Thursday, December 10, 2015
EICMA 2015: 2016 KTM Duke 690, 690R unveiled
KTM has unveiled a revised 2016 model year Duke 690 and Duke 690 R at the ongoing EICMA show in Milan.
Both the Duke 690 and the Duke 690 R are powered by a 690cc single-cylinder motor, which makes 73PS of power and 74.5Nm of torque. Additional tweaks on the 2016 model include new steering geometry for improved stability and better cornering precision. ABS is standard and the Duke 690 also gets an optional track pack which includes sport and rain mode, traction control and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR).
The 2016 models also get 1000rpm of extra revs, thanks to a new cylinder head, refined exhaust and inlet systems. A new, ultra light piston and connecting rod, a new crankshaft with new bearings, and twin spark plugs with individual mapping also adds to the superior performance of the new Duke 690. Then there’s a balancer shaft as well to make the single-cylinder motor more refined.
The Duke 690 R makes more power at 75PS, and gets an Akrapovic exhaust, fully adjustable WP suspension and a Brembo monoblock front caliper. The R model also adds cornering ABS, traction control, three selectable power modes and the Motor Slip Regulation. The R version also gets an additional Supermoto riding mode.
Like the standard Duke 690, the R comes equipped with a full-colour TFT display dash. The only visual changes on the Duke 690 R are the Akrapovic exhaust system, orange frame, LED indicators and different graphics. There’s no official word yet, on whether the KTM Duke 690 or the Duke 690 R will be launched in India anytime soon.
