By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Enduro
KTM 690 Enduro R (MY2009) vs 690 Enduro R (MY2012)
2009 KTM 690 Enduro R vs 2012 KTM 690 Enduro R: which one to buy for the riding you do.
You'll be miles from pavement, picking through rocks, and the 2009 KTM 690 Enduro R's fork and shock stay plush without going soft. Out there, the 2012 KTM 690 Enduro R's rocker bearings and wiring are what you're nursing. It wants spares and a wrench along.
So which one do you buy?
The 2009 690 Enduro R has the edge if…
Real off-road capability
By a nose: 2009 690 Enduro R
For dirt roads and trails, the 2009 690 Enduro R makes slightly more sense. The difference is modest at best.
The 2012 690 Enduro R has the edge if…
A confidence-building first motorcycle
A touch ahead: 2012 690 Enduro R
For a new rider, the 2012 690 Enduro R noses ahead. Credit easier controls. How it fits you counts for more than this gap.
Daily commuting & city riding
Small edge: 2012 690 Enduro R
For the Monday-to-Friday grind, the 2012 690 Enduro R pulls a nose in front. Thank easier everyday riding for that. Your own commute could easily flip it.
What makes each one tick
2009 690 Enduro R
From low revs to high, the 2009 690 Enduro R's single pulls and hooks up, and there's a hard edge to the throttle. The WP suspension soaks up broken ground without losing control. It's stable at a highway cruise. On paved corners, it turns in and holds its line.
2012 690 Enduro R
Tight trail work suits the 2012 690 Enduro R, and it's quick to snap from one line to the next. A trail bump runs into 9.8 in (250 mm) of travel at each end, on a chassis set slightly lower to steady it through corners. Its balance shaft calms highway buzz.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 2012 690 Enduro R has the lower seat: 35.8 in (910 mm) vs 36.6 in (930 mm).
- The 2012 690 Enduro R makes more peak power: 67 hp (49 kW) vs 63 hp (46 kW).
- The 2012 690 Enduro R makes more peak torque: 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) vs 47 lb-ft (64 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
These two run dead level on twisty roads and running costs. Sit on both in the showroom and trust what your body says.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
2009 690 Enduro R
What owners say
Strengths
- Impressive road manners for an enduro
- Premium fully adjustable WP suspension
2012 690 Enduro R
What owners say
Trade-offs
- Notorious reliability gremlins
Known problems to check before you buy
2009 690 Enduro R
- Weak rear subframe bolts The bolts securing the rear subframe can loosen or break, especially when the bike is loaded with luggage and ridden off-road.
- Fuel pump failure The in-tank fuel pump and associated filter are prone to failure, often due to clogging. Symptoms include stalling, hard starting, or no-start. Replacing the pump assembly is the common fix.
2012 690 Enduro R
- Rocker arm bearing seizure The rocker arm bearings can seize, causing severe engine damage. This issue is often linked to oil contamination or insufficient lubrication, and typically requires engine teardown to repair.
- Fuel pump failure The stock fuel pump is prone to sudden failure, often without warning, leading to engine stalling and leaving riders stranded. Many owners switch to aftermarket pumps or carry spares.
- Electrical and stalling issues Multiple electrical gremlins plague the 690, including intermittent stalling, sensor failures, and wiring loom problems. The dual ECU setup complicates diagnostics and can lead to unexpected loss of power.
- Radiator fan shroud wear The fan shroud can rub against the radiator core, eventually wearing through the fins and causing coolant leaks. Regular inspection and preventative zip-ties are recommended.
- Coolant pump seepage The coolant pump seal can develop a leak, causing coolant to weep onto the engine case. If left unchecked, it can lead to overheating.
What they share
- Engine
- Single-cylinder
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 3.2 US gal (12 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Front tire
- 90/90-21
- Rear tire
- 140/80-18
- Ground clearance
- 11.0 in (280 mm)
Where the spec sheets split
| 2009 690 Enduro R | 2012 690 Enduro R | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 36.6 in (930 mm) | 35.8 in (910 mm) |
| Dry weight | 326 lb (148 kg) | 328 lb (149 kg) |
| 2009 690 Enduro R | 2012 690 Enduro R | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 654 cc | 690 cc |
| Power | 63 hp (46 kW) | 67 hp (49 kW) |
| Torque | 47 lb-ft (64 Nm) | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) |
| 2009 690 Enduro R | 2012 690 Enduro R | |
|---|---|---|
| Front travel | 10.8 in (275 mm) | 9.8 in (250 mm) |
| Rear travel | 10.8 in (275 mm) | 9.8 in (250 mm) |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
