2011 690 Duke R or 2012 690 Duke?

[SIMONTT]

About to get my first "big" bike next month.

Been considering the Duke as my last bike was the 125cc version, but which one - I prefer the 2011 model 690 Duke R's styling, but the new model (2012) 690 Duke is has new features such as ABS and ride by wire and 4 setting maps etc. Apart from those I believe they are very similar on paper, wonder how different they are like to ride and to own?

[3doorPete]

SIMONTT said:

About to get my first "big" bike next month.

Been considering the Duke as my last bike was the 125cc version, but which one - I prefer the 2011 model 690 Duke R's styling, but the new model (2012) 690 Duke is has new features such as ABS and ride by wire and 4 setting maps etc. Apart from those I believe they are very similar on paper, wonder how different they are like to ride and to own?

Not ridden either, but the 2012 is supposed to be a massive improvement from a usability and comfort point of view and only 3 bhp down on the 2011 Duke R.

Based on what I've read, I'd go 2012 if that's any help, but worth going to a dealer and seeing what deals they'll do on outgoing models and if you can ride them back to back to see if the journos are talking rubbish.

[spareparts]

Really wish there were a better KTM dealer network. Their bike range gets better every year.

[BaronVonVTEC]

Get the 'R' and enjoy the raw riding experience, you don't need power maps, ABS and all that other crap. You'll gain a lot more experience without all these gadgets nannying you. They have no place on a KTM in my opinion.

[pozi]

Considering the 2011 R has the better brakes and suspension, yet the 2012 the better engine I suspect there will be a 2012 Duke R version just round the corner to combine the two.

Although if it was me I would be considering the 690 SMC, now that is a nice bike.

[Fats25]

spareparts said:

Really wish there were a better KTM dealer network. Their bike range gets better every year.

Assuming you are still down south, there is an excellent dealer network. Nearly every other dealer seems to do KTM now!

[SIMONTT]

I've been told by the dealer that there is going to be no R version, and instead customers are given the opportunity to improve the bike to their individual tastess via the Powerparts catalogue.

Inmoto in Croydon gets my vote, had very good experience with my last pruchase - both sales and after sales.

[Leadfoot]

SIMONTT said:

Inmoto in Croydon gets my vote

Only bought bits from them (came close to a new bike) but have to agree. Love hearing the owner say "Akrapovic" too.....

[bimsb6]

Depending where you are in "london" the ktm centre in hemel may not be far and they normally have demo bikes available.

[V8RX7]

Bumping this as I'm in a similar situation.

The Duke 3 (08-11) seems to be more expensive to buy than the later (12-) bikes probably because there are far more later bikes.

I prefer the look of the earlier bikes and the saddle meaning I can (hopefully) ride it like a supermoto

The Duke 3 R is very rare, seems to just be the later engine otherwise the same.

Currently the best I've seen:
2009 3k £3100
2011 9k R £4000
2014 4k £3700