1997
KTM 620 Duke - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 577557 |
|---|---|
| Category | Super motard |
| Make | Kawasaki |
| Model | 620 Duke |
| Year | 1997 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frontbrakes | Single disc |
|---|---|
| Rearbrakes | Single disc |
Engine & Transmission
| Coolingsystem | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 609.00 ccm (37.16 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | Single cylinder, four-stroke |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Power | 50.00 HP (36.5 kW)) @ 7250 RPM |
| Topspeed | 170.0 km/h (105.6 mph) |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain |
| Valvespercylinder | 4 |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Dryweight | 149.0 kg (328.5 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Powerweightratio | 0.3356 HP/kg |
| Seatheight | 880 mm (34.6 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
About KTM
Country of Origin:
Austria
Founder:
Hans Trunkenpolz (later joined by Ernst Kronreif)
Best Known For:
Off-road/enduro supremacy, Dakar wins, Duke/RC streetbikes, and READY TO RACE ethos
Company History
KTM evolved from a postwar repair shop into a racing juggernaut by treating competition as R&D. Lightweight two-strokes made the brand a force in motocross and enduro; later four-strokes and advanced electronics cemented dominance. Dakar Rally victories showcased reliability under extreme conditions and fed the Adventure lineup—bikes that balance long-travel composure with startling pace. On the street, the Duke and RC families brought razor geometry and punchy singles/twins to license tiers worldwide, while the 1290 Super Duke and Adventure pushed the IMU-aided edge of performance. Corporate agility—acquisitions, platform sharing with Husqvarna/GASGAS—expanded reach without blurring identity. Historically, KTM changed expectations for chassis feedback and electronics integration in dirt and on road, proving that orange-painted ferocity could also be precise. The brand’s throughline is simple: build light, communicate grip, and let riders go fast safely. Few companies have turned a color and a slogan into such a reliable proxy for results.