Dual-sport motorcycles are designed to handle everything well, no matter the surface. So it’s a no-brainer then that they’re good at everything, right? Well, there are some that lean one way or another. In this case, some prefer tarmac just a little more, while others prefer dirt a little more.
However, there are some products that chase excellence no matter what surface they’re on, and if you look hard enough, you’ll find dual-sport bikes that can give you a thrill anywhere. KTM is one of the brands that offers such a bike, so it is little surprise that our choice for the dual-sport motorcycle that thrives on pavement and dirt alike originates from Austria. Here it is.
The KTM 690 Enduro R Thrives On Pavement And Dirt Alike
KTM has had a 690 Enduro in its lineup for nearly two decades now, and this has been the flagship dual-sport model from the brand. As such, it has always been high on tech and performance, but it was ignored a little in the last few years, and the competition was beginning to one-up it. It has finally got a comprehensive update that makes it much easier to live with, and as a result, the 690 Enduro R is the dual-sport motorcycle that thrives on pavement and dirt alike.
KTM 690 Enduro R Price: $13,399
The 690 Enduro R is a premium product from a premium manufacturer, and it is built in Austria. None of these things is conducive to a low price, and that’s alright – it delivers value in a different way. It is among the most expensive dual sport motorcycles available outside of competition-spec enduro bikes.
KTM 690 Enduro R Engine
The 690 Enduro R was showing its age, especially in the engine department. KTM has tweaked it to meet emission norms, but this 693 cc LC4 thumper now has more power than ever before, generating 78 horsepower and nearly 54 pound-feet of torque.
New Electronics Have Been Added In 2026
Putting the power down is a six-speed manual transmission, and a two-way quickshifter is standard now. The big addition with the refresh is the by-wire throttle and six-axis IMU. This unlocks ride modes and cornering traction control, while a dynamic slip adjust system is optional.
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KTM 690 Enduro R Chassis
The 690 Enduro R is, like pretty much all KTMs, built on a trellis frame made out of chromoly steel. KTM has retained the unique subframe structure and the plastic fuel tank. This means that you cannot carry a lot of luggage or a pillion rider along. Moving to suspension, long-travel WP suspension does duty, with a link-type shock mount for the rear.
The front suspension has adjustment for compression and rebound, while the rear has adjustment for high and low speed compression, rebound, and preload adjustment. Meanwhile, single brake discs (300 mm front, 240 mm rear) do the job of slowing the 690 Enduro R down, and cornering ABS that can be switched off is standard. 21/18 spoke rims with tubed tires complete the chassis.
KTM 690 Enduro R Dimensions
This is a fairly large motorcycle, and definitely big for a dual-sport, as the 59.2 mm wheelbase and 36.8 inch seat height will attest. You do get a high 10.4-inch ground clearance to go with that seat height. The 3.5-gallon fuel tank sits under the seat – in fact, it is the rear subframe. At 335 pounds, the 690 Enduro R is one of the lightest middleweight displacement motorcycles you’ll encounter outside of competition!
KTM 690 Enduro R Features
The 690 Enduro R is quite well equipped, with it being only the second dual-sport bike fitted with the 4.2-inch TFT display we first encountered on the 390 Enduro R. This display might be small and simple looking, but it has Bluetooth and turn-by-turn navigation integrated into it as well. The headlamp is now an LED unit as well, and other nods to modernity include a USB charging socket.
We’ve already discussed the new electronics, including the by-wire throttle and six-axis IMU. This has enabled a new level of rider safety and customization of the riding experience, but KTM offers an optional upgrade to unlock all the features available. The ‘Rally Mode’ is one thing. This ride mode allows you to fine-tune the dynamic slip adjustment, motor slip regulation, and gives you nine-level control of the traction control.
There are, as always, a whole host of PowerParts accessories and upgrades, including an Akrapovič slip-on exhaust and center stand. It is worth reiterating that this is a single-person motorcycle. The rear subframe, which is the fuel tank as well, means that a pillion cannot be carried along for the ride. There are no pillion footpegs available, and the amount of luggage that can be carried along on a trip cannot be too much.
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KTM 690 Enduro R Competition
The 690 Enduro R sits in a strange place in the dual-sport segment. You could look at the Honda CRF450RL, but it is a detuned competition-spec machine, so you’ll have much shorter service intervals. The old-school Japanese large-displacement dual-sport trio (Kawasaki KLR650, Suzuki DR650S, Honda XR650L) is nowhere close to the KTM’s level of modernity or sophistication. And anything that approaches the KTM’s power is most definitely a competition-spec machine, with one exception.
The Husqvarna 701 Enduro is the exact same motorcycle but with different looks and badging. Until recently, there used to be a Gas Gas version as well, but for now, only the Swedish model exists. It has exactly the same features at exactly the same price, but gets things like an Akrapovič exhaust muffler as standard. Please note that the KTM and Husqvarna are strictly one-person dual-sport bikes, while the others do have the option of carrying a pillion along for the ride.
KTM 690 Enduro R Vs Husqvarna 701 Enduro
|
Model |
KTM 690 Enduro R |
Husqvarna 701 Enduro |
|
Price |
$13,399 |
$13,399 |
|
Engine |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder |
|
Displacement |
693 cc |
693 cc |
|
Power |
78 HP |
78 HP |
|
Torque |
53.8 LB-FT |
53.8 LB-FT |
|
Curb Weight |
335 LBs (wet) |
335 LBs (wet) |
Source: KTM USA