KTM 690 Duke 2018 vs. KTM RC 390 2014

KTM 690 Duke 2018

KTM RC 390 2014
Overview - KTM 690 Duke 2018 vs KTM RC 390 2014
The KTM 690 Duke 2018 and the KTM RC 390 2014 are both impressive motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Starting with the KTM 690 Duke 2018, it boasts a powerful engine with a bore of 102 mm, delivering 73 HP of engine power and 70 Nm of torque. This makes it suitable for everyday use and provides ample power for various riding situations. Additionally, it comes equipped with many technical aids, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride. The upside-down telescopic fork front suspension, branded by WP, provides excellent handling and stability on the road. The chromium-molybdenum frame adds strength and durability to the bike. The four-piston radial front brakes offer strong stopping power, giving the rider confidence in any situation. The dimensions and weights of the bike are well-balanced, with a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 160 mm, both with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1466 mm, providing stability at higher speeds, and the seat height is 835 mm, offering a comfortable riding position for most riders. With a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters, the KTM 690 Duke 2018 allows for longer rides without frequent refueling.

KTM 690 Duke 2018
On the other hand, the KTM RC 390 2014 has its own set of strengths. Despite having a smaller bore of 89 mm, it still delivers a respectable 44 HP of engine power and 35 Nm of torque. This makes it lightweight and nimble, perfect for maneuvering through traffic or twisty roads. The upside-down telescopic fork front suspension, also branded by WP, provides excellent handling and stability, similar to the KTM 690 Duke 2018. The chromium-molybdenum frame ensures strength and durability, just like its counterpart. The four-piston radial front brakes offer sufficient stopping power, although some riders have reported them to be spongy and weak. The dimensions and weights of the KTM RC 390 2014 are slightly smaller than the KTM 690 Duke 2018, with a front tire width of 110 mm and a rear tire width of 150 mm, both with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1340 mm, which may result in slightly less stability at higher speeds compared to the KTM 690 Duke 2018. The seat height is 820 mm, which may be more suitable for shorter riders. The fuel tank capacity is 10 liters, which is slightly smaller than the KTM 690 Duke 2018, requiring more frequent refueling on longer rides.

KTM RC 390 2014
In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 690 Duke 2018 may not be considered a "real" single-cylinder Duke by some riders, as it has a larger displacement of 690 ccm compared to the traditional single-cylinder engines. On the other hand, the KTM RC 390 2014 has reported weaknesses in its brakes, with some riders finding them spongy and weak. Additionally, the lean angle clearance for the race track may be insufficient for more aggressive riders. Lastly, the seat on the KTM RC 390 2014 has been described as stony hard, which may be uncomfortable for longer rides.
In conclusion, both the KTM 690 Duke 2018 and the KTM RC 390 2014 are impressive motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The KTM 690 Duke 2018 offers a powerful engine, suitable for everyday use, and many technical aids, making it a smooth and maneuverable ride. On the other hand, the KTM RC 390 2014 is lightweight, with sufficient power and a unique design. However, it may have spongy and weak brakes, insufficient lean angle clearance for the race track, and a stony hard seat. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and intended use of the motorcycle.
Technical Specifications KTM 690 Duke 2018 compared to KTM RC 390 2014
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
KTM 690 Duke 2018

Considering where the KTM Duke family once started, the 690 Duke is an incredible step forward. The engine is extremely refined and at the same time husky for a street-legal single-cylinder. Despite all the technology on board, it is still a very light motorbike and can almost be called a toy (in a good sense). Only its seating position divides opinions, because with the Duke 4 in 2012, the former supermotos became an almost tame naked bike with a front-wheel-oriented seating position. The advantage: everyday life and long tours should not be a problem on the current Duke.
KTM RC 390 2014

The RC390 has opened my eyes and I hope that there is a lot more to come with small displacement. Low weight still leads to the greatest enjoyment when riding a motorbike, although you can't do without a bit of power either. But the 390 somehow managed to inspire me with its 44 hp and to break me of my addiction to even more power. I'm going to build a small race track 2.5 km long with 14 bends and then there'll be a 1000PS RC390 Cup.
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 690 Duke vs KTM RC 390
There are a few key differences between a KTM 690 Duke 2018 and a KTM RC 390 2014. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 14. It takes less time to sell a KTM RC 390 with 65 days compared to 82 days for the KTM 690 Duke. Since model year 2008 1000PS.de editors have written 29 reviews for the KTM 690 Duke and 20 reviews for the KTM RC 390 since model year 2014. The first review for the KTM 690 Duke was published on 9/28/2007 and now has more than 14,800 views. This compares to more than 23,900 views for the first review on KTM RC 390 published on 11/4/2013.