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KTM 690 Duke bike review action
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KTM 690 Duke (2008-current)



Detail Value
New price £6,195
Engine size 654cc
Power 65bhp
Top speed 122mph
Insurance group 11
  MCN ratings Owners' ratings
Overall rating is 4 rating is 0
Engine rating is 5 rating is 0
Ride & Handling rating is 4 rating is 0
Equipment rating is 4 rating is 0
Quality & Reliability rating is 4 rating is 0
Value rating is 4 rating is 0

MCN overall verdict rating is 4

The KTM 690 Duke's new LC4 single cylinder engine is the most impressive part of the new Duke. It’s hard to believe it’s a single, so much better than the lumpy single cylinder engines of old. The styling is very aggressive, it’s laden in quality parts like WP suspension and Brembo brakes, and on the right road, hairpin after hairpin its almost untouchable, shame we do not have those kinds of roads in the UK. 

Engine

MCN rating rating is 5
Owners' rating rating is 0

The KTM 690 Duke's liquid cooled 654cc, single cylinder engine is a huge step forward compared to the previous single engines. Its not lumpy, loves to rev and makes really good power. Where most singles start running out of power around 80-90mph the all new Duke keeps on going. In many ways it shares many characteristics with a small V-Twin rather than a single, which is a huge accomplishment for KTM.

Ride and Handling

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 0

The KTM 690 Duke is very toy like, the new LC4 Duke only tops the scales at 148kg, combine that with quality fully adjustable WP suspension and wide Renthal bars, means it turns quicker than an angry dog. It’s ideal for carving in mountain roads or making mince meat of city traffic. The quality Brembo four piston radial calipers are shockingly good, as the bike weighs so little you can almost outbreak anything, or rescue you from blind bus and taxi drivers when you’re in a rush for work.

Equipment

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 0

At this point I would like to refer you back to the KTM 690 Duke's price at only £6195, you get a hell of a lot of quality names for the budget price. The fully adjustable WP suspension which has both high and low speed compression on the rear are normally associated with race bikes. But it's not all just fancy labels and trick parts it's practical too, like the three way ‘power mode’ switch position under the seat which allows you to select from three different fuel mappings. There’s also some nice detail touches like the under slung exhaust, very Buell like.

Quality and Reliability

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 0

As the KTM 690 Duke's a brand new bike it’s very difficult to question and comment on the reliability, however it is worth noting KTM have a long tradition in building quality single cylinder engines both for the road and competition use. Up close the standard of finish is very high, everything fits well, even with a critical eye its hard to find fault, the list of quality components is as long as my arm, impressive considering the price.

Value

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 0

Considering the KTM 690 Duke's price and the end product you have to say its exceptional value for money, However, you have to remember you are buying a £6,000 road based Supermoto. There are much cheaper alternatives, obviously they have a lower spec and are not as quick but if you just want a fun, single cylinder, good looking town bike then there are cheaper alternatives.

Model History

2008: KTM 690 Duke launched.

Other Versions

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Specifications

Top speed 122mph
1/4-mile acceleration 13.3 secs
Power 65bhp
Torque 50ftlb
Weight 148.5kg
Seat height 865mm
Fuel capacity 13.5 litres
Average fuel consumption 48mpg
Tank range 100 miles
Insurance group 11
Engine size 654cc
Engine specification Liquid cooled 4 valve single
Frame Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment WP 48mm fully adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment WP single shock fully adjustable
Front brakes 320mm
Rear brake 240mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 160/60 x 17

Owners' Overall Rating rating is 0(0 reviews)

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dev_d7

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dev_d7 says

Only a single

Wow - having ridden a few older singles around I must say i'd love to ride this new Duke. Was not super impressed with an older 690 KTM i rode (not sure which model it was) - which felt rather underpowered! VIVA technology and hopefully i'll get a chance for a spin on this new 690 soon!

23 April 2008 09:44

Wednesday, 09 July 2008

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