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KTM 690

KTM’s 693cc thumper is still strong despite being in the market for years.

  • KTM 690 SMC R and Enduro R get fresh visuals for 2023.
  • A 693cc single-cylinder engine powers both KTM 690 SMC R and Enduro R. 

For 2023, the KTM 690 SMC R supermoto and Enduro R dual sport returns with new fresh visuals.

Continuing the LC4 tradition, the 690 SMC R sports blue and orange, while the Enduro R gets orange graphics inspired by KTM’s race bikes.

At the heart of the 690s sits the most powerful single-cylinder engine available, capable of producing 74hp. Thanks to KTM’s continuous development of the LC4 engine, the platform has proven to stand the test of time.

Both machines benefit from Cornering ABS, traction control and two ride modes.

Additionally, the optional Off-Road ABS reduces ABS intervention on the front wheel and completely disables ABS on the rear, allowing riders to lock up their rear when they need to slide into a tight turn.

As usual, there is a host of dedicated KTM PowerParts designed specifically to boost both bike’s performance and mobility. 

KTM has finally acknowledged the common slave clutch issue affecting most of the KTM LC4 690cc single-cylinder engines.

The Mattighofen factory has issued a worldwide recall of KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles that feature the LC4 engine.

The matter at hand focused on the gasket on the clutch slave cylinder that may have been damaged at the manufacturing stage.

The affected gasket could cause the clutch to become malfunction when the clutch lever is pulled in.

However, we are a bit surprised that it took this long for KTM to react despite acknowledging the problem since 2018.

According to the documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US, the recall involved certain 2018-2020 models which includes:

  • KTM 690 Duke (2018-2019)
  • KTM 690 Enduro (2018-2020)
  • KTM 690 SMC R (2019-2020)
  • Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR (2020)
  • Husqvarna 701 Supermoto (2018-2020)
  • Husqvarna 701 Enduro (2018-2020)
  • Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 (2019-2020)
  • Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 (2018-2020)

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