2016 KTM 690 Duke
One of the maddest middleweight naked bikes on the market will have more horsepower and torque in 2016, and an increased level of refinementIt looks like KTM will stick with the impossibly enjoyable 690 Duke as its middleweight naked bike of choice in 2016, with the oft-mentioned new 800cc machine not on the radar as a replacement as yet.
In 2016, the single-cylinder 690 Duke — one of the stars of our naked bike comparo in Tasmania a few years ago for its sheer ability to carve through turns better than anything else — looks like adding to the grin factor with news that both horsepower and torque have increased by seven and six percent respectively over a wider powerband. KTM has increased the bore and shortened the stroke, with capacity remaining around 690cc.
With the higher engine output and increased rev limit (by 1000rpm), KTM has added a second balance shaft to reduce vibration — always an issue with singles anyway. The MY2016 690 Duke is Euro 4 compliant, a first for KTM.
There are three riding modes, Sport, Street and Rain, selectable on the left-hand switchblock, and the bike has a TFT display which changes colour depending on the conditions. Anti-lock braking will be standard, with traction control an option.
There's also a new seat for the rider and passenger.
The 2016 690 Duke will be unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan in November, alongside the up-spec R model, which will have more performance and the normal suite of upgraded chassis components and electronics.
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