The clue is in the name. This is a 74-horsepower enduro motorcycle, a livid and crazy monster that blurs the landscape like no other. Simply put, the KTM 690 Enduro R is a trail bike with a steroid overdose and wants to be an experienced rider to take advantage of its full performance. .
It’s worth it? Again, for a niche product of this type, you need to have the right environments to exploit the Enduro R’s strengths.
For one, £9799 is expensive. On the other hand, compared to true off-road rivals, it is on par with competition-ready bikes, and the KTM has some convenient electronic aids for the rider in its arsenal, as well as authentic versatility. Array Another hooligan ride of the Austrians.
There is a thriving network of online forums at KTM.
Sharing many parts with the new 690 SMC R, KTM’s new 690 Enduro R is as special as its superbike cousin. In fact, a larger and more suitable suspension and off-road wheels are the really important changes.
KTM presents the Enduro R as a hybrid capable of driving miles of road and protecting itself on a variety of trails. You can mark this as a track-to-track weapon.
Our test route consisted of a 60-mile loop, 90% of which off-road, adding a combination of dusty trail testing, soggy dust and sandy parts as you go along the beach, and a handful of 80 mph open sections and much more. Technical challenges.
Mitas E-07 tires will come standard on the bike, but given the terrain at launch in Portugal, KTM has to install more suitable TKC Continental (coming to the motorcycle in US markets). UU. ).
Despite the more competitive tread pattern, the TKC detracted from its handling, and the Enduro R already proved its undeniable versatility in part of an hour in the saddle.
His slightly bulky manners and massive salad-avoidance messes only stood out when we attacked the deep sand, as the front tried to bury itself and tie up the chassis.
The Enduro R comes with an evolved off-road tractionArray that features a tilt-angle sensitive traction formula that acts on the throttle, smoothing delivery until grip is restored. It can also be disabled.
The Cornering mode of KTM’s ABS allows you to use the full force of its brakes in all conditions, even when you are inclined. In off-road mode, it acts on the front wheel, while cornering sensitivity is disabled. It can also be disabled.
The new LC4 engine is still a great mixer, but now more stylish thanks to a moment balance shaft and plenty of work on the cylinder head, adding a resonator chamber that balances pulses in the intake duct to smooth throttle response.
Find out more about KTM’s smoother 690 engine here.
While it’s hard to say at such an early stage, criticism of past incarnations would recommend something to worry about.
Our owners’ reviews of KTM 690 Enduro R 2019 show very positive reviews. There is no indication of underlying problems with the bike. However, KTM is well known for building reliable bikes, and some have electric gremlins that a dealer will want to repair. If you’re buying second-hand, be sure to check everything out.
For a motorcycle costing close to £10,000, it would be great to drive through a dashboard that doesn’t seem to have been hidden in a coin can since the 1980s. That said, the dashboard isn’t that important in an SUV. Focused device and traction is amazing.
KTM also gives more to its PowerParts range, which includes everything from service pit mats to exhausts, lever cover and more.
Trying to tame this 146kg piece while releasing its 74 horsepower is not a task for a green enduro rider. Even with the softest throttle, controlling your competitive delivery can seem like an intimidating waste battle.
But, like the SMC, the Enduro has been treated to a decent set of complex driving aids; Adding specially developed off-road traction that’s pleasant to use, allowing for a certain amount of rotation and slippage before subtly keeping things in line with an electronic intervention whisper.
The generation is far from foolproof to hard-fisted Neanderthals, but it works dreamily alongside a skillful right hand, just like off-road ABS, which must be kept as a spare accessory.
MCN first raced the original KTM 690 Enduro in February 2008, when it was part of a new LC4 engine from the 690 company.
Along with that, there’s a new 690 SMC supermoto and a road-oriented 690 Duke. Since then, it has undergone a series of modifications, before arriving at this model.
KTM 690 SMC R: Essentially the same bike as the Enduro, with some tweaks, the SMC R is the crazy version of supermoto. 2019 sees the latest-generation LC4 engine inserted into a modified chassis, with the added bonus of electronic riding aids and a quickshifter/blipper, and KTM claims that 65% of the motorcycle has the new logo.
I had the idea that this bike was going to be excellent, but for the money I’m disappointed and I wouldn’t have another KTM. I think they are all exaggerations without the substance.
Lots of laughter to walk on and off the road. The super comfortable motor provides scoops of power, handles much better in corners than I expected for such a bike. What’s up with that? The clocks are small and do not give much data; That’s all I can think of in my first 2 weeks/400 miles as an owner.
It’s a bit heavy and big for those under 5’10”, but it’s very exciting to drive, with a glorious engine and super smooth handling!It’s like a genuine adventure motorcycle anywhere in the world!I love it
It could be the bike I’ve had, comfortable on the road and an off-road beast overall. The Pirelli Scorpion rally works very well on this bike.
Yes, I would like