KTM 690

2008 KTM Stunt Concept and 2008 KTM MotorcyclesPhotos Copyright H. Mitterbauer.  Used with permission.

KTM presented three newly-developed single cylinder motorcycles, the 690 Duke, the 690 Enduro and the 690 SMC at the recent Paris innovations fair, the Mondial de deux Roues.

KTM also presented a super-cool concept bike, the Stunt 690.  All of these new KTM's with the 690cc engine constitute the LC4 family for the 2008 model year for the company, which is now Europe’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer.

Following the successful entry into the market of the KTM 690 SM as the first model of the latest LC4 single cylinder generation in the spring of 2007, the Austrian brand has reinforced their single cylinder products with these three completely revised models. 

KTM says that the LC4 690cc engine is "the world’s most modern series single cylinder engine", and the 690 Duke, the 690 SMC and the 690 Enduro all illustrate KTM’s strategy of bringing racing heritage to powerful, light and expressive street bikes.

As the successor to the legendary Duke, which could be considered as the progenitor of the "fun bike" segment 13 years ago, the 2008 690 Duke is in full possession of the cult-bike genes from the Mattighofen, Austria factory. 

The 690 Duke, with 65 hp and an ultra modern street chassis, is much more mature than the original.  Thanks to its ready-to-ride weight of just 148 kg, the 690 Duke should be a blast in the city or on the open road. 

And those who want a hotter asphalt riding experience may find the ideal ride in the 690 Super Competition, which will become available in early 2008. 

Through light modifications and a new exhaust system for the 654cc fuel injected motor, the SMC will weigh only 139 kg and with 62 hp, it should offer a pretty incredible mix of ready-to-race Supermoto and everyday enjoyment.

2008 KTM 690 SM-R
As well as the fascinating new LC4 engine innovations, KTM is also exhibiting the new 690 SM-R in Paris for the first time.  In the best R model tradition, the extremely conspicuously-styled, single cylinder all-rounder for the model year 2008, with its numerous visual and technical features, represents the premium variant of the successful 690 SM (Supermoto). 

KTM Stunt 690
KTM is also presented an unusual concept study at the fair in the Stunt 690, which has both outstanding looks and great potential for opening up a new market, should they decide to produce it.

Created by KTM’s chief designer Gerald Kiska, the radical freestyle motorcycle not only looks to the future but is also a two-wheeled expression of today’s urban lifestyle. 

Driven by the LC4 tuned for maximum torque at low revs, the Stunt 690 also features a newly developed single-sided swing arm while a whole range of special parts from the unique trick motorcycles come from the current KTM PowerParts catalogue. 

Series production of the Stunt 690, which is a playful trade fair expression of the current LC4 generation, is not planned at this point in time, so send your emails to KTM and let them know how you feel about this cool new concept!