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ADV BikesKTM Adds a Little ‘Adventure’ to the 2019 KTM 690 Enduro R

KTM Adds a Little ‘Adventure’ to the 2019 KTM 690 Enduro R

Key changes slide the 690 a little more toward the adventure side of the scale.

Published on 11.07.2018
News of the production Yamaha Tenere 700 and KTM 790 Adventure have grabbed most of the attention at this year’s EICMA show, but the launch of a new generation KTM 690 Enduro R might just get adventure riders heads turning. The 690 Enduro R gets major revisions for 2019 that help improve its dirt/street versatility as KTM targets riders looking for a longer-range Enduro machine.

Back in the early 2000s, there used to be two LC4 models – the KTM 640 Enduro and the 640 Adventure. When the 690 Enduro R arrived in 2009, it was assumed a 690 Adventure would follow soon after that would include a luggage rack, larger fuel capacity and windscreen tacked onto the Enduro’s chassis. After years of waiting the 690 Adventure never came, and eventually fans of the old 640 Adventure gave up hope. But the interesting thing is, KTM has slowly been moving their 690 Enduro more towards the ‘Adventure’ spectrum.

It started with dropping the original 690’s suspension travel from nearly 11 inches down to a more seat height friendly 9.8 inches, putting it closer in range to an Adventure Bike than a full-on Enduro. Now after key updates were announced for the 2019 690 Enduro R, we can see KTM has slid the scale a little more toward ‘Adventure’ yet again.

2019 KTM 690 Enduro-R-dual-sport=motorcycle


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2019 KTM 690 Enduro-R-dual-sport=motorcycle

Updates like a more balanced motor will make the 690 Enduro less vibey and more enjoyable to ride on the highway. Fuel capacity was bumped from 3.2 to 3.6 gallons, which should give the 690 Enduro just enough range to travel around 160 miles between fill ups (not far off the range of a thirsty carbureted KTM 950 Adventure). Additionally, KTM claims to have performed a chassis modification that dropped the seat height, making it even more approachable for adventure-style riding.

The 2019 KTM 690 Enduro R also gets new electronic gizmos that are typically found on adventure bikes like lean-angle sensing ABS and a Quickshifter. But KTM hasn’t just enhanced rideability on the street. They’ve also made improvements for the dirt. The 2019 KTM 690 Enduro got its suspension upgraded with WP XPLOR forks and shock, originally developed for the EXC “Enduro” models.

The KTM 690 Enduro R still has a long way to go before it’s a full-bore Adventure Touring Bike out of the box. A little help from the aftermarket is still required to get it ready for longer journeys. But with the new updates, this gets Adventure Riders a little closer to that KTM 690 Adventure they’ve been waiting for. Read on for more details about what’s changed on the 2019 KTM 690 Enduro R below.

2019 KTM 690 Enduro-R-dual-sport=motorcycle

2019 Update Details

With the announcement of serious revisions for 2019, the popular dual-sport unites tarmac and trails like never before and is positioned for riders looking for a long-distance Enduro machine with addictive performance that also benefits from advanced electronic systems.

At its heart beats the new LC4 engine with more power and torque – 74 hp and 73.5 Nm – but this comes complete with refined delivery; improved smoothness, response and efficiency. In addition, the bike receives better suspension, a new chassis, a bigger tank and an array of technology-leading electronics.

2019 KTM 690 Enduro R Highlights

  • NEW Dynamic LC4 single-cylinder engine with less vibration and more power featuring electronic fuel injection, Ride-by-Wire technology, dual balancer shafts, PASC slipper clutch and 6-speed gearbox.
  • NEW styling based on the EXC family for a more aggressive look and enhanced ergonomics.
  • NEW chassis for optimized rider feel and control with a lower seat (910 mm / 35.8 in) while keeping the same suspension travel.
  • Fully-adjustable WP XPLOR suspension with separate damping circuits and 250 mm (9.8 in) of travel for the best offroad suspension on the market.
  • Cylinder head with dual ignition featuring individual timing control for optimal combustion.
  • Stainless steel exhaust with catalytic converter.
  • Ultra-light chrome-molybdenum trellis frame.
  • Self-supporting polymer rear fuel tank.
  • High quality Brembo braking system combined with lightweight waved discs.
  • Technology-leading Cornering ABS with Offroad mode (to disengage rear ABS) for hard braking under all circumstances and the Quickshifter+ for smooth clutchless shifting.
  • Motorcycle traction control (MTC), motor slip regulation (MSR) and Street and Offroad ride modes that can be switched directly from the handlebars for controlled power delivery.

2019 KTM 690 Enduro-R-dual-sport=motorcycle

2019 KTM 690 Enduro-R-dual-sport=motorcycle

According to the orange marque, the evolution of the KTM 690 Enduro R has meant retaining everything that was good about the previous model and building on that. Under the new seat and fresh bodywork – both sharpened for style as well as better movement on the bike – is an all-new chassis. Designed to be more confidence-inspiring and better suited to tackle everything from easy trails to extreme offroad obstacles as well as being a competent street bike. Complete with an enlarged fuel tank capacity, this revised dual-sport increases the range of trails you can ride to from home without a need to trailer or van it.

The revised machine also comes equipped with lightweight, CNC milled hubs mated to high-end 21″ and 18″ rims fitted with Mitas E07 tires. At either end of the KTM 690 Enduro R are fully adjustable WP XPLOR suspension that offers a level of control usually only seen on competition offroad bikes, while keeping things planted on the street.

2019 KTM 690 Enduro-R-dual-sport=motorcycle

Specially adapted from the KTM EXC range, the WP XPLOR fork provides a split-damping system and is bolted to the main chassis’ lightweight sections of top-quality chrome-molybdenum steel tubes via highly rigid and forged triple clamps. The WP XPLOR shock absorber, connected to the single-piece cast swingarm by linkage, produces a progressive suspension character and high resistance against bottoming out.

The new KTM 690 Enduro R is also more sophisticated than ever. Equipped with an array of top-level electronic systems, including lean angle sensitivity to braking and traction functions, it also boasts two different ride modes – Street and Offroad. These can be switched from the handlebar to provide different behavior from the throttle response and traction control systems.

Offroad ABS allows rear wheel lock-up and reduced ABS on the front wheel while motor slip regulation (MSR) is an engine brake control designed to prevent rear wheel lock-up – even on low grip surfaces – perfect for street riding. The addition of the Quickshifter+ produces effortless, clutchless up and downshifting through the 6 speed transmission – perfect for when charging down a familiar section.

2019 KTM 690 Enduro-R-dual-sport=motorcycle

KTM 690 Enduro R Specifications

Engine Type: Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, SOHC
Displacement: 690 cc
Bore/Stroke: 105 / 80 mm
Starter: Electric; 12V 8.6Ah
Transmission: 6 Gears
Fuel System: Keihin EFI, 50 mm Throttle Body
Lubrication: Pressure Lubrication, Two Oil Pumps
Cooling: Liquid Cooling
Clutch: PASC Slipper Clutch, Hydraulically Operated
Ignition: Keihin EMS with Ride-By-Wire, Dual Ignition
Frame: Chrome-moly Steel Trellis
Subframe: Self-supporting Plastic Tank
Handlebar: Aluminum, Tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
Front Suspension: WP USD Ø 48 mm
Rear Suspension: WP Monoshock with Pro-Lever Linkage
Suspension Travel Front/Rear: 250 mm / 9.8 in; 250 mm / 9.8 in
Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 300 mm / 240 mm
Front/Rear Wheels: 1.85 x 21”, 2.50 x 18”
Front/Rear Tires: 90/90-21”; 140/80-18”
Steering Head Angle: 27.7º
Wheelbase: 1,502 mm ± 15 mm / 59 ± 0.6 in
Ground Clearance: 270 mm / 10.6 in
Seat Height: 910 mm / 35.8 in
Tank Capacity: 13.5 l / 3.6 gal
Dry Weight, Approx: 146 kg / 321.9 lbs
US Availability: End of February
MSRP (USD): $11,699

Photos by Mitterbauer H.

Author: ADV Pulse Staff
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53 Comments
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Jake Murray
Jake Murray
November 7, 2018 11:44 am

Where’s this bike stand in relation to the Husqy 701? It seems to be very similar but slightly gentrified.

