KTM 640 Duke II

Make Model	KTM 640 Duke II
Year	2001 - 02
Engine	Four stroke, single Cylinder. SOHC, 4 valves, engine balancer
Capacity	624.6 cc / 38.1 cu in
Bore x Stroke	101 x 78 mm
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Lubrication	2 x Eaten oil pumps
Induction	Mikuni BST 40 carburetor
Ignition	Kokusan contactless DC-CDI ignition with advanced system
Starting	Electric & kick
Spark Plug	NGK DRBEA
Battery	12V 8Ah, maintenance free
Max Power	40.1 kW / 55 hp @ 7000 rpm
Max Torque	60 Nm / 6.1 kgf-m / 44.3 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Clutch	Multi-disc in oil bath
Transmission	5 Speed
Primary Drive Ratio	30:81, straight cut gears
Gear Ratios	1st 14:35 / 2nd 15:24 / 3rd 18:21 / 4th 20:19 / 5th 22:18
Final Drive Ratio	17:38
Final Drive	Chain, O-ring 5/8 x 1/4"
Frame	Central chrome-moly steel frame
Front Suspension	WP - 4054 Roma Top adjuster, preload, compression and rebound adjustable
Front Wheel Travel	140 mm / 5.5 in
Rear Suspension	Central shock absorber WP IBS with PRO-LEVER linkage to rear- swing-arm with needle bearing
Rear Wheel Travel	170 mm / 6.7 in
Front Brakes	Single 320 mm disc, 4 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single 220 mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre	120/70 - ZR17 58H
Rear Tyre	160/60 - ZR17 69H
Steering Head Angle	62.5^o
Wheelbase	1460 mm / 57.5 in
Ground Clearance	250 mm / 9.9 in
Seat Height	860 mm / 33.9 in
Dry Weight	145 kg / 320lbs
GVWR	350 kg / 773 lbs
Engine Oil Capacity	2.2 L / 2.3 US qt / 1.9 Imp qt
Fuel Capacity	11.3 L / 3.0 US gal / 2.4 Imp gal
Standing ¼ Mile	12.5 sec
Top Speed	162 km/h / 101 mph

KTM's Duke was the machine that brought the Austrian firm to the attention of many riders in the late 1990s. Formerly restricted to niche off-road bikes, it was this supermotard-styled bike which gained KTM recognition as a major bike manufacturer.

The original Duke, launched in 1994 used a 610cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine in an off-road chassis, equipped with a distinctive twin headlight nosecone and 43cm (17in) wire spoked wheels. Its 41kW (55bhp) power and 145kg (3201b) mass made it an exciting ride, but it was only imported into the UK in limited numbers.

The latest Duke, the 640, was launched in 1999. It has an uprated 624cc version of the old four-valve engine, which produces similar power, but with more torque, in a similar steel-tube cradle chassis. WP upside-down forks and WP monoshock provide excellent handling, while stylish BBS 43cm (17in) cast wheels wear grippy sportsbike tyres. A massive 320mm (12.6in) front brake disc is matched to a single four-piston Brembo racing caliper, giving amazing braking power, helped by the tiny 145kg (3201b) mass. The outrageous nosecone is also still there, with a twin headlight design, and sweeping fuel tank.

On the road, the Duke excels in tight, twisty city streets or mountain passes, where its quick steering, long travel suspension and amazing brakes all work superbly.

Narrow uphill hairpin bends which can tie a 'proper' race-replica sportsbike in knots are easily dealt with on the Duke.

It is not really suited to longer trips though - there's little in the way of comfort or equipment, and the tiny fuel tank only holds 11.5 Litres (2.5 gal) - barely enough for 160km (100 miles) between refills.

The Duke's high-specification chassis parts also have a price penalty - it is an expensive machine, costing as much as some 600cc four-cylinder sportsbikes.