KTM is dialing things up for 2026 with a fresh update to the beloved 690 Enduro R—and it’s not just a facelift. From serious engine upgrades to cutting-edge tech, this new version looks set to bring even more firepower to the trails.
Unveiled to the public during this year’s Adventure Bike Rider Festival, the updated 690 was teased in prototype form, and now KTM has shared more official details. According to the Austrian brand, dealers can expect to see the new models land early next year.
At the heart of the beast is a reworked LC4 single-cylinder engine, with KTM claiming around half of its internals are either new or revised. While the exact torque figure hasn’t been confirmed yet, it’s expected to top the current model’s 54.2ft-lb, which already packed a solid punch.
Smarter Tech, More Control
One of the headline additions for 2026 is a 4.2-inch full-color TFT dash, replacing the old LCD setup. That means riders can now enjoy smartphone pairing, access turn-by-turn navigation, take calls, and even stream music mid-ride. KTM’s also added a USB-C port to keep your gadgets charged on the go.
And the electronics don’t stop there. The 2026 model gains cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, and three selectable ride modes: Street, Sport, and an optional Rally mode for those who want to turn it up to 11 in the dirt.
Chassis, Ergonomics, and Controls
While KTM hasn’t completely reinvented the frame, they’ve tweaked the chassis for improved rigidity and rider feedback, making it even more confidence-inspiring off-road. Bodywork and ergonomics get minor updates too—think subtle refinements rather than wholesale changes.
There’s also new switchgear across the bars, now with backlit buttons and a dedicated ABS-Off switch on the left cluster, streamlining off-road transitions.
Final Thoughts
With more torque, smarter tech, and that bulletproof LC4 heart reworked for modern riders, the 2026 KTM 690 Enduro R looks set to keep its crown in the high-performance dual-sport world. It’s not a ground-up revolution—but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes evolution is exactly what the trail demands.
