RE: KTM 690 Duke: PH2
Wednesday 9th December 2015
It's seldom that a PH2 review begins with the stats of a new bike, but in the case of this KTM it needs to be done. Those of you who still consider this company to be a small time off-road manufacturer, think again. Last year KTM turned over - adopt your Dr Evil voice - one billion euros. It is Europe's biggest motorcycle manufacturer and makes around 120,000 two-wheelers a year. OK, the small capacity singles are made in India, but they are still incredibly impressive numbers. And speaking of the small capacity bikes, since it introduced the 125, 200 and 390 Duke in 2011, KTM has sold a staggering 110,000 of them worldwide. Why is this important? As well as demonstrating KTM is a serious player in the world market, it shows that a huge number of riders are starting their two-wheeled journey on a single-cylinder machine. And that is very important to KTM, and more specifically the 690 Duke.
Well obviously it's orangeSingle life
Where other middleweight rivals such as the Yamaha MT-07, Ducati Scrambler, Triumph Street Triple and Kawasaki Z800 have opted for a multi-cylinder format, KTM has stuck with the single cylinder for the 690 Duke. Why? KTM has a hell of a lot of racing experience with singles, winning just about every possible event a single can enter both on- and off-road. And yes, that includes Moto3. Singles are its thing and KTM likes to argue that the fact a single is so narrow and light makes up for any performance deficit over a twin, triple or inline four. Is it right? As well as making the 690 Duke's motor the most powerful motorcycle production single ever, the bike weighs under 150kg dry; it looks like KTM has given it every possible chance in life. And for 2016 it is even better.
£248 Track Pack adds power modesWhat's new?
To match the competition, KTM's have gone to town on the 690's motor. Of the 33,000 man hours spent creating this bike, well over half have gone into the engine and the results speak for themselves. The 73hp and 55lb ft of torque is made through a larger bore and shorter stroke engine than before that now includes an extra balancer shaft in the head, a new con rod, piston and crank, finger rockers and some very advanced electronics. The 690 has always been ride-by-wire, but for 2016 the basic model (there is also an R, but more of that to follow) gets ABS as standard and for £248 extra the Track Pack adds traction control, motor slip regulation and variable power models to the party. While this makes the Duke easily the most advanced middleweight, it does push its price tag up to a fairly steep £7,699 before you add the Track Pack. Is it worth the extra cash over something like a £5,749 Yamaha MT-07?
Larger bore, shorter , new piston - big changes!Premium performer
When you ride it there is little doubt that the 690 Duke is a quality product. The old motor wasn't exactly uncivilised, but the rework has taken even more of the vibration out while still keeping its beautifully smooth character. Fuelling a big bore single must be a nightmare, but KTM's ride-by-wire system (which now has a balancer chamber) is near perfect when it comes to throttle response and the engine remains stacked full of spirit. If you imagine singles as tired old thumpers, you really need to experience a 690. Not only is the engine remarkably free revving, it is smooth, responsive and only gets a bit juddery when the revs drop very low. The torque is spread throughout the rev range and this year's bigger bore and shorter stroke sees the introduction of a bit of a top end rush as well, which is always appreciated. If you are a newer rider it is an incredibly easy engine to live with while those more experienced will discover it is also surprisingly fast. And the same is true of the Duke's handling, which is refined and relaxed when required yet still more than happy to shift it up a gear when provoked.
An excellent bike, but a pricey one tooThe price is tight
Yes, the 690 Duke is European built with top quality components. Yes, it is better handling than its more budget competition. Yes, it has a more advanced electronics package available, but does the market want this? When you are looking at a £2,000 premium over the MT-07, or even spending a few hundred quid less on a Street Triple, it is hard to justify Duke ownership. It's a really lovely bike to ride and great fun in tight bends, but there is no way of disguising its high price tag. If you can handle the price you are getting a quality product that is an absolute hoot to ride and built to last, but sadly for KTM I feel most riders' decision will be made with their wallet in mind. Which is a shame, as they will be missing out on a brilliant bike.
KTM 690 Duke: PH2
KTM bucks the multi-cylinder trend with its upgraded 690 Duke
Well obviously it's orange
Where other middleweight rivals such as the Yamaha MT-07, Ducati Scrambler, Triumph Street Triple and Kawasaki Z800 have opted for a multi-cylinder format, KTM has stuck with the single cylinder for the 690 Duke. Why? KTM has a hell of a lot of racing experience with singles, winning just about every possible event a single can enter both on- and off-road. And yes, that includes Moto3. Singles are its thing and KTM likes to argue that the fact a single is so narrow and light makes up for any performance deficit over a twin, triple or inline four. Is it right? As well as making the 690 Duke's motor the most powerful motorcycle production single ever, the bike weighs under 150kg dry; it looks like KTM has given it every possible chance in life. And for 2016 it is even better.
