KTM 690 Duke ride & thoughts
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2015
- I was looking forward to riding this bike but unfortunately it turned out to be a huge disappointment. I will never hesitate to state my honest opinion on any bike or product.
Lots of info, pictures, etc.. on my website, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter:
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![2010 KTM Duke 690 [RAW onboard]](/img/n.gif)
Dear RJ, everything you said in this Video about the Bike is true, thank you for your honest opinion!
The KTM 690 Duke is my first bike and i drive this little Beast for 2,5 years now.
For the Refinement i had to do many things on my bike:
First of all the Mapping -> its very rough, the bike "Hopps" in the low RPM (under 4000rpm) > with the acrapovic mapping this COMPLETELY disappeard and the bike is much smoother to drive.
Sound: I had to replace the Cat with a pipe from LeoVince and Akrapovic Exhaust to get a good sound (even with db eaters). Without the db eaters you will be stunned by the sound the single will
hammer into your ears! ;-)
Vibration: this is the biggest problem on the duke. The license plate broke 5 times in the last 2,5 years. Also the rear turn signal lights are destroyed by the vibrations.
BUT you have to notice i drove 35.000 km since i have this bike and i never had problems with the engine or something else. Only with my license plates and now the turn signal lights because of vibrations.
All in all this bike is a very reliable companion!
My Opinion: I can recommend this bike to everyone who likes a hammering single. Especially for those who like to ride curvy montain roads.
This is a Fun Machine!
Enjoy!
I screwed a Thin Blade under my license plate. Workshop very Good
Diesel engines be like... 5:08
+ZeroLength tagatgatgatgatga
+Justinn MC (Theowner428) Haha! Love RJ's impression
lol
+ZeroLength At 3:50 I was thinking "wow, that van really sounds broken and horrid", 3:57 was "wow, you must be kidding with me......"
+syntaxs the exact same thought came to my head. i was amazed at how horrible and tractor like it sounds
It's kinda cool but also unsafe feature of the bike to show RJ on the speedometer instead of the actual speed once you go high enough...
+allcartuner It's edited in ;-)
allcartuner Maybe you should pratice your sarcasm then.
+Julian K You're a special kind of stupid to not understand that was sarcasm
+Julian K you can't be this stupid....!!!
And the insults begin... Always nice to be reminded why it's pointless to comment on UA-cam. Thx.
Whoa! I buy a KTM Duke 690 R and my favorite motorcycle person RJ finds it to be the only bike he doesn't like :D. To each to their own, of course!
Here's my experience. I've been owning multiple Hondas, tried all kinds of bikes and couldn't find my moto-zen. I tried the Duke too. It was such a toy, with so many flaws. But it made me laugh, it was an event riding it.
A year later I bought one. I needed to experience something completely different and stop playing it safe (Honda). Also I wanted to spend less on fuel and Dukes are known to be economical (confirmed).
First week I had mixed feelings about the bike. It took a lot of adjusting in riding style and physically after a year on a super-sport. But once I got acquainted with it things got a lot better. Turned out the vibrations (my biggest fear) are annoying only for a day or two, then you get used to them. They are smooth vibrations that don't cause numbness and you simply forget about them. Perfectly fine for all day in the saddle, feels like touring won't be an issue.
The engine is not as flexible as a two or four cyl and you need to work the gearbox and use clutch at lower speeds. The gearbox is very good and gives clear feedback. The problems with shifting come from the weird low-frequency engine - you need to be pretty specific about how much throttle to shed and for how long. No false neutrals after you realize what it's about.
The sound. I installed a LeoVince decat + Akra end can (came with R version). I run it with the db-killer and the factory map (my dealer says: if your bike has no racing intake kit - don't use Akra map even with the decat).
It's decently loud. Not RJ kind of loud! :) For example at 140 kph you hear 50% exhaust/ 50% wind. And you can still wake up all your neighbors. But the most important thing is the complete change in sound character. After the massive cat is gone the sound changes to all shades of Brap. It's a very satisfying soundtrack, especially under full load.
And that's gonna happen a lot, cause full load is when it all starts to makes sense. Super light and agile, stable, precise, infinitely adjustable in the lean, shoots out of corners like a cannon ball, loads of overtaking ability (liter bikes are not much faster if you get it in the right RPM). The R version's suspensions are gorgeous in sport settings. The power is immediate and precise. The brakes are full of feel. Man, finally, I'm not bored!
So, this bike takes some getting used to, but it rewards generously. I have never been this satisfied with a bike before. The flaws fade away and the good stuff stays. My perfect Hondas which I loved never gave me this experience. Their perfection faded away and what stayed was always a little watered down ride. If you try this bike, remember that it's a toy, and you'll be able to forgive it's flaws, until they don't matter anymore.
PS. We also have a lightly tuned MSX-125 in our moto family. Duke is definitely a big brother - every angle in the chassis is the same. And they feel similar on the go.
Personally I love those vibrations. I tried 4 inline, two, and single cylinder bikes. I prefer two or single the most.
I don't think its "unrefined" it was just built this way. When I first tried single cylinder 640cc it felt insane to even sit on it.
But later that sensation became like sitting on wild unriden horse, pleasurable, "dangerous" I could feel that I was sitting on something "alive".
I just love it.
I owned a 690 smc for a bit and the false neutrals are because the gear lever is too high from the factory. I don't remember the engine being so rough so that is strange I wonder if they bike in particular has issues? A 690 SMC-R review from your would be interesting to see if it's any different.
Couldn't you adjust the gear lever
+Crana U get used to it. Ride a 2 cylinder for a while, and then get back on your SMC, you will experience exactly what he explains. SMC or SMC R doesnt matter. LC4's added stabilator shaft as added after 2014 didnt do much too. These bikes do not like to be ridden at ''law enforced'' speeds. They will start protesting. Its not necesarly a bad thing. Its a personal opinion kinda thing.
Bandit Street yeah that is what I had to do on my bike, it took 2 minutes.
One Studios I've only rode singles, mainly DRZ's so the 690 didn't seem strange to me, I really considered my 2011 (654cc engine) to be quite smooth for a single.
Crana And it is! For a single absolutly. But if youre gonna compare it to a Twin or more, yeah, then your'e gonna find out Its quite horrendous. If smoothness is what you are looking for offcourse. I can imagine, as the supermoto rider you are, youre gonna find a 4 cylinder to be quite boring.
It vibrates like Japan.
Wah wah waaaaaah
HAHAHAHAHAHAH XD
+100Housi or Chile
what is that thing running in the background at 6:18? xD
Probably a human, but the legs looked bent forward XD
+AndrewHere can it be someone runnin with those weird stilts that look like a crossbow and makes you jump very high? Sorry for the crappy explanation, I don't know their name in english
Hahahah i think its a human running backwards but it looks really weird
It's a person running haha
+AndrewHere you see only a half of the body, that's why it looks weid
Thanks for sharing your opinion RJ! It's always nice to learn something about a bike.
The Newer Duke 690 models have been updated on everything you brought up in this video. There is like little to no vibration on the Newer models compared to the older ones. KTM Actually Updated alot on the Duke, which is another reason why I cant wait to get mines!
I did 2 test rides of the 2016 this summer for a total of 3 hours riding. I fell in love with it, i'm getting one next summer. powerful, agile, nimbe and yes not refined and much useless below 3000 rpm.. That's wat makes it unique and give it caracter. I never rode a bike like this before.
Rj, Thanks for video... I own 2014 690 duke and i put FRESCO bypass pipe and Leovince exhaust. After that bike what so lazy, then in dealership here in US i done MAPPING... After that every morning til bike get warm turnoff 4,5 time? Is that normal or i should done something else?? Thank you
An honest review. Thanks, RJ. If I want one of these then I need to ride and test it myself.
Would love to see a yamaha MT-07 video if you have the chance. Enjoy your videos RJ.
Thanks "R J". You have ridden a lot of Bikes and I value what you have to say. Thanks for the review.
I always enjoy RJ's reviews of bikes because of the honesty behind his words. Today's motorcycle magazines are so biased i stop reading it. Instead, i go to YT or forums on the web to see a honest final customer review. Cheers!
I own a '14 690 Duke and I actually agree with your points. I also owned a '14 Ducati Hypermotard, like the one you passed at 3:45 mark. Of the two, the Hyper is clearly the better bike, but the Duke is very fun to ride for me anyway. Reference mirrors, yes, they suck, but on the other hand, on no bike I have owned the stock mirrors were any good. I guess thats also why you always put Rizoma mirrors on your bikes. The Seat, yes, it is a cup to sit in. The Powerparts seat is better and lets you slide back for longer wheelies. The sound of the engine with a stock exhaust is crappy, spot on. I've ridden 13000 km since Feb on my Duke and my next thing is a Akra exhaust system. I hope that will dim the engine sound from the piston and make the exhaust note sound better. But in general, I agree with your points. But its not the crappiest bike I have ever ridden :) I have progressed nicely with wheelie practice on this bike and that was my new years resolution for this year, to learn how to wheelie.
Lol it is a Diesel engine, *makes the sound* hahahahaha.
filtering question : If i want to turn left on a 2-way street at the lights but i have to filter from the right side while cars are stationary. Do i just ram my way in front of the front car?
Can't wait for all the 690 owners that take it personally.
+SuperAaron 99 a guy just showed up a couple hrs before you! Search the "530mm" comment XD
+SuperAaron 99 All the flaws mentioned are true but exaggerated (690 duke owner).. Obviously his expectations were too high after riding the superduke
I got a 2013 KTM duke 690, and I do have to say it does vibrate ALOT. It doesn't sound nice either....engine sounds clunky and loud. LOL But it is very unique out here in the states.....very rare to see these bikes out on the streets and it turns heads still and the bike is almost 3 years old. Very accurate review and all the reasons you listed is why I kind of bought the bike. Most powerful thumper on the market to date. I'm 5' 11 and the bike actually feels more comfortable and I liked that cramped feel...its just me though...and YES a better seat would make a HUGE difference on longer trips. Thanks for sharing this video, the sounds my bike are making either I havn't been listening to them or I just started noticing them had me worried and the bike in the video made the same exact sounds so I know its normal LOL
As a Duke 690R owner for 2 years now, 12000 miles on the counter, I can only say you should have gone for the R version test. It feels like a totally different bike. I am completely in love with it , and I'm glad my dealer advised me to take the R version.
The R version has better ( adjustable WP suspension, 2 more HP ( lol ) excellent Brembo brakes and wave disk, Akrapovic exhaust ( no DB killer in my Duke ) ( then suddenly the vibrations make sense ). And as always, on all KTM's, you REALLY need to add the "Powerparts" seat ( jelly seat ). It allows you, as you mentioned, to move backwards, and it allows for more easy switching sides on a race track. The mirrors indeed vibrate a lot, it's hard to see clearly in them, but if you remove the rubber finishing that near the mirror itself , you can adjust 2-3 screws per mirror and fasten it properly. After that they won't get loose any more.
What is more annoying to me is it's reliability :
- mine uses A LOT of oil , 1 liter per 1500 miles ( 2 dealers claim it's normal , some models do , other don't... confirmed by many forum posts )
- it stalls a lot in race mode ( after 3 repair attempts , the dealer explains race mode is for track only , hmmm , I wonder if they tell the same story at for example car dealers )
- and my clutch broke down twice this year. The last clutch repair is still being investigated by KTM at the moment.
But despite all this , I'm completely in love with it. It's such a nimble and angry bike , it's begging to accelerate hard , brake hard , wheelie all the time , and to makes things clear , I never use the clutch to wheelie. 1st GEAR no problem , 2nd gear , +/- 4500 rm , open throttle and GO :)
The slipper clutch in my opinion is also a big plus, once you get used to that ... I love it.
That being said ,when my bike went to the dealer for 2nd clutch repair 3 weeks ago, I have been given 2 replacement KTM bikes ( test rides ). 1ste day , a stock KTM Superadventure ( bad seat , OMG , for such a high priced bike ). It's power and torque are impressive to say the least , but it's twin felt too smooth for me , I couldn't feel it's heart and soul compared to the Duke690R. It didn't feel like a KTM ( and almost has no orange on it ).
2nd day , I got a stock RC390 ( worst seat ever , in the evening my but was still colored red :) ) , in the beginning it felt like a 125 ( compared to the Superadventure ) , but like the 690R , it felt nimble , precise steering , brakes OK , rough engine , single cylinder again , but it was a challange and a blast to ride , it felt like a pure KTM.
