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2016–2019 · Naked Bike · Buyer's Guide
The Big-Single Corner Scalpel
The 690 Duke is built around one bold idea: a single cylinder doing the work most nakeds hand to two or more. The liquid-cooled 690 cc single makes 73 hp and 55 lb-ft. It sits in a steel trellis frame with an upside-down fork and a single 320 mm (12.6 in) front disc, all at a dry weight of 327 lb (148 kg). Ride-by-wire with engine maps, ABS and a slipper clutch come standard. That's a clear statement in the naked class: one big single, modern electronics and very little mass. Pure KTM.
On paper, everything here points to back roads and city streets. A 57.7 in (1,466 mm) wheelbase, 17-inch wheels and a light trellis frame are the classic recipe for quick direction changes and easy work in traffic. The chassis is also built with generous lean clearance. Easy single-cylinder maintenance and a deep aftermarket round out the picture. It's aimed at the experienced rider who wants a bike that talks back: someone who'd rather carve a twisty two-lane than cruise the interstate, and who wants KTM's directness in a light, manageable package. Small bike, sharp edges.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 55 lb-ft (74 Nm) |
| Displacement | 690 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinderMotorcycles With Single-Cylinder Engines → |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-17 |
| Wheelbase | 57.7 in (1466 mm) |
| Seat height | 32.9 in (835 mm) |
| Dry weight | 327 lb (148 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 gal (14 L) |
Equipment check
Drivetrain
Safety
Clutch slave cylinder failure (recall)
On 2018-2019 models, the bellow-style clutch slave cylinder gasket can become damaged, leading to clutch inoperability and difficulty shifting. A recall (NHTSA 21V-792) was issued for replacement.
Fuel tank leak at filler cap (recall)
On 2016-2017 models, fuel can leak from the filler cap area of the fuel tank, posing a fire risk. KTM issued a recall (NHTSA 17V-388) to address the affected filler-cap area.
Premature rocker arm bearing wear
Some owners report rocker arm bearing failure, leading to noisy top-end and potential engine damage. More frequent in earlier production; the 2016 update reportedly improved durability.
Fuel pump failures
Several owners have experienced fuel pump issues causing stalling or no-start conditions. The pump may need replacement.
Where this KTM 690 Duke pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the 690 Duke is actually built for.
Best fit of the three. It's a light, sharply styled single built for city traffic on weekdays and ridge roads on weekends, and the modern design stands out wherever riders gather.
Made for San Francisco Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard · Big Sur Coast Highway
A strong match. The light chassis, generous lean clearance and a 73 hp single are built for precision in the canyons, not for chasing straight-line numbers.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail Scenic Byway · Big Sur Coast Highway
A good match for skill-first days on tight Appalachian roads: light handling and a chassis built for feedback suit riders who work on technique more than raw speed.
Made for Tail of the Dragon · Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2012–2015
One Cylinder, Zero Filter
Compare to the previous model →If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this KTM 690 Duke. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
Successor · 2018
The Scalpel Hits Its Mark
About the same used price as this bike at 7 yr
Competitor · 2014–2017
Raw Twin, Weightless Handling
About the same used price as this bike at 9 yr
Competitor · 2018–2020
The Purist Café Thumper
About the same used price as this bike at 7 yr
Same Platform · 2019–2020
One Cylinder, All Corners
About the same used price as this bike at 7 yr
Compare it with every bike that shares the same spec or equipment.