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.
Both machines are unique in their categories (if you forget about their carbon-copy Husqvarna counterparts), which is a shame, because the world needs more big thumpers.
Forgoing any real changes, we see that the 2021 KTM 690 SMC R and 2021 KTM 690 Enduro R get merely bold new graphics for next year, which is partially a shame, as both bikes could use some more modern touches.
To be fair though, KTM has been fairly good about keeping its 690’s at the pointy end, with the KTM 690 SMC R featuring IMU-assisted traction control and cornering ABS.
“Supermoto ABS” (disables the rear wheel) can also be had, along with an up/down quickshifter, if you are willing to spend some extra coin.
The story is similar on the KTM 690 Enduro R, which gets off-road ABS as well as traction control. Both bikes feature two riding modes for the throttle, which is ride-by-wire.
Of note, there was some debate on what would happen to the 690 power plant as Euro5 took over Europe, but for Americans there are no worries.
Both the 2021 KTM 690 SMC R and 2021 KTM 690 Enduro R will be in US dealers starting in December 2020.
Source: KTM North America
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