Ktm Duke 690

KTM, Austria's sports bike maker, is planning to launch its bike as a joint venture with Bajaj in India. Initially KTM will launch Duke 690 in the Indian motorcycle market. KTM Duke 690 will largely be developed at Bajaj’s Chakan, India plant and will be marketed through Bajaj’s Probiking showrooms. This joint venture of KTM and Bajaj may be extended to manufacture scooters as well.

The new 690 Duke has the pleasure of introducing itself as one unique-looking motorcycle with performance to match. KTM made the revamp visible by building a new frame and fitting the bike with new fairings and seat, but what really makes this bike stand out is its powerful new engine together with the strong sound coming from a new under engine exhaust.

Riding Impressions:

Powered by KTM’s 654 cc, 65 bhp LC4 single-cylinder engine, the 690 Duke is light, agile and fun to ride. Perhaps more fun than the 65 bhp power output may suggest. Motociclismo tested the bike recently, and here are some excerpts from what they have to say about it:

The 690 Duke can be surprisingly tempting. It looks better than its other 690-series cousins, has better ergonomics and a character that’s all its own. Mechanically, the Duke seems to vibrate a bit less than other 690 bikes of KTM.

On the move, the bike feels responsive – twist the throttle and the small Duke picks up speed immediately – it almost makes you forget you’re riding a bike with a 65bhp single-cylinder engine. Wind protection is non-existent, but otherwise the Duke can be as suitable for longer rides as some of the bigger, more powerful bikes.

With firmer, shorter-travel suspension than other KTM 690s, the Duke feels better when accelerating or braking hard. The bike does not pitch or wallow too much, and the single 320mm front brake disc offers adequate stopping power.

Steering accuracy at high speeds and stability in fast corners is exemplary. The lightweight (149kg) Duke gives you the confidence to ride it as hard as you want. And yet, the suspension is not too hard or too soft – it’s just right for twisty mountain roads and even works well on the racetrack, should you take the bike to one. Top speed is around 180km/h, which isn’t too bad. Overall, the KTM 690 Duke is just beautiful – the perfect single-cylinder bike…


The current generation Duke has the LC4 engine, which is a huge improvement over the previous one. Sixty-five horses may not sound much, but when you have a bike that weighs just 148kilos and handles like a dream with top spec WP suspension, it translates into loads of excitement. During the ride, every corner I rode through was an experience. Even the small forest road we took had me enjoying every bit of the bike.

Earlier, the Duke did show a quick 180 km / h with another 20 or so to come, but anything over 130-140 km / h means straining your neck muscles. The ratios of the six-speed box are nicely spread. The bike also has a three way power mode switch under the seat for three different fuel mappings. Already, enthusiasts around biking forums are looking forward to the Duke. Start saving as the bike will be here sooner than you can imagine.

KTM first introduced the Duke in 1994 as a supermoto bike featuring a 609 cc single-cylinder which came to life using a kick start. It was the manufacturer’s first stock supermoto machine and it could be easily distinguished due to its unique styling and spoked wheels.