A genuine off-road weapon with a huge power-to-weight advantage, but its tall seat and firm saddle make it hard work over long road stretches. Rider ability, terrain, weather and tyre choice still move the real answer more than the bike alone does.
We actually own one of these. Read Mat's full review, ridden across the UK and into Europe, with an honest look at where KTM ownership bites.
Holloway ratings
Four separate scores, not one blended number, so you can see what's actually driving it.
Beginner friendliness
4/5
Road usability
3/5
Technical off-road capability
5/5
Green-lane suitability
4/5
Full specs
Price (new, OTR)£11,999
Engine693cc
Power79hp
Torque73Nm
Weight (wet)162kg
Seat height935mm
Fuel tank13.3L
Real-world range~160 mi
Economy~55 mpg
Wheels (f/r)21" / 18"
Ground clearance265mm
Suspension travel (f/r)265mm / 250mm
ABSYes
Traction controlYes
Ride modesYes
Service interval6,200 miles
Licence requiredA
What we actually found
Owners describe the 690 Enduro R as an absolute weapon on open trails. With 74hp packed into a 160kg chassis backed by top-tier WP XPLOR suspension, riders report staggering hill-climbing acceleration and effortless obstacle clearance. However, owners emphasize that its towering 935mm seat, snatchy low-rpm fueling, and firm saddle demand active rider input and make long motorway stretches physically taxing.
Pros for green laning
Incredible power-to-weight ratio: the 693cc single produces 74hp and 73Nm in a 160kg chassis, delivering unmatched hill-climb acceleration and passing power.
Premier WP XPLOR suspension: 48mm forks and rear linkage shock offer 265mm of travel and 265mm clearance, absorbing massive trail hits effortlessly.
Low-slung subframe fuel tank: the 13.5-litre rear fuel tank keeps the centre of gravity low and leaves the front cockpit slim for standing mobility.
Advanced rider electronics: lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS with Offroad mode, and an up/down quickshifter function work smoothly on road and trail.
Cons and limitations
Tall, uncompromising 935mm seat: demands confident balance, touching both feet down simultaneously is nearly impossible for average-height riders.
Harsh road manners: the narrow, rock-hard competition seat and high single-cylinder vibrations make long highway link sections physically punishing.
Modest 140-160 mile range: the 13.5-litre tank requires refuelling stops on lengthy, remote green lane routes.
Based on manufacturer specifications and independent motorcycle press reviews.
Remember: a rank here assumes reasonable stock tyres and a competent rider in decent conditions. The right tyres, or the wrong weather, can move a lane from easy to genuinely hard regardless of what bike you're on. Check a lane's own difficulty and hazards on the map before you go, don't rely on a bike score alone.
Find where to actually ride it
Browse legal green lanes and byways across England and Wales, filtered by difficulty, on Holloway's map.