Although we haven’t seen official confirmation yet, several Internet sources are reporting KTM’s 690 Duke is getting several upgrades for 2016.
First and foremost, the bike is said to be getting more power. Peak horsepower is supposedly up seven per cent, and peak torque is supposedly up six per cent. Displacement is said to jump slightly to 693 cc; bore has been increased, while the stroke has been shortened.
There have been other internal tweaks; there’s a new balancer shaft, meaning the single-cylinder should run more smoothly. The engine revs higher now; max horsepower (73 hp) comes at 8500 rpm. The rev limiter kicks in at 9500 rpm. Supposedly, KTM has also added traction control to the bike (optional), as well as Sport, Street and Rain riding modes and a slipper clutch.
Aside from the engine upgrades, it sounds as if little has changed; wheels, brakes and tires are said to remain unchanged. The bike will also have a new Thin Film Transistor display. The chassis has 4 mm of trail added, but that’s about it.
GALLERY
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The best, and most often overlooked part about the 690’s is how light they are.
Always liked the Duke! Uber thumper!
They keep upgrading this model and have neglected the 640 Adventure since 2007.