KTM 690 Duke & Duke R Punch Into 2016
KTM finishes the year at full throttle as the new 2016 KTM 690 DUKE and KTM 690 DUKE R tore up some scenic mountain roads for the first time. The dynamic launch of the latest version of the LC4-powered machine introduced the world’s media to its unrivalled list of features, performance and refinement.
In typical KTM style, the unique bikes – first unveiled in their full form at EICMA, Milan, in November – were not allowed to stay static very long as both heavily updated machines were sampled under near perfect weather conditions in Gran Canaria on roads simply the stuff of dreams for any rider.
The outgoing models, which were already the most powerful production single cylinders on the market as well as super fuel efficient, could have been easily adapted to pass the new Euro 4 emissions requirements, but KTM engineers wouldn’t be KTM engineers if they settled on past achievements and didn’t push for even better results.
The MY2016 bikes will arrive in dealerships in January and boast revisions across their respective packages. The 690cc engine from the single cylinder specialists features over 55% of new components. The result is an increased rev range that delivers more power and more torque than ever, but with a drastic reduction of vibrations. All this while the incredible fuel economy and huge service intervals stay untouched.
The experienced journalists were able to put these new firecrackers through their paces along with testing the leading electronics systems on the KTM 690 DUKE. They include Traction Control (TC), multiple Ride Modes and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) as part of its optional Track Pack.
The KTM 690 DUKE R takes the base model even further in a READY TO RACE style with top-specification WP Suspension and Brembo brakes. It also adds lean angle sensitivity to its ABS, MSR and Traction Control via the incredible Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) system. All these features come as standard.
Both bikes arrive in KTM dealers across Europe in January 2016 and are backed up with a huge variety of KTM PowerParts for further personalization and enhancement.
