KTM has extended its souped-up 'R' nomenclature to the Duke 690 for the 2010 model year.
The bike is currently on display at the EICMA show in Milan, and features the orange frame specially reserved for the 'R series machines, as well as carbon mudguards, USD forks and a new orange rear damper spring.
KTM is claiming 70hp and 148kg for the Duke 690 R, and is powered by the legendary LC4 engine, which was totally revamped in 2007. The R will join the standard Duke 690 in KTM's line-up.
Another eye-catcher on the KTM stand is a "mature prototype" in the shape of the 350 SX-F Factory Racing, complete with fuel injection and a conventional rear suspension linkage - both missing from its current motocross bikes.
The 350cc displacement is the first in motocross, and carries the development signature of Stefan Everts, who has been managing the Austrian company's motocross campaign since he retired from competition.
The 350 SX-F Factory Racing will be ready for competition in 2010, but no date has been set for volume production - let's hope it's 2011.
Meanwhile, KTM is talking a completely different design language with a couple of 125cc concept bikes - "stunt" and "race" -- on display in Milan, which feature four-valve cylinder heads, liquid-cooling, fuel injection, DOHC and a modest peak power figure of 15hp.
The bikes are dripping with high-quality componenty, including WP suspension and Brembo brakes. There are latticed tubular steel frames. Again, no word on when production versions will go on sale.
Published : Thursday, 12 November 2009