KTM 690 Duke R 2015 vs. KTM 690 Duke 2012

KTM 690 Duke R 2015

KTM 690 Duke R 2015

KTM 690 Duke 2012

KTM 690 Duke 2012

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Overview - KTM 690 Duke R 2015 vs KTM 690 Duke 2012

The KTM 690 Duke R 2015 and the KTM 690 Duke 2012 are both powerful naked bikes with similar technical specifications. They both have a single-cylinder engine with 70 HP and 70 Nm of torque, a liquid cooling system, and a displacement of 690 ccm. They also share the same suspension setup, with an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and WP brand suspension at the rear. The chassis is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular frame. The front brakes have four pistons and use radial technology, with Brembo being the brand. Both bikes also feature the Ride by Wire advanced rider assistance system.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the two models are almost identical. They have the same front and rear tire widths and diameters, as well as the same wheelbase. However, there is a slight difference in seat height, with the 2015 Duke R having a seat height of 865 mm compared to the 2012 Duke's seat height of 835 mm. The fuel tank capacity is also the same for both models, at 14 liters.

KTM 690 Duke R 2015

KTM 690 Duke R 2015

The KTM 690 Duke R 2015 has several strengths compared to the 2012 Duke. It comes with top equipment and has a racing geometry, allowing for better performance on the track. The Duke R also has a higher lean angle clearance, making it more suitable for aggressive cornering. Additionally, the brakes on the Duke R are stronger and more responsive. The chassis on the Duke R is adjustable, allowing for customization to suit individual rider preferences.

On the other hand, the KTM 690 Duke 2012 has its own strengths. It is described as extremely fast yet smooth, providing a thrilling riding experience. The chassis is precise and manageable, making the bike very agile and easy to handle.

KTM 690 Duke 2012

KTM 690 Duke 2012

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 690 Duke R 2015 is said to be more uncomfortable in everyday life compared to the 2012 Duke. This could be due to its racing-oriented design and stiffer suspension. Additionally, the high seat height of the Duke R may be a disadvantage for shorter riders. As for the KTM 690 Duke 2012, it is mentioned that it takes some getting used to when driving bends in the road, suggesting that it may not be as intuitive or easy to handle in certain situations.

Overall, both the KTM 690 Duke R 2015 and the KTM 690 Duke 2012 are powerful and capable naked bikes. The Duke R offers top-of-the-line equipment and a more aggressive riding experience, while the 2012 Duke provides a fast and manageable ride. The choice between the two would ultimately depend on the rider's preferences and intended use of the bike.

Technical Specifications KTM 690 Duke R 2015 compared to KTM 690 Duke 2012

KTM 690 Duke R 2015
KTM 690 Duke 2012

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore102 mmBore102 mm
StrokeStroke84.5 mmStroke84.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power70 HPEngine power70 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque70 NmTorque70 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque5,500 rpmRpm at Torque5,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.6 Compression Ratio12.6
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders1Cylinders1
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
ValvesValvesRocker arm, OHCValvesRocker arm, OHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement690 ccmDisplacement690 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandWPBrandWP

Suspension Rear

BrandBrandWPBrandWP

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial
BrandBrandBremboBrandBrembo

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper
BrandBrandBremboBrandBrembo

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRide by WireAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRide by Wire

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width160 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,466 mmWheelbase1,466 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height865 mmSeat Height835 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 690 Duke R 2015

KTM 690 Duke R 2015

The 'R' picks up where the standard Duke leaves off, or reaches its limits. On the road, the difference will only be noticeable in a home track duel, but on the racetrack it becomes particularly clear. The decisive factors here are the brakes, the adjustable chassis and the lean angle clearance. The 30 mm higher seat automatically puts you in a front-wheel racing position, gives you more feedback from the chassis and puts more pressure on the brakes. The 'R' already has everything on board that you only get with the standard version via the Track Pack - and even more. Namely the fine suspension and the Akrapovic exhaust. In return, you have to make small concessions in terms of comfort in everyday use.

Top equipment

racing geometry

lean angle clearance

strong brakes

adjustable chassis

More uncomfortable in everyday life

high seat

KTM 690 Duke 2012

KTM 690 Duke 2012

The new Duke also has an insanely hard core. With the money saved - the new Duke is significantly cheaper than the old Duke R - with a little investment you can build a real KTM racing machine again and drive the Nippon racers to despair.

Extremely fast yet smooth

precise, manageable chassis

very agile.

Driving bends in the road takes some getting used to.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 690 Duke R vs KTM 690 Duke

There are a few key differences between a KTM 690 Duke R 2015 and a KTM 690 Duke 2012. It takes less time to sell a KTM 690 Duke with 50 days compared to 99 days for the KTM 690 Duke R. Since model year 2010 1000PS.de editors have written 9 reviews for the KTM 690 Duke R and 29 reviews for the KTM 690 Duke since model year 2008. The first review for the KTM 690 Duke R was published on 02/12/2009 and now has more than 23,900 views. This compares to more than 14,800 views for the first review on KTM 690 Duke published on 28/09/2007.

Price KTM 690 Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 690 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

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