KTM 690 Duke Launch

Fagan grabbed the ticket to Gran Canaria for the official world launch of the new 2012 KTM 690 Duke – here’s his first impressions, and some video footage, ahead of the full launch report in next month’s issue.

Nearly 20 years after the original was released, KTM has launched the fourth-generation Duke. The previous incarnation of the 690 was bloody hard work, so the Austrians wanted to broaden its appeal with a more user-friendly approach. And they have.

Article continues below...
Advert

Enjoy more Fast Bikes reading in the monthly magazine.
Click here to subscribe & save.

Drive-by-wire is the highlight of its 90% new components, with a throttle unlike any other KTM – smooth and progressive. The LC4 mono-pot is also silkier and backs-up why the company persists with the single life.

Article continues below...
Advert

Click above to watch the video

Also added for 2012 is the Bosch ABS system fitted to the firm’s SM-T. You can read all about how the new 690 Duke coped with the mountains in Gran Canaria in the next issue. In the meantime, here’s some moving images – in both senses of the phrase…

Article continues below...
Advert

Subscribe to Fast Bikes Magazine Enjoy more Fast Bikes reading in the monthly magazine. Click here to subscribe.