Uncompromising high-end motorcycling technology for riders who want it all: a racing precision chassis with the world's most powerful series single-cylinder, an upgraded engine with 690cc, a crankshaft with greater stroke, new mapping and numerous detail optimisations provide an impressive 51.5 kW/70 Hp of power and a maximum torque of 70 Nm.
Marchesini aluminium rims with an orange rim ring, a black anodised triple clamp, the orange R-tubular space frame and a whole range of additional black-coated components act as one refined part after another to underline the Duke 690 R's status as an exceptional motorcycle.
On the twisty Alpine roads on the outskirts of Nice, in France, the 690 Duke R immediately feels very light and easy to ride. And it’s not just very agile – it’s also very stable. With its stiff steel tube trellis frame, cast aluminium swingarm and uprated front fork, the Duke R stays quite planted even at its top speed of around 200km/h.
On bumpy roads with small patches of snow and ice, the Duke R doesn’t lose its composure even at higher speeds. The brakes, too, work very well – the single 320mm disc with Brembo radial-mount four-piston callipers at the front, and 240mm rear disc offer so much stopping power that you actually need some time to get used to these brakes.
The bike is comfortable to ride and the wide handlebars give you a lot of space to move around. If it weren’t for the lack of wind protection, you could actually use this bike for long distance trips.
For the Duke R, KTM have increased the displacement of their single-cylinder engine from 654cc to 690cc and power output has gone up from 65bhp to 70bhp. And yes, you can feel the difference – the new bike feels more responsive than the basic 690 Duke. There’s still not much power up to 2,000rpm but things are perfect once you cross that figure. The engine feels stronger and more rev-happy than you’d expect a single-cylinder engine to be, and it doesn’t vibrate much either. Honestly, you just can’t ask more of a machine with a 690cc single-cylinder engine!
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