UPDATE: The New Zealand price for the KTM 690 Enduro R has just landed - $18,499 - just $1500 more than its Yamaha competitor, the Tenere 700. What a great time to be in the Adventure Bike Market. CLICK HERE for Tenere 700 info.

KTM Australia have just released this little beauty to the World Wide Web - the 2019 KTM 690 Enduro R. The adventure bike that a serious off-road minded fella or lassy could get lost on, the 690 Enduro R has been given a serious tickle up from the previous model and we are pretty keen to swing a leg over when it hits the shores of Aotearoa.

A good mix between a 250-500cc type dirt/adventure bike and a larger and less off-road orientated 1090, the 690 Enduro R looks like you could just about race it straight out of the crate. We could easily see ourselves riding out of the garage and down the road to the weekend trail ride. Smash some loops out and then ride home again in style and comfort. And we wouldn’t be adverse to finding out either. With an unknown price as yet, or date they are expected to land in NZ (assuming they will), keep an eye out for more details. But until then, here is the official release from KTM Australia.

“Ride from home and feel the adrenaline build while chasing asphalt curves toward your favorite off-road location. No trailer required, just twist the throttle of the all-new KTM 690 ENDURO R, which really comes into its own when the dirt begins and the trail gets more extreme. Its new chassis, revised styling and an updated version of the trusted 690 LC4 engine, are enhanced by upgraded electronics and new WP XPLOR suspension. Thanks to the hydraulically actuated PASC slipper clutch, the rear wheel always remains under control, even in heavy trail braking. A standard, highly advanced cornering ABS with an aggressive set-up and off-road mode must of course also be included. The innovative WP fork with separate damping make it especially easy to find the optimum set-up, since the compression and rebound adjustments do not interfere with each other. A great chassis, cool looks, a powerful engine and great ergonomics all round ensure that riding the KTM 690 ENDURO R feels just as great in urban traffic and on back roads as it does on gravel and off-road. Master more challenging terrain on this lightweight, high-performance king of versatility.”

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 off-road 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 Off-road 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 Off-road ride modes that can be switched directly from the handlebars for controlled power delivery.

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 / 250 mm

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

Ground Clearance: 270 mm

Seat Height: 910 mm

Tank Capacity: 13.5 l

Dry Weight, Approx: 146 kg