KTM 690 “Enduro”: technical characteristics, engine power, maximum speed, operation and maintenance features, owner reviews

Characteristic

The main power unit of the model is a 4-stroke gasoline engine with one cylinder. There are 4 valves per cylinder. You can start the engine using an electric starter. The motor is cooled by liquid cooling. The fuel system is based on an injector. Recommended fuel is AI-95. The engine produces 66 “horses”, while the working volume is 690 cm3.

A mechanical transmission with 6 gear levels is installed. The main gear is a metal chain. KTM 690 Enduro has the following overall dimensions: saddle height - 935 mm; base-1504 mm; Confident off-road driving is achieved due to the ground clearance of 280 mm. The fuel tank holds 12 liters.

MY MOTORCYCLE

The KTM 690 ENDURO R'12 is the only motorcycle in its genre. It is designed as a lightweight sports enduro, but is equipped with a powerful engine suitable for highway use and even off-road touring.

First, a little about the LC4 engine - an off-road icon. Today it is the only 1-cylinder engine in its genre - incredibly powerful, suitable for enduro competitions, not relaxed off-road touring. Only experienced riders can use its potential to the maximum.

It's hard to believe, but this motor is also suitable for tourism. The history of the big orange monocylinder began in 1980, when the regular European Championship grew into the World Motocross Championship with a new class “4T engines above 500 cm3”. The Austrian company Rotax assembled an engine especially for this category of motorcycles. It was bought by many motorcycle manufacturers such as Aprilia, SWM, Puch and finally KTM. Equipped with this engine, motorcycles of the Austrian company won many races. However, in the late 1980s, KTM decided to develop a 1-cylinder unit on its own. Thus the LC4 (an abbreviation for liquid-cooled 4-stroke) was born.

Evolution of the LC4 Initially, only the 550 cc racing model was available, with 45 hp. on the rear wheel, good torque and very noticeable vibrations. Motor for real men!

The evolution of the LC4 has been rapid. Five versions were immediately released: a sports enduro, an all-terrain tourer (basic and Adventure versions), a rally prototype that won five Dakar rallies, and a supermotard. In 2006, the 660 cc LC4 Rally was replaced by a 690 cc. Based on this powerful engine, a new motorcycle was built with a trellis frame and various interesting solutions such as a plastic tank in the tail. Rule changes in the Dakar Rally forced this sports prototype into premature retirement. Off-road enthusiasts were eagerly waiting for KTM to release a civilian version of the motorcycle, the new mid-sized Adventure, but the Austrians were in no hurry. The company introduced the 690 Enduro model in 2007: 654 cm3, 60 hp. on the crankshaft and 139 kg of dry weight. In the design of this civilian model, rally developments were used, a plastic tank serving as a subframe. The Enduro received a full set of optics, informative instrumentation, WP suspension with 250 mm travel and a linkage system at the rear, which is uncharacteristic of most off-road KTMs.

The motorcycle turned out to be impressive, but was immediately noted for three unpleasant features. All testers complained about the steering wheel's limited turn, the seat being uncomfortable for long trips, and the gas cap behind it being obscured by luggage. Definitely not an enduro-tourist, although it could become one: the motorcycle handled perfectly on winding roads - both asphalt and dirt. A year later, the R-version was released with a similar engine and frame (not counting the color), suspension travel increased to 275 mm, a more spartan headlight and instrumentation copied from the EXC sports enduro. As a result, two similar models appeared in the catalog: the “tourist” 690 Enduro, which was too spartan, and the racing 690 Enduro R, which was too heavy for a sports enduro.

1-2, The design of the headlight and the front of the motorcycle in general has become more pleasant and expressive. The headlight shines noticeably brighter

3-4. The 2012 Enduro R instrument panel has become much more readable and informative. Last season, the motorcycle was equipped with a skimpy sports panel, now the rider has a tidy system similar to the tourist 990 Adventure 5. The plastic crankcase protection is a dubious choice, but still it performs its functions. Behind the toothed step and the same toothed brake foot, you can see the master cylinder of the rear brake circuit and the line laid along the top of the pendulum. The engine is started only by an electric starter, kick is not provided even as an option.
The only version In 2012, in the model range of the Austrian company there is only one cubic enduro with the index “R”. At first glance, it seems that the base model has been retired. However, in reality we are talking about a kind of “mix” of two versions. What remained from the basic version was the headlight, tidy, and suspensions with a travel of 250 mm; from the R version - orange frame. There are also important innovations: a more comfortable seat, increased steering angle, a 690 cc engine from the 690 Duke and 66 “horses” under the crankcase cover.

The R version initially looked more impressive than the regular one, but the base version was equipped with a more powerful headlight. My heart was drawn to Erka, my mind was drawn to a standard and more boring-looking motorcycle. Now both advantages are combined in one model

.TEST DRIVE: KTM 690 ENDURO R'12

The ergonomics of this KTM are like those of a proper enduro racing car: a flat seat, a position shifted to the front wheel, high handlebars, widely spaced footpegs that extend slightly back. Thanks to the increased steering angle and comfortable seat, riding the motorcycle has become more enjoyable. At the same time, the Enduro R remains the same unique motorcycle with a live engine. Now more powerful than previous generations. The engine starts only with an electric starter and has an appetite corresponding to its 690 cc volume. In the test, which took place on the island of Sardinia on high-speed off-road sections and rocky trails, the average consumption was about 5.3 l/100 km. The motor picks up speed extremely quickly. If you confidently unscrew the throttle, your palms get tired because you have to cling to the handlebars with all your might so as not to fly out of the saddle. There is no aerodynamic protection, and the engine has a lot of “stupidity”.

At medium and high speeds, the engine lives to the fullest, emitting a cheerful and moderately loud roar from the single muffler. This proves that to run a good herd of horsepower you don’t have to stun your neighbor. However, at low speeds the engine disappoints: there is no torque pulsation typical for a large-volume engine, and at low speeds it is difficult to control the engine speed, especially on slippery roads.

Speed ​​The Enduro R is at its best when riding on high-speed routes, when its engine produces all its 66 hp. Tight factory adjustments of the long-travel suspensions allow you to confidently take wide turns at high speed, without swaying or yawing. The motorcycle provokes aggressive riding. Aggressive, in the case of the 690 Enduro R, means fast. The character of the motorcycle is reminiscent of a cubic enduro racing bike, with the exception that there are noticeably more “horses” here.

Riders who can't control the power of the 690cc engine can have a lot of fun riding in open terrain and on well-packed dirt roads. The main thing is that there are no sharp turns or difficult trial terrain on the way, where it will be difficult for an inexperienced rider to cope with a heavy off-road motorcycle. It would be great to release a factory kit for the Enduro R that turns it into a tourist: a comfortable seat, a fairing, an enlarged tank, a trunk, frames for attaching side cases. KTM produced all this for the previous model LC4 640 Adventure. Why not produce the above accessories again? It is not surprising that some third-party companies (www.albertodottori.net. www. rally-raidproducts.co.uk. www.corbin.com') have already begun to fill the gap in the KTM lineup, offering kits for such transformations. But with such a tourist body kit, the price of this motorcycle is approaching the level of two-cylinder SUVs, which are more comfortable and practical

TTX

Suspension system

Shock absorption qualities, along with the frame of an Enduro motorcycle, play a key role in terms of safe and, of course, comfortable riding. Off-roading involves the presence of bumps, potholes and other “obstacles” of Mother Nature. So that the motorcyclist does not feel all the irregularities and a reliable suspension is needed. In this case, the Austrian developers installed an inverted telescopic fork at the front of the motorcycle with a travel of 250 mm. At the rear there is a pendulum suspension with a monoshock absorber. Her move is identical.

Tuning K

Initially, only a version with a 550 cc engine and 45 horsepower was developed. The engine had high torque and decent vibration. The development of LC-4 power units continued very actively. Several modifications were put into production. Among them:

• Purely sporty “Enduro”.
• Version for all-terrain touring bikes.
• A modernized version of "Adventure".
• A prototype aimed at rally racing.

In 2006, the K motorcycle received a 690 cc engine. To match the “engine” there was an improvement in other elements of the car. The equipment of the device now includes a lattice frame and a plastic fuel tank located in the tail section. Unfortunately, changes to the official rules of the Dakkar race forced said bike to leave the battlefield prematurely. Fans of this brand were eagerly awaiting the release of the new version. Despite this, manufacturers were in no hurry to present the new product.

Brake system

Don't forget about the importance of the braking mechanism. The brakes must stop the “horse” in a galloping manner in the shortest possible time. To achieve a productive result, engineers installed two-piston discs with a floating caliper at the front and single-piston discs at the rear. The diameter of the disc at the front is 300 mm, at the rear it is 240 mm.

If you need transport for active pastime or off-road travel, you need an Enduro. Based on this, preference should be given exclusively to high-quality products. One of these is the KTM 690, originally from Austria. It is difficult to meet the owner of a motorcycle from this country of origin with any complaints. Reviews about the KTM 690 are mostly positive. After purchasing Austrian equipment, you need to forget about breakdowns for a long time. Moreover, Austria has long established itself in the world market as a reliable supplier of motorcycle products, of which there is no doubt at the moment.

About the engine

The K is equipped with an LC4 type power unit, which experts and enthusiasts rightly classify as an “off-road icon.” Among modern analogues, this engine is the only one that, having one cylinder, has great power, quite suitable for real competitions, and not just road trips. The maximum potential of the engine is so great that only the most experienced riders can fully master it.

The bike in question was created in 1980. It was released in bright orange and was originally intended to participate in the European Motocross Championship, which soon became a world championship among two-wheeled units equipped with 4T engines with a volume of more than 500 cubic centimeters.

Especially for this category of motorcycles, the Austrian company Rotax assembled an engine that is used by many manufacturers of motocross motorcycles. With such a power unit, Austrian bikes have repeatedly become winners of various competitions. However, in the late 80s of the last century, KTM designers developed their own single-cylinder LC4 engine.

Update

The redesigned K was introduced in 2007. Its features:

• Working volume – 654 cc.
• Power indicator - 60 liters. With.
• Dry weight – 139 kg.
• The frame configuration is “birdcage”.
• The gas tank is made of plastic.
• Updates – optics, suspension, instrument panel.

As a result, the motorbike turned out to be quite elegant and comfortable. However, there were a few unpleasant moments, judging by the reviews of the K 690:

• Most users complained about limited steering dynamics.
• The owners also noted that the saddle is uncomfortable for long trips.
• Another minus is the ill-thought-out location of the fuel tank cap, which obscures the luggage.

As a touring motorcycle, K did not succeed, although it could well have become one. Among the advantages, consumers note the excellent behavior of the car on winding dirt and asphalt roads. For variety, the designers released the R version, which had a different color scheme, a different suspension, simpler optics and dashboard.

Test Drive

At high and medium speeds, the engine shows its maximum capabilities, and the muffler accompanies the effort with a vigorous and moderately loud growl. This effect indicates that in order to use power to the maximum, it is not necessary to stun everyone around. At low speeds the power unit is not happy. It is difficult to control, especially on slippery roads. Users note that K shows optimal results during aggressive driving. In many ways, this becomes possible thanks to the rigid standard suspension settings and the original powerful “engine”.

Ergonomics

This parameter for the motorcycle in question is typical for a classic sports “enduro”. The flat “seat” is shifted slightly forward to determine the appropriate fit. The handlebars are raised as high as possible, the footpegs are widely spaced, and go slightly back. Driving comfort is ensured by increased steering angle.

With all its shortcomings, the KTM 690 bike remains a unique unit with a spirited engine. The engine is started exclusively by an electric starter and has performed well in tests in rocky and sandy regions. Average fuel consumption is about 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers, and the speed picks up extremely quickly. Given the lack of proper aerodynamic protection, when fully squeezing the gas, the rider has to hold on to the handles very tightly so as not to jump out of the saddle.

Main modification

Since 2012, the Austrian company has offered only one model with the R index. The motorcycle is a kind of combined version of its predecessor with an updated version. The basic platform can be guessed by the head light elements and suspension with a working stroke of 250 millimeters.

Important innovations include: comfortable seating, better handling, more power and an orange frame color. This version looks more impressive not only in appearance, but also in many other technical indicators. We can say that Austrian engineers have combined all the best from two generations in one model.