690 Duke and 990 SMT: two oranges pressed in the sun…
We have tested two very wanton KTMs for you. This is not a head to head because there is no need to compare these two hybrids, but rather a joint test on roads as varied as they are extraordinary. Road book test !
KTM, 1st on fun
Our little trip will therefore have taken us along some really fabulous roads for a week, those kinds of roads that stick the banana under your helmet, whatever machine you are driving. But riding these two turbulent Austrians, we are even closer to motorcyclist nirvana !
The new SMT will hurt the competition a lot: it manages to combine versatility with excellence! By putting a little water in its wine, KTM has succeeded in making its 990 a machine which is perfectly usable in everyday life, but also suitable for travel and maximum attack. A hell of a pavement in the pond! All that remains is to adopt ABS to make it THE universal motorcycle.
For its part, the Duke does not aim for consensus. He’s a scoundrel for scabies! Whether KTM’s marketing department likes it or not, its 690 remains above all a supermotard more than a roadster. But by taking care of its comfort in the saddle and improving its autonomy, it is able to offer a greater number of services with a joy of living at all times.
There remains the financial part which tarnishes the picture a little. The Duke charges dearly for its single cylinder at € 8,950. It is the same for the SMT, which monetizes its many qualities against 12 390 €.
Criteria | 690 Duke | 990 SMT |
Aesthetics and finish | 9/10 | 7/10 |
Engine and transmission approval | 11/15 | 13/15 |
Performances | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Sound | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Road holding and stability | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Agility and maneuverability | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Braking | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Comfort and protection | 4/10 | 8/10 |
Duo | 4/10 | 8/10 |
Practical aspects | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Consumption and autonomy | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Total / 100 | 72/100 | 81/100 |
Total / 20 | 14.4 / 20 | 16.2 / 20 |
Table comments: This is a real hit for the 990 SMT! Despite its exclusivity, the Duke can also boast a very nice score thanks to its inimitable look and playful temperament..
Benjamin LALO
Related articles
-
690 Duke and 990 SMT: two oranges pressed in the sun… We have tested two very wanton KTMs for you. This is not a head to head because there is no need…
-
All Tests – 690 Duke and 990 SMT: two oranges pressed in the sun … – Day 1: From worst to best
690 Duke and 990 SMT: two oranges pressed in the sun… We have tested two very wanton KTMs for you. This is not a head to head because there is no need…
-
KTM 390 Duke test: the A2 license with class and without restraint The KTM 390 Duke launched in 2013 evolves at the same time as its little sister 125,…
-
All Tests – 690 Duke and 990 SMT: two oranges pressed in the sun … – Day 3: Heat under the helmets
690 Duke and 990 SMT: two oranges pressed in the sun… We have tested two very wanton KTMs for you. This is not a head to head because there is no need…
-
690 Duke and 990 SMT: two oranges pressed in the sun… We have tested two very wanton KTMs for you. This is not a head to head because there is no need…
-
All Tests – 690 Duke and 990 SMT: two oranges pressed in the sun … – Day 2: Go have some sport!
690 Duke and 990 SMT: two oranges pressed in the sun… We have tested two very wanton KTMs for you. This is not a head to head because there is no need…
-
All Tests – KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Test: Ready to Track! – Dynamic: in a hurry, the Orange-GT!
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT test: ready to track ! Adding a windshield and a semi-fairing to a roadster to develop road skills, the idea is not new. But when…
-
All Tests – KTM 390 Duke test: the duchess of A2 licenses! – The lethal Weapon !
KTM 390 Duke test: the duchess of A2 licenses ! The KTM 390 Duke is the Austrian manufacturer ‘s response to the new regulations for the new A2 license…
-
All Tests – KTM 390 Duke test: the duchess of A2 licenses! – Pure sensations!
KTM 390 Duke test: the duchess of A2 licenses ! The KTM 390 Duke is the Austrian manufacturer’s response to the new regulations for the new A2 license…
-
All Tests – KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Test: Ready to Track! – Super Duke GT: MNC technical point
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT test: ready to track ! Adding a windshield and a semi -fairing to a roadster to develop road skills, the idea is not new. But when…