The 2026 KTM 690 Enduro R is the product of significant changes to last year’s iteration. Chassis and engine updates are just a part of the story, so let’s take a look at what’s new with KTM’s flagship Enduro R.
- KTM has moved the 690 Enduro R into a new category. Previously, the 690 Enduro R was considered a Travel model and lumped in with KTM’s Adventure bikes. For 2026, the 690 joins the 390 Enduro R in KTM’s new Dual Sport category. It signals a change in the focus of the big R.
- Half of the parts in the 2026 KTM 690 Enduro R’s LC4 single-cylinder powerplant are new. The visible change is the new crankcase, clutch cover, and stator cover. Inside, the oiling system has been simplified to increase efficiency, which means more power at the rear wheel. Additionally, the valve timing has been adjusted for increased torque at low rpm. However, the main goal of the new parts for the motor was compliance with Euro 5+ standards. Service intervals have been extended to 9320 miles for an oil change and double that for valve clearance checks.
- The airbox has been simplified. An emissions control feature has been jettisoned, and there’s a new cover and trumpet.
- The catalytic converter has been removed from the muffler. KTM engineers moved it up in the exhaust system, allowing riders to swap mufflers without worrying about the cat. There are now two lambda sensors to help reduce emissions. KTM also claims improved sound quality of the 2026 KTM 690 Enduro R.
- A new fuel pump ups the pressure. This leads to finer fuel atomizing and more accurate injection timing, which, in turn, improves throttle response. Also, the new fuel pump is easier to maintain, including changing the filter.
- Speaking of throttle response, the 2026 KTM 690 Enduro R gets a quicker-turn throttle. The range from closed to open is now a 65-degree sweep.
- A new 4.2-inch TFT display and switchgear allow for new ride modes—Street and Sport/Offroad. You can customize the modes, and the system remembers your modifications after you switch the bike off. Cornering ABS and traction control are standard, and there are three ABS settings: two-wheel, rear-wheel, and off. KTM Connect returns, and a USB-C port is standard.
- Rally mode is optional and has more sophisticated options. It brings adjustable throttle response, nine levels of traction control, engine compression braking, and Dynamic Slip Adjust to the party. Dynamic Slip Adjustment is an active traction control that will allow slippage when needed, even when traction control is set to high. A quickshifter for the six-speed transmission is an additional option. The Rally mode is enabled when you buy the 2026 KTM 690 Enduro R, so you have 932 miles to decide if you need it.
- Frame stiffness and suspension compliance have been tweaked. Longitudinal stiffness has been increased for improved rider feel, with the WP Xplor suspension settings nudged accordingly. KTM claims the new suspension settings improve comfort and performance.
- New bodywork and skid plate are functional changes. The plastic has a more aggressive appearance, and it is designed to appeal to the rider when standing or sitting. New graphics are embedded into the plastic. The headlight and turn indicators are new and LED. KTM insiders tell us that night riders will like the headlight’s new reflectors. The new skid plate comes with new mounting points for the center stand.
- The 2026 KTM 690 Enduro R’s price has not been set. We can’t tell you when the bike will land on showroom floors. However, we can confirm that it is available in one color scheme. We last reviewed the KTM 690 Enduro R in 2019 .
2026 KTM 690 Enduro R Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Four-stroke single
- Displacement: 693cc
- Bore x stroke: 105 x 80mm
- Valvetrain: SOHC; 4 valves
- Fueling: Keihin EFI w/ 50mm throttle body
- Ignition: Keihin EMS w/ ride-by-wire
- Transmission: 6-speed w/ quickshifter
- Clutch: Hydraulically actuated assist-and-slip
- Final drive: 520 X-ring chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Chromoly steel trellis
- Subframe: Self-supporting polymer fuel tank
- Handlebar: Tapered aluminum
- Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable WP Xplor inverted 48mm fork; 10.4 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted fully adjustable WP Xplor shock; 9.8 inches
- Wheels: Wire-spoke w/ D.I.D DirtStar rims
- Front wheel: 21 x 1.85
- Rear wheel: 18 x 2.50
- Front tire: 90/90-21
- Rear tire: 140/80-18
- Front brake: 300mm disc w/ Brembo caliper
- Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ Brembo caliper
- ABS: Standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 59.2 inches
- Rake: 27.7 degrees
- Seat height: 36.8 inches
- Ground clearance: 10.4 inches
- Fuel capacity: 3.5 gallons
- Curb weight: 356 pounds
2026 KTM 690 Enduro R Price: $TBA MSRP
