Ktm 690 Enduro R
KTM 690 ENDURO R
IGNITION
FIRST RIDE
With bags and windscreen, this KTM would make a great ADV
Blake Conner
Even if you've been hiding in a cave for the past five years, you couldn't have missed the fact that ADV bikes are grabbing headlines. And as this segment sorts itself out, it seems that most manufacturers are biasing the machines' capabilities more toward asphalt than dirt.
Of course, KTM’s own line of Adventure motorcycles have set the bar for well-balanced machines with the 950, 990, and 1190 models. But for those who want to explore more demanding terrain without riding a 450-
500CC enduro, the 690 Enduro makes a lot of sense.
Think of the 690 as a fully modern and much better performing (and more expensive) Kawasaki KLR650. As delivered, the 690 Enduro isn’t quite ready for the long-distance ADV prime time thanks to its hard seat and lack of wind protection, but it has the potential to be an ideal lightweight off-highway-capable touring machine with just a few additions, starting with saddlebags and a windscreen.
As is, the 690 makes a good
SPECS
2014 KTM 690 ENDURO R
PRICE: $10,299
ENGINE: SOHC single
DISPLACEMENT: 690cc
SEAT HEIGHT: 35.8 in.
FUEL CAPACITY: 3.2 gal.
DRY WEIGHT: 28 Ib.
urban commuter that’s easily fast enough to hold pace on the highway—at least for shorter jaunts. Yet, at the same time, it can handle far rougher off-road terrain than any of the big adventurers.
At 328 pounds dry on the CW scale, and with a seat height almost 2.5 inches lower than the KTM 500 EXC’s, the 690 is easy to manage on tight single-track. The WP suspension, with almost 10 inches of travel front and rear, features 48mm fork tubes and a linked shock with highand lowspeed compression adjusters. Tuning blends good everyday comfort with controlled offroad composure.
Ride-by-wire with three power maps allows the rider to tailor output to the conditions. With 52 hp and 39.5 pound-feet on tap, it comes in handy. Switchable ABS (off-road ABS is optional) assists excellent braking performance, on road or off.
The KTM 690 Enduro R might not be ideal for crosscountry adventures, but it’s an excellent platform for multiday trips way off the beaten path a bit closer to home. CUM
