2009 Milan Show: 2010 KTM 690 Duke R

KTM's single-cylinder motard model goes "R."

By Bruno dePrato | Photo by the Author

November 2009

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Slideshow: 2010 KTM 690 Duke R >>

KTM doesn't take chances. The Austrian bike maker has led the way into the new era of four-stroke motocross and off-road Singles, along the way developing a generation of engines with staggering capability and potential for both on- and off-road use.

Latest street-going addition to the LC4 line, unveiled at the Milan Show, is the 70-horsepower 690 Duke R. The engine retains the well-established sohc, four-valve induction design of all the KTM engines belonging to this generation. To achieve greater performance, the 65-hp 654cc Single that powers the Duke 690 was stroked from 80.0mm to 84.5 (bore remains 102mm), resulting in an actual displacement of 690cc. Maximum power comes at the same 7500 rpm, with 51.6 foot-pounds of torque at 5500. This 2000-rpm separation between power and torque peaks is solid confirmation of extreme flexibility.

KTM is always honing and improving its line.