Photo: Florin Tibu
The 690 Duke is, per se, one of the icons of urban motorcycling, packing convenience, rideability, grunt and the racey KTM spirit in one bike. But things are getting better for 2016, as the house of Mattighofen decided to up the ante with an R-specced model.
The 2016 690 Duke R is, of course, largely based on the 690 Duke, but KTM added a lot of cool feats to make it feel better, perform better, and be a safer machine for all riders.
One of the major updates is, undoubtedly, the addition of the Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) system. The presence of MSC technology means that the 2016 KTM 690 Duke R comes with cornering ABS as standard. This makes the 690 Duke R the only middleweight machine equipped with such advanced technology, alongside the top-of-the-line 1190/1290 bikes.
The instrumentation was grouped into a single color TFT display unit. It conveys multiple readings on all the bike and ride parameters, but it certainly doesn't look cluttered or hard to use.
No less than three riding modes are available as standard, Street, Sport and Rain, and each of these, combined with the current lean angle, influence the traction control system.
Akrapovic delivers an exhaust silencer that has been engineered and tuned for the LC4 engine specifically. It adds the classic Akra timbre to the bike and increases the performance, but it’s compliant with the Euro IV emissions regulations.
The standard version of the 2016 KTM 690 Duke R produces just under 74 horsepower, but it can be had in A2-compliant trim, too. The tank can accommodate 14 liters (3.7 US gal) of fuel, and without it, the 2016 KTM 690 Duke R tips the scale at 151.5 kg (334 lb). The hydraulic APTC slipper clutch is also on the standard equipment list.
Check with your nearest KTM dealer for price and availability.
One of the major updates is, undoubtedly, the addition of the Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) system. The presence of MSC technology means that the 2016 KTM 690 Duke R comes with cornering ABS as standard. This makes the 690 Duke R the only middleweight machine equipped with such advanced technology, alongside the top-of-the-line 1190/1290 bikes.
The instrumentation was grouped into a single color TFT display unit. It conveys multiple readings on all the bike and ride parameters, but it certainly doesn't look cluttered or hard to use.
No less than three riding modes are available as standard, Street, Sport and Rain, and each of these, combined with the current lean angle, influence the traction control system.
An optional Supermoto mode is available for the ABS
If you feel like taking the 2016 KTM 690 Duke R to the racetrack and let loose, you'll appreciate the optional Supermoto mode for the ABS. Once activated, the bike's brains will only control the front brake, allowing the rider to make fully independent use of the rear one and slide as needed.Akrapovic delivers an exhaust silencer that has been engineered and tuned for the LC4 engine specifically. It adds the classic Akra timbre to the bike and increases the performance, but it’s compliant with the Euro IV emissions regulations.
The standard version of the 2016 KTM 690 Duke R produces just under 74 horsepower, but it can be had in A2-compliant trim, too. The tank can accommodate 14 liters (3.7 US gal) of fuel, and without it, the 2016 KTM 690 Duke R tips the scale at 151.5 kg (334 lb). The hydraulic APTC slipper clutch is also on the standard equipment list.
Check with your nearest KTM dealer for price and availability.
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