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.