I've been following you for over 1 year now, riding all those bikes, I love your video's, I love your Superduke ( my god I was disappointed when bought that boring BMW S1000RR ) but thinking at the Superadventure test ride ( same engine with small power and torque adjustments ), I'm really wondering if I'd buy a Superduke as a bigger bike now... It will definately be my next test ride. Have fun Sir ! ( edited some typo's )
Great honesty, I think the first time I've heard wind noise over an engine on the highway in an RJ video. :)
hey RJ,
Thanks for the honest review. I was thinking to test this bike for sometime. I heard it vibrates but this was really shocking. Now I definitely will go for a test ride and see all 690s are like that or something wrong with that individual one.
Anyway thanks again man! You are the best
Peace!
Own a 2010 duke and a 2019 701 Vitpilen. Same engine but the refinement over the years is quite amazing. Plus the power increase makes the Vitpilen really usable even on a freeway.... where when I lane split, I do so in a somewhat more sane manner. You are very trusting of car drivers Mr Jordanian.
I agree with everything you say but I absolutely love mine. It’s an absolute joy to flog it on a twisty road. You should have taken it to the mountains. The mirrors are easy to fix by pealing back the rubber and tighten with a spanner. It is uncomfortable on longer rids and I definitely would not recommend it for touring. But shorter rides it’s an absolute blast.
I agree with everything you said RJ. I used one of these for my Module 1 bike training. The mirrors were useless, it felt too small and I had the exact same issue with the back brake as you, which meant I had to use an awkward technique to master the slow riding test. When describing the engine to friends, all i could think of was 'Agricultural' It really does sound like a tractor at idle and low speeds, not a pleasant sound at all. The only thing I did like about this bike was the clean looking dash and bars, not a lot of clutter.
RJ u should try the KTM 690 Duke R '2016' model, maybe that would change your mind.
I bought a duke 690 gen IV and honestly I don't know why everybody keeps complaining about the vibrations? I've had a few rides on the hightway over 2-3 hours and the vibrations never were a problem for me and I have relatively thin gloves (but thick boots). The sound is just what I wanted I don't like the high pitched R4 engines at all. In the end to buy this bike, you have to know what you want. Except for the false neutrals this is a really good extremely agile bike.
i'm not in the us though...
your vids make me happy m8 thanks for that
Everybody is different and has a different expectations from the product. Me personaly fall in love in this bike since it was available in Canada. Finaly spring 2015 i made a right decision and get rid of cbr600RR ( had 2004 and 2009). This bike fits my needs like a champ. Who cares about vibrations ( on cbr my wrists got numb after one hour of riding) but this bike is something else. I enjoy every time i go for a ride!!! I do lots of city riding, sometimes go for a short trips and enjoy it a lot. That's my 5 cents!
2013 690smcR owner here...You are spot on...sadly :(Having ridden both 1290SD and s1000r I experienced the same initial false neutrals on the 1290SD and bar vibrations at 6000rpm on the bmw but coming from the 690 they were less surprising... you went the other way, to a base model 690 so I can understand your shock :D IMO it is a bike to be ridden hard over short distances on poor twisty roads making lots of akrapovic amplified noise! :P
i own a 690 duke and it's the nuts, but I must say it does take a bit of getting used to but once you get it the fun keeps coming
I am with you on this bike. I fell in love with it at a bike show and went for a test ride the next day and was so disappointed with it. The vibration is what put me off, my hands literally went numb riding it. I had owned a Yamaha Xtx660 so was used to single cylinder vibration but not like that. Give me the Yamaha back any day.
Thank you for this, i was umming and arring about getting this bike or not, now i will have it crossed off the list. BMW 800 and nuda left
thanks for the review RJ
Try the 690SMC! Better looking than the 690 Duke in my opinion! I like KTM's but the 690SMC(R) is definitely up in the top 5 bikes :D
Vibrations ? Have you tried the older 620/640 without balancer shafts. A total hoot to ride though !
RJ, im very happy to hear your negative review of a 2015 model, please do a review of the latest 690 duke that they claim to be so much better!
Looking at getting the Benelli 1130 Trek.
Would love your opinion on it.
