KTM’s new 690 Enduro R uses top tech to tame the trails
KTM’snew690EnduroRuses top tech to keep things sensible (ish)
Sharing many components with the 690 SMC R, KTM’s new 690 Enduro R is every bit as niche as its supermoto cousin. In fact, off-road suspension and bigger wheels are the only substantial alterations. KTM are pitching the Enduro R as a doit-all hybrid capable of munching road miles and holding its own on an array of trails. You could tag this as a trail-to-trail weapon.
Our test route consisted of a 60-mile loop, 90% of which was off-road (comprising a testing mix of dusty trails, soggy mud and sandy patches as we neared the beach) and a smattering of 80mph open sections and far more technical challenges. Mitas E-07 tyres will come on the bike as standard but, given the terrain on the launch in Portugal, KTM decided to fit more appropriate Continental TKCs (which come on the bike in American markets). Despite the more aggressive tread pattern, the TKCs didn’t adversely affect the bike’s road manners, and the Enduro R was already proving its undoubted versatility within halfan-hour in the saddle.
Its slightly cumbersome manners and salad-dodging mass problems were only truly highlighted when we attacked deep sand, as the frontend attempted to bury itself and tie the chassis in knots. The R is most suited to fast fire roads where its 74bhp can be justly applied and outright thrills are a given, although it’s perfectly happy to dissect tighter and more nadgery sections thanks to its quick steering, composure and agility. Like the SMC R, the Enduro R boasts beautifully damped WP suspension which soaks up anything thrown at it. Thanks to a far silkier engine than before, the 2019 Enduro R easily copes with less dedicated speeds, too. It uses an identical LC4 motor to the SMC R, but with slightly different gearing and ECU changes that offer a very distinctive throttle response. And you won’t need to constantly chuck gears at it given the spread of power. A quickshifter and auto-blipper on an enduro bike takes some getting used to, though! Trying to tame this 146kg lump as it kicks out its full 74bhp isn’t a job for an inexperienced enduro rider. Even on the softer throttle setting, controlling its aggressive delivery can often feel like a losing battle. But, like the SMC, the Enduro has been treated to a decent suite of rider aids including specially developed off-road traction control that’s beautiful in use, permitting a certain amount of spin and slide before subtly keeping things in line with a whisper of intervention. The technology is far from idiot-proof for ham-fisted Neanderthals, but works dreamily in conjunction with a deft right hand, as does the OffRoad ABS which is available as an aftermarket accessory.