Today, most dual-sport bikes fall in the 200-500cc space. If you want something bigger, then there’s a high chance you’ll have to pick something really old, like the Suzuki DR650 or the Honda XR650L. But this could change soon, all thanks to KTM. The Austrian giant has just shown its new flagship dual-sport at the Adventure Bike Rider Festival in England. There are several updates worth talking about, so let’s jump right in.
The 2026 KTM 690 Enduro R Will Feature A Revised Single-Cylinder Engine
*Time stamp: 8m 43s
According to the placard put near the new 690 Enduro R at the event, the dual-sport will feature an updated single-cylinder engine. There’s a new single oil pump to reduce friction losses and improve torque, along with a reworked exhaust. The latter is said to focus on reducing heat and help the bike meet Euro5+ norms. Likewise, the motor has new mounts to reduce vibrations.
Other than that, we also know the power figures, as KTM had shown the updated 690 SMC R at an Austrian trade show a few months back. The 692cc, single-cylinder mill is good for 77.7 horsepower, which is four more than the 2024 trim. Torque lies in the 54-pound-feet ballpark, meanwhile, and all the power reaches the wheel via a six-speed transmission. With that increment, this mill takes the “most powerful single-cylinder engine” title away from Ducati’s 698cc engine.
2026 KTM 690 Enduro R Expected Engine Specs
Capacity |
692.7cc |
Layout |
Single-cylinder |
Power |
77.7 horsepower |
Torque |
~54 LB-FT |
Transmission |
Six-speed |
New Features Make The 2026 690 Enduro R Thoroughly Modern By Dual-Sport Standards
With more power, the 690 Enduro R is also becoming more modern. It has a new TFT instrument cluster–same as the new 390 Enduro R–that enables bits like ride modes, cornering ABS, and cornering traction control. The latter two are courtesy of a new 6D sensor. Updated all-LED lights round off the package.
Not much appears unchanged underpinnings-wise, though. We can see:
- Adjustable WP forks
- Adjustable WP monoshock
- Spoke wheels
- Knobby tires
- Aluminum swingarm
The New KTM 690 Enduro R Will Break Cover In A Few Months
If you read the fine print on the placard, it clearly says the 690 Enduro R shown here is a prototype model, and the final model will arrive later. Considering it’s a 2026 model, KTM claims we can expect it in dealerships in the first half of 2026. That should mean an official launch and public debut in a few months, since that’s the timeline KTM usually follows with its premium products. Oh, and you should also know that the 690 will be made in Mattighofen, Austria. That means it won’t be easy on the pocket. For reference, the current 690 Enduro R sells for $12,999.
Read the full article here