Despite being a new model, on the face of it there is little difference between the 690 Duke R and the standard Duke. The R gets a bit of orange powdercoat on its frame, cool white panels, a black Brembo caliper and upgraded WP suspension with black TiAlN (that's Titanium Aluminium Nitride) coating on the forks and an orange spring on the shock. Oh, and some orange tape on its lightweight Marchesini wheels.
But on the inside the 690 engine is now a true 690cc, with an extra 4.5mm of stroke upping its capacity by 36cc and, more importantly, giving it a claimed 70 HP. That's five more horses than the standard Duke, and from a single-cylinder motor it's simply outrageous power.
Bombing down tight, narrow roads the Duke R is in its element. The engine responds to a happy throttle hand with frantic activity and a surprising turn of speed. Compared to the stock engine it feels more responsive and eager to rev, yet it retains all the subtle qualities of the Duke with a slick gearbox and superb handling.
It doesn't take much to encourage the little Duke to turn, and for riders more used to larger bikes it's almost disconcertingly quick to flick into bends. As good as it is in the corners, it's general stunting and playing the fool where the R excels.
Struggling wheelie merchants will get along well with the Duke R as it flatters even the one-wheeled incompetent. Bang the throttle open and she wheelies, use two fingers on the beautifully responsive Brembo front caliper to get the front tire biting then add a firm squeeze to bring the back arching gracefully up in the air. Everything is controllable and done with a fluidity and balance that makes you feel like a stunt king rather than the shovel-handed monkey that you probably are.
The only problem with the Duke R is that once you have impressed your crew with your newfound stunter skills you have to ride home again, which can be a drag. For short hops it's fantastic fun, has wickedly sharp handling and an engine that is immensely entertaining to thrash senseless. But the fun factor soon wears thin when the bends disappear and the road straightens. Watching your friends clear off into the distance on their sportbikes while you face the long ride home on a buzzing single is less than amusing...
KTM 690 Duke R
Price: $10,999
Engine: 690cc, four-stroke, liquid cooled single cylinder
Claimed power: 70 HP @ 7500rpm
Claimed torque: 52 LB-FT @ 5,500rpm
Curb weight: 326 pounds
Contact:
ktmusa.com