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KTM 690 Duke (model year 2016) in the driving report

New engine, lots of electronics

In the singles business, KTM is no longer leading the way. The KTM 690 Duke has been standing pretty much alone for several years. For 2016, the active manufacturer is adding more. New engine, lots of electronics, new TFT display. MOTORRAD editor-in-chief Michael Pfeiffer drove them exclusively.

The single cylinders from KTM are selling brilliantly. Logical, because they are absolutely unrivaled. Almost 70 hp from 690 cm³, no manufacturer dares to do it anymore. To keep it that way, the restless Austrians have completely redesigned the engine. With a larger piston but a shorter stroke, it can turn even higher. Larger valves provide more power, and a second balance shaft housed in the cylinder head eliminates vibrations. The displacement remains at 690 cm³, Thomas Kuttruf, press officer and blessed with an offensive attitude towards the throttle position, does not want to reveal much more to me. Kutti drives up with a 1290 super duke, and somehow I feel disadvantaged on the little single. How on earth am I supposed to be there on the KTM 6th90 Follow Duke?

KTM 690 Duke (model year 2016) in the driving report

New engine, lots of electronics

KTM 690 Duke paints lines on the road is unique. A little over 160 kilograms with a full tank of fuel, around 74 hp, rather narrow tires and a wide handlebar, what more does the road sweeper want? Nothing. This machine is definitely fun. And my grin just keeps getting bigger. Kutti also grins: “So what do you think of the engine?” Sensational, that’s what I can think of.

Engine runs flawlessly

There was actually only one single that ran as smoothly as the new 690: the 750 DR Big Motor from Suzuki. Also had two balancer shafts, but was heavy and only 50 hp. “And all of this now with Euro 4.” Kutti, whose job it is of course to be enthusiastic about KTMs and to infect me with them, for example, is clearly proud of the KTM developers. But, you have to say, it can be too. The new engine of the KTM 690 Duke runs flawlessly. Of course, it remains a single cylinder, which means that you can’t roll around town in sixth gear. And not in the fifth either, at best in the fourth. You have to switch it, which also works perfectly. 

Gas, clutch, brake, everything is fine. Everything designed for dynamics, but everything also runs quite smoothly. I would like a little more braking power from the single disc brake. It is more like a doughy mass, crystal clear feedback is something else. “Then you have to take the R version,” Kutti knows. The sportier and better equipped sister of the KTM 690 Duke will be characterized by a more powerful braking system, better suspension elements and heavy war paint.

Seat much better on the 2016 model

The seat bench has been redesigned and much better – the extremely casual seating position on the new KTM 690 Duke is impressive. There is now quite a electronics package for this. Three driving modes, traction control and a TFT color display that automatically adapts to the light conditions, but is still a little wobbly. Just a prototype. The turn signal indicator light also looks as if it had simply been forgotten in the display. It is attached next to it.

Well We continue to heat, a long, straight motorway is on the way, and I give everything. The number 2 squints on the display of the KTM 690 Duke, fantastic for a single cylinder. At first glance, KTM did everything right. More pressure, better manners, better equipment, more comfort. The success story of the KTM singles continues, I’m sure of that.

Technical data KTM 690 Duke (2016)

KTM

Visually, the 2016 690 Duke doesn’t change that much, as the plastic parts and the frame remain the same. The engine and exhaust are new and, despite Euro 4 regulations, they are in perfect harmony.

Technical data KTM 690 Duke (model year 2016)

Single cylinder engine with two balance shafts, an overhead camshaft, roller rocker arms

690 cm³, about 54 kW (74 PS), about 75 Nm

Ride-by-wire, three driving modes

Steel tubular space frame, aluminum rear frame, upside-down fork, aluminum two-arm swing arm

Single disc brake at the front, disc brake at the rear, Ø 320/265 mm, Bosch ABS 9M + can be switched off

Seat height approx. 840 mm

14 liter tank 

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