2018 KTM Duke 690,

Smooth criminal;

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Two decades ago, the original Duke was nothing short of revolutionary. KTM’s first single-cylinder street bike grew into a cult classic, adding extreme fun to a raw and radical concept. Today’s 690 DUKE stays faithful to its ancestor’s ways, but adds future-proof refinements: impressive smoothness, sophisticated electronics, improved ergonomics and tons of grunt. This firmly cements the world’s strongest single-cylinder production motorcycle at the cutting edge of engineering. Long live the Duke!

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• The brilliant LC4 showcases twenty-four carats of fun. With its powerful, lightweight single combined with a sophisticated electronic engine management , dual-spark ignition with plug-selective mappings and a second balancer shaft, the results are top refinement, a wide powerband and a full 54 kW (73 hp) of peak power.
• Engine: From the trademark 690 cm³ thumper, the engineers have extracted a whopping 73 hp (54 kW) and 74 Nm of torque, making light work of the equally lightweight 690 Duke. How it happened? They completely reworked the cylinder head, inserted an ultra light and extremely strong piston and connection rod, rerouted the air intake through a resonator chamber and provided the crankshaft with sleeve bearings. As a result, the powerband is a thousand rpm wider, which means an even more uniform power delivery, especially in the mid to high rev range. Twin ignition featuring plug-selective mapping, rock solid but featherweight internals and optimized intake and exhaust systems cultivate this massive mono to be as strong as it is smooth, assisted by an advanced ride-by-wire system, which guarantees great refinement as well as low fuel consumption and emission figures. You’re green, while they’re green with envy. And you haven’t even begun mentioning upmarket goodies like a standard slipper clutch.
• Cylinder head: Inside the cylinder head, the exhaust valves are actuated by roller rockers while the camshaft powers the intake valves. Therefore, the valve timings can be controlled with far greater accuracy. The result is more peak power over a broader rev range. Win-win!
• Second balancer shaft: In a free-revving firecracker like this, you want to smooth things out a bit. That’s why the LC4 serves a bonus balancer shaft, nipping annoying vibrations in the bud.