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
November 7, 2018 12:01 pm
Reply to  Jake Murray

From what we’ve seen, the Husky did not receive the same updates (e.g. tank, smoother engine, electronics, revised chassis, etc) for 2019. Previously the 701 had a bigger tank than the 690 but with the new change you get .2 extra gallons with the 690. Nevertheless, these bikes are still fairly similar.

Jake Murray
Jake Murray
November 7, 2018 12:06 pm
Reply to  ADV Pulse

Thank you! It’s not an easy decision at all now: that’s my kinda problem! 🙂

justin regan
justin regan
November 8, 2018 12:55 pm
Reply to  Jake Murray

To put it simply, this new 690 will be better in literally every way minus losing 25mm suspension travel or if you just hate electronic rider aids. But for that travel loss, it gains WP Xplor forks which are miles better than the 4CS per reviews I’ve read.

Will
Will
January 2, 2019 2:28 pm
Reply to  justin regan

The KTM had the open chamber forks which are good. The enduro guys are saying the new explorer fork isn’t so good, needs more work. Loosing 25mm of travel is a big deal. Adventure guys seem to be obsessed with touching the ground flat with both feet at the cost of suspension and ergonomics. Don’t get it . If you’re not good enough or a midget to ride a full sized bike get a crf250l or a scooter !

Will Marshall
Will Marshall
March 14, 2019 8:52 pm
Reply to  Will

it is really annoying actually – everyone that never takes these things offroad keeps complaining about seat height. Been riding enduros since I was 8 where the seat height is monstorous in comparison (less weight of course). If you really want an “adventure bike” get the 790/1090 and let KTM put the 690 back more towards the 500 in suspension department instead of a budget 790.

Candace
Candace
February 14, 2019 8:40 am
Reply to  Jake Murray

Consider the dealer from whom you will purchase. Do they know their product line? Do they have an exceptional service center that specializes in the brand you settle on for your purchase.

Adam Niswonger
Adam Niswonger
November 7, 2018 1:48 pm
Reply to  ADV Pulse

The Husky already had the smoother engine. The 690 didn’t receive the updated Husky version that the 701 has had the last two years.

Cmon, do you need another writer to answer this stuff?

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
November 7, 2018 2:25 pm
Reply to  Adam Niswonger

Adam. The 701 did get the dual balancers a few years ago but KTM has not yet revealed all the things they have changed for 2019 to make the new 690 engine smoother. We’ve reached out to them for clarification but they do not expect to have further details until the press launch coming up in January. We’ll report back when we get the full scoop on the new changes!

Adam Boersma
Adam Boersma
November 8, 2018 12:58 pm
Reply to  ADV Pulse

Sorry, the press launch for the 690 coming up in january? I just ask because in the article it says “US Availability: End of November 2018”. Just wondering when we think the bike will be out (and how much time i have to save money for it!)

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
November 9, 2018 12:25 pm
Reply to  Adam Boersma

Hey Adam, according to KTM USA that’s the target ETA.

Steve Botkin
Steve Botkin
November 13, 2018 1:12 pm
Reply to  ADV Pulse

I’m a KTM and Husky dealer and the 690 is now the same engine as the 701 Husky….which are both basically the 690 Duke engine as far as power and dual balancers.

justin regan
justin regan
November 8, 2018 12:52 pm
Reply to  Adam Niswonger

almost 100% sure it has the new engine

Mike C Dockstader
Mike C Dockstader
November 7, 2018 12:06 pm

I would love it if that license plat holder would bolt up to the 701. The stock 701 bracket is hideous.

JennyMo
JennyMo
November 7, 2018 1:46 pm

Some nice refinements there… although you do wonder that once you have to start adding traction control to a big dirt-bike, then perhaps you’ve given it too much power already?!

ETB
ETB
November 7, 2018 9:05 pm

Thanks KTM! The vibey engine and small fuel tank are the two main concerns that kept me from buying one of these over the years (though I came awful close a few times.) I think the updates put it right in the “Goldilocks zone” for a lightweight dirt oriented adventure bike to replace my tired old DRZ400. Unfortunately, the new 790 Adventure is rumored to be assembled in China and the Yamaha Tenere 700 ain’t coming until 2020 in the US, so it looks like the Enduro 690 is the closest I’m gonna get to my unicorn bike in this decade.

