Last weekend, the Toronto show wasn’t the only big show in North America. There was a big show in Long Beach, California, as well. Here’s some news from that show.
First off – KTM has announced they’re bringing their 690 Duke to the U.S. and Canada, Asphalt and Rubber says (although we likely aren’t getting the 690 Duke R).
The 690 Duke was unveiled last year at EICMA, and the rest of the world has already been riding it ever since. For some reason, the Austrian manufacturer has decided it’s time to bring the bike to North America now; it’s going to be identical to the machine everyone else got last year, but significantly upgraded over the previous 690s in-country here.
The bike has 70 hp single-cylinder motor that puts out 70 hp and 51Â lb. ft of torque; it has a chrome-moly trellis frame, fully adjustable WP suspension front and rear, and Bosch ABS. Service intervals are 10,000 kms.
Here’s the teaser video KTM released for the bike last year.
KTM also announced the 990 Adventure Baja at Long Beach. While the rest of the world gets the new 1190 Adventure, North America gets bold new graphics, orange powder-coated frame, a tank bag, rear waterproof luggage bag and adjustable front and rear WP suspension, Dunlop 908 RR tires, orange crash guards, LED auxiliary lights, suede-style seat, aluminum radiators guard, GPS base mount and SuperSprox aluminum steel sprocket. Basically, it’s a slightly tweaked version of their previous 990.
Finally, Indian also gave us a hint of their plans in the future. They showed off the last of their Kings Mountain-era cruisers (Indian Chief Vintage FE), and released a YouTube featuring a lame cameo with “that guy from that TV show,” and the sound of their new motor. Guess what? It sounds like they’re building another V-twin cruiser.
Lovely to see the 690 get to Canada. Now, let’s keep our fingers crossed for a 2014 Moto3!
WTF they spent 10 years and millions building the Victory name brand. Now they are going to toss it in favour of Indian?
BTW sounds like a 60 degree V to me. No potatoe…