KTM 690 Duke 2019 — Specifications

The Duke has always been a unique model in modern motorcycle production. Initially leaning towards a SM style, it gradually became a sporty roadster; the only one powered by a single-cylinder engine. Powerful enough to compete with twins of equivalent displacement, no less. In this 5th phase, or 4b phase depending on whether it’s interpreted as an evolution or a new model, the 690 Duke takes another step towards greater efficiency.

One might think of it as an evolution, given its appearance, which has remained virtually unchanged since the previous generation. Only the revised graphics and seat distinguish the versions before and after 2016. Technically, the 690 Duke brings significant innovations, both in the engine and in the electronics. This time, the differences between the two chapters are obvious.

KTM isn’t just making the engine comply with Euro4 emissions. The engine gains power with 3 horsepower added for a total of 73 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, 500 rpm higher than before. Torque is strengthened to 7.6 kg-m, an increase of 0.4. To achieve this power gain, the engine builders modified the internal dimensions of the LC4 engine. The bore increases from 102 to 105 mm while the stroke is reduced from 84.5 to 80 mm. Becoming more square, the engine revs higher and will be even more sporty in its character while offering an expanded usable range. One can expect fewer character jolts in favor of enhanced efficiency. Still equipped with dual ignition, the engine gains a lighter piston, a 50 mm injection system (46 mm previously), a second balance shaft to calm vibrations, and a modified exhaust system coupled with a 1 kg weight reduction.

Equipped with a chassis perfectly suited to its playful and precise nature, the Duke retains it with few modifications. The chrome-molybdenum trellis frame (9 kgs), the aluminum swingarm and rear subframe (4 kgs each) undergo no changes; only a fork repositioning is noted. The steering angle remains unchanged while the rake increases. This provides greater stability. The WP suspension consists of 43 mm inverted forks and an adjustable preload shock – fully adjustable elements are available but only for the R version. The braking system is flawless. Does a single brake disc seem light? The bike is just as light. With 148.5 kg, this will be a real blast with the 320 mm disc pinched by a Brembo M50 radial 4-piston caliper. For the rear, the 240 mm disc is bitten by a single piston.

It seems that the engine is the main focus of the evolution of this 690 Duke. But Katoche has been keeping something up their sleeve for the electronics. Make way for a beautiful color TFT screen for the pleasure of the eyes. On board, one also finds an ABS that can be disconnected and a “Street” riding mode. A little tight for you? There is an optional Track pack for 300 euros allowing the bike to gain traction control, two additional riding modes (Rain and Sport), an MSR engine regulation system to prevent rear wheel lock-up during large downshifts, and a Supermoto mode for the ABS that disables it only on the rear wheel. These assists are standard on the 690 Duke R.

Having reached a form of excellence in its field, the KTM 690 Duke can boast of being even more efficient and exhilarating than before while leaving its mark on the mid-size roadster clan. There’s only one with a single cylinder in the engine bay, and that one proudly puffs out its chest. Overpowered compared to its architecture, it can reach 9,000 rpm (amazing!) while having equipped its internals to drastically reduce its vibrations. The electronics await the rider and the chassis will channel the excitement. A toy that has reached maturity, which cares nothing for conventions. But this type of engine is as much a source of originality as it is the eccentricity of this Duke, the market having been so long pricked by 2, 3 or 4 cylinders.

M.B - Photos constructeur