2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 vs 2017 KTM 690 Duke

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
Year20182017
Make ModelYamaha YZF 600 R6KTM 690 Duke
Dimensions
Seat Height850 mm / 33.5 in835 mm / 32.9"
Wheelbase1375 mm / 54.1 in1466 mm / 57.7"
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in192 mm / 7.55"
Height1095 mm / 43.1 in-
Length2040 mm / 80.3 in-
Width706 mm / 27.8 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-148.5 kg / 327.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity17.5 Litres / 4.5 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal / 3.1 Imp gal
Oil Capacity-1.7 Litres / 1.8 US qt / 1.5 Imp qt
Wet Weight190 kg / 419 lbs-
Performance
Max Power87.1 kW / 116.7 hp @ 14500 rpm54.4 kW / 74 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque61.7 Nm / 45.5 lb-ft @ 10500 rpm74 Nm / 7.5 kgf-m / 54.6 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Engine
Displacement599 cc / 36.5 cu-in690 cc / 42.1 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve
Bore x Stroke67 x 42.5 mm105 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio13.1;112.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionFuel injection with YCC-T and YCC-IKeihin EFI, Throttle Body 50 mm
IgnitionTCI: Transistor Controlled IgnitionContactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment
LubricationWet sump-
Lubrication System-Pressure Lubrication with Two Oil Pumps
Spark Plug-Inside: NGK LKAR9BI-10 Outside: NGK LMAR7DI-10
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-CBTX9-BS 12V, 8.6Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate slipper clutchAPTC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated, antihopping
Final DriveO-ring chainChain, 16:40
Gear Ratios-1st 14:35 / 2nd 16:28 / 3rd 21:28 / 4th 21:23 / 5th 23:22 / 6th 23:20
Primary Drive-36:79
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6-Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDeltabox aluminium frame with revised rigidity balanceChrome-moly steel Trellis frame, aluminum powder coated sub-frame
Suspension - Front43mm KYB telescopic forksWP Performance Systems Upside Down 4357
Suspension - RearKYB® piggyback shock, 4-way adjustableWP Performance System emulsion with Pro Lever Linkage
Rake24°26.5o
Trail97mm / 3.8 in-
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in135 mm / 5.3"
Wheel Travel - Rear120 mm / 4.7 in135 mm / 5.3"
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipersSingle 320 mm disc, Brembo 4 piston fixed caliper, Bosch 9M two channel ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 240 mm disc, Brembo single piston floating caliper, Bosch 9M two channelABS
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 - ZR17 M/C 58W TL
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17160/60 - ZR17 M/C 69W TL
Wheels - Front-3.50 x 17", cast aluminium
Wheels - Rear-5.00 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

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 - 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 vs 2017 KTM 690 Duke - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 and 2017 KTM 690 Duke?
The 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 uses Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2017 KTM 690 Duke is powered by Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 or the 2017 KTM 690 Duke?
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 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 or the 2017 KTM 690 Duke?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 has its own strengths, while the 2017 KTM 690 Duke stands out for greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.