OTOR’s first bike test was a memorable one thanks to a memorable motorcycle. KTM have accrued more than 200 world championship titles, so racing is a part of their fabric. The competitive streak is firmly entrenched in their quality output and the 2012 690 Duke was their latest play at a winner…

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The 2012 690 Duke came to be as a result of KTM attempting to place a finger on the erratic pulse of the industry. For all the talk of small cylinder motors in emerging markets, the shift of emphasis and sales in Europe towards affordable, practical and multipurpose bikes indicates a slight regression to the original ‘roots’ of motorcycling: two wheels, a good engine and something to play with, as well as get you from A to B. When I clicked the sturdy and compact 690 into gear and rolled out of the hotel it was apparent within seconds that this is a bike that permits a wealth of expression.

For the first half an hour I found myself pushed up against the tank, elbows out and riding the thing like it was an off-roader. The character of the single cylinder engine probably helped with my self-delusion but it was only after a hefty quantity of kilometres and on some of the straighter, easy roads that I realised I could also happily sit back and cruise. The 690 flicks direction quickly and the repeated claims of KTM beating all rivals in the segment when it comes to weight-power ratio (dry weight of 149.4kg and 70hp) is immediately clear. For photos later on I pathetically tried to get my knee close to the road. A little later and I was tentatively dodging buses on a mountain climb. On the rare moment there was a stretch of clear asphalt then the mono LC4 begged for a bit of throttle abuse. Not once in this lengthy ride-out did I feel like the bike was objecting to any of my irregular riding habits or desires.