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.
First up is the steel trellis frame, which KTM is saying is “completely new” for the 2019 model year. A leaked photo shows that the frame looks almost identical to the current KTM 690 Enduro R chassis. As such, we expect to see subtle changes like tube wall thickness coming to the 2019 edition.
This notion is reinforced (pardon the pun), by the leaked details about the motor, which mention an all-new LC4 engine, but don’t provide details beyond this. With the KTM 690 Enduro R not Euro4 compliant, the “new engine” likely refers to the 690cc single-cylinder that is currently found on Husqvarna 701 Enduro. This means a new top power figure of 74hp and 52 lbs•ft of torque, and way, way less vibes.
KTM’s up/down quickshifter is also coming to the Enduro R, which is an interesting pieces of technology to add to a dual-sport. It doesn’t stop there though, as the 2019 KTM 690 Enduro R will also have cornering ABS (as well as off-road ABS) and traction control. Riding modes will also be available via an on-handlebar toggle. Boom goes the dynamite…I think someone owes me $5 on this.
For suspension, KTM is using the WP Xplor series of forks and shocks, which should be a welcomed upgrade for off-roaders. The styling of the machine comes from KTM’s EXC family, which should help link the KTM 690 Enduro R to the rest of the off-road lineup.
Expect to see the bike drop at the EICMA show in November, though it is possible that we could see the 2019 KTM 690 Enduro R at the INTERMOT show next week. Either way, we’ll have all the details for you, when it drops.
Source: Insella.it
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