Another overseas sighting of the KTM 690 Rally on test development, which is said to have a shared engine and core components with the 690 Enduro R but is otherwise entirely focused on the adventure-touring aspect compared to the 690 Enduro R.
KTM 690 Rally: Design Dakar Inspired
KTM 690 Rally, one of the few features that make it unique, is a windscreen and transparent front cowl reminiscent of the 450 Rally Replica, though with a Dakar flavour. Add a vertically stacked pair of twin LEDs with an LED DRL in between to spice up its rally-inspired visual flair.
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KTM 690 Rally: More Versatile Than the 690 Enduro R
The KTM 690 Rally will be a more versatile off-roading machine than the 690 Enduro R. While the 690 Enduro R is for hardcore riding, the 690 Rally is a more balanced combination of off-road and road touring.
KTM 690 Rally: changes in Design and Mechanics
From the midsection to the rear, the KTM 690 Rally retains most of the 690 Enduro R design elements, including the seat, tail, rear wheel, and swingarm. A notable difference, however, is the additional passenger footpegs mounted on custom-made hangers.
Another interesting feature is the fuel system. The KTM 690 Rally is escorted with three fuel tanks: two on either side of the bike near the rider’s knees and engine, while a third sits underneath the seat. This setup has been carried over from the 690 Enduro R and, therefore, extends fuel range for long-haul adventures.
Performance and Powertrain
Even so, as the KTM 690 Rally will weigh a fair bit more than the 148 kilograms that classify it as the 690 Enduro R (dry), with that added bodywork and its other fuel tanks, it will still be much lighter than all but a few full-fledged adventure bikes.
The KTM 690 Rally will be powered by the same 692.7cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, producing 74 brake horsepower as that in the 690 Enduro R. It will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox. However, the engine tuning is likely to be changed to fulfil rally and adventure touring requirements.
Is it Coming to India?
KTM hasn’t said anything about getting the KTM 690 Rally to India. It seems highly unlikely that KTM would even consider getting it at all: the country does not have a large market for high-displacement single-cylinder motorcycles. But this does not mean KTM will not have surprises regarding their next moves for all the adventure wannabe enthusiasts.
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