Perhaps even a test ride fr4om your side???
Currently riding a 2012 Honda NC700X and love it!
I bought one in the spring this year, mainly due to bad back and hip, I needed something upright and slim. 3000 miles later it's growing on me more. Took it to the Isle Of Man for the TT, it's not the best Mway bike, its forte is blasting around the B roads where I live. Overall I find it way more comfortable than a sportsbike, it's really light and nimble. If you are lazy with the gearbox you won't like it, you need to be in the correct gear, it's a bit like a 2 stroke in that respect. Does make it rewarding to ride though. Not had trouble with my mirrors dropping but they do vibe a lot. It could do with a bit more power for me so I'll probably go for the full Evo 2 tuning kit next spring, gives it an extra 10 bhp and smooths it out apparently. Best mods I've done, Puig screen is a big improvement over 60 mph, hand guards and heated grips for cold weather, and they don't look out of place. Took the ugly rear mudguard off and fitted the Powerparts tail tidy, looks great. I bought one in the spring this year, mainly due to bad back and hip, I needed something upright and slim. 3000 miles later it's growing on me more. Took it to the Isle Of Man for the TT, it's not the best Mway bike, its forte is blasting around the B roads where I live. Overall I find it way more comfortable than a sportsbike, it's really light and nimble. If you are lazy with the gearbox you won't like it, you need to be in the correct gear, it's a bit like a 2 stroke in that respect. Does make it rewarding to ride though. Not had trouble with my mirrors dropping but they do vibe a lot. It could do with a bit more power for me so I'll probably go for the full Evo 2 tuning kit next spring, gives it an extra 10 bhp and smooths it out apparently. Best mods I've done, Puig screen is a big improvement over 60 mph, hand guards and heated grips for cold weather, and they don't look out of place. Took the ugly rear mudguard off and fitted the Powerparts tail tidy, looks great.
you the man RJ thanks for the review.
690 owner here, the review is his opinion on a test ride, ask any owner about the 690, you wont find one that will agree with his review, also the mirror mounts are adjusted by a set nut is at the base of the mount under the rubber cover that you tighten down, then the mirror itself can be fine tuned by rotating.
RJ, try the KTM 690 SMC-R
completely different animal!
absolutely love it.
i live just off the a3 and you're more than welcome to borrow it
has all the obvious mods, akraprovic exhaust with remap to suit, performance air filter blah blah blah
Read this RJ
I would love to see this from RJ, and how generous of you to offer up your bike :)
+Average .Joe Hey smart guy, if it's so awesome why did you modify it? If you want to compare apples to apples, compare it to a 690 Duke R with the full Akra, better suspension, all the extra power parts goodies, etc. The only thing different on the SMC is probably the higher travel suspension. The 690 Duke gets plenty of good reviews by the way.
alxbengosu
Hmmm not sure if youre getting my point fella
im saying the 690 SMC is a fantastic bike and heaps of fun
& before you discount the latest FI lc4 lump
try it in the bike it was and always will be designed for...
a supermoto
i'm in-different about the duke 690 and have nowhere posted an opinion although i think i would really have the engine that the duke was made for a 1290
Would you still think the same about it if it has a full Akrapovic system on it? Exhaust sound would overcome the engine sound :)
I just bought this bike. I’m 6’5 and I find it insanely comfortable. As far as the vibrations and sound, I actually love it. I think it gives it lots of old school character. I do agree it does slip into a false neutral from time to time, but so does my Triumph Tiger 955i and Indian Scout Sixty. I call my KTM Scrappy Doo, because it’s loud, scrappy and rides like it’s trying to punch above it’s weight. Personally I’ve yet to ride a bike I like more.
Rj please try out the triumph street triple 675 I'm about it buy one I'd love to hear what you think about it..
The sound @ 5:08 must be seriously considered when making a new intro video.
Make it happen RJ!
A comparison between this '15 model and the '16 73hp twin balancer shaft engine would be interesting. The mirror just needed a couple of screws tightening. How many miles on that Duke? Vibes on my 690 Enduro were a non issue after about 1000 miles.
RJ, I would love to hear your opinion on the Ducati Scrambler. Yes, the 2015 version. Bet I'm not the only one, either.
