Milan Motor Show 2012: KTM 690 Duke R, even more erre

The last of the novelties that the Austrian brand has presented at the Milan Motor Show 2012 has been a new version of the KTM 690 Duke, which we have already tested for you. The new model is based on the bikes of the European Junior Cup and, in its image and likeness, it equips new suspensions, brakes, exhaust and modified chassis to make it even more radical than the standard … if you want. The KTM 690 Duke R It is not a series as special and radical as the KTM 690 Duke “Track” but it does allow some joy on the circuit without the need for anything else.

The most prominent difference is the use of a fully adjustable fork with independent adjustments for compression and extension on the left and right bottle respectively. Behind it also mounts a new shock absorber with a separate tank and with greater possibilities of adjustments, including independent tuning for high and low speed. The new orange anodized seatpost that stands out on the front.

If we look at the side and anchored to the chassis that is now still a bit more rigid, we see some protection bars for the motor like the ones that were installed in the EJC and that will safeguard the mount in case of fall.

Also striking is the air filter cover, now made of translucent material and of course, the exhaust tail, a Akrapovic slip-on in titanium that although it does not translate into a significant weight saving, it does manage to extract a couple of horses (now it goes to declare 70 CV instead of 68 hp) to the already powerful single cylinder from KTM and offer a more forceful punch in the middle.

Now let's talk about the brakes, which also have their crumb. The standard radial caliper has been replaced in the KTM 690 Duke R by another signed by Brembo four-piston but in this type M50 and machined made from a single block of aluminum, which gives it greater rigidity. To the Disengageable ABS that also equips series have put their hand in turn and have pulled a new mode called Supermoto and that allows many more licenses when it comes to skidding the rear wheel of the KTM 690 Duke R.

Finally, both the footrests and the handlebars are also new, seeking a clear compromise between sportiness and utility on a day-to-day basis. This new position coupled with the new suspensions l give 15 mm more overall height It allows you to search more to the limit still without fear of something rubbing with the asphalt.

The price of the KTM 690 Duke R It is 9,689 euros, 2,100 euros more than the standard version we tested a few months ago. Expensive yes, but also exclusive and ready to do rounds on the circuit and bring out the colors of more than one.

KTM 690 Duke R

Motor:
- Type: Water-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder gasoline engine
- Displacement: 690 cm³
- Power max. dec.: 70 hp at 7,500 rpm
- Torque max. dec: 70 Nm at 5,500 rpm
Transmission:
- Clutch: APTC ™ Antihopping clutch in oil bath / hydraulically actuated
- Change: 6 speeds
- Transmission: Chain
Suspensions:
- Front: WP Suspension Up Side Down adjustable in three ways
- Rear: WP Suspension with Pro ‑ Lever system adjustable in three ways and high and low speed
Brakes:
- Front: 320mm floating disc brake with four-piston caliper and radial engagement, switchable ABS with supermotard mode
- Rear: 240mm floating disc brake with single-piston caliper, switchable ABS with supermotard mode
Wheels:
- Front: 3.50 × 17”, 120/70 R17
- Rear: 5 × 17”, 160/60 R17
Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 1,466 mm
- Seat height: 865 mm
- Fuel tank: 14 liters
- Weight without gasoline: 149.5 kg
Price: 9.689 €