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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! 

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