KTM has some lovely bikes at the EICMA show in Milan, and despite the economic crisis has turned up in all seriousness to display some fine models. The main news from KTM is the new Duke 690 R sports version of the standard model. It has a sensational 70 hp single-cylinder motor, the most powerful in this class, and equipping a rigid trellis frame.

It has light, 17-inch wheels and WP suspension, with TiAIN forks. The radial callipers, four piston Brembo brakes are a cut above the rest, and the bike is complete with carbon fibre mudguard and black tint. On this new bike, KTM says:

At the EICMA 2009, KTM, with the 690 Duke R, presents the most powerful single-cylinder of all times that is registered for the road – the just 148 kg-light motorcycle comes in at 70 hp. A sleek and sensationally agile chassis, fitted through and through with high quality components and the extremely purist sporty Duke style completes the latest LC4 model.

KTM models at EICMA

Continue reading: KTM Duke 690 R and SX-F 350 Factory at EICMA

Before the Tourist Trophy kicked off, MCN had a little ride around the Isle of Man to elect the sports bike of the year, 2009. In a test ride, it compared the KTM RC8 R, the Yamaha YZF-R1, the Aprilia RSV4 and the Triumph Daytona 675 SE.

In a previous test, MCN had voted the Yamaha R1 above the Aprilia RSV4 for its road versatility, though there were questions about whether the Aprilia would come in ahead of the R1 for track use.

While the Aprilia RSV4 has been a successful bike so far (and it’s only at the beginning of its career), according to MCN, the Daytona 675 Special Edition can be voted best sports bike for its reduced price tag. All the bikes have won something in MCN’s various tests so far, but the Triumph 675 victory may seem a little forced, unless you’re someone focusing on price. And if you are, at nearly half the cost of Aprilia, the Triumph makes a good case for itself. See the video for more.

Continue reading: Best sportsbike of 2009: Triumph Daytona 675

According to Motorcyclenews tester Trevor Franklin, the new KTM RC8 R is the best sports bike on the market.

Compared to the smaller RC8, the engine is more powerful with 1195cc and 170hp. The R version is also lighter in weight, with marchesini wheels, with suspension elements that can be used on the track as well.

Tests run on the Portimao circuit seem to prove the strengths of KTM’s engineers; could we be seeing a challenger to the Ducati 1198S? After the jump is the RC8R video on the Portimao track.

Continue reading: KTM RC8R challenges Ducati 1198 S on Portimao track