There may be serious financial woes for KTM, but that isn’t simmering down Team Orange’s spirits. The bikemaker is repeatedly giving us new bikes, and there’s more coming for us. We say so because spy shots of KTM’s new middleweight adventure bike have just come to light. It is based on the popular 690 platform and draws inspiration from Dakar Rally bikes. Let’s dive in.
The Upcoming 690 Adventure Has A Minimalistic Yet Robust Design
The 690 Adventure boasts a robust design. Up top, there’s a rally bike-like transparent headlight cowl–quite familiar to the KTM 450 Rally Replica from last year. This is complemented by angular fairings on the sides and a motocross-like fender. A closer look also reveals three fuel tanks. There are two caps for the central tanks, plus a rear cap for the tank in the tail section.
Speaking of tail, it flexes a chunky high-set exhaust and slim plastic panels to keep the minimalism intact. In case you think these look familiar, you’re right, as these appear borrowed from the 690 Enduro R. Additionally, other design details include:
- Knuckle guards
- LED headlight (vertically stacked)
- Fork covers
- Transparent windscreen
- Cross-spoke wheels
A 693cc, Single-Cylinder Engine Will Power The KTM 690 Adventure
What’s under the hood, you ask? Well, a popular engine. The casings, exhaust, and header all confirm this is the 693cc, single-cylinder mill KTM uses on the 690 Enduro and 690 SMC. It’s good for 74 horsepower and 54 pound-feet, all sent to the wheel via a six-speed transmission. With that output, the upcoming bike should sit right in the ballpark of the Yamaha Tenere 700 and ahead of the Moto Morini X-Cape.
As for underpinnings, we can’t spot the chassis in the spy shots. But we do see long-travel beefy WP upside-down forks and a WP monoshock. These join hands with what looks like a 21/18-inch spoke wheel combination. Interestingly, there’s only one petal disc brake per wheel–an oddity in the segment. It sort of suggests KTM has kept its weight low, though.
The KTM 690 Adventure Could Debut By The End Of 2025
The test mule seen here looks to be undergoing development. So we believe there’s plenty of time before we see this in dealerships. An end-of-2025 public debut seems probable, followed by a worldwide launch in the early months of 2026. Alternatively, we could see a delay, too, given KTM already has the 990 Adventure well in the works. Not to mention, the brand is still not financially stable, which could make matters worse.
KTM 690 Adventure Expected Specs
|
Engine |
693cc, single-cylinder |
|
Power |
74 HP |
|
Torque |
54 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
Six-speed |
|
Chassis |
Steel tubular |
|
Suspension |
WP forks/WP monoshock |
|
Wheels |
21/18-inch spoke wheels |
Read the full article here