New KTM 690s break cover

Euro5 tweaks won’t blunt the thumper’s performance

KTM have updated their 690 Enduro R and SMC R for 2021 with a Euro5 version of the bigbore thumper engine.

The LC4 single-cylinder engine was heavily reworked in order to clear Euro4 regs in 2018. The bore was increased by 3mm and the stroke reduced to keep the displacement the same, while a new head and balancer helped it run more cleanly and smoothly. Now a new catalytic converter is all that is needed to clear Euro5. Both bikes get a new dash with the ability to switch between ABS settings on the go. This set up also makes it easier than before to hop between the two riding modes (Street and Off road for the Enduro; Street and Supermoto for the SMC). Street offers standard levels of traction and wheelie control, while also activating the ABS on both wheels. Off road and Supermoto modes allow for the rear to spin up and the front to lift without cutting power, plus you get a smoother throttle response. ABS is retained at the front, but cut at the rear. You can also opt to disable ABS and traction control altogether.

The SMC R gets the latest generation Brembo M 4.32 Monobloc caliper with a 320mm disc up front and a 240mm at the rear. The 690 Enduro R sticks with the 300mm Brembo front brake and 240 rear found on its predecessor.

The new 690s have stuck with their WP suspension set ups, XPLOR for the Enduro and Apex for the SMC R, but both get a sharp, new livery for 2021.

“The LC4 has been a powerful component of the KTM 690 Enduro R and 690 SMC R but we’ve still been able to harness that asset and continue to develop both motorcycles to be a special part of our KTM portfolio,” said KTM Product Manager, Joachim Sauer.

“We’ve found ways to give riders a more exciting and upgraded package for 2021 that keep the bikes as references in their segment. They are unique in their own special ways and we want to keep making them as essential as they are exhilarating.” There’s no word on availability or price, so watch this space.

2 Tech heavy Despite the dinky size there’s an IMU, ride by wire, quickshifter plus all the riding modes you’d expect 1 Lot of go Even with the Euro5 changes, power remains solid at 72bhp and torque at 54.48lb.ft 3 More info For 2021 there’s a new dash that includes a tacho and a gear indicator 4 Sharp style As well as the tech changes, each 690 has received a set of new graphics 5 Lots of options If the 790 Adventure is too big, there are plenty of fairing kits for the 690 Enduro to make a mini adventure bike

Dash and electronics are updated