One of the wishes I have on my bucket list is to own a big bike before I hit 40. A long time ago (in the year 1997 to be exact), when I came back from Japan after finishing my studies, I wanted to cry looking at the price tag of big cc motorcycles in Malaysia. Due to all kinds of taxes imposed by the government, they are ridiculously expensive!! Probably, the most expensive in the world! (How ironic, big bikes are cheaper in Singapore than here??) With the fresh grad salary I was getting at that time, there was no way I could afford to buy one. If I want to purchase one, I have to choose between owning a big bike or a car. With family on the way, I had to choose the latter. With a car, I can ferry my family around.
Fast forward to the present time, only at the end of last year, I realized I still didn't fulfill this wish. I already have in my mind a few bikes within my budget to consider including Monster, Shiver, Versys, Dorsoduro, 800GS, Z800, and Street Triple. Finally, I chose KTM Duke 690. There are 2 types of Duke 690. A standard version and the latest one is the R-version which is just launched in September 2013.
KTM has been my dream bike since I bought MZ125SM in 2003. I still keep my old bike and our relationship lasted longer than my marriage :P I like Supermotard look and its riding position. KTM bikes used to be very expensive until they opened up a factory in Malaysia not long ago and Malaysians have the opportunity to purchase CKD (Complete Knocked Down) KTM Dukes with excise duty being exempted by the government. So, the price is slightly more affordable for people like me. Ohhh BMW... please open up a Motorrad factory here, so I can buy BMW 1200GS for my next bike....
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| KTM Duke 690 (Standard).... Nice bike! |
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| KTM Duke 690R (Racing).... Woweee!! What an amazing bike! |
At one glance they look similar to a modern street motard style bike and bright orange trellis frame (like Ducati) but there are several racing components that have been added up to the R version. KTM claimed this bike has the most powerful single-cylinder engine ever built. With less than 150kg in weight and with very powerful torque, Duke 690R is a very nimble and agile bike, the handling is top-notch. Suitable for daily commuting, swift between traffics like hooligan and weekend rides to enjoy twisties and turns at trunk roads. However, with only 70 hp, it doesn't have top speed, unlike 4-inline Japanese bikes. Riding on straight highways is kinda boring. For sure you are going to be left behind by other bigger horsepower bikes in motorcycle convoys on the highway.
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| New riding gears |
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| Komine stuff shipped from Japan |
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| Ernie helped ship it from Tokyo, thanks babe! |
Before I purchase the bike, I went to three different KTM dealers in Klang Valley. Motosing at Jalan Pudu is offering the best deal in town and they have dedicated staff who are attending to my requests and complaints during the purchasing process. Their financier Al-Rajhi Bank also offers the best auto loan for motorcycles available on the market.
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| Salesman & the mechanic |
The bike was ready in less than a month and I'm happy with the services I received from the dealer. The price of the bike was RM52,500 excluding insurance and road tax, only RM6,000 more expensive than the standard version.
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| The day I pick up the bike |
One of the highlights of the R version is the slip-on Akrapovic titanium silencer. Listen to the deeper bass sound exhaust below and it produces an extra 2 horsepower too. Nice huh?! ;)
Latest video after I removed the silencer. It sounds much better!!!!
KTM Powerparts came with the bike are ABS assisted Brembo brakes, Akrapovic slip-on titanium silencer, racing gear & brake levers, ergonomics KTM Powerpart seat scalloped to my bum, single seat cover, orange color crash cages, racing air filter, racing sprocket, anodized orange color triple-clamp, fully adjustable WP front forks and rear suspension, Galfer brake disc, lighter rims, lighter kickstand and many more. Which in total will cost up to twice more as the price difference between standard and R-version.
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| KTM Powerparts |
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| KTM Powerparts |
On top of all the racing components on R-version, the dealer gave me an RM5,200 free voucher to spend on KTM Powerparts. I blinged it up with additional accessories like KTM handguards, radiator grille, a sexy rear light with a shorter plate holder, orange color belly cover, windshield for touring, KTM anodized cover for hydraulic brake & clutch, orange color anodized engine screw cover, KTM rim stickers and tank bag & pad. And the result.... it's a wicked bike!!
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| Additional accessories |
I took it out for a ride to Putrajaya on Sunday, one day after I got the bike. I need a bonding period with the bike before riding it to the office in heavy traffics. Duke 690R is a kinda easy bike to handle even with stronger torque and picks up at mid-range. I just need to get used to it.
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| Space cop Gaban |
Ohhh yeah, this fella is a head-turner on the street. Especially, at the traffic lights. Kids in cars were waving at me. They thought I'm somewhat a Space Cop Gaban...hahaha.
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| A boy and his toy |
I like this picture the most. Look badass in that mirror-shielded helmet.
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| Sorry girls, I like riding it single-seater |
Based on reviews on the Internet, this bike doesn't have top speed. The maximum speed it can go on the highway is up to 190km/h. With powerful torque and a lighter body, it takes only 4.5 seconds to go from 0 to 100km/h. When I get on the bike it feels like handling a scalpel, unbelievably a specialized sharp tool. However, the engine is very rough at low rpm. Just have to play with the clutch but I like it, I like the vibration. Hope to break in the bike quickly, so that I can test its real performance.
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| Awesome machine |
The following weekend, I went up Genting Highland on a solo ride through the old trunk road to Genting Sempah-Awana-Genting Highland. Although the bike is great for city riding, this country road actually brings the bike alive. To my pleasant surprise, made it easy to do sharp turns and fast exits at every lap. I rode in attack position all the time. It has enough power to tap every time I twisted the throttle and I didn't feel tired at all. It was a great 2 hours trip KL-Genting-KL with a stopover at Awana for roti canai and teh tarek.
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| Asah tayar to Genting |
In my opinion, Duke 690R is a fun bike and ideal for daily commuting. Affordable price with all the racing components (I guess still far fetch for most Malaysians, my mum almost fell off the chair when I told her the price. She said with that price tag, I can buy a Perodua MyVi car. But driving MyVi is not as cool and fun as riding Duke 690R!). It has very strong torque but lacks of top speed (how fast can you ride in a traffic jam??). The body is slim and light, with an upright riding position and ABS brakes also incredible; 10,000km service interval and drive-by-wire lower fuel consumption. I have no regret about choosing this bike as my new babe...haha.
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| Genting foggy ride |
Some tips for newbies before you buy a bike. You gotta ask yourself what type of bike is your taste? How much horsepower do you need? (less experienced riders should start with a lesser power engine). What kind of riding position do you like? How much budget do you have? (If you are a beginner, buy a secondhand bike unless you got a better deal for a brand new bike especially many CKD bikes nowadays). How do you use the bike? Is it for weekend rides or daily commuting? Do you like speeding on the highway or riding on twisty roads? Do you like touring or venturing out off-road? Try sitting on a few bikes at the showroom and it is best if you can take it for a test ride. Get a friend to go with you to check if the bike suits your body and look. What I mean is if you are fat, don't go for a sport bike because your big belly will slam the fuel tank every time you hit the break. You should get an easy rider or a cruiser like Harley Davidson or a touring bike. Or if you are too short, don't go for a supermoto or dirtbike. You will be struggling to get on the bike. Whatever it is, don't make a rash purchase. Buying a new bike is an exciting endeavor. If you found the bike and fall in love with it, make sure you will enjoy owning it after the initial thrill fades. If you decided on Duke 690 Standard, don't ever look at Duke 690R because once you look at the 690R you will never go back to the standard version.
Nowadays on Duke 690R, I always take the long way to the office and this is exactly how I feel every day going to work... (this video was shot in Poland)
The strongest single-cylinder in the world!!