£248 Track Pack adds power modes
To match the competition, KTM's have gone to town on the 690's motor. Of the 33,000 man hours spent creating this bike, well over half have gone into the engine and the results speak for themselves. The 73hp and 55lb ft of torque is made through a larger bore and shorter stroke engine than before that now includes an extra balancer shaft in the head, a new con rod, piston and crank, finger rockers and some very advanced electronics. The 690 has always been ride-by-wire, but for 2016 the basic model (there is also an R, but more of that to follow) gets ABS as standard and for £248 extra the Track Pack adds traction control, motor slip regulation and variable power models to the party. While this makes the Duke easily the most advanced middleweight, it does push its price tag up to a fairly steep £7,699 before you add the Track Pack. Is it worth the extra cash over something like a £5,749 Yamaha MT-07?
Larger bore, shorter , new piston - big changes!
When you ride it there is little doubt that the 690 Duke is a quality product. The old motor wasn't exactly uncivilised, but the rework has taken even more of the vibration out while still keeping its beautifully smooth character. Fuelling a big bore single must be a nightmare, but KTM's ride-by-wire system (which now has a balancer chamber) is near perfect when it comes to throttle response and the engine remains stacked full of spirit. If you imagine singles as tired old thumpers, you really need to experience a 690. Not only is the engine remarkably free revving, it is smooth, responsive and only gets a bit juddery when the revs drop very low. The torque is spread throughout the rev range and this year's bigger bore and shorter stroke sees the introduction of a bit of a top end rush as well, which is always appreciated. If you are a newer rider it is an incredibly easy engine to live with while those more experienced will discover it is also surprisingly fast. And the same is true of the Duke's handling, which is refined and relaxed when required yet still more than happy to shift it up a gear when provoked.
Part of KTM's justification for the Duke's price is the fact its chassis is loaded with high end products such as WP suspension, Brembo brakes and Metzeler M7 RR tyres. Compared to the likes of the MT-07, which is a little softly sprung, the Duke is far more accomplished in the bends and the WP units really show their worth. Push really hard and the single disc brake can feel a little lacking, but to get it upset you really need to be motoring on and it isn't an issue most of the time. The ABS and traction control system that the Track Pack adds do their job without fuss and it is even nice and comfortable with low pegs and wide bars. If you are the kind of rider who just rolls out their bike to go bananas at the weekend then the 690 Duke R (full PH2 review coming soon) is a better bet, but for short hops and commuting the 690 Duke is light, fun and a surprisingly versatile machine. But at a cost...
An excellent bike, but a pricey one too
Yes, the 690 Duke is European built with top quality components. Yes, it is better handling than its more budget competition. Yes, it has a more advanced electronics package available, but does the market want this? When you are looking at a £2,000 premium over the MT-07, or even spending a few hundred quid less on a Street Triple, it is hard to justify Duke ownership. It's a really lovely bike to ride and great fun in tight bends, but there is no way of disguising its high price tag. If you can handle the price you are getting a quality product that is an absolute hoot to ride and built to last, but sadly for KTM I feel most riders' decision will be made with their wallet in mind. Which is a shame, as they will be missing out on a brilliant bike.
KTM 690 DUKE
Engine: 690cc single, SOHC, 4v
Power(hp): 73@8,000rpm
Torque(lb ft): 55@6,500rpm
Top speed: 120mph (est.)
Weight: 149kg (dry)
MPG: 50 (est.)
Price: £7,699
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Discussion
For several reasons I have been on a bike sabbatical for about 8y
My last motorcycle was an LC4 Supermoto on race rubber with the front cog swapped to lower the gearing
For the 3y I owned and commuted it (not perfect but a pretty handy city bike) it was never less than a riot to ride
Up to 40mph it would out make a CBR600 blush and anywhere other than a motorway my mates GS1150 felt like a barge whenever I borrowed it
The Duke in this article seems a completely different animal - and HOW MUCH?
The bike that Dan posted is the Mototech RC4, which is available as a road legal kit for Dukes made between 2008 and 2011.
I don't know if it could be fitted to the newer bike. The frame looks identical, but the kit repurposes the old-style projector headlights.
I don't know if it could be fitted to the newer bike. The frame looks identical, but the kit repurposes the old-style projector headlights.
moanthebairns said:
kmack said:
Motorbikes?
