KTM 690 Duke

THE NEW ESSENCE OF MOTORCYCLING

“Single” is KTM’s traditional recipe for the greatest entertainment. The latest LC4 engine adds even hotter spices to the mix, uniting previously unattainable refinement with sensationally cultivated manners and perfectly controlled power. The secret: a new cylinder head with dual ignition and individual, selective mappings for each plug make our most popular engine the best Duke powertrain ever. The result: a whopping 70hp, a mountain of torque, as well as a throttle response and NVH on the level of multi-cylinder engines. An extremely rigid and super-light trellis frame made from chrome-molybdenum steel sections and a new, state-of-the-art Bosch 9M+ ABS that combines an extremely dynamic tuning with shorter braking distances ensure precision and stability in every situation. The crew is now seated a full 30mm lower than before, and more comfortable. Only a few of the points that make the new Duke a true do-it-all bike, indescribably versatile despite all the hunger for corners. But be careful: the lightness of being single can be wonderfully addictive.

One cylinder – a thousand talents

2012 will once again be an important year for KTM. Following the 125 Duke with its incomparably successful debut all over Europe in spring 2011, the successor of one of the most successful 1-cylinder motorbikes of all times was created in Mattighofen – the 690 Duke. Its message: Singles are fantastic. Because they are so versatile and because they are simply better at some things. And all that so incomparably light and easy.

Completely new development

More than 90% of new components make the 690 Duke significantly better for real world riding in 2012, more durable, and not the least more affordable - in cost of acquisition as well as ownership. No Duke has ever been this technically mature, and on none have riders ever been this comfortable.

But most of all, the 690 Duke of MY2012 is one thing – an unmistakable original. And more dynamic than ever. With its legendary agility on twisty backroads and its new, previously unknown versatility, it masters a balancing act that seemed lost to this world of the modern motorcycle with all its exhaustively developed specialists – a true do-it-all bike, an affordable bike, reduced in the best sense of the word, extremely practical but still all about riding fun. And you recognize that at the first glance. Welcome to the new Duke world – individual riding enjoyment, more versatile than ever.

And anyway …

The new Duke is not just a 100% genuine KTM. It has been reloaded in the true Orange manner and once again redefines the benchmark of riding dynamics. It is extremely light, supremely agile, and therefore nearly unbeatable, on real-world roads as well as on the limit. And said limit, that much we promise, is sky-high. Furthermore, as of now, the riding fun lasts longer than ever, because a larger tank and a lower consumption simply mean more miles between pit stops. And the whole package?

No matter if you look at the lower seat, the harder punch, the finer refinement or the fantastic dynamics – riding the Duke is hotter than ever in every respect. There’s only one aspect where the Duke stays cool – regarding price as well as cost of ownership and durability, riding a KTM 690 Duke has never been more affordable. What more could you want?

The engine

No 690 Duke comes without the legendary LC4 engine – there simply is no way to get more fun out of one cylinder. But let the media and customers celebrate our Single as a technological milestone and mature high performance product – for our developers, that is not enough. They would not be KTM engineers if they did not have the mindset of top professional athletes. Competition is in their blood and perfectionism in their DNA. That is why the latest LC4, building on the dominating Big Single of the previous 690 Duke R, once again marks a giant step. We are proud of that. It combines a previously unattainable sophistication with sensationally refined manners, perfectly controlled power delivery and even further increased efficiency. The secret is a new cylinder head with dual ignition and a selectively individual mapping for each plug, a true drive-by-wire, intake and exhaust systems already ahead of future exhaust regulations, and not the least a lot of work on the details that raises our latest engine to a new level. The result is a whopping 70hp, a mountain of torque, and a throttle response and NVH second to no multi-cylinder concept. But it is not just the performance. Cost of ownership is also a reason to celebrate the latest LC4 generation, what with a 10,000km service interval, even further increased durability and a 10% lower average fuel consumption. Although previous LC4 models have already been highly reliable, durable and economical, this latest evolutionary stage of the legendary power plant once again raises the bar significantly. That is not just great for your budget, but also builds confidence – in a sporting buddy for every occasion.

The chassis

Following the success of the 990 SM T, KTM now also equips the new Duke with the state-of-the-art Bosch 9M+ ABS with its highly efficient roll-over protection, extremely sporting set-up, and short braking distances. With the new Duke, the collaboration between KTM and Bosch has borne some outstanding fruit again. After all, among others, it was the German ADAC who voted the SM T’s braking system to be one of the best and most efficient of all. A success that is now continued with the new Duke. The chassis, all Duke, is distinguished by even more cleverly utilised component assemblies, leading to a reduced number of individual parts. A complex, light trellis frame made of chrome-molybdenum steel, WP suspension components with extremely wide set-up ranges, a Brembo braking system with a radial calliper, and an even finer balance of suspension and weight let you sense what is possible with the new Duke the first time you get on it. Once on the move, the 690 Duke integrates its pilot dynamically into the system and makes him or her truly lust for corners with its enormous banking clearance and grippy modern sport tires. The ergonomics however have been changed drastically in comparison to the precursor. Rider and pillion sit some 30mm lower and more comfortable, albeit without wasting the necessary clearance for dynamic riding. Just test it yourselves! But be warned: The lightness of being single can become wonderfully addictive.

KTM 690 Duke Features and Benefits

Power optimised, dynamic 1-cylinder 4-stroke engine, electronic fuel injection, balancer shaft, 6-speed gearbox
New dual ignition cylinder head
 Each sparkplug with selectively individual mapping for maximum power and refinement
 State-of-the-art Bosch 9M+ ABS braking system
 Engine efficiency and durability increased even further
 Precise throttle control through highly modern drive-by-wire system
 APTC anti-hopping clutch
 Ultra-light chrome-molybdenum frame with bolt-on aluminium subframe and cast aluminium swingarm
 Increased tank volume for greater range
 Low seat height for even better handling
 Fully adjustable WP suspension
 Brembo radial four-pot braking system, now with dynamically tuned ABS
 Extreme riding dynamics, enhanced again for unbeatable riding fun
 Competitive price and low cost of ownership

With 90% of the bike being completely brand new, KTM says the new 690 Duke brings the Austrian company back to its street-naked roots, with an off-road influence of course. Accordingly, at the heart of the KTM 690 Duke is a 690cc LC4 single-cylinder thumper that puts out a crushing 70hp and 51 lbs•ft of torque, while the whole motorcycle package weighs only 390 lbs (without fuel).

Further refining the LC4 single-cylidner motor, KTM has created a new cylinder head, and added a dual-ignition system & ride-by-wire throttle for the 690 Duke. Anti-lock brakes have also been added to the 2012 KTM 690 Duke, as the Austrian company has tapped Bosch to use the Bosch 9M+ ABS package. Lastly, braking power comes from a Brembo radially-mounted caliper with a single 320mm brake disc, while suspension is handle by KTM subsidiary WP, and consists of fully-adjustable 43mm front forks, and a fully-adjustable rear shock.

KTM is continuing its use of a Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame; while overall, the Austrian company has built the 690 Duke to be more durable on the road and more affordable to own (both in price and maintenance) for consumers. Additionally, the 2012 KTM 690 Duke also comes with a larger fuel tank (3.7 gallons), as well as improved fuel economy. Perhaps the only fatal flaw in the old 690, KTM is now boasting a 10,000km (6,200 mile) service interval, which is better a figure, but not a great one.