DIRT NEWS
KTM UNVEILS 2021 690 ENDURO R AND SMC R SUPERMOTO
S et to arrive in dealers from March , KTM has given its popular 690 a shake up for the 2021 model year . Based around the tried and tested LC4 single-cylinder engine , both bikes are fully Euro 5 compliant , which means unlike other popular big bore thumpers on the market the KTM 690 has a strong basis to remain in the market for some time yet . KTM ’ s product manager , Jochim Sauer , says the LC4 engine is an asset in the KTM lineup and further development of the platform was a no brainer for the Austrian outfit to invest in . “ The LC4 has been a powerful component of the KTM 690 Enduro R and KTM 690 SMC R but we ’ ve still been able to harness that asset and continue to develop both motorcycles to be a special part of our KTM portfolio . We ’ ve found ways to give riders a more exciting and upgraded package for 2021 that keep the bikes as references in their segment . They are unique in their own special ways and we want to keep making them as essential as they are exhilarating .” For 2021 the KTM Enduro R retains its slim build and highly manoeuvrable chassis with electronic updates improving functionality when either on the highway or bombing through terrain less travelled . KTM has added improved ride mode functionality through the handlebar switch : Street mode enables two channels of ABS both on the
front and rear of the bike . The off-road setting disengages rear wheel ABS for that important rear braking . The ABS itself benefits from a new modulator unit to better regulate the force and application of the braking power required , which also means it can be activated ‘ on the fly ’ and there is no longer a need for a ‘ dongle ’. The new dashboard has an ABS ‘ button ’ to provide a rapid way to switch off the rider aid for the full flow offroad setting . The same display now shows indicators for rpm and gear selection . The Supermoto version – the SMC R – also gets similar updates for the new model year with a top-quality chrome-molybdenum steel tubing chassis , WP APEX suspension , purposeful supermoto ergonomics , and wide-ranging electronic ABS modes including Cornering and Supermoto mode . The ABS also gets the same easy to deactivate makeover as the Enduro while the stoppers themselves are a beefy Brembo M4.32 monoblock caliper biting down on the 320mm front disc with a similar 240mm combo in the rear . Both 690 variants have also received a fresh cosmetic makeover for 2021 including new graphics and plastics . Both bikes are due in KTM dealers from March with pricing yet to be announced .
KIWI RIDER 17