KTM 690 "Enduro": specifications, engine power, maximum speed, operation and maintenance features, owner reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

Technique KTM 690 "Enduro" is an original motorcycle in its category. Among the features of the car, lightness and sportiness are noted, combined with a powerful power unit. Thanks to this design, the device is able to be used on highways and as a model for off-road tourism.

About the engine

The KTM 690 Enduro is equipped with an LC4 type power unit, which specialists and amateurs rightly rank as an “off-road icon”. Among modern analogues, this engine is the only one that, having one cylinder, has a lot of power, quite suitable for real competitions, and not just road trips. The maximum potential of the engine is so great that only the most experienced riders can fully master it.

The bike in question was created in 1980. It is released in a bright orange light, was originally intended to participate in the European Motocross Championship, which was soon reclassified as a world championship amongtwo-wheeled units equipped with "4T" motors with a volume of more than 500 cubic centimeters.

Specially for this category of motorcycles, the Austrian company Rotax has assembled an engine that is used by many manufacturers of motocross motorcycles. With such a power unit, Austrian bikes have repeatedly become winners of various competitions. However, in the late 1980s, KTM designers developed their own single-cylinder LC4 engine.

KTM 690 Enduro Specs

The main parameters of the motorcycle in question series:

• Power Rating - 66 hp s.
• Revolution - 7, 5 thousand rotations per minute.
• Working volume - 690 cc
• Compression – 12, 5.
• Power - injection system.
• Cooling - liquid type.
• The transmission unit is a six-speed gearbox with valuable drive.
• Frame type - tubular construction with molybdenum and chromium content.
• Suspension front - inverted adjustable telescopic fork.
• Rear counterpart - linkage with monoshock.
• Brakes - discs with calipers.
• Wheel base – 1.5 m.
• Seat height - 0.91 m.
• Weight - 142 kg.
• Fuel tank capacity - 12 l.
• Clearance - 28 cm.

Tuning KTM 690 Enduro

Initially, only a version with a 550 "cube" engine and a power of 45 "horses" was developed. The engine has high torque anddecent vibration. The development of LC-4 power units continued very actively. Several modifications were put into production. Among them:

• Purely sporty Enduro.
• Version for all-terrain touring bikes.
• Upgraded version of Adventure.
• Rally focused prototype.

In 2006, the KTM 690 "Enduro" motorcycle received a 690 "cube" engine. To match the "engine" was the improvement of other elements of the machine. The apparatus was equipped with a lattice frame, a plastic fuel tank located in the tail section. Unfortunately, changes in the official rules in Dakkar races forced the said bike to leave the battlefield prematurely. Admirers of this brand were looking forward to the release of the new version. Despite this, manufacturers were in no hurry to present the novelty.

Update

The redesigned KTM 690 Enduro R was introduced in 2007. Its features:

• Displacement - 654cc
• Power rating - 60 hp s.
• Dry weight - 139 kg.
• Birdcage frame configuration.
• The fuel tank is made of plastic.
• Updates - optics, suspension, dashboard.

As a result, the motorbike turned out to be quite elegant and comfortable. However, it was not without a few unpleasant moments, judging by the reviews of the Enduro KTM 690:

• Most users have complained about limited steering dynamics.
• Alsoowners commented on the uncomfortable saddle for long rides.
• Another negative is the poorly thought-out location of the fuel tank cover, which obscures luggage.

As a touring bike, the KTM 690 "Enduro" did not materialize, although it could well have become one. Among the advantages, consumers note the excellent behavior of the car on winding dirt and asph alt roads. For a change, the designers released the R version, which had a different color scheme, a different suspension, simpler optics and a dashboard.

Main modification

Since 2012, the Austrian company has been offering only one model with the R index. The motorcycle is a kind of combined version of its predecessor with an updated version. The base platform is recognizable by the headlights and suspension with 250 millimeters of travel.

Among the important innovations: a comfortable seat, better handling, more power and an orange frame color. This version looks spectacular not only externally, but also in many other technical indicators. We can say that Austrian engineers have combined the best of two generations in one model.

Ergonomics

This parameter for the motorcycle in question is typical for the classic sports "enduro". The flat "seat" is shifted slightly forward with the definition of an appropriate fit. The handlebars are raised as high as possible, the footrests are widely spaced, slightly receding. Riding comfort is provided by increased steering angle.

With all hisshortcomings, the KTM 690 bike remains a unique unit with a frisky engine. The motor is started exclusively by an electric starter, and performed well in tests on rocky and sandy regions. The average fuel consumption is about 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers, the momentum is gaining extremely quickly. Given the lack of proper aerodynamic protection, when fully squeezing the gas, the rider has to hold on very tightly to the handlebars in order not to jump out of the saddle.

Test drive

At high and medium speeds, the engine shows its maximum capabilities, and the muffler accompanies the effort with a peppy and moderately loud growl. A similar effect indicates that for the maximum use of power, it is not necessary to stun everyone around. At low speeds, the power unit is not happy. It is difficult to control, especially on a slippery track. Users note that the KTM 690 Enduro shows optimal results with aggressive driving. In many ways, this becomes possible thanks to the rigid regular suspension settings and the original powerful "engine".