Hey guys! KTM’s model line-up for 2010 will include this revised 690 Duke R which features a 7bhp power increase along with more mid-range torque. This new machine’s first appearance was scheduled for the Milan show next month, but we got some pictures for you!

Along with revised suspension and graphics, the power and torque upgrades are credentials for the new 690 Duke’s ‘R’ tag. These adjustments underline the fact that this machine is a serious middleweight animal.

Like the standard 690 Duke on which the R-model is based, the riding position is upright and comfortable. A slight lean to the bars sets you into an ‘attack’ riding position where either shoulder can be dipped into a corner. This is enough to make light work of the fantastic back roads around the Bay Area.

A big factor behind the Duke 690 R’s accomplished ride is its revised suspension. The WP forks have slightly softer springs than on previous models, but revised damping rates give them a supple action that provides all-telling feedback. The rear shock, meanwhile, retains the spring from the 654cc Duke.

KTM’s prowess at building strong, single-cylinder engines also comes to the fore with the Duke 690 R’s new motor. A 7bhp power boost for a 600cc supersport would be considered great, on a single, it’s close to incredible.

Careful development of fuelling and ignition maps led KTM to fitting a pre-determined three-way power-selector switch (hidden but accessible through the frame tubes). In ‘Standard’ mode the engine is so tractable in the lower revs it makes town work lurch-free. But tease the tach past 4500rpm and the engine snaps forward and keeps driving until just short of the 8000rpm redline. In ‘sport’ mode the KTM offers a more aggressive power delivery that gives the full snappy terrier effect. The third mode position, incidentally, is effectively a fun dampener, for wet or slippery conditions or novice riders.

Too bad we don’t have access to our old KTM 620 staffer, or else the shoot out would have been extraordinary! Stay tuned guys!

THE SPECIFICATIONS*
KTM 690 Duke R
Engine: Liquid-cooled 690cc single cylinder
Power (claimed): 71.4bhp
Torque (claimed): 50ftlb
Weight: 148kg (dry)
Seat height: 865mm
Fuel capacity: 13.5 liters
* Pre-production figures, subject to confirmation.

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Hey folks, this is Tony from Inline Performance Magazine again with an update on my Husky longtermer. The guys over at SME sent us yet another cool set of their rear axle sliders for my Husky SM610.

The cool thing about these sliders is that they replace the rear axle blocks which is one of the strongest mounting points on the bike. They also match the front sliders I installed a while back. If you take a spill, there won’t be a need to replace that swingarm! The set of front and rear Supermoto Axle Sliders is designed to protect your bike’s vital organs- as well as your axle nuts and fork bottoms.

And as the front set, all spacers and axle nuts are CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and anodized in your choice of Gold, Silver, Red, Black, Blue and Orange. The sliders are made from black Delrin and CNC machined. Everything is made and assembled in California using domestic materials. These retail for $44.95. Replaceable sliders are available: two pieces for $12.95 or four for $24.95.

Be sure to check them out here!

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What’s up people? The good folks at SME sent us a set of front axle sliders for the Husky today. Check them out!

All spacers and axle nuts are CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and anodized in your choice of Gold, Silver, Red, Black, Blue and Orange (for KTM). Stainless steel rods are machined in house for a tight fit. The sliders are made from Black Delrin and CNC machined. Everything is made and assembled in California using domestic materials. These retail for $44.95. Replaceable sliders are available: two pieces for $12.95 or four for $24.95.

Stay tuned guys! They also sent us a pair for the rear. Check back soon!

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What’s up people? Finally, after years, I am finally making another modification to the Husky. It really wasn’t my fault. Alex was riding it during the Motard Shootout, when the amber lens suddenly fell off. No dropping, no crashing. It just fell off. Unfortunately, before we could retrieve it, it was shattered by another bike.

Not bad, right? Gives the Husky an updated look. See you guys next time!

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What up! This week I got to ride the Husqvarna 610SM in our motard shootout. Look out for the full spread in our first annual print issue out last this year/ early next year! First off, let me say that this was my first time on this bike, as well as any sort of motard, ever! And I loved it!!! The riding style is totally different that what I am used to with sportbikes, but after about an hour or so, I was becoming quite comfortable with it. I tried to hang off a bit and the bike is so light it felt like it wanted to fall right over! After a while I started pushing it down under me into the corners and it responded well. This was a bit unusual for me to get used to, but once I did, it was a blast. I even tried to put my foot down like the motard guys, and while it definitely made me more confident, I don’t recommend you try it on the street, especially without the proper boots!

The Husky was also a very forgiving bike for me. Even though I had no clue how to ride it, the bike never asked too much of me and was always very responsive. The brakes are simply incredible, and that’s all I can say. It would be more than easy to do one finger stoppies. And since the suspension is basically dirt bike suspension, it give you a plush ride over all the cracks and bumps San Francisco streets are known for. I don’t know how I could live in the city and not ride a bike like this!

It had enough torque to pull me around, but this bike as well as most others, are made without the large rider in mind. It would need the rear shock re-done, and it would have to add a bit of power i.e. engine work to be able to pull my fat butt around better, but this bike is still pure joy. The only gripe I would have is the 2×4 plank of a seat. I know it’s a dirt bike and they are all like this. But my rear end is larger than most, and if I had this bike, I would be looking for some sort of aftermarket seats, especially for the urban streets. I will be looking to put one in my garage in the time to come! See you next time!

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