2017 KTM 690 Duke vs 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 KTM 690 Duke 2017 KTM 690 Duke

Sport

Engine
Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve
Power
54.4 kW / 74 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
148.5 kg / 327.4 lbs
2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
87.1 kW / 116.7 hp @ 14500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
190 kg / 419 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20172018
Make ModelKTM 690 DukeYamaha YZF 600 R6
Dimensions
Seat Height835 mm / 32.9"850 mm / 33.5 in
Wheelbase1466 mm / 57.7"1375 mm / 54.1 in
Ground Clearance192 mm / 7.55"130 mm / 5.1 in
Height-1095 mm / 43.1 in
Length-2040 mm / 80.3 in
Width-706 mm / 27.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight148.5 kg / 327.4 lbs-
Fuel Capacity14 Litres / 3.7 US gal / 3.1 Imp gal17.5 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Oil Capacity1.7 Litres / 1.8 US qt / 1.5 Imp qt-
Wet Weight-190 kg / 419 lbs
Performance
Max Power54.4 kW / 74 hp @ 8000 rpm87.1 kW / 116.7 hp @ 14500 rpm
Max Torque74 Nm / 7.5 kgf-m / 54.6 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm61.7 Nm / 45.5 lb-ft @ 10500 rpm
Engine
Displacement690 cc / 42.1 cu in599 cc / 36.5 cu-in
Engine DetailSingle cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valveFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke105 x 80 mm67 x 42.5 mm
Compression Ratio12.7:113.1;1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionKeihin EFI, Throttle Body 50 mmFuel injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
IgnitionContactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustmentTCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Lubrication-Wet sump
Lubrication SystemPressure Lubrication with Two Oil Pumps-
Spark PlugInside: NGK LKAR9BI-10 Outside: NGK LMAR7DI-10-
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery CapacityCBTX9-BS 12V, 8.6Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchAPTC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated, antihoppingMulti-plate slipper clutch
Final DriveChain, 16:40O-ring chain
Gear Ratios1st 14:35 / 2nd 16:28 / 3rd 21:28 / 4th 21:23 / 5th 23:22 / 6th 23:20-
Primary Drive36:79-
Transmission / Drive6-Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeChrome-moly steel Trellis frame, aluminum powder coated sub-frameDeltabox aluminium frame with revised rigidity balance
Suspension - FrontWP Performance Systems Upside Down 435743mm KYB telescopic forks
Suspension - RearWP Performance System emulsion with Pro Lever LinkageKYB® piggyback shock, 4-way adjustable
Rake26.5o24°
Trail-97mm / 3.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front135 mm / 5.3"120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.3"120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 320 mm disc, Brembo 4 piston fixed caliper, Bosch 9M two channel ABS2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 240 mm disc, Brembo single piston floating caliper, Bosch 9M two channelABSSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 - ZR17 M/C 58W TL120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear160/60 - ZR17 M/C 69W TL180/55 ZR17
Wheels - Front3.50 x 17", cast aluminium-
Wheels - Rear5.00 x 17", cast aluminium-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 KTM 690 Duke

The 2017 KTM 690 Duke edges out the 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 thanks to its greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 KTM 690 Duke - Advantages

  • Larger displacement: 690 cc vs 599 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More ground clearance: 192 mm vs 130 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 135 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2017 KTM 690 Duke vs 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 KTM 690 Duke and 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6?
The 2017 KTM 690 Duke uses Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 is powered by Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 KTM 690 Duke or the 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6?
The 2017 KTM 690 Duke has the lower seat at 835 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 sits higher at 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2017 KTM 690 Duke or the 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 KTM 690 Duke has the edge in greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.