KTM made an important first step before unveiling the 690
Enduro to the motorcycling public: it presented the 690 Baja as a truly
competitive off-road motorcycle which was to be ridden at the famous race by
Cyril Depres, winner of the 2007 Dakar Rally, podium-familiar Chris Blais
and Davis Pearson. This way, the racing success that is about to come will
determine the average rider to get a feel of the machine that takes everyone
on the podium.
In order to satisfy the rider’s expectations, the Austrian manufacturer had
the bike fitted with one of their best performing engines, the LC4 and kept
the weight down for easy handling.
Even though the KTM
attracted famous names along its side, everybody knows the leader of the
Baja 500 as being a Honda. The XR650R is unfairly considered to be dated. It
doesn’t mean that if a manufacturer hits jackpot from the first time, like
Honda did, other models after it will necessarily be better and with the
690’s listed dry weight being 28lbs heavier, having 2 inches less suspension
travel and 0.2” less ground clearance, the KTM 690 Enduro isn’t quite the
bike that would dethrone the King of Baja.
Even less able to do that is the Kawasaki KLR650 which although strongly
revised and implicit new for 2008, it is more of a dual-sport that adapted
to the “good life” offered by the highways and even though it offers
sufficient off-road performance didn’t manages to make a statement in the
fight with the Honda or the KTM.
I find the Husqvarna TE610 more suitable for the fight
with the 690 Enduro, not just because the two manufacturers compete since
they found out one about the other’s existence, but because the 576cc
4-stroke, 4 valves, SOHC, Liquid Cooled Single engine is incredibly
strong-pulling and comparative to
KTM’s LC8. The only thing I don’t appreciate at the Husqvarna and I
reckon you don’t either is the $7,398 suggested retail price comparative
with Honda’s $6,349.
Although it doesn’t manage to perform better than the Honda
XR650R, the KTM 690 Enduro looks far better. Basically a 690 SMC without the
supermoto wheels, suspensions and stature, it looks easier to handle as its
center of gravity is much lower.
Like a true dual-purpose motorcycle, the headlight and mirrors couldn’t have
missed, but their design is stylish and attractive, proof of the fact that
KTM is dedicated to delivering attractive motorcycles, not only good
performing ones.
The bike’s front end is dominated by the Orange of the mudguards, fender and
headlight fairing which makes it easily identifiable out on the trails. Just
like on the SMC, the Enduro’s exterior features are far from being rounded
as a rougher appearance was approached. The narrow seat is also a testimony
of this successful attempt.
KTM prefers to individualize its models form the Japanese ones and the rest
of the European offering so the exhaust system is positioned on the rider’s
left side, having the muffler attached underneath the rear mudguards.
Wheels are 18” and dressed up in off-road rubber. Apart from the engine’s
protective shield, there aren’t many things to set this bike apart from its
close cousin, the 690 SMC.
Orange and Black are the dominating colors on this new released KTM.
Conclusion
By fitting it with the new 690 engine, KTM intended on
creating an incredibly versatile motorcycle that would not only compete in
the Baja 500 race across the desert, but offer true excitement to all riders
who will swing a leg over it. As soon as this exciting looking bike will be
available for a test drive we will have the opportunity to see if this goal
was accomplished or not.
Source Top Speed
NOTE: Some of the photos on
Motorcycle Specs are owned by somebody. If you see any of your
photos, you can let me know so that I can acknowledge it, or if
you object to it, I can remove it altogether. If any copyright
holder objects to their articles being placed on Motorcycle
Specs, it will be removed upon request. Any correction or more
info on these bikes will kindly beappreciated
Contact MePrivacy
Policy
Website Stats
