KTM-690 is a motorcycle for an inexperienced rider with nothing but signature paint and eminent origin at first glance unremarkable. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear how much it stands out from the total mass of classmates. Austrian motorcycle manufacturers managed to build and put into serial production a motorcycle, analogues of which among the models of other companies simply did not exist. KTM-690 was originally developed as a lightweight enduro sports direction. However, the power unit, which eventually received a motorcycle, expands the operational capabilities of the model, allowing the rider to feel confident both on the highway and on long journeys along routes where there is never asphalt, or, in fact, roads, or the quality of the coating is poor much better.
The main thing is the motor
Without a doubt, the powertrain of this series of motorcycles has outstanding technical potential and excellent performance. It is the engine that takes the characteristics of the KTM-690 to a whole new level, which, of course, requires a certain confidence from the rider, and most importantly, the presence of the necessary skills to drive such a restive vehicle.
History of creation
The very concept of serial use of large-scale four-stroke single-cylinder power units in the motorcycle community, which made possible the appearance of the KTM-690, originated in the early eighties of the twentieth century, when motocross competitions, previously held regularly in Europe, receive the status of a world-class championship. It was then that another class of engines was added to participate - four-stroke engines with a working volume of more than five hundred cubic centimeters.
The first to occupy this niche in the motorcycle engine market were the Austrians. The Rotax company produces an engine, which was subsequently acquired by many companies and installed on many models of various world motor-car manufacturers, including KTM. The motor turned out to be very successful, equipped motorcycles won prizes in many competitions, and KTM engineers, inspired by success, decided in the early nineties on the development and production of a power unit of their own design. So there was a motor, which was subsequently installed on many models of the company, whether it be a city fighter - KTM duke 690, or various enduro - modifications intended for operation away from asphalt roads.
Rapid evolution
Initially, a motor appeared that had 550 cubic centimeters of displacement, 45 horsepower when measured from the wheel and a very high level of vibration. However, the development of the lineup was incredibly rapid, five modifications of the KTM-690 saw the light at once, including the rally prototype, which won the Dakar race five times. In the middle of the two thousandth, the presented power unit received another update, among the changes was an increase in volume. This engine was later used to create a new rally motorcycle, the design of which embodied many innovative technical solutions, such as the power concept of the company's own frame, as well as a gas tank made of polymer materials, which was installed in the rear of the motorcycle, under the seat. Subsequent changes in the rules of the competition did not allow to fully realize the sporting potential of the motorcycle, and the prototype was sent to rest ahead of time.
Adventure for everyone
However, representatives of the general public did not forget about the existence of such promising developments in the company. Connoisseurs of the brand patiently awaited the release of a full-fledged “civilian” version of the rally car, and at the end of the 2000s the world saw the new KTM-690 enduro, which inherited all the best from the prototype - about 140 kilograms of weight, with 66 horsepower from the crankshaft, a reinforced tank made of plastic, performing functions of the power part of the frame. And since the motorcycle was intended for a wide range of consumers, full lighting equipment, a highly informative dashboard and comfortable suspensions with 250 mm working strokes were added to the equipment.