Way Test: KTM 690 Enduro R - Walla! vehicle

2019-12-06T12:36:56.127Z

It is very easy to look at the new KTM 690 Enduro R and to say that it is archaic, that the world has moved to indulgent adventurers. But then he comes up and finds that there is a real gem of a motorcycle

Road Test: KTM 690 Enduro R

Adventurer's power on a SUV body (Photo: Assaf Rahamim)

KTM 690 Enduro R (Photo: Assaf Rahamim, Kenan Cohen)

Is there still a justification for a motorcycle like the KTM 690 Enduro R in the era of the KTM Adventurer 790 and Yamaha Tenera 700? After all, the 690's are inferior to these twin motorcycles when it comes to its cruising ability on the road. And about the terrain capability? We have long realized that most Adventurers don't really need it. So why invest so much in a new KTM 690 Enduro R model? The answer is, the new 690 is really not an adventure motorcycle. The 690 is a motorcycle that manages to combine, between terrain performance and road performance, in a way that no other motorcycle can.

700 cc single

The 693 cc single engine manages to combine a whopping 74 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and a 7.5 kgs torque at 6,500 rpm, along with a particularly soft and precise response and response. This is achieved through the combination of computerized control systems that control injection and ignition and high-quality mechanical parts that are specifically designed for this engine. One notable example is the connection between the gas handle and the butterfly controlling the air inlet of the engine inside the suction opening, which in this case is done with the help of a computer-controlled electric motor.

Engine head with balance wave (Photo: Manufacturer)

KTM 690 Enduro R (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

The computer optimally correlates the rider's wishes, engine status and performance map that the rider has chosen to use. This is not to say that the motorcycle may not surprise you and cause unintentional aggressive tail injections as a result of opening the gas with tilt, but it does mean that even while throwing the tail it is relatively easy to control the slip and exit safely and with a huge smile on the face. The experience from the engine is undoubtedly powerful and delightful and the fact that the engine on one hand can go down to extremely low rpm and overcome slow rises in the field and on the other hand fly the motorcycle on a high rpm is the testament to the efficiency and high performance of this amazing engine.

The connection of the crankshaft and the lower balance wave

KTM 690 Enduro R (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

Thanks to the pair of balance waves, one in the lower part of the engine before the crankshaft and the other in the camshaft, the engine rarely transmits vibrations to the legs and handlebars, like the other large single-engine engines. In many cases, he even mentions in his action smooth parallel twin engines of similar volume. Only after a long, fast ride on the road do you feel some tremors in your hands on the high rpm. For those who make extensive use of the road, I recommend assembling softer rubber handles and flexible handlebar brackets to further reduce vibrations and allow mirrors to fulfill their purpose better.

New versus old (Photo: Asaf Rahamim)

KTM 690 Enduro R (Photo: Assaf Rahamim, Kenan Cohen)

Route 6 is not recommended and not because of the fee

There is no doubt that without wind protection, it is not possible to cruise at speeds in excess of 130 km / h over time, without relying on the motorcycle mainly in terrain. The 690 is cruising comfortably around 110/120 mph in the sixth gear and at this speed it feels like the engine is asleep and certainly not straining. Whenever you want to accelerate, simply turn the throttle and the 690 engine wakes up without hesitating and pushing forward impressively with no help from the gears, or clutch. Lowering the gear causes the motorcycle to jump forward and digitally the digital speedometer begin to change at an incredible speed, until within a few seconds the feeling of tearing from the motorcycle causes the gas handle to close quickly and quickly. If you continue to squeeze the throttle, you encounter tremors at the high-speed handlebars.

No wonder he knows how to do cool stuff in the Supermoto version (Photo: Manufacturer)

KTM 690 Enduro R (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

Mountain roads are welcome

After deepening the connection with the motorcycle and understanding the high level of grip of the Metas 07 tires, I found myself getting closer and closer to the tarmac every turn. I quickly switched to supermoto riding, sitting on the front of the seat and open elbows, the engine happily climbed to the high rev range and new sounds started coming out of the AKRAPOVIC exhaust. Strong braking Lowering one or two gears releases a quick clutch and the motorcycle makes you smile. The 690 loves tight, curvy roads and gives it great confidence to the rider and allows him to feel like a supermoto rider on a track.

A distant look and constant gas and he will go through everything (Photo: Assaf Rahamim)

KTM 690 Enduro R (Photo: Assaf Rahamim, Kenan Cohen)

The clutch with anti-lock braking mechanism is one of the 690's strengths in aggressive road riding and allows for a brutal gear reduction before sharp turns and entry with a rear wheel that begins to slip but is not dangerously locked. In addition, its smooth operation, together with the motor's sensitivity to the state of the gas handle and the rigidity of the suspensions, make it possible to make controlled and enjoyable tail smoothings when exiting turns. I'm sure that if I ever have a motorcycle like this, I'll buy a 17-wheel set for road sports or supermoto rides. At the gas station, I remembered that the fuel plug was behind the seat and the fuel tank was under the rear wing and used as the tail chassis.

Moving the fuel tank under the back seat creates a comfortable cushioning area (Photo: Manufacturer)

KTM 690 Enduro R (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

In dunes, trails and singles

I spent the first day riding in the area in the dunes south of Ashdod and there I received an important lesson and an unpleasant surprise. After lowering the tire pressure and moving the grip control system to the 2 position, I quickly entered one of the deep sand trails. As long as I did not lower the speed I was able to keep going forward, but I felt something was missing because the motorcycle would not go up to the high rpm and continue forward while sliding the rear wheel. I quickly realized that I had not correctly adjusted the grip control system and had to stop. Getting out of the sand back to the Kurkar Trail was very difficult and exhausting and required a great deal of clutch and play with the throttle to keep the engine at the required RPM and advance in the deep sand. After a few phone calls to the DLB, I realized that not enough to move the grip control system into space mode, you had to completely turn it off with a long press of one of the buttons.

KTM 690 Enduro R (Photo: Assaf Rahamim, Kenan Cohen)

The problem is that the indicator for the system status is with the help of bulbs, which are intermittently lit when the system is disconnected and every time the motorcycle is bleeding, the whole process must be repeated again and separately to the ABS system. True, I did not worry about learning how to properly use the grip control system, but its operation is undoubtedly deficient and unfriendly. In those sections where I managed to completely disable the system, the 690 impressed me greatly with the ability to maintain high speeds in the sand and also absorb the big bumps with no problem. Under these conditions, the cooling system worked very hard and the fan operated most of the time, but much of it stems from the fact that the Metas 07 tires are certainly not designed for deep sand riding.

The display and control of the systems are brilliant and could be better performed

KTM 690 Enduro R (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

When riding in an area with soil and stones you immediately feel the quality of the suspensions and especially the operation of the front fork, which does not tend to close excessively during braking or obstacles. This feature also allows for sharp changes of direction at high speeds without feeling the same flexibility and slackness that characterizes the dual-use motorcycles and most adventurers. Thanks to this, the rider gets a sense of safety that allows him to speed up and enjoy fast and aggressive riding even on tracks that to date Adventurous and other useful motorcycles would simply pass through with thought of only damage prevention.

The large ventral space, 270 mm, compared to the adventurer motorcycles also contributes greatly to the safety section in the riding. The reason for this behavior of the motorcycle is mainly thanks to the new EXPLOR shock absorbers with a 250 mm move. In the rear, a single rear shock absorber is installed with a host of directional options attached to the chassis with a link mechanism that gives it progressive behavior. Everything has a price and indeed the price for these amazing racks is a 910 millimeter seat height that sometimes made me, 185 inches, reach the ground only with the front end of the boot. I'm sure there are lowering kits and less cushioned seats that might help, but it's obviously a very tall motorcycle. In off-road riding, I preferred to disconnect the ABS system, because on a number of occasions it prevented me from stopping as I wanted on the downhill trails.

Even in a technical area, you can ride without fear of breaking something (Photo: Manufacturer)

KTM 690 Enduro R (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

The chassis capability and riding position prevent the need for early planning of any action, or obstacle crossing, as is the case with heavy and soft Adventurer motorcycles. The long, narrow seat and the absence of the fuel tank between the legs allow movement along the motorcycle in a manner known only to the professional off-road motorcycles. Braking in combination with a controlled-slip clutch allows for very controlled engine braking and almost eliminates the need for a brake with the rear brake, except in cases where the rear wheel lock helps to turn the motorcycle. The stated dry weight of 146 pounds and the many parts installed before the handlebars behind the headlight mask are the main reminder that the motorcycle is not designed for terrain alone and reduces the motorcycle's agility in the direction changes that are characteristic of crowded terrain. More than once, in an attempt to put the rear wheel back into place after skating, I reached the handlebars' limit and this indicates that the angle of the hitch is still not large enough.

The fuel tank is also part of the tail chassis. The back boiler destroys pants

KTM 690 Enduro R (Photo: Manufacturer, Manufacturer Website)

KTM makes a very comprehensive line of improvements for each model to make it easier for customers to customize the motorcycle to their personal requirements. Even in the case of the 690 the catalog of improvements is huge and out of which we got to check the AKRAPOVIC exhaust system and the ventral shield from aluminum. It is important to note that all parts have been tested and tested by KTM and this has a great advantage.

In conclusion

Compared to most 700/800 cc Adventur motorcycles, the KTM 690 Enduro R manages to keep up with the asphalt cycling provided it is not a freeway and the terrain is much faster and more enjoyable. His touring ability is inferior to them, especially when most of the route is on straight roads, but once the area or road is very convoluted, its benefit is significant. The 690 is one of those motorcycles, no matter where you take it, it will always make you smile, get excited about riding and allow you to do things that you never thought you could do, even if you are not a very skilled rider.

A leisurely field trip with another rider, crazy speed biking, slow enduro riding on tracks with foul trouble, sand dunes, recreation in a cafe, winding road, the 690 Supermoto track marks V on each of the chores. Motorcycle riding position Sporty, low weight, very powerful engine, yet easily controlled, chassis and racks that support the rider in any situation, these are the strong cards of the new KTM 690 Enduro R.

KTM 690 Enduro R (Photo: Assaf Rahamim, Kenan Cohen)

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On the technical side: KTM 690 Enduro R

Engine: single cylinder, four stroke, water cooling, single camshaft, 4 valves, two spark plugs.
Volume: 693 cc.
Power: 74 kW.
Torque: 7.5 kg.
Cooling: Liquid.
Clutch: Limited locking, hydraulic operation.

Racks, brakes:
Front rack: WP EXPLORE Full adjustable reverse fork, 48mm 250mm move
Fork angle: 27.7 degrees.
Rear rack: Double-sided arm with link mechanism, single adjustable WP EXPLORE single absorber, 250mm move.

Dimensions:
Ventral spacing: 270 mm.
Seat height: 910 mm.
Front Brake: 300mm with ABS
Rear Brake: 240mm with ABS
ABS System: Multi-Mode Bush 9.1.
Tires: Front: 90 / 90-21, Rear: 140 / 80-18
Of fuel tank: 13.5 liters
Weight (dry): 146 kg