Is the KTM Duke 690 R a good beginner bike?
New riders may find the KTM Duke 690 R lightweight and nimble, and that's often lauded. But its powerful single-cylinder engine and quickness also make it intimidating to new riders. The motorcycle community is still debating whether a KTM 125 Duke is a good first bike or if it’s better suited to more experienced riders. Everything from the power delivery of the bike to its parts replacement and potential repair costs is at play here. Others say that it’s forgiving enough that it makes a great learning platform, while others say that it’s too much performance for novices to safely handle. We’ll take a look at how others view whether or not the Duke 690 R would make a good first motorcycle for a new rider or if it’s better for a more experienced rider.
Absolutely not. That’s way too powerful and twitchy if you’re just starting out. Work your way up with something smaller.
I began on a 690 R and loved it. If you just respect the power, you’ll be fine. If you’re smooth with the controls, it’s actually pretty forgiving.
It depends on the beginner. It could work if you are mature and you have good self-control. For most newbies, though, it’s probably a lot of bike.
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.
It's doable, but not ideal. The issue is that it’s easy to overextend yourself pretty quickly. You're in trouble if you have one whisky throttle moment.
I have taught a few friends to ride on my 690 R. And actually, it's great because it's so light and easy to maneuver at low speeds.
No way. Learn on a used Japanese 300-400cc bike. You will save money and be much safer when you are building skills.
If you absolutely promise yourself to take it easy for the first year, it could work. But how many of those beginners actually do th
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Discussions and Questions Is The Ktm Duke 690 R A Good Beginner Bike
Is the KTM Duke 690 R a good beginner bike?
10 January 2025 10:00
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