Svendura
Svendura
November 7, 2018 10:12 pm

I like that bike a lot but there is one key feature that really hinders me on ever buying one: The fuel cap is located in the rear exactly where I use to put my luggage.

Kai
Kai
November 7, 2018 11:54 pm
Reply to  Svendura

No problem: use looped end roch dtraps, loosen tention, move luggage a bit and there is the filler! Same on my CCM, really no problem! 30sec extra time to stretch my legs.

Kai
Kai
November 7, 2018 11:58 pm
Reply to  Kai

ROK straps, of course

Svendura
Svendura
November 8, 2018 9:29 pm
Reply to  Kai

I already use rockstraps and carefully lock my luggage with it, but to reassemble it every time I fuel up is not worth it for me. I don’t like BMW, but I liked the fuel cap on the GS800 that was in the back and sideways. Very convenient.

paquo
paquo
November 8, 2018 7:15 am
Reply to  Svendura

It’s a bit of a hassle but totally worth it because the fuel is held low and handling is easier than bikes with fuel held up high

Shaun -
Shaun -
November 8, 2018 9:49 am
Reply to  paquo

Yeah no doubt- 4 gallons up top on my Drz is a challenge.

Shaun -
Shaun -
November 8, 2018 9:48 am

US Availability end of November – Seriously ?? Cash in hand- Local dealers have no current ETA…

Adam Boersma
Adam Boersma
November 8, 2018 1:01 pm
Reply to  Shaun -

I was also wondering this, but in a comment ADV Pulse says there’s going to be a launch event in january. I would say spring 2019?

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
November 13, 2018 10:34 am
Reply to  Shaun -

Please note KTM has updated availability to end of Jan/early Feb. The entry has been updated accordingly.

Shaun R.
Shaun R.
November 20, 2018 9:26 am
Reply to  ADV Pulse

No Likey

Shaun -
Shaun -
November 8, 2018 2:53 pm

Ready to be the 1st US owner of this bike 🙂

Adam Boersma
Adam Boersma
November 9, 2018 3:05 pm

Sorry, end of november is the target eta? Or January?

Shaun R.
Shaun R.
November 9, 2018 3:48 pm
Reply to  Adam Boersma

Called 3 dealers- No idea…

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
November 13, 2018 10:20 am
Reply to  Adam Boersma

Hey Adam, we just received an update from KTM with availability targeted for end of Jan early Feb.

Shaun
Shaun
November 13, 2018 11:14 am
Reply to  ADV Pulse

There goes Xmas -(

Adam Boersma
Adam Boersma
November 13, 2018 12:02 pm
Reply to  ADV Pulse

Awesome, that’s great to hear. Thank you for following up!

Quin Marais
Quin Marais
November 9, 2018 9:24 pm

meh

Martinxl
Martinxl
November 10, 2018 6:04 am

I welcome more power, the modest increase in gas capacity and lower seat height even at the expense of some suspension travel. However, the stated 35.8 seat height and travel seem to be the same as previous years. Perhaps the preliminary figures released are not correct. 35.8 sounds relatively low for a dirt bike, but the wider frame and seat width of the 690/701 actually add an inch or so compared to a more narrow dirt bike.

Shaun R
Shaun R
November 10, 2018 6:16 am
Reply to  Martinxl

2018 versions seat was taller than the 701s listed 37.4 height. How the F do they measure things in Austria ? -)

kirk nichols
kirk nichols
November 11, 2018 8:03 am

I have a ’13 model and love it. I don’t see the “Adventure” in the 2019. A smoother engine is a plus and upgraded suspension. But the on board fuel is still lacking, 3.6 gallons isn’t going to get you far “Adventuring”, only .4 gal increase. I’m not a big fan of the lowered suspension either. I am thinking for the price this is going to be, you can find a nice 2-3yr old model cheaper and add a auxilary tank, for me the vibrations aren’t that bad to upgrade to a new bike.

James Fairmind
James Fairmind
November 12, 2018 8:39 am

Don’t know where 150 mile range came from. I did the Trans America Trail recently (5500 miles off road) on my 2015 690 and got 186 miles to a tank. Even thrashing at 90mph all day for 800 miles + fully loaded with luggage up the West Coast of the USA to the Canadian border I still got 170 miles to the tank. Must be the standard can with built in CAT that causes the reduced fuel consumption.

Shaun R
Shaun R
November 12, 2018 9:11 am
Reply to  James Fairmind

No doubt. 3.6 gallon tank on the 2019. Easy 180

Eric A.
Eric A.
November 12, 2018 9:27 am
Reply to  James Fairmind

@James 186 miles? That’s almost 60 mpg from a performance 690cc single. Lucky if you get that on a 250cc. Maybe your speedo is showing Kilometers? When I ride with friends on a 690 they typically get about 130 miles on a good day.

kirk nichols
kirk nichols
November 12, 2018 2:41 pm
Reply to  Eric A.

I consistantly get 55 to 60mpg’s with my ’13. When riding above 8,000ft all day I can register 70. All stock.

Erik W
Erik W
February 1, 2019 1:30 pm
Reply to  Eric A.

I don’t see a low fuel light until 150+ on my ’17 701 Enduro regardless of how/where I am riding it. It shouldn’t be any different for this bike with same motor.

John
John
April 27, 2021 8:02 pm
Reply to  James Fairmind

LOL. You were riding 90mph all day, every day off-road for 800 miles fully loaded with luggage?
Yeah buddy, yeah.

Michael Gorman
Michael Gorman
November 12, 2018 6:04 pm

I still don’t see the move towards “Aventurizing” the 690. To me it seems the changes were either needed (fuel tank, suspension, counter balancing) but the rest seem to over complicate an already simple design. I guess you have to keep ahead of the competition, but there really isn’t any.

My vintage ’03 640 Adventure cranks out 50-55mpg average with an FCR carb, Akrapovic silencer and 7 gallon tank to give me a range of 350+ miles. If you have ever ridden a bike with long range capabilities, you won’t want to go back which is why the 640 Adventure is hard to replace. There’s nothing worse than getting “out there” and then needing to run for fuel.

Neville McInnes
Neville McInnes
December 10, 2018 9:25 pm

Have they wide ratio the gearbox yet ?

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
December 10, 2018 9:31 pm

No change in the transmission unfortunately.

David Dew
David Dew
December 22, 2018 6:05 pm

I bought an 08 when the 690 first arrived in the U.S. I really thought they would have spread out 4th, 5th, and 6th gear. This and a tighter turning radius, and I could consider revisiting this new model.

Shaun
Shaun
January 31, 2019 10:44 am

11,699 List- US ETA still unknown…

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
January 31, 2019 10:52 am
Reply to  Shaun

Hey Shaun. KTM has just confirmed to us the US ETA for dealers is late February.

Shaun
Shaun
January 31, 2019 11:05 am
Reply to  ADV Pulse

Thanks that was my feeling for awhile have had money down for a few weeks, getting antsy 🙂

Shaun Riedinger
Shaun Riedinger
March 7, 2019 11:54 am
Reply to  ADV Pulse

FEB has come and gone- Dealers still have no clue, all we are hearing now is end of March or April- Does KTM USA have an update for us ?

Jeremiah Puckett
Jeremiah Puckett
February 18, 2019 6:40 am

So, they added a few things I don’t really care about since I’m an off-road guy and my 2004 KTM 625 SXC is a beast in the Colorado high country. Did they change the things I DO care about like the stupidly designed fuel cap and the weak subframe that doesn’t take to luggage well?

Shaun R.
Shaun R.
February 19, 2019 5:34 pm

Silly fuel cap seems to be of the same design on the 19′ version –

Candace
Candace
February 20, 2019 10:11 am

2019 KTM gas cap for the 690 Enduro R and 690 SMC is a new part number that must be configured prior to purchase. This new number doesn’t fit previous 690’s.
The previous KTM 690 Enduro gas cap part number fit 2011-2018 model years

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