Not interested...
what a tard. seriously, you had to post that, then come onto the bike section to tell us your not interested. Not interested...
Bit sad really, probably why he doesn't have a bike....
Graemsay said:
The bike that Dan posted is the Mototech RC4, which is available as a road legal kit for Dukes made between 2008 and 2011.
I don't know if it could be fitted to the newer bike. The frame looks identical, but the kit repurposes the old-style projector headlights.
It makes it an £11k bike I don't know if it could be fitted to the newer bike. The frame looks identical, but the kit repurposes the old-style projector headlights.
The kit also shows how easy it would be for KTM to do.From an interview with Diego Arioli, a KTM product manager, at More Bikes:
“We considered developing an RC690, too, but it’s not in the plan. When you consider the price of the 690 Duke, then add a premium for the fully faired model, you reach a price that would mean an RC690 couldn’t compete against 600cc four-cylinder bikes. There would be niche demand from single cylinder fans but not enough to justify developing a brand new model.”
Don't hold your breath...
KTM have discontinued the RC8R this year, and have made noises about not building any more superbikes for the street because they're too dangerous. (Where that leaves the Superdukes which have similar power outputs is a different matter...) So I can't see them putting out at RC690.
The Duke 690 looks fantastic though.
“We considered developing an RC690, too, but it’s not in the plan. When you consider the price of the 690 Duke, then add a premium for the fully faired model, you reach a price that would mean an RC690 couldn’t compete against 600cc four-cylinder bikes. There would be niche demand from single cylinder fans but not enough to justify developing a brand new model.”
Don't hold your breath...
KTM have discontinued the RC8R this year, and have made noises about not building any more superbikes for the street because they're too dangerous. (Where that leaves the Superdukes which have similar power outputs is a different matter...) So I can't see them putting out at RC690.
The Duke 690 looks fantastic though.
Graemsay said:
From an interview with Diego Arioli, a KTM product manager, at More Bikes:
“We considered developing an RC690, too, but it’s not in the plan. When you consider the price of the 690 Duke, then add a premium for the fully faired model, you reach a price that would mean an RC690 couldn’t compete against 600cc four-cylinder bikes. There would be niche demand from single cylinder fans but not enough to justify developing a brand new model.”
Exactly what I was going to say when I saw the thread last night.“We considered developing an RC690, too, but it’s not in the plan. When you consider the price of the 690 Duke, then add a premium for the fully faired model, you reach a price that would mean an RC690 couldn’t compete against 600cc four-cylinder bikes. There would be niche demand from single cylinder fans but not enough to justify developing a brand new model.”
Graemsay said:
The Duke 690 looks fantastic though.
Couldn't agree more, it's just a shame most people will look at an ER6 or CBF500 first. Having ridden the original 690 I was amazed how well it revs for a single.I wouldn't buy one either but I've own the big brother for 10 years now!
The price is a bit high yes but these are amazing bikes and I am going to buy one next year. Just not going to buy a new one, get fresh used one with an akra can and ideally some extra’s and hopefully make a half decent saving.
People are saying they want that engine in a sports bikes, but I think for the road that bike is much better suited most of the time.
Every bike I had ever owned bar one, were sports bikes, and I do love then. But for most normal roads they are too stiff and have too much power and you can’t use half of it – esp on the big bikes. They are too fast for the road – you hit 140mph every small straight if you give then full throttle in 2nd and 3rd, and it easy to get then up to 160+. Total madness.
I love 600’s and had 2 [CBR-RR and GSXR] and even they are too much for the road plus has not enough torque low down.
But I just sold my current bike and I’m going to buy one a 690 Duke early next year.
The suspension on this bike is near perfect, it eats up the bumps but still handle amazing [plus, from what I read, also great on a track] and a good wheelie bike
Plus they are a good commuting, city bike and realty easy on fuels – like 50+mpg easy
It’s near perfect for what I want.
I test rode lots of bikes this year [MT7, MT9, Scrambler - and the Ducati Scrambler is more expensive than the duke] etc] but this is by far the most impressive [for me anyway, coming from a sports bike but wanting a naked]
I also test rode the big Duke, and they are just too big, too fast and too heavy – I actually preferred the 690.
People are saying they want that engine in a sports bikes, but I think for the road that bike is much better suited most of the time.
Every bike I had ever owned bar one, were sports bikes, and I do love then. But for most normal roads they are too stiff and have too much power and you can’t use half of it – esp on the big bikes. They are too fast for the road – you hit 140mph every small straight if you give then full throttle in 2nd and 3rd, and it easy to get then up to 160+. Total madness.
