2012 KTM Duke 690 world first test

MCN’s Michael Guy is in Gran Canaria testing KTM’s all new 2012 KTM Duke 690.

“First impressions of the bike is how different it looks to its predecessor. It’s still an aggressive looking bike with seriously sharp styling, but its no where near as radical as it was before – think cool looking naked bike rather than full on Supermoto.”

“The change doesn’t stop there and KTM claim that 90% of the bike is new, so this is not just a face lift it’s a completely new motorbike. The twin spark single cylinder engine is impressive, 70bhp and 70NM of torque and when you combine that with its 150kg weight it makes it a refreshing and useable bike to ride.”

“The engine is complimented by an all new ride by wire electronics system, which has transformed power delivery especially at low revs and on the initial tap of the throttle. It also comes with three different ignition maps comfort, standard and sport and KTM claim improved fuel economy of anywhere between 50 to 80mpg depending on the type of riding.”

“With the 2012 Duke KTM have made a bike that can still give an experienced rider the thrill they are looking for whilst being a far more usable package with a broader appeal to a wider spectrum of riders.”

For full report see MCN out 21st December