KTM 690 Duke R [2013-2015]: The Thrill of a Single-Cylinder Supernaked

Introduction

The KTM 690 Duke R is not a motorcycle for the faint of heart. It’s a machine that demands attention, rewards skill, and delivers a riding experience that feels like a controlled explosion of adrenaline. Produced between 2013 and 2015, this generation of the Duke R remains a standout in the supermoto-inspired naked bike segment. With its razor-sharp handling, brawny single-cylinder engine, and race-bred components, it’s a bike that blurs the line between street hooliganism and precision engineering. After a day spent thrashing it through mountain roads and city traffic, one thing becomes clear: the 690 Duke R is a masterclass in minimalist aggression.

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Engine: The LC4 Thumper’s Roar

At the heart of the 690 Duke R lies the LC4 engine, a 690cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder that redefines what a "thumper" can achieve. With 70 hp at 7,500 rpm and 69.8 Nm (51.6 lb-ft) of torque peaking at 6,550 rpm, this engine is anything but primitive. The ride-by-wire throttle ensures buttery-smooth power delivery, while twin spark plugs (NGK LKAR 8BI-9 and LMAR 7A-9) optimize combustion efficiency.

What’s astonishing is how KTM tamed the inherent vibrations of a big single. The balancer shaft works overtime, leaving only a faint buzz in the handlebars at highway speeds. The Akrapovic titanium exhaust isn’t just for show—it adds a visceral bark to the engine note and shaves weight while liberating an extra 2 hp.

Twist the throttle, and the Duke R surges forward with a linear, urgent pull. It’ll hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 4 seconds and max out at 202 km/h (126 mph), but it’s the midrange punch that steals the show. Unlike multi-cylinder rivals, the Duke R’s power delivery feels raw and immediate, like a dirt bike pumped up on steroids. Yet, it sips fuel at a reasonable 4.2 L/100 km (56 MPG), making it surprisingly practical for daily rides.

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Handling: Lightweight Precision

Weighing just 149.5 kg (330 lbs) dry, the Duke R feels like a bicycle with a jet engine. The chromoly trellis frame and aluminum swingarm are stiffer than a caffeine-loaded motocross rider, translating every input into razor-sharp direction changes.

The WP Suspension setup is a highlight. The 43 mm upside-down forks and Pro-Lever monoshock offer 135 mm (5.3 inches) of travel, tuned for aggressive riding without sacrificing compliance over potholes. Adjustability is key here: compression damping on the left fork leg, rebound on the right, and a remote reservoir shock at the rear. Dial it in for track days, or soften it for commuting—the Duke R adapts.

Lean angles are limited only by your courage, thanks to a steep 63.5° steering head angle and 115 mm (4.5 inches) of trail. Flicking through hairpins feels instinctive, and the 1466 mm (57.7-inch) wheelbase strikes a perfect balance between stability and agility.

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Ergonomics: Attack Position, All-Day Comfort

The Duke R’s riding posture is pure aggression. The 835 mm (32.9-inch) seat positions you high, with a slight forward lean to the 840 mm-wide handlebars. Footpegs are rear-set, encouraging a sporty crouch, but the seat itself is narrow enough to accommodate shorter riders. After two hours in the saddle, my knees protested mildly, but the upright-ish stance avoids wrist strain.

KTM’s attention to detail shines in the modular design. Remove the pillion seat cover and footpegs, and the Duke R transforms into a solo rocketship. The crash bars—painted in KTM’s signature orange—add a layer of protection for those inevitable parking-lot tip-overs.

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Brakes and Electronics: Track-Ready Stopping Power

Brembo’s M50 radial caliper clamps down on a 320 mm floating rotor up front, delivering bite that’s both progressive and relentless. Even hard braking from triple-digit speeds feels controlled, aided by the Bosch 9M+ ABS.

The ABS’s party trick is its Supermoto mode (activated via an accessory dongle), which disables rear-wheel intervention. Want to slide the rear into corners like a dirt tracker? The Duke R obliges. It’s a nod to KTM’s off-road heritage and a feature that’s absurdly fun on backroads.

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Technology: Smarter Than Your Average Thumper

For a bike designed to be rowdy, the Duke R is packed with clever tech: - Ride-by-wire throttle: Eliminates abrupt power transitions, making wheelies manageable even for novices. - Twin ignition mapping: Tailors combustion for each spark plug, optimizing efficiency and throttle response. - Lightweight cast wheels: Reduce rotational mass for quicker acceleration and sharper turns.

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Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

The Duke R’s closest rivals are as eclectic as its personality:
1. Ducati Hypermotard 821: More power (109 hp) and Italian flair, but heavier (181 kg) and pricier. The Duke R out-handles it in tight corners.
2. Aprilia Dorsoduro 750: A V-twin alternative with a smoother powerband, though it lacks the KTM’s frenetic character.
3. Husqvarna 701 Vitpilen: Essentially the Duke R’s cousin, sharing the LC4 engine but with retro styling. Less adjustable suspension, though.

The Duke R’s USP is its combination of lightweight agility and single-cylinder simplicity. It’s a bike that rewards skilled riders but remains approachable for intermediates.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Owners of the 690 Duke R should prioritize:
- Oil changes: Use synthetic 15W-50 every 10,000 km (6,200 miles). The LC4 is robust, but clean oil is critical for the balancer shaft.
- Valve checks: Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles). Clearance is 0.07–0.13 mm for both intake and exhaust—a job best left to professionals.
- Chain maintenance: The X-ring 5/8 x 5/16" chain needs regular lubrication. Upgrade to a DID Gold series for longevity.
- Suspension servicing: WP components demand fresh oil every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).

At MOTOPARTS.store, we recommend:
- High-performance air filters (BMC or K&N) to unlock extra midrange grunt.
- Adjustable levers for personalized brake/clutch feel.
- Upgraded brake pads (EBC HH sintered) for track-day enthusiasts.

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Final Thoughts

The KTM 690 Duke R isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. It proves that a single cylinder can be sophisticated, that lightweight engineering trumps brute power, and that electronics can enhance (rather than sanitize) the riding experience. Whether you’re carving canyons, lane-splitting through traffic, or just craving a dose of two-wheeled rebellion, the Duke R delivers with a grin-inducing punch. It’s a bike that refuses to grow up, and we love it for that.

Ready to personalize your Duke R? Explore our curated selection of performance parts and turn this orange menace into your own asphalt assassin.

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Specifications sheet

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