I love 600’s and had 2 [CBR-RR and GSXR] and even they are too much for the road plus has not enough torque low down.
But I just sold my current bike and I’m going to buy one a 690 Duke early next year.
The suspension on this bike is near perfect, it eats up the bumps but still handle amazing [plus, from what I read, also great on a track] and a good wheelie bike
Plus they are a good commuting, city bike and realty easy on fuels – like 50+mpg easy
It’s near perfect for what I want.
I test rode lots of bikes this year [MT7, MT9, Scrambler - and the Ducati Scrambler is more expensive than the duke] etc] but this is by far the most impressive [for me anyway, coming from a sports bike but wanting a naked]
I also test rode the big Duke, and they are just too big, too fast and too heavy – I actually preferred the 690.
Edited by D200 on Thursday 10th December 14:13
D200 said:
The price is a bit high yes but these are amazing bikes and I am going to buy one next year. Just not going to buy a new one, get fresh used one with an akra can and ideally some extra’s and hopefully make a half decent saving.
People are saying they want that engine in a sports bikes, but I think for the road that bike is much better suited most of the time.
Every bike I had ever owned bar one, were sports bikes, and I do love then. But for most normal roads they are too stiff and have too much power and you can’t use half of it – esp on the big bikes. They are too fast for the road – you hit 140mph every small straight if you give then full throttle in 2nd and 3rd, and it easy to get then up to 160+. Total madness.
I love 600’s and had 2 [CBR-RR and GSXR] and even they are too much for the road plus has not enough torque low down.
But I just sold my current bike and I’m going to buy one a 690 Duke early next year.
The suspension on this bike is near perfect, it eats up the bumps but still handle amazing [plus, from what I read, also great on a track] and a good wheelie bike
Plus they are a good commuting, city bike and realty easy on fuels – like 50+mpg easy
It’s near perfect for what I want.
I test rode lots of bikes this year [MT7, MT9, Scrambler - and the Ducati Scrambler is more expensive than the duke] etc] but this is by far the most impressive [for me anyway, coming from a sports bike but wanting a naked]
I also test rode the big Duke, and they are just too big, too fast and too heavy – I actually preferred the 690.
Have you tried the 390? I rode the 690 and 390 in 2013 and ended up with the little one - not a decision I expected to make, but I preferred it. People are saying they want that engine in a sports bikes, but I think for the road that bike is much better suited most of the time.
Every bike I had ever owned bar one, were sports bikes, and I do love then. But for most normal roads they are too stiff and have too much power and you can’t use half of it – esp on the big bikes. They are too fast for the road – you hit 140mph every small straight if you give then full throttle in 2nd and 3rd, and it easy to get then up to 160+. Total madness.
I love 600’s and had 2 [CBR-RR and GSXR] and even they are too much for the road plus has not enough torque low down.
But I just sold my current bike and I’m going to buy one a 690 Duke early next year.
The suspension on this bike is near perfect, it eats up the bumps but still handle amazing [plus, from what I read, also great on a track] and a good wheelie bike
Plus they are a good commuting, city bike and realty easy on fuels – like 50+mpg easy
It’s near perfect for what I want.
I test rode lots of bikes this year [MT7, MT9, Scrambler - and the Ducati Scrambler is more expensive than the duke] etc] but this is by far the most impressive [for me anyway, coming from a sports bike but wanting a naked]
I also test rode the big Duke, and they are just too big, too fast and too heavy – I actually preferred the 690.
Edited by D200 on Thursday 10th December 14:13
D200 said:
The price is a bit high yes but these are amazing bikes and I am going to buy one next year. Just not going to buy a new one, get fresh used one with an akra can and ideally some extra’s and hopefully make a half decent saving.
People are saying they want that engine in a sports bikes, but I think for the road that bike is much better suited most of the time.
I am in agreement, you might also want to check out the 690SMC, same engine but lighter overall bike?People are saying they want that engine in a sports bikes, but I think for the road that bike is much better suited most of the time.
I have the older LC4 625 and back to back with the Duke I found the Supermoto more fun.
Edited by pozi on Thursday 10th December 15:40
pozi said:
I am in agreement, you might also want to check out the 690SMC, same engine but lighter overall bike?
I have the older LC4 625 and back to back with the Duke I found the Supermoto more fun.
I'd think the Supermoto would def be more fun but the Duke is a bit more practical, comfortable, longer range etc and nearly as much fun. I have the older LC4 625 and back to back with the Duke I found the Supermoto more fun.
Edited by pozi on Thursday 10th December 15:40
I intend to use it to commute 2 dyas a week when in the spring, summer autumn
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