Feb012019February 1, 2019February 25, 2019251Commentsby Luke Brackenbury

Street or Dirt? The new KTM 690 SMC R & KTM 690 ENDURO R

Posted in Bikes, Riding

The all-new KTM 690 SMC R and KTM 690 ENDURO R are now available at KTM dealers, with the hardest choice being which of these cutting-edge single-cylinder machines to take and where to point it at.

KTM 690 SMC R & KTM 690 ENDURO R MY2019 © Sebas Romero

Naughty has never been so nice with the new KTM 690 SMC R. A bike for those who crave corner kicks on road or track and an addictive torque-filled punch with every turn of the throttle. The return of the KTM 690 ENDURO R in 2019 offers riders a true long-distance Enduro machine, always ready to connect the tarmac with trails with its flexibility to perform excitably on and offroad.

Similar in many aspects but completely different in their execution, both models take full advantage of an intensive development program that has seen front to back changes. The latest generation LC4 single-cylinder engine is housed in a lightweight, dynamic frame dripping with top specification chassis components and the very latest electronic rider aids to give an exceptional riding experience.

Sharper and more refined, the focus of these upgrades was to improve on what already made these machines the benchmark in their respective class – without diluting excitement and focus with the addition of technology and increased usability.

Both bikes are armed with the most powerful production single-cylinder available – smoother and more sophisticated than ever. Efficient engineering excellence, the latest compact LC4 is a totally modern interpretation of a big single-cylinder engine. Two balancer shafts aligned to a dual-spark cylinder head and ride by wire technology leave only good vibrations. The 690cc engine now punches a devastating 74 hp and 73.5 Nm of torque; smoother than ever with an incredibly wide delivery of performance and now boasts a Quickshifter+ for further refinement.

Electronic rider aids now feature heavily on both bikes, with the addition of ride mode technology and lean angle sensitive ABS and traction control systems to get the most from these potent packages in all situations.

256097_RSC6882 wotr B flat690 SMC R 2019 246829_KTM 690 ENDURO 2019
<
►
>
KTM 690 ENDURO R MY2019 © KTM/F. Lackner

KTM 690 SMC R
All fun and no frown; the unique riding appeal of a Supermoto is something KTM has wildly celebrated over the years and punching back into the range in 2019 on opposite lock is the KTM 690 SMC R. Pure, extreme and high performance – this is a very focused motorcycle that embodies the READY TO RACE approach and takes advantage of refined and unrivaled LC4 drive with advanced electronics in a truly unique package.

The sharpened bodywork is not just for the look; improved ergonomics improve feel and control be- tween rider and machine to get the most from this Supermoto superhero. All-new, fully-adjustable APEX suspension from the experts at WP also helps deliver a charismatic machine capable of conquering the tightest curves and cutting through congested commutes.

Getting the most from the KTM 690 SMC R’s performance in all situations is a suite of rider assistance systems. Two ride modes – Street and Sport – cornering ABS, lean angle-sensitive motorcycle traction control and Quickshifter+ are new to the game, with the familiar Supermoto ABS mode aiding rear slides with front-end confidence.

KTM 690 ENDURO R
Making the impassable possible, the KTM 690 ENDURO R unites tarmac and trails like never before. Simplified: KTM engineers and KISKA designers have made all the best parts better. The latest KTM LC4 single-cylinder silliness has two balancer shafts for reduced vibrations, ride by wire to allow changeable ride modes and traction control. More than enough power to pull clear of the steepest climbs yet efficient and manageable for trails and daily use.

Sharper and slimmer, the new bodywork with a redesigned seat, enhances aesthetics and improves ergonomics. Underneath, a lightweight and agile chassis coupled with fully-adjustable WP XPLOR suspension provides a competent package for experienced riders yet confidence-inspiring for those new to dirt. Better still, the KTM 690 ENDURO R remains sure-footed for street riding – increasing its versatility as a trust-worthy daily ride.

The new electronic systems on the KTM 690 ENDURO R get the most from this dynamic machine in all situations. Two ride modes – Offroad and Street – produce different characteristics of the throttle response and motorcycle traction control (MTC), while cornering sensitivity for the ABS and traction control also make its debut on this bike.

KTM 690 ENDURO R MY2019 © KTM/F. Lackner

Both bikes are available from official KTM dealers now, backed up with a wide range of official KTM PowerParts to intensify them further. And for A2 license riders, these machines can also be made 35kW compliant with no hardware changes.

Photos: Sebas Romero | KTM/F. Lackner

Tags: