Posted on 18.04.2019 by admin

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An unequal duel?
The KTM 690 Duke R only half a serving?
Despite different characters, there are also some similarities
Pros and Cons
Data and measured values
Conclusion

8th photos

1/8
The power and torque of the two Duke models are on completely different levels, but there are certainly similarities in the process.

2/8
Whether any customer ever turns up at the KTM dealer with the question: I’ll take the small Duke or maybe the big one?

3/8
KTM 690 Duke R: high-revving sport single-cylinder, good equipment, extremely handy, low consumption, high-end suspension, but narrow speed range, robust vibrations, moderate suitability for everyday use and little comfort.

4/8
KTM 1290 Super Duke R: outstanding performance, predictable power development, light controls, top braking system, but relatively high consumption, moderate everyday practicality and more steering work required in corners.

5/8
Manageable: Duke cockpit with fundamental displays, somewhat simply prepared.

6/8
Clear: the Super Duke’s logically structured on-board menu, but
a bit awkward to use.

7/8
Simple solution: single brake disc for the Single, but fine monoblock pliers.

8/8
Double solution: Double disc on the Twin for braking maneuvers at the highest level.

KTM 690 Duke R and KTM 1290 Super Duke R in comparison

An unequal duel?

Both Duke twins have power: the single delivers an extraordinary amount of thrust, the twin an awesome amount of thrust. Twin versus single, 690 versus 1290 cm3, around 70 versus 170 hp, KTM 690 Duke R versus KTM 1290 Super Duke R – an unequal duel, but there are similarities.

Whether any customer ever turns up at the KTM dealer with the question: I’ll take the little one now KTM 690 Duke R or maybe the big KTM 1290 Super Duke R? Rarely. Because apart from the considerable difference in the purchase price, there are worlds between Duke and Super Duke. The decision is therefore of a fundamental nature and thus probably made well before going to the dealer. If you want the handy speedster with moderate power or the power pack with excessive power?

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KTM 690 Duke R and KTM 1290 Super Duke R in comparison
An unequal duel?

KTM 1290 Super Duke R – greatly simplified – can be viewed as a doubling of the KTM 690 Duke R, at least in terms of the drive. So two instead of one cylinder, displacement (almost) twice as large, output even significantly more than twice as much. It’s good that the weight hasn’t doubled too. Both variants are considered to be absolute lightweights in their respective contexts, even if the 1290 weighs almost 50 kilograms more.

The KTM 690 Duke R only half a serving?

If you compare the driving performance resulting from these benchmarks, the differences are of course huge. Despite a miserably long gear ratio, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R pulls it forward in every gear with brutal force, even over 200 km / h it continues to move forward vigorously. The KTM 690 Duke R, on the other hand, appears like half the serving, which it actually is, doesn’t even reach 200 km / h at the top. And in the draft it always lags far behind the powerful, large-volume sister with twice the torque.

In everyday life, however, the Duke pilot doesn’t feel that much underpowered. As long as you stay in the legal speed range on the country road, the KTM 690 Duke R can bravely stay on the heels of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. But it has to be gagged quite committed, while the driver of the Super Duke can casually play out his power and torque surplus. Because below 100 km / h the braking, energy-sapping air resistance is even less noticeable, but the weight advantage is definitely. At the traffic light sprint, the shorter-geared single cylinder can only be removed with difficulty. However, the single-cylinder needs to be kept in a narrow speed range with a lot of manual work, while the Super Duke produces endless power everywhere. The Twin Duke catapults it forward so much that the front wheel can hardly be kept on the ground.

Naked bike

KTM 690 Duke R in the test

The coronation and top model of the Duke family

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Naked bike

KTM 1290 Super Duke R in the top test

Even the neighbors get curious

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Despite different characters, there are also some similarities

But despite such different characters, there are definitely similarities. And those are KTM-typical genes: Thanks to the latest electronics and a lot of development work, both engines run very finely tuned, are gentle and good-natured in the partial load range, only to give a hearty start when full force is used. And that without any extroverted roar, but with restrained, almost subtle noise development. It’s brilliant – and it’s got style. A hundredweight less weight naturally has a serious effect on handling. The KTM 690 Duke R, anyway one of the lightest motorcycles of all, is exactly the agile, light-footed speedster it appears to be. Easy to steer without throwing power into an inclined position – a curve search (t) machine par excellence. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a bit more stubborn, demands more effort from the driver in alternating bends, and always needs significantly more concentration on the handlebars.

In terms of equipment, the KTM 690 Duke R does not have to hide from its bigger sister. It should be mentioned that the R version costs considerably more than the basic Duke, but also offers considerably more with better WP spring elements, Akrapovic exhaust, sportier seating position and better front brake. Those who want maximum fun on the bends will soon forget the initially painful surcharge. The fat KTM 1290 Super Duke R also has more electronics on board, such as traction control and various mappings.

The bottom line is that there are two machines from completely different weight and performance classes. If you want endless power, if you want your arms drawn out, then the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is the right choice. If, on the other hand, you don’t want to experience the kick through sheer violence, but through fun on winding roads, you can’t go wrong with the KTM 690 Duke R. What both Herzog variants have in common is their uncompromising attitude towards driving dynamics. Wind protection, luggage transport, pillion ergonomics, both have to fit equally.

Pros and Cons

KTM 690 Duke R..

KTM 690 Duke R.

plus
• high-revving sports single cylinder
• good equipment
• extremely handy
• low consumption
• High-end suspension

minus
• narrow speed range
• powerful vibrations
• moderate suitability for everyday use
• little comfort

KTM 1290 Super Duke R..

KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

plus
• Outstanding driving performance
• calculable force development
• lightweight controls
• Top braking system

minus
• relatively high consumption
• moderate suitability for everyday use
• More steering work required in curves

Data and measured values

35 photos

Pictures: KTM 690 Duke R and KTM 1290 Super Duke R in comparison

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Performance measurement.

The power and torque of the KTM 690 Duke R and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R are on completely different levels, but there are certainly similarities in the process. The single and twin both start quite powerfully, hold back a little in the lower area and then get down to business in the upper area to end with a broad plateau. Quite brave, given the enormous individual cubic capacity: the maximum speeds.

Conclusion

29 photos

Pictures: KTM 690 Duke R and KTM 1290 Super Duke R in comparison

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Jahn

Mitterbauer

Artist

Schahl

BMW