Make no attempt to emulate the riding scenes above.... you're right! :P
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| Tanah Aina in Raub |
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| Kuala Kubu Baru |
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| Bukit Ampang |
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| Bukit Ampang |
Comments
Hi Anonymous... I bought the tail tidy at KTM bike dealer where I bought my bike. If I'm not mistaken the price around RM700, roughly USD200.
No, before that... is there any 2nd hand 690 Duke R around~?
Try to settle with Duke 300 first. Eventually, you can upgrade to 690.
If you do not wish to upgrade your license to B Full, you can opt for Duke 200.
http://kawasakier6.blogspot.com/2014/11/in-coming-which-bike.html
So far no technical problem with the bike I can share.
any much difference in term of power btween 690 r and 690 r evo?.. currently i'm using Duke 690 CBU.. thinking of change my bike to 690 r EVO or ducati hypermotard/hyperstrada.. coz my current bike start to give one after another minor prob (milage >50k)
Its for daily use to office and weekend bike to karak & klawang as well.. luv to the big willie after exit corner..from ur opinion shud go for 690 r EVO or ducati hypermotard/hyperstrada?
If you ask me, I would buy hypermotard. Definitely it will cost more. And I hate the stock exhaust on Hypermotard, additional RM9k to change Termi exhaust. For long distance traveling, maybe you should consider Hyperstrada.
In term of vibration, it is pretty strong becoz Duke 690 is single cylinder. If you hate vibration, better not get this bike. But it is not a big deal to me. I'm okay with it.
Im from Indonesia and im having hard time looking for some aftermarket parts for my Duke 690R
May i know where you buy your aftermarket parts in Malaysia? I have friends than often come to Indonesia and i think easier if i ask for his help to buy for me
Thank you very much
I have a plan to buy this bike KTM Duke 690 for my husband b'day present. But I don't know that they have so many types. Such as 690R or Evo?! It makes me confused. Hehe... I hope that you can give me some opinions. We staying at KL but my husband work at S.Alam. He ride everyday with his LC bike (I bought it since 2012 for him). I think, now is the good time to buy a new bike for him. As a surprise present. I know that he like this KTM Duke so much. I hope that I can find one and with a good price
Anyway, back to your question on Duke 690. My advice is just buy the highest spec Evo which come with full system Akrapovic. Slightly more expensive but not much different from R version I believe. If I am not mistaken the 2016 model come with colorful TFT display panel and changing the riding mode can be done easily with a switch on the handle bar. But if you don't mind the old models, you can always get good deals at www.mudah.my for model year 2014. Hope my answer helps you.
So do you still have and ride your Duke 690?
How has the maintenance and reliability been these last few years?
I've been considering to buy a low mileage used one...
Yes, I still keeping & riding the same bike for 4 years now. Some of the issues I encountered...
1. Rear brake caliper jammed. Fixed by the KTM service center while under warranty.
2. Rocker arm jammed and scratched the camshaft. I have to replaced both. Heard it is common issue with this model.
3. Brembo braking system was stolen. After i got it replaced, I cemented all the nuts & bolts including handle bar to prevent it from getting stolen again.
4. Gasket leaking and radiator coolant got into the engine. I have to overhaul the engine and replace some of the component. This is very rare but hard luck, it happened to me.
5. Losing a few screws due to vibration.
Hope that answer your question.
Scary also lor. LoL
Especially the rocker arm issue. Heard about it too. If no more under warranty, then it will cost a bomb to repair, I suppose...
Anyway, whatnks again for your insight.
Does the engine run hot (especially in traffic jam)?
*I have a Duke 390, and it runs very hot when in slow traffic and stopping at traffic lights. Plus the radiator fan blows hot air unto my calves and thighs.
I was wondering if the Duke 690 have this issue too.
If rocker arm only, not that expensive la. I didn't notice the rocker arm jammed, so I just ramming the throttle as hard as I could. Until I sent for service, the mechanic listened to the engine, he said something is wrong and he suspected the rocker arm. Unfortunately, it already scratched camshaft.
And yes, the radiator fan blows to my thigh. If i have to stop longer at the traffic lights, normally I will switch of the engine. No big deal to me.
I use it for quite a while n found out that most ktm model i think n heard that temp can easily go high expecially when in traffic,my bike no exeption so luckily last owner has change samco hose n high quality coolent for cooling down engine better....its help but not so much....
The last owner also mention most that use motorex engine will counter arm rocker problem....he did to b4 n now change to ipone full katana which is better n smooth....i do feel soft on gear shifting.....he have the bike for 6 years already n have experience but please dont fully trust me or him.....mayb he was luck not so damage happen to bike....by the way motorex oil is the recommended by ktm right....for me its might true maybe not what he say.now im using ipone oil n so far so good....ill see 1-3 years of use n how it cope.u guys can go to youtube n see how well ipone engine oil protect the engine...do your research k as im also new n doing my own research....
Nak bagi pandangan ckit ni.. Pnh x try kluarkan termostat? Fungsi dia.. To keep the enjin warm or at optimum temperature.. In this case, the enjinnis too hot.. Tapi cuba la tny pomen, dorg lebih pakar
2. Enjin oil.. Sy pnh baca artikel dari co. pengeluar myk enjin. Just nak paham pasal benda ni. Yg sy paham myk fully sintetik dia lebih tinggi heat tolerance berbanding semi n mineral. N fully sintetik racing lagi la tinggi heat tolerance. Maksudnye yg tinggi heat tolerance ni klu temperature tinggi dia still blh bagi pelinciran. Yg sy paham la.. Klu salah mntk maaf
N the reason why i like KTM DUKE 690..
1. Ringan (handling senang)
2. Sy suka layan kona (bukan baring sgt pon... ;P)
3. The power is enuf for me.. Laju sgt sy x brani!
Tapi.. If i do buy this KTM (not sure when) i will surely take the termostat out. Coz too much heat can coz a lot of prob! Especially to my thigh.. Pnh try bwk panigale 1x, baru 200m sy dah kelam kabut nak pulangkan moto tu.. Heat from the radiator is flowing to my thigh as i rode it.
Aa.. Duke 690 ada rasa panas masa on the move ke?
Tak pernah keluarkan thermostat. Apa yg saya tahu, thermostat adalah satu komponen yg penting dlm liquid cooling system. Fungsi dia memastikan engine mencapai suhu ideal utk operate dan maintain suhu optimum dlm semua operating condition. Ada thermostat atau tidak... enjin Duke690 ni akan tetap panas. Bila berhenti lama semua big bike mmg panas kat celah kelangkang sbb radiator fan blow, kecuali R1200GS sbb radiator fan dia blow ke tepi. Kalau bergerak, takde masalah.
Semua minyak enjin saya guna fully sintetik. Motorex mahal sgt, skrg saya pakai ipone, murah dan sesuai dgn KTM.
Duke 690R ni best layan jalan bukan highway. Masuk highway... mmg tak best.
All the best, I hope your dream comes true to buy this bike.
tgh survey survey antara Ketam dgn Hypermotar 796.
tgh survey survey antara Ketam dgn Hypermotar 796.
Boleh dptkan contact number, kita berwhatsapp aje boleh?
Teruja nak dptkan duke r 690 ni. 😁
FYI, I don't have this bike anymore. I sold-off my bike last year and my wife sold-off her bike early this year. Now I only have R1200GS and 2 small scooters. Due to Covid19 I rarely got the chance to ride.
Nevertheless... Duke 690R is a fantastic bike. It got its own character. Now the price has become cheaper with a newer 790 & 890 coming into the market.
If you like a supermotard kind of bike... go for it. ;)
KTM Duke 690 R 2017:
KTM Duke 690 R 2017