However, there are some products that strive for excellence no matter what surface they’re on, and if you look hard, you’ll find dual-sport bikes that can give you a thrill wherever you go. KTM is one of the brands to offer such a bike, so it’s no surprise that our pick for the dual-sport motorcycle that thrives on both pavement and off-road terrain comes from Austria. Here it is.
The KTM 690 Enduro R thrives on pavement as well as dirt
KTM has had a 690 Enduro in its range for almost twenty years, and this is the brand’s flagship dual-sport model. As such, it has always had a high level of technology and performance, but it became a bit ignored in recent years and the competition started to get ahead of it. It’s finally gotten a comprehensive update that makes it much easier to live with, and as a result, the 690 Enduro R is the dual-sport motorcycle that thrives on both pavement and dirt.
KTM 690 Enduro R Price: $13,399
The 690 Enduro R is a premium product from a premium manufacturer and is built in Austria. None of these things are conducive to a low price, and that’s fine – it delivers value in another way. It is one of the most expensive dual-sport motorcycles available, apart from competition-spec enduro bikes.
KTM 690 Enduro R engine
The 690 Enduro R showed its age, especially in the engine area. KTM modified it to meet emissions standards, but this 693cc LC4 thumper now has more power than ever before, generating 78 horsepower and nearly 54 pound-feet of torque.
New electronics were added in 2026
Power is dropped by a six-speed manual transmission, and a two-way quickshifter is now standard. The big addition to the update is the by-wire throttle and the six-axis IMU. This unlocks riding modes and cornering traction control, while a dynamic slip adjustment system is optional.
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KTM 690 Enduro R chassis
The 690 Enduro R, like virtually all KTMs, is built on a chromoly steel trellis frame. KTM has retained the unique subframe structure and plastic fuel tank. This means that you cannot take a lot of luggage or a pillion with you. In terms of suspension, the long-travel WP suspension does the trick, with a link-type shock absorber for the rear.
The front suspension can be adjusted for compression and rebound, while the rear can be adjusted for high- and low-speed compression, rebound and preload. Meanwhile, single brake discs (300 mm front, 240 mm rear) slow the 690 Enduro R, and switchable ABS when cornering is standard. 21/18 spoke rims with inner tubes complete the chassis.
KTM 690 Enduro R dimensions
This is a pretty big bike, and certainly big for a dual-sport, as the 59.2mm wheelbase and 36.8in seat height prove. You do get a high ground clearance of 10.4 inches to match that seat height. The 3.5 liter fuel tank is located under the seat – in fact this is the rear subframe. Weighing in at 335 pounds, the 690 Enduro R is one of the lightest middleweight motorcycles you’ll find outside of competition!
KTM 690 Enduro R features
The 690 Enduro R is quite well equipped, being only the second dual-sport bike to feature the 4.2-inch TFT display we first encountered on the 390 Enduro R. This display may look small and simple, but it also has Bluetooth and turn-by-turn navigation integrated into it. The headlight is now also an LED unit, and other nods to modernity include a USB charging socket.
We’ve already covered the new electronics, including the by-wire throttle and the six-axis IMU. This has enabled a new level of rider safety and customization of the riding experience, but KTM offers an optional upgrade to unlock all available features. ‘Rally mode’ is one thing. This riding mode allows you to fine-tune dynamic slip adjustment and engine slip control, as well as nine levels of traction control.
There are, as always, a whole host of PowerParts accessories and upgrades, including an Akrapovič slip-on exhaust and center stand. It is worth repeating that this is a single-seater motorcycle. The rear subframe, which is also the fuel tank, ensures that no pillion passenger can be taken along during the ride. There are no pillion footrests available and the amount of luggage that can be taken on a trip cannot be too large.
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KTM 690 Enduro R competition
The 690 Enduro R finds itself in an odd place in the dual-sport segment. You could look at the Honda CRF450RL, but it’s a detuned, competition-spec machine, so you have much shorter service intervals. The old-school large-displacement Japanese dual-sport trio (Kawasaki KLR650, Suzuki DR650S, Honda And anything approaching the power of the KTM is definitely a competition-spec machine, with one exception.
The Husqvarna 701 Enduro is the exact same motorcycle, but with a different look and badging. Until recently there was also a Gas Gas version, but for now only the Swedish model exists. It has exactly the same features for exactly the same price, but gets things like an Akrapovic muffler as standard. Please note that the KTM and Husqvarna are single-person dual-sport bikes only, while the others do have the option of taking a passenger along for the ride.
KTM 690 Enduro R vs Husqvarna 701 Enduro
Model | KTM 690 Enduro R | Husqvarna 701 Enduro |
Price | $13,399 | $13,399 |
Engine | Single cylinder | Single cylinder |
Displacement | 693cc | 693cc |
Current | 78 hp | 78 hp |
Couple | 53.8 LB-FT | 53.8 LB-FT |
Control weight | 335 pounds (wet) | 335 pounds (wet) |
Source: KTM USA
#dualsport #motorcycle #thrives #pavement #dirt