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The name KTM and model name Duke simply don’t go well together without the ‘690’ deduction from cylinder capacity so in 2009, the middleweight streetfighter carries on being present in the Austrian manufacturer’s lineup and stands for the same qualities as it did in the past – all-around maneuverability, performance and, of course, good looks. The news here is that we recently grabbed the opportunity to test ride the bike and we simply can’t get over it.
IntroductionThe 690 Duke has always been kind of a lethal combination because the base concept behind it was to have a bike that would commute, stunt and perform just as well on the track. In order for that to become reality, they needed a bulletproof motor that would achieve the proper balance between horsepower and torque and as in 2009 the bike is powered by the same 654cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke motor developing 64.37 hp at 7,500 rpm and 67 Nm at 5,500 rpm, we can only mention how good of an achievement this unit is. Featuring a Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection with Electronic Power Throttle, this engine is conceded as being instant power and torque delivering and that made us even more eager to get on it.  2009 KTM 690 Duke naked This thing is built on a light power coated Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, features aluminum subframe, handlebars and wheels in a successful attempt to sharpen handling and contribute at increasing the maximum running speed. Also, supporting the razor-sharp handling capabilities is the fact that rake and trail are 63.5° x 4.53". Goodies such as the WP USD 48mm fork and WP mono shock as well as the Brembo four piston and 320mm disc front and single piston and 240mm disc rear brakes are supposed to contribute at the bike’s overall versatility and show that stopping is always faster than acceleration.
History
Competition 2009 Aprilia SVX 4.5 - 5.5 As seen, the Duke first started as a supermoto and that’s what it competes against as a 2009 model year as well. The Aprilia SXV 4.5 – 5.5 carries on in 2009 as the same veritable track-ready motorcycle powered by the first V-twin motor ever mounted on a supermoto, the 77-degree, four-stroke, single overhead cam with rocker operated exhaust valves, chain timing drive and four valve heads with titanium valves. Independently of cylinder capacity (450cc or 550cc), the Italian bike’s engine mates to a five-speed gearbox as there is plenty of power and torque to keep things lively without making use of a sixth gear.  2009 Husqvarna SM610 The 2009 Husky SM610 is also worthy to be mentioned under this heading and in 2009 it even gets a nicer Grey color scheme while the engine remains the same 576cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC, four-valves unit. Still, like the Aprilia, this is a veritable supermoto machine while the KTM blends streetfighter characteristics with its initial supermoto ones and might just sound like being in a class of its own. But as long as people will still be choosing among these three bikes, we’ll mention the Aprilia and Husqvarna as proper alternatives for the orange bike. Exterior 2009 KTM 690 Duke ’09 doesn’t bring a totally restyled 690 Duke so the bike works with the same longitudinally mounted streetfighter headlights integrated into an aggressive housing that looks like a pretty well made aftermarket piece even though it is a standard feature of the bike. The side plates and fenders look sharp too while the supermoto-style seat is positioned at 34.06" from the ground. ---- Test RideThe 2009 KTM 690 Duke is a lot of fun to ride especially if the rider understands what the bike is made for. Right from the start, it is a must mentioning that it won’t impress anybody who has just come off a big four-cylinder powered Japanese bike as top speed (around 105 mph) isn’t the thing to brag about in this case.  2009 KTM 690 Duke Sharp handling is the key behind this model’s popularity and this is where the supermoto chassis steps up once again to make a point. The bike leans extremely easy from side to side while the adrenaline junky inside each one of us out there keeps the throttle wide opened in an attempt to squeeze that much needed power when coming out of corners. The Duke does work with a six-speed gearbox, but it’s less likely to use that when letting the bike do what it likes best. PriceKTM hasn’t yet made the MSRP for the 2009 model year public, but basing on the fact that last year’s model started at $9,498, it is most likely for the new model year to start at just over $10K. Conclusion 2009 KTM 690 Duke The Duke is an excellent motorcycle as long as you know what you’re paying for. It isn’t built for speed, but to handle quick, be easily tossed around and provide a healthy feel of where it gets heritage from. It is a fun bike for the daily user and by offering the possibility to even be taken on any supermoto track, it is simply an unmatched product in what concerns the ability to blend different styles and call itself simply…Duke. ---- SPECIFICATIONS
Engine and Transmission 2009 KTM 690 Duke
Engine type: Single cylinder, 4-stroke
Chassis and Dimensions 2009 KTM 690 Duke
Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, powder coated 1 comments: KTM 690 Duke
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Full story KTM Duke
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Posted on
04.23.2009 @ 09:37