Bikes

KTM Unveils 690 Enduro R At EICMA

KTM gives the big-bore enduro a revamp for 2019

November 6, 2018

Have no fear thumper fans, KTM’s heavily revised 690 Enduro R shows the commitment to the category.KTM North America

The KTM 690 Enduro R is an adventure bike stalwart. A favorite among its fans, with the death of the KLR650 it's one of the last of the breed for big single-cylinder adventure machines. However, it had started to show its age, especially compared to its Husqvarna 701 Enduro platform mate. And with the debut of the 790 Adventure, what was KTM to do with the 690? It answered that question at EICMA. Say hello to the new 2019 KTM 690 Enduro R.

The look is all new, including the suspension.KTM North America

Many of the changes bring the Enduro R, like the SMC R also debuted, in line with KTM’s Husqvarna cousins. The frame, for example, is shared with the Husqvarna, which is a chrome-moly steel trellis unit mated to a polyamide subframe. The seat height is actually lower than the outgoing model at 35.8 inches.

Noteworthy is the inclusion of the latest version of the LC4 liquid-cooled single motor. The engine is the same double-balancer 692cc liquid-cooled single found in the 701 Enduro, and we bet output is identical as well at a claimed 75 hp and 53 pound-feet of torque. With the new motor, there’s also the inclusion of the PASC slipper clutch, up/down Quickshifter+, Offroad and Street ride modes, cornering-sensitive motorcycle traction control (MTC), and cornering ABS with Offroad mode.

And the frame, engine, brakes, and electronics suite come from the proven 701 Enduro, itself based on the old 690 Enduro.KTM North America

The suspension, however, is all-new and different. The 690 Enduro R features the latest, fully adjustable WP Xplor suspension with separate damping circuits. This setup features 9.8 inches of travel, and KTM is claiming it’s best in market.

KTM 790 Adventure And 790 Adventure R First Look

The brakes are touted to be Brembo—as any enduro from KTM would require. Combined with the cornering ABS and Offroad mode, the 690 SMC R has the range to tackle a huge variety of riding conditions.

The news of this debut has us very happy at the office.KTM North America

Rounding out the changes are all-new, EXC-esque looks bring the Enduro 690 R in line with with rest of the orange off-road lineup, and offers a sharper, more angular take than its Husqvarna sibling. With the revised 690 Enduro R, KTM now features a full lineup of off-road weapons, seamingly well suited for anything the earth can throw at them. Full test coming soon.