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KTM 690 LC4 Enduro
KTM made an important first step before unveiling the 690
Enduro to the motorcycling public: it presented the 690 Baja as a truly
competitive off-road motorcycle which was to be ridden at the famous race by
Cyril Depres, winner of the 2007 Dakar Rally, podium-familiar Chris Blais
and Davis Pearson. This way, the racing success that is about to come will
determine the average rider to get a feel of the machine that takes everyone
on the podium.
Even though the KTM
attracted famous names along its side, everybody knows the leader of the
Baja 500 as being a Honda. The XR650R is unfairly considered to be dated. It
doesn’t mean that if a manufacturer hits jackpot from the first time, like
Honda did, other models after it will necessarily be better and with the
690’s listed dry weight being 28lbs heavier, having 2 inches less suspension
travel and 0.2” less Ground Clearance, the KTM 690 Enduro isn’t quite the
bike that would dethrone the King of Baja. I find the Husqvarna TE610 more suitable for the fight with the 690 Enduro, not just because the two manufacturers compete since they found out one about the other’s existence, but because the 576cc 4-stroke, 4 valves, SOHC, Liquid Cooled Single engine is incredibly strong-pulling and comparative to KTM’s LC8. The only thing I don’t appreciate at the Husqvarna and I reckon you don’t either is the $7,398 suggested retail price comparative with Honda’s $6,349.
Although it doesn’t manage to perform better than the Honda
XR650R, the KTM 690 Enduro looks far better. Basically a 690 SMC without the
supermoto wheels, suspensions and stature, it looks easier to handle as its
center of gravity is much lower. The bike’s front end is dominated by the Orange of the mudguards, fender and
headlight fairing which makes it easily identifiable out on the trails. Just
like on the SMC, the Enduro’s exterior features are far from being rounded
as a rougher appearance was approached. The narrow seat is also a testimony
of this successful attempt. Conclusion By fitting it with the new 690 engine, KTM intended on creating an incredibly versatile motorcycle that would not only compete in the Baja 500 race across the desert, but offer true excitement to all riders who will swing a leg over it. As soon as this exciting looking bike will be available for a test drive we will have the opportunity to see if this goal was accomplished or not.
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Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated. |