KTM 690 Duke (2012-current)

With the 2012 Duke KTM have made a bike that can give an experienced rider the thrill they are looking for whilst being a more usable package with a broader appeal to a wider spectrum of riders than the previous version. The Duke is spot on for commuting and hammering down twisty country roads, where bigger, more powerful bikes would struggle. If you want a pure, no-nonsense bike, the 690 Duke should be top of your list.
The twin spark single cylinder engine is impressive, just under 70bhp and 70NM of torque are more than enough when the Duke only weighs 150kg. The low and mid range torque make the Duke great fun through town and powering between bends on twisty back roads. It's even fine at motorway crusing speeds, with minimal vibrations.
Thanks to the small dimensions and low weight the Duke handles incredibly well. It can be flicked into corners with ease and has no problems holding a line. Find a twisty back road and take great pleasure in destroying sports bike riders.
The KTM Duke has historically been an uncompromising hooligan weapon, but for 2012 it has been tamed a little with the inclusion of ABS and switchable riding maps. The ABS works excellently, giving more confidence on the brakes and getting you out of trouble. As standard there are three riding modes, with another four which can be custom mapped to suit your needs. Basic compared to some other electronics-laiden bikes of today, but spot on for the little Duke.

Specifications

Top speed	mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Max power	67 bhp
Max torque	70 ft-lb
Weight	150 kg
Seat height	835 mm
Fuel capacity	13.8 litres
Average fuel consumption	56 mpg
Tank range	160 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	of 17

Engine size	690 cc
Engine specification	Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignition engine, liquid-cooled
Frame	Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated
Front suspension adjustment	WP Suspension 4357
Rear suspension adjustment	WP Suspension 4618 EM with Pro‑Lever linkage
Front brakes	320mmdDisc brake with radially mounted four-piston brake caliper; floating brake disc
Rear brake	240mm disc brake with single-piston brake caliper, floating
Front tyre size	120/70 ZR 17 (58W)
Rear tyre size	160/60 ZR 17 (69W)