Anatomy of a Rally Bike

Those of you following along with us here likely know that Don rode a KTM in the recent Morocco Rally. You also may have heard that he’s again running a KTM 690 in the Dakar rally in Argentina in January. However, what you may not know is just how special this bike is.

KTM 690 Rally

Notice that most of the bodywork is actually fuel tanks. The handguards look a little dodgy though.

While the bike is based on KTMs standard 690, when comparing the rally bike to the standard model, the differences, particularly if you begin looking beneath the surface, are striking.

From it’s carbon fibre skid plate, to the full WP suspension and 36l fuel capacity, this is a purpose built rally bike designed to compete in FIM Rally competition. It’s the very same machine ridden by Dakar front runners Marc Coma and Cyril Despres. Before you say “That’s it, I’m buying one, where do I pony up my $50,000?”, you’ll need an FIM license to get on the waiting list. This is also a very limited edition model, produced in sufficient numbers to meet FIM homologation requirements. You won’t find it at your friendly KTM dealer, in fact, there are only two of these bikes in North America!

After arriving in the shop at Duncan Motorsports, Don’s bike was shipped to Europe to allow Bernie to finish the prep work, then then off to South America. The bike has now arrived in Argentina, awaiting Don’s arrival.

With 70bhp and 57 ft-lbs of torque, we look forward to seeing Don ripping across the dunes on this baby!

 

Engine Type Single cylinder, 4-stroke
Displacement (cc) 654
Bore x Stroke (mm) 102 / 80
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Max. torque 69.5 Nm / 6000 rpm
Performance approx. 70 HP / 7500 rpm
Starter Electric starter
Transmission 6 gears
Carburetor Keihin FCR 41
Control 4V / OHC
Lubrication Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Primary ratio 36:79
Final drive X-ring 5/8 x 1/4″
Cooling Liquid cooled
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically
Ignition Kokusan DC-GP 93-59
   
 
   
Frame Chromium molybdenum, power coated
Handlebar Aluminium conified
Front suspension WP-USD 52 MA
Rear suspension WP-Monoshock
Suspension travel front/rear 300 / 310 mm
Front brakes Disc brake 300 mm
Rear brakes Disc brake 220 mm
Front/rear rims 1.6 x 21″ / 2.5 x 18″
Front/rear tires 90/90-21″ / 140/90-18″
Transmission ratio 16:44
Battery 12V / 8Ah
Wheelbase 1510±10 mm
Ground clearance (unloaded) 320 mm
Seat height (unloaded) 980 mm
Fuel capacity approx. 36 liters
Weight approx. 162 kg

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12 2009

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