Buzz
- The 2015 Duke 690R is priced around 330 million VND compared to the 2020 Duke 690 variant priced at 530 million VND (excluding taxes).
- Front and rear ABS, electronic ignition system, and electronic throttle are standard features.
- This bike boasts an incredibly light weight of just about 150kg.
- Utilizes upside-down front forks with a travel of 150mm.
- Powered by a 1-cylinder engine, with a displacement of 690cc and power output of 69 horsepower.
This 'R' version was priced around 330 million VND back then, while the current price of the 2020 Duke 690 stands at a suggested 530 million VND for the standard variant and 580 million VND for the Duke 690 Enduro 2020. Due to the significant investment required to own it, this naked bike is quite selective in its ridership.
Both the front and rear rims measure 17 inches. The bike employs single discs both at the front and rear, with specifications of 320mm and 240mm respectively. The front suspension utilizes upside-down forks with a 150mm travel, offering riders a solid experience on rough terrains.
The bike has a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters, and the manufacturer recommends using gasoline with an octane rating of 95 or higher.
The bike's seat is divided into two separate sections made of high-quality material compared to the standard version, with a seat height of 865mm. From what I've seen, this naked bike is quite tall. If you're 1.8 meters tall, you can ride comfortably without worrying about tiptoeing too much. However, for those around 1.65 meters tall, it might be a bit of a dilemma to own it. The rear seat doesn't differ much in height compared to the front seat.
The seamless rear end, along with the high ground clearance, embodies the style of a true dirt bike. The owner has added a luggage rack for added convenience in carrying belongings.
In terms of the engine, the bike is equipped with a 1-cylinder, 690cc liquid-cooled engine. It boasts a maximum power output of 69 horsepower, whereas the 2020 Duke 690 variant reaches up to 74 horsepower. The 2015 Duke 690 R comes equipped with a factory-fitted full-system Akrapovic exhaust.
The vehicle is equipped with technologies similar to the standard 2015 version, such as front and rear ABS, electronic ignition system, and Drive-by-wire throttle. Compared to the 2015 version, the 2020 model has seen many technological advancements, including increased engine power, handlebar vibration damping, rear wheel slip control system, bi-directional quickshift, LC4 engine, improved fuel efficiency, and overall better performance.
In terms of experience, I find this dirt bike style very exciting. As far as I know, KTM typically produces bikes with low RPM but high speed capabilities. The Duke 690 R meets the need for high-speed road riding. It's also capable on rough terrains due to its high ground clearance. However, the one thing I don't particularly enjoy is the sound of the single-cylinder exhaust.
What impresses me is that the bike, with just a single cylinder, boasts a displacement of up to 690cc. It's quite tall and truly embodies the dirt bike style. What do you guys think about this bike? Let me know in the comments below, and don't forget to like and share to support me in creating more informative videos and articles.
