EICMA 2015: KTM unveils 2016 690 Duke and Duke R

The KTM 690 Duke and Duke R have been in the European markets for over three years and it's only now that these motorcycles have received a heavy dose of upgrades. Fresh and improved for 2016, the new 690 Duke and Duke R have been unveiled at the ongoing EICMA 2015 in Milan.

One of the biggest downsides of the outgoing 690 Duke is the high amount of vibrations especially from the big single-cylinder motor. KTM, therefore, has added an extra balancer shaft in the cylinder head of the revised 690cc unit and also added slightly more punch at 73bhp. The additional balancer shaft is expected to iron out some of the gruffness of the outgoing motor and also offer a more flexible power delivery.

Other upgrades include a redesigned frame, new saddle, LED taillight and a digital display. Meanwhile, the other big highlight is the addition of cornering ABS – a first for a motorcycle of this size. The cornering ABS boasts of additional sensors that help prevent wheel lockup even when the bike leans  over.

As for the track-focussed 690 Duke R, the motorcycle gets a marginally more powerful engine, a louder Akrapovic exhaust and frame and wheels finished in orange.

The KTM 690 Duke has a surprisingly fair amount of following here in India, with enthusiasts eagerly looking forward to the official launch. And since KTM India has remained tight-lipped on the subject, enthusiasts it seems will have to make do with the second most exciting KTM product for the time being – the RC390.