5:09 u make funny sound RJ , duke 125 250 390 690 are look the same
Ajgum Motovlog I
You have to try it with a aftermarket exhaust and have the proper mapping then it feels amazing and the same thing goes for the 690 smc which is EXTREMELY much better.
Hahaha, I like the moments of self reflection coming through. The Nuda has spoiled you for noise, and the S1000 for smoothness. :)
Not all bikes are for everyone. Maybe I would love the absurd coarseness of that 690 engine. It reminds me of a lawnmower and a jackhammer all at once! My friend's DRZ400 is nowhere near that rough! Stock fuelling perhaps?
Thanks for the honesty though. I think if I did buy that motor, it would be in the 690 Enduro chassis. Then you won't notice the vibration on the forestry roads!
+Royal Jordanian you should try the new KTM DUKE 690, it's completely rebuilted, with new engine, nem board system. It's a lot better that this one
I have The KTM SMR 990, this is a beautiful bike! I love this Bike! Test it RJ and you dont want any bikes!
what a beautiful ride ! the KTM is just awesome
+RHCPuniverse by the way you drive really carefully (y)
Hi RJ. Why did you choose the Super Duke over the MV Agusta Dragster RR? Cheers.
You really need to try 690 SMC-R , same engine but very very different too the duke ( in my opinion ) .
I did my mod 1 training and test on a Duke 690, im with you on everything you've said. Disapointing considering all the praise the bike recieves in many online reviews.
Can you please review a Kawasaki Vulcan S in terms of a good beginner bike/cruiser?
Hi rj great videos 👍🏻
could you make a test ride with the KTM SMC 690? to compare it to this bike and the Husqvarna SM 511 of yours?
A true hooligan bike is not for the faint of heart. I LOVE MY DUKE. it is a fucking BEAST.
when RJ turned it on, really did sound like my Dad's Ford Fusion, which is a diesel car
it would be nice if you are going to test the 690 smc-r, because im looking forward to buy it. i tested the 690 duke 2 weeks ago and i liked it. :)
After testing this bike, and knowing your love of Husqvarna bikes, will you consider testing the Husqvarna 701 supermoto? I've just seen a video for it on the track, in road legal trim, it looks so much fun!
RJ, do you know the difference between Husquarna 511 and a 510? Been trying to find out, but there isnt really much info on the web. Btw, more videos on your 511 please! :-)
Please try out the new 2016 KTM 690 RJ. I'd love to hear your opinion whether they fixed the vibes to your liking.
Cheers and thanks from Vancouver Island Canada.
hi royal jordanian
your videos are very good
please try the ktm smc 690 r and say your opinions
this will be very great
Well, didn´t want one as they look pretty moped like haha. Didn´t you have the same issue whilst not holding clutch on the Husqvarna Nuda RJ? My Nuda is also a bit rattly when not using the clutch.
Hey +RoyalJordanian when we are going to see Bonita on the streets?? It has been a month since you bought it!!.. :)
RJ what are your thoughts on CFMoto Bikes? I own a 150 at the moment and I like the look of their 650 as my next bike.
When is the 1290 due another service RJ? Just been watching all the reviews for the 2016 duke 690 and all seem to agree it is a much smoother engine with less vibration so would be interested to hear your opinion compared to this one.
Hi rj! Why are you covering the speedometer? And what do you do for a living?
rj, have you tried an older 990, either the super motor, the smt, or the superduke?
Are you going to test the new Husqvarna 701 ? It is a Supermoto similar to the KTM SMC-R 690 and I would like to hear your opinion. To me it looks great and I am going to test it 100%.
Atleast you spoke your opinion, yes it vibrates. It's a good bike for the technology it comes with. Not every company can make a 500 single, but an 690. I salute you ktm!
I would love to see you ride because tomorrow im going to london for 4 days with school. if I see you ill shout at you haha.
I looked at several 2014 KTM 690 Duke test-ride videos to compare. Of the four I found, three sound just like this one, and only one sounds (relatively) smooth. It's hard to tell while watching RJ filter out on the highway, but it seem that it's geared wrong for that kind of filtering, he never seemed to have the good fast response for a quick burst if needed.
is it a good driving school bike ? i want to hear youre opinion because i have to drive it when i want to make the A2 ( sorry for the bad english )
This one have dual balancers like the new 2016 ? Guessing with Euro-4 rules the '16 is quieter....
You should get a 2016 it's smoother and less vibrate and plus with the mivv exhaust they're gonna be awesome
Hey RJ, test ride a Yamaha FZ-09 (MT-09 in the U.K.) It has the engine refinement you are looking for, a very similar naked sportbike setup to your SuperDuke and Nuda, and a lanesplitter's best friend: gobs of torque! I'm really interested to hear your opinion of that bike.
This bike was on top of my list. This was sure interesting to hear you opinion. Looking forward experience it myself. So far my single Duke 390 doesn't exhibit such tractor-like behavior. Maybe lawnmower, not tractor :)))
You should try an older Duke if you think this vibrates. It's very smooth for a thumper.
Put a proper exhaust system with the right mapping on it and it's a completely different bike. Even less weight, runs smoother and a few more horsepower. And don't forget the PP seat.
Pretty sure they deliberately make the standard seat a pile of shit on KTM's so that everyone buys the PP option lol
+Owen Wales can confirm. I bought the PowerParts seat
ah man you're serious? after trying the 390 yesterday I definitely wanna get the 690 when i get my full A license:)
thanks for the vid! couldn't come at a better time haha
Need to agree with RJ - had chance to try couple of KTM's including 690, and first thing that got me turned off from this bike was shaking...and vibration...It is like you sitting on lawnmower...not on the bike.
From all KTM's 1290 Adventure and SD was only that i would consider investing.
2016 690 Duke vibrates a lot less. Was able to ride one yesterday and made a quick rookie review of it! Liked it a lot, but since I can afford only one bike and the Duke isn't really an all-rounder, I don't think I would consider getting one.. But stupid-fun never the less! =)
Different strokes for different folks. Some of the specific details you dislike about the bike are some of the things i absolutely love. Mine has the giant cat removed and a gpr can, and i find the note to be borderline erotic. Yes it is light, agile and powerful, and it is unrefined, but as an old dirt rider, i love that touchy, jerky, instant power. it makes for a fantastic hooligan bike. The vibes don't bother me at all, but again, I have a history on singles. This is my 10th road bike, and it's my second favorite (after my old 560SMR.) Would like to try your 1290...might change my mind
Love the GPR on this bike. Sexy sound
what do you think about changing gears without clutch? do you always do it?
As a single cylinder, you have to accept or reject what make it great or not. After driving 4 and 2 cylinder since 25 years, I found in love with single cylinder and it great character. Of course, you have to stay in a specific rpm.
To me it sounds like those huge stone crushers. In fact I just realized the reason why I couldn't find the stone crusher near my place, as every day at 7am I would wake up on it but couldn't locate. It was one KTM 690 Duke rider passing by my windows for sure...
1:41 what does the lighted sign with the 40 mean? speed limit?
RJ, why don't you try the 690 SMC R?
I thought it had a mechanical issue just before you shut it off, it sounded like it was falling apart. That said, I like the look of the bike, and 690 is a good size. I don't personally like ktm, for no reason other than I don't like them, but I've always liked the duke range.
i understand perfectly the point of the vibrations since i have the exact same bike (2014 edition) and i experienced the same "issue". searching online i found out that remapping the engine would've helped. so when i first bought it, the engine was set to the advanced level (slot 2) which made it vibrate so much at medium/high speeds. i changed it to the slot 0 which is the maximum value for the balanced level and it made it a totally different bike. about the mirrors i actually think it was just a loose screw since i've nevere experienced anything like that before, but i do agree that the sound the engine makes is pretty bad. if you can, try it with this other option and maybe you will change your mind, or maybe not, but still i think you should give it a try!
Hey RJ! Maybe you lookin for MT07? This bike powerful and have lot torque, and have small weight too. But MT07 2 cylinder and sound good. Or maybe old, but powerful Honda XR650, 1 cylinder, 650cc, and 60+hp. I for next season want buy MT07 for city driving. Really good bike!
WOW! I lost a wrist pin in a KX500 once. It sounded just like that before she seized and busted my crank case..
Good review. As you said, you expected too much from it, all single cylinder bikes sound and vibrate like "diesel". But yes, compared to almighty 1290, it is silly :)