Discussions and Questions - KTM Duke 690 KTM Duke 690
Can the KTM Duke 690 R be used for long-distance touring?
10 January 2025 10:00
I hated touring on mine and tried it. So I sold it and got a proper adventure bike. The 690 R is one that’s best to leave as a fun second bike.
Is the KTM Duke 690 R a good beginner bike?
10 January 2025 10:00
I would call it a terrible first bike. It’s not the power; it’s the maintenance. A new rider should not be wrenching; they should be learning how to ride.
And is the KTM Duke 690 R really all that it's hyped up to be on twisty roads?
10 January 2025 10:00
There is real hype, but not without caveats. If you value handling over speed for its own sake, it's an amazing bike. You will just have to be prepared to do more maintenance.
What is the everyday riding comparison between the KTM Duke 690 R and the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto?
10 January 2025 10:00
If you live somewhere with lots of potholes or occasional dirt roads, the 701 is great. But the Duke is probably the better all rounder otherwise.
Why is the KTM Duke 690 R so unreliable?
10 January 2025 10:00
The concern about reliability is overblown. Yes, it requires more care than a Japanese bike, but it’s nowhere near the nightmare some people seem to make it out to be.
What is your best memory with a KTM Duke 690?
10 January 2025 07:45
My most memorable experience, honestly, was just commuting through heavy traffic. The nimbleness of the 690 had me feeling like I was cheating when it came to city riding.
What would you like to see if KTM brought back the 690 Duke in 2026?
10 January 2025 07:45
I think it would be nice to see a bit of aero elements added, like small winglets. It will make it look more aggressive and modern and help high-speed stability.
What is the most ridiculous mod you have seen on a KTM Duke 690?
10 January 2025 07:45
I've seen a 690 converted to electric power, and that was the craziest mod I've seen. That thumper engine lost all the charm, but it was a cool engineering project.
What's your KTM Duke 690 low-speed fueling fix?
10 January 2025 07:45
I just learned to live with it. After a while you get used to the bike's character, and you can work around the jerkiness. It's part of the 690's charm!
Is the KTM Duke 690 a bike worth buying in 2025?
10 January 2025 07:45
That depends on what you need. As visceral a riding experience as you'll find, the 690 is still hard to beat if you're after something really raw. Also, they are a good value these days, used.
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