KTM 690 Duke(Launch soon)
The Duke gets eighteen years old this year and the bike has returned with an all new livery that is just not restricted to the exterior. Duke which is famous for being the tool for the nutcases gets mature without losing on its wackiness. The 2012 690 Duke claims to have 90 percent changed. The engine capacity on the bike has been increased to a full 690cc which has been moved up from the previous 654cc and has a longer stroke. Power from the legendary LC4 engine now produces maximum power of 67bhp which is 5bhp more from the previous version and the fuel efficiency is also up by 10%. The Duke will also come with an optional ABS which will be equipped on the Brembo brakes. The electronic engine management system always gets optimum performance out of the ingenious LC4 engine. More advanced technology than ever is taken advantage of in 2012 for this purpose: Twin ignition with individual mapping for each spark plug ensures that the mixture is always burned effectively, irrespective of load and engine speed. And then genuine drive-by-wire, in other words electronically controlled throttle valve actuation without any mechanical linkage. So that the electronics always apply the power as perfectly and therefore smoothly as possible, above all on transition from throttle closed to throttle open. The light weight chassis and sharp handling makes Duke and ideal city bike and also a fun to ride machine, a fuel capacity of 13.8 liters might not sound good for a 690cc bike, but with its fantastic fuel efficiency it will appeal to the tourers as well.
Expect the bike to be here in India by the last quarter of 2012 and it will be imported via CKD route, there are chances that the bike might get manufactured along with the Duke 125 and 200. Expect it to be under the price range of around 6-7 lakh Indian rupees. This bike when launched will be a tough competition for the Kawasaki Ninja 650, Ducati 795/796 and the Triumph Street Triple.