The Pounder

THE POUNDER

Big-bore dual-sport has never looked so aggressive thanks to KTM's new single-cylinder thriller, the 690 Hard Enduro. Think of it as a mix of the 690 Supermoto streetbike and the 950 Super Enduro, with major torque in an off-road-ready, street-legal package. KIM engi neers managed to shave 35 pounds from the SM version, bringing down the claimed dry weiqht of the $8798 machine to 300 pounds.

This isno warmed over SM model, though. A new tubular-steel trellis frame features WP suspension, while the 3-gallon fuel tank has been relocated under the seat to centralize mass. Power comes from the new-generation, fuel injected 653cc LC4 engine. The Hard Enduro is expected in dealerships by February.

Ryan Dudek