KTM fans, it’s time to get excited. If you’ve ever looked at the ultra-exclusive 450 Rally Replica and wished for a version you could actually buy without mortgaging your house, the wait might finally be over. Spy shots have emerged of the long-rumoured KTM 690 Rally, and it looks like it’s almost ready for the showroom floor.
Spotted undergoing final testing in Europe, this bike is essentially a “mass-market” rally raid machine. It’s built to bridge the gap between the hardcore 690 Enduro R and the larger 890 Adventure R, offering that iconic Dakar-style look with real-world practicality. For us in India it is still a mystery if we will ever get these, although there are strong talks about the 790 range coming later this year.
Here’s the lowdown on what we know so far about this off-road beast.
Dakar Style for the Everyman
The first thing you’ll notice is the striking resemblance to KTM’s professional rally bikes. It sports a tall, transparent Dakar-type windscreen and vertically stacked integrated LED headlamps. It’s a design that doesn’t just look aggressive; it’s built for better wind protection and a clearer line of sight for the dashboard during long-distance travels.
Unlike the limited-run 450 Replica, this KTM 690 Rally includes pillion footpegs, confirming that KTM is eyeing the adventure-touring crowd who want a bike that can handle a passenger but still shred the trails.
Three Fuel Tanks? Yes, Please!
Range anxiety is a thing of the past. The spy shots reveal a total of three fuel filler caps:
- The Main Tank: A 13.5-litre under-seat tank (just like the 690 Enduro R).
- Auxiliary Tanks: Two additional tanks mounted on the sides where you’d usually find the shrouds.
While the exact total capacity hasn’t been confirmed, this setup could potentially double the bike’s range, making it a serious contender for globetrotting “off-road travel” without needing to carry extra jerry cans.
The Power Behind the Punch
Under the fairings, the 690 Rally is expected to share its DNA with the legendary KTM 690 Enduro R. That means we’re looking at:
- Engine: The tried-and-tested 693cc single-cylinder LC4 motor.
- Performance: Around 74–75 hp and 73.5 Nm of torque.
- Transmission: A six-speed gearbox, likely featuring KTM’s Quickshifter+ as standard.
While the extra bodywork and fuel tanks will bump up the weight (expect it to be slightly heavier than the 148 kg Enduro R), it’s still going to be significantly lighter and more agile than most twin-cylinder adventure bikes on the market.
Suspension and Chassis
True to KTM’s “Ready to Race” mantra, the 690 Rally appears to be kitted out with high-end WP XPLOR suspension. We’re expecting at least 250mm of travel at both ends, with full adjustability for compression and rebound. It rolls on the classic off-road combo of 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels, likely wrapped in dual-purpose tyres.
When Can You Get One?
While KTM has been navigating some financial headwinds lately, the sight of a production-ready test mule is a great sign. Experts are tipping an official reveal at EICMA 2026 in Milan, which would put a worldwide launch somewhