2023 KTM 690 Enduro R and 690 SMC R | First Look Review

2023 KTM 690 SMC R
2023 KTM 690 SMC R

KTM has announced updates to the aesthetics of the KTM 690 Enduro R and KTM 690 SMC R for 2023.

See all of Rider’s KTM coverage here.

Both bikes still feature the liquid-cooled 693cc LC4 single-cylinder engine, which KTM says has “proven to be the ideal baseline for the KTM 690 range,” as well as a 6-speed gearbox with Quickshifter+, throttle-by-wire, a PASC slipper clutch, and dual balancer shafts.

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The LC4 machines also still benefit from cornering ABS, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), and two ride modes: Street and Offroad on the 690 Enduro R and Street and Sport on the 690 SMC R.

2023 KTM 690 Enduro R
2023 KTM 690 Enduro R

On the 2023 KTM 690 SMC R, the optional Supermoto ABS mirrors this feature. When activated, ABS sensitivity is reduced on the front wheel and completely disabled on the rear, which KTM says allows for “big drifts into corners and tire-smoking powerslides out of the apex.”

2023 KTM 690 SMC R
2023 KTM 690 SMC R

An optional Offroad ABS (just add a dongle) on the 2023 KTM 690 Enduro R reduces ABS intervention on the front wheel and completely disables ABS on the rear, allowing riders to lock up the rear when they need to slide the rear into a tight turn or drag the brake down a technical descent.

The 2023 KTM 690 Enduro R has adjustable WP XPLOR suspension with separate damping circuits and 9.8 inches of travel. Stopping power is provided by Brembo brakes with wave discs, 300mm on the front and 240mm on the rear. The 2023 KTM 690 SMC R has adjustable WP APEX suspension with separate damping circuits, 9.8 inches of travel, and Brembo brakes with 320mm front and 240 rear discs.

Related Story: 2017 KTM 690 Enduro R | Long-Term Ride Review

2023 KTM 690 Enduro R
2023 KTM 690 Enduro R

From an aesthetics standpoint, the 2023 KTM 690 Enduro R takes its styling cues from the competition-Enduro range, and the KTM 690 SMC R brings an all-new blue and orange adornment to the fray.

2023 KTM 690 SMC R
2023 KTM 690 SMC R

KTM says the 2023 KTM 690 Enduro R and KTM 690 SMC R models will be available at authorized KTM dealers from November onward. Pricing is TBD.

For more information on KTM’s full model range, visit the KTM website.

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