KTM has been producing the LC4 engine since the 1980s. Originally mainly used for racing, this single has since lived several lives in a large number of different motorcycles. For a short moment it seemed that the time was finally capable of the venerable powertrain, but it is back with a bang for 2026. It seems that KTM has also assumed Ducati’s assertion to have the most powerful one-cylinder engine-in the shape of the superquadro mono-to-the LC4, half of the LC4. It is also not only the engine that has been updated. The 690 Enduro R has also received various cosmetic and electronic upgrades, all packaged in the same robust platform that we know and that we love.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information, the data used to collect this article come from KTM. While the opinions are of us.
The KTM 690 Enduro R is a unique dual sport
MSRP: TBA
One of the most important reasons why we did not expect that the LC4 -backkeer was emissions, and that enduring emissions would have meant a considerable dip in performance. Well, we were wrong. It has indeed passed the Euro5+ era, but somehow he has gained some power. At the end of the day it is a single cylinder engine, which must be theoretically marginal more efficient than a multi-cylinder engine of similar size.
What makes this dual sport so unique is the fact that the only bicycles with which it is currently competing in this space are two older sisters. The Husqvarna 701 Enduro and the gas gas ES 700, which run on the old platform, are both somewhat under power and functions. For now the three bicycles will co -exist, but we cannot imagine that KTM will follow this strategy “one bike in three colors” that clearly did not work.
The only Japanese bike that is at a moving distance is the Honda CRF450RL, which is in fact an ignited open-class enduro bike. Unfortunately, it cannot offer the same Streetf-Bike-Service intervals that the KTM can do, and it will cost more to run, even if it is a Honda. We all assumed that Ducati would have a crack on this “full-size” Dual-Sport market, but so far the Hypermotard 698 is the only bike that uses the Superquadro Mono engine, and it seems as if it will remain in the near future.
Rivals
Husqvarna 701 Enduro
Gas gas is 700
Honda CRF450RL
The 690 Enduro R has more power than ever before
Power: 78 hp
The biggest updates for this year have to do with the engine. Although it is easy to see that the clutch and the stator hood are new, it is Carter too. It is lighter than before, and KTM has also redesigned the oil declaration system. All this in an attempt to test EUR5+ emissions and to struggle the “most powerful single” title of Ducati. It worked. The venerable LC4 is now emission and he has won 4 hp. KTM has quickly announced Ducati that this is now the most powerful single cylinder on the market.
But we would no longer be too enthusiastic. It is only half a horsepower and we are pretty sure that the Ducati has a higher ceiling. The other more interesting step is that the service interval has been extended to 15,000 km or 9,000 miles. Although this sounds great, we believe that the company may be too promising here. The LC4 has a great track record, but this is a fairly large redesign year, and we would not recommend pushing it so far in the first year.
Specifications
Engine type | Some cylinders, liquid cooled |
Displacement | 693cc |
Max Power | 78 hp |
Transfer | 6-speed gearbox |
The 690 Enduro R is just as characteristic of getting motorcycles with double sports
Only at the top of the hill
The previous 690 Enduro R already had several functions that other bicycles with double sports without, but KTM has again raised the Ante for the 2026 model. Apart from the necessary revisions with regard to the engine, the newest 690 Enduro r gets the raced WP Xplor 48 mm fork with separate compression and rebound damping. Compression -adjustment can be found on the left position and Rebound adjustment on the right. Both offer 30 clicks of adjustability, the rear shock is also an adjustable Xplor unit and the proven steel trellis chassis is usually worn unchanged.
KTM has proven that it is actually possible to have ABS off-road work, but still allow riders to completely eliminate the system when needed. The same applies to the traction control, which is also lean sensitive. It also gets a small but effective TFT dashboard, just like the one you will find on the smaller 390 Enduro R. It is a robust small unit made with bound glass and is polarized, so it is not so much influenced by glare. Almost everything you would expect to find in a high-end adventure bike is all present here. The only things that are missing are wind protection and comfort.
Although it is possible to use the 690 Enduro R for travel, you must have an open mind when it comes to comfort. Because there is no, at least while you drive on the road. Although nice in the winding sections, you want to drive the highway to a minimum. The chair is long and sturdy. Of course, a powerful bike like this is only for more experienced riders, so the seat height can be a dispute for most, but for shorter riders who are still new to off-road driving, this is not a good option. For those who are looking for the ultimate experience with double sports, this will be. Unfortunately, this kind of experience will not be cheap.
Functions
WP Xplor Suspension
TFT Dashboard
Lean sensitive abdominal muscles and traction control
Driving modes
Smartphone -Connectivity
Chassis, suspension and weight specifications
Chassis | Steel slat |
Anterior suspension | 48 mm compression and rebound adjustable USD WP Xplor Forks (10.4-in travel) |
Rear -wheel suspension | Adjustable WP Xplor shock (9.8-in-trip) |
Front | 300 mm disk |
Rear brake | 240 mm disk |
Weight | 357 pounds |
#KTM #Enduro