldn’t be KTM if the ABS couldn’t be switched off for drifters. well done!
Related articles
-
Kawasaki Versys 1000 already driven
Premiere Kawasaki Versys 1000 Versys with a snappy inline four-cylinder Content of A snappy inline four-cylinder in a touring chassis. With the concept…
-
Yamaha XT 660 X (2007 model) already driven
Driving report Yamaha XT 660 X, model 2007 The new Yamaha XT The first look is deceptive: It’s not a KTM. Despite wide handlebars, despite bright orange….
-
Ducati 1199 Panigale S already driven
Premiere, Ducati 1199 Panigale S. Ducati 1199 Panigale S already driven Content of After a long, tense wait, the time has finally come: Ducati presents…
-
KTM 690 Duke – KTM 690 Duke R in the PS driving report
KTM 690 Duke / KTM 690 Duke R in the PS driving report Power stew Content of An additional balancer shaft in the cylinder head is supposed to calm the…
-
KTM 690 Duke and Yamaha MT-07 in comparison test
KTM 690 Duke and Yamaha MT-07 in the test (2016) Best seller duel Shorter stroke, more revving, even more performance: the new KTM 690 Duke defines new…
-
KTM 990 Super Duke R review Righteous attitude The Super Duke R has been a real challenge so far. Now the Austrians have spiced them up with an extra…
-
Kawasaki Z 300 and KTM 390 Duke in comparison
Kawasaki Z 300 and KTM 390 Duke in comparison For youngsters and beginners The KTM 390 Duke drives great, looks exactly the same and sells well. How does…
-
KTM 690 Duke put to the test – the cornering machine from KTM
KTM 690 Duke in the top test The curve search engine from Mattighofen There are many results for KTM under the search term curve wetter . At the top,…
-
Top test KTM 690 Duke The Duke Offensive We want to throw all petty concerns overboard and knit a radical landing gear around the most brutal…
-
Kutlbike KTM Duke Country roads of all kinds Thanks to the magnificent LC4 single, KTM got solid ground under its feet, and in the Duke the engine…
Related articles
-
MotoGP – Statements and analysis of the Japanese GP MotoGP 2016 – Page 1: Marquez gives 5 at Motegi!
KTM 690 Duke / KTM 690 Duke R in the PS driving report Power stew Content of An additional balancer shaft in the cylinder head is supposed to calm the…
-
MotoGP – Statements and Analysis of Moto GP in the United States –
KTM 690 Duke and Yamaha MT-07 in the test (2016) Best seller duel Shorter stroke, more revving, even more performance: the new KTM 690 Duke defines new…
-
MotoGP – Czech Republic GP Statements and Analysis MotoGP – Statements and Analysis
Comparison of concepts in the Alps And the marmot greets you every day The largest curve carousel in Europe separates the wheat from the chaff…
-
MotoGP – Statements and Analysis of MotoGP in the Czech Republic –
KTM 690 Duke R, 690 Enduro R and 690 SMC R in the driving report The hasty trinity The three KTM single-cylinder units are always in a hurry. Especially…
-
MotoGP – Statements and Analysis of the MotoGP Americas GP –
Kramer-HKR-Evo2 in the test Light, handy and extremely mobile Content of The strongest single cylinder forms the heart of the Kramer-HKR-Evo2, everything…
-
MotoGP – Statements and analysis of the Qatar GP MotoGP – An extraordinary 2015 season, yes, yes!
KTM 690 Duke R and Suzuki GSR 750 in comparison test Single vs. Four-cylinder Content of At first glance, there is little to be said for comparing these…
-
KTM 690 Duke in the top test The curve search engine from Mattighofen There are many results for KTM under the search term curve wetter . At the top,…
-
MotoGP – San Marino GP MotoGP Statements and Analysis –
Comparison concept , BMW K 1200 S, Honda Fireblade, Kawasaki ZZ-R 1200, Suzuki GSX 1300 R Hayabusa, Yamaha FJR 1300 Magic and madness For some it is…
-
MotoGP – Australian GP Statements and Analysis MotoGP – Australian GP Statements and Analysis MotoGP
Kawasaki Z 1000 SX (2017) in the driving report This is how the 2017 model drives Kawasaki brings fresh green into autumn: the revised Kawasaki Z 1000 SX…
-
MotoGP – Statements and analysis of the Austrian GP MotoGP 2016 – Statements, analysis and rankings
Kawasaki Z H2 Prices start at 17,095 euros EICMA 2019 With the Kawasaki Z H2, the Greens bring a power naked bike with the charged four-cylinder….