Rumour: KTM’s 690 Enduro R getting major upgrades

There’s lots of hot gossip circulating about new-for-2019 bikes, but one of the most interesting tidbits we’ve seen is about KTM’s 690 Enduro R. Supposedly, the hotrod thumper is about to get some decent upgrades.

Here’s why this especially matters now. We’ve been saying for a while that big-bore thumpers are on the way out. And, given the fact the Japanese manufacturers have all spent another year designing Bold New Graphics for their 650 models (Honda XR650L, Suzuki DR650SE, Kawasaki KLR650) and nothing else, it looks like KTM could get a lot of dual sport riders very, very excited if it displayed some interest in the class.

So what’s supposedly coming? According to Asphalt & Rubber, an up/down quickshifter, cornering ABS, traction control, WP Xplor suspension, riding modes, updated frame, and the same version of the 690 engine that already powers the 690 Duke R and the Husqvarna 701 Enduro (more power, less vibration).

These would all be very good things. We’ll see if it comes true when the Intermot motorcycle show kicks off next week.