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KTM 690 Enduro R

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Loyal readers of Asphalt & Rubber will know that I have a soft spot for KTM’s 690cc LC4 engine. The most powerful production single-cylinder motor on the market right now, the 73hp (55 kW) power plant is at home on the street, track, and trail.

For 2021, KTM plans on using this opus in the 2021 KTM 690 SMC R supermoto, as well as the 2021 KTM 690 Enduro R dirt bike.

We have long been wondering when the KTM 690 Enduro R would get an update, especially after seeing the Husqvarna 701 Enduro get the revised big thumper from the KTM 690 Duke street bike.

That wait is over for the 2019 model year, as the KTM 690 Enduro R gets a bevy of revisions.

A new motor, a new chassis, better suspension, and a slew of electronics, the 2019 KTM 690 Enduro R is better in practically every single way, which should ensure that this popular dual-sport continues to be at the top of the big-bore heap.

When it comes to big trail thumpers, the KTM 690 Enduro R is tough to beat, and because of that reason, the bike has seen few updates over the course of its long product cycle. Seeing that the popular dual-sport could use some love, leaked details from Europe show that KTM plans to update the KTM 690 Enduro R for the 2019 model year.

From the looks of things, the Austrians are going big with the 2019 KTM 690 Enduro R, as the leaked info tips the arrival of a new engine, chassis, and styling, as well as a bevy of new features.

KTM North America is recalling 409 units of its 2015 KTM 690 Enduro R motorcycles for a rear brake line that may have been damaged during the assembly process.

The recall affects only bikes made between November 1, 2014 and February 28, 2015, and specifically deals with the rear brake line that goes from the ABS pressure modulator to the foot brake cylinder. The alleged damage is caused by contact with the spring clamp of the crank case ventilation hose.

Because a damaged brake line may cause the loss of rear braking ability, and thus increase the likelihood of a crash, KTM has filed a recall with the NHTSA.

KTM North America is recalling 1,228 KTM and Husaberg dirt bikes for improper heat treatment, which could lead to the handlebar clamps developing cracks, and allowing the bars to move from their set position. The affected models are as follows:

  • 2011 Husaberg FE 570S
  • 2011 Husaberg FS 570
  • 2011 KTM 450 EXC
  • 2011 KTM 530 EXC
  • 2010-2011 KTM 690 Enduro R

Authorized KTM dealers will replace the defective clamps free of charge, with the recall schedule to start this June. Concerned owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. Also the NHTSA, as always, is also available at 1-888-327-4236 or safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA