2017 KTM 690 Duke

A Polished Powerhouse

• ENGINE: The brilliant LC4 showcases twenty-four carats of fun. From the trademark 690 cm³ thumper, the engineers have now extracted a whopping 73 hp (54 kW) and 74 Nm of torque, making light work of the equally lightweight 690 Duke. How it happened? They completely reworked the cylinder head, inserted a new, ultra light and extremely strong piston and connection rod, rerouted the air intake through a resonator chamber and provided the crankshaft with sleeve bearings. As a result, the powerband is a thousand rpm wider, which means an even more uniform power delivery, especially in the mid to high rev range. Twin ignition featuring plug-selective mapping, rock solid but featherweight internals and optimized intake and exhaust systems cultivate this massive mono to be as strong as it is smooth, assisted by an advanced ride-by-wire system, which guarantees great refinement as well as low fuel consumption and emission figures. You’re green, while they’re green with envy. And you haven’t even begun mentioning upmarket goodies like a standard slipper clutch.
• CYLINDER HEAD: Inside the cylinder head, the exhaust valves are actuated by roller rockers while the camshaft powers the intake valves. Therefore, the valve timings can be controlled with far greater accuracy. The result is more peak power over a broader rev range. Win-win!
• SECOND BALANCER SHAFT: In a free-revving firecracker like this, you want to smooth things out a bit. That’s why the LC4 serves a bonus balancer shaft, nipping annoying vibrations in the bud.
• ENGINE MANAGEMENT: The electronic engine management system lives to make the LC4 shine. Twin ignition with individual mappings for each spark plug ensures that your precious fuel is always burned to perfection, irrespective of load and engine speed. And then there is genuine ride-by-wire, in other words: Electronically controlled throttle valve actuation without any mechanical linkage. You’d be forgiven for thinking it runs on cream. Whipped cream, that is.

Awesome Cornering

• FRAME AND SWINGARM: The 9 kg tubular trellis frame made from chrome-molybdenum steel and the equally lightweight, smoking hot swingarm, die-cast in aluminum, impress with extreme levels of torsional stiffness, providing the 148.5 kg Duke with excellent tracking stability and a continuous flow of information to the rider. Triple clamps lower the fork offset, which underlines this characteristic even further. You’ll notice.
• SUSPENSION: The upside-down fork on the Duke (with a 43 mm diameter) and pivot-arm articulated pressurized-gas monoshock, both by WP, excel with flawless tuning and a broad spectrum of use for all demands, from relaxed cruising to hammering around on closed circuits. The options are limitless, and so is your lean angle.
• BRAKES: The Duke's extremely powerful, precise and easily applied Brembo® brakes impress with outstanding controllability. At the front wheel, a radially-mounted, four-piston, fixed brake caliper bites onto a floating 320 mm disc. Thanks to a forgiving setup of the two-channel ABS, the huge potential of these brakes can always be fully utilized.

Fun-Loving Electronics

• RIDE MODE TECHNOLOGY: Three different ride modes (‘Sport’, ‘Street’ and ‘Rain’) not only moderate the power delivery, but also tell the traction control system how crazy the rear wheel can get, depending on the situation. 'Sport' and 'Rain' ride modes are available as optional extra in the 'Track pack'.
• TRACTION CONTROL (TC): In relation to the selected ride mode, traction control allows for different amounts of rear wheel slippage. From being in full control in the rain, to mastering controlled power slides out of corners: It’s all within the push of a button. TC is available as an integrated part of the optional ‘Track pack’.
• MOTOR SLIP REGULATION (MSR): MSR avoids rear wheel lock-up when you chop the throttle or drop the clutch on downshifts. Feeling lucky? Just turn it off entirely, so you can get your slide on like a boss. Just as TC, MSR is offered as an optional extra or as an integrated part of the optional ‘Track pack’.
• SUPERMOTO MODE: Expert riders will love the added fun-factor (and extra racetrack safety) of this optional mode, activated at the push of a button. When engaged, the system will only control the front brake. Rear brake pressure is entirely up to the rider’s right foot. And its party mood.
• ABS: The dual-circuit ABS system with 9M+ modulator, fine-tuned in cooperation with Bosch, offers total protection against over-braking, while maintaining the full effect and glorious feedback of a genuine sports brake thanks to hypersensitive sensors. This ABS system, weighing no more than one kilogram, therefore allows extremely sporty braking, while actively preventing loop-outs. And just so you know: It’s disengageable. So stoppies are still allowed.
• TFT COLOR DISPLAY: A multicolor combination of relevant information, presented in a clear-cut, uncluttered way. This shot of data of course includes speed, revs and the current gear, but you’ll also find coolant temperature, fuel status, time, date and ambient temperature on there. As you rev the engine, the display bars even change color, either spurring you on or telling you to back off when the engine’s still cold. The display also automatically adapts its illumination to the ambient light. Furthermore, you can access an overview of the selected riding options and adjust them on the go via four illuminated keys on the left handlebar. Knowledge is power, right?

One For All

• MASS CENTRALIZATION: The Duke does not only impress with its low weight and perfect chassis geometry; the centralization of weight - for example, by positioning the brushed stainless steel pre-silencer under the engine - also contributes to its playful handling and razor-sharp precision.
• ERGONOMICS: Despite its pronounced lust for cornering, the 690 Duke also presents versatile real-world capabilities. On a daily basis, particularly the new two-piece seat will prove a valuable friend. It’s comfortable and spacious, while still being set up for all dynamic riding situations. The seating position and freedom of movement behind the wide aluminum handlebar provide perfect support for controlling the bike both in traffic hell as well as cornering heaven. Workday commute or weekend blast: the 690 Duke has your back.
• RESTRICTED POWER: A restricted power version is available for those riders who have just started their two-wheeled careers. But restricted power doesn´t necessarily mean restricted fun: thanks to its lightweight and dynamic chassis, the KTM 690 Duke is the perfect playmate for all ages. Regardless of your experience level, the 690 Duke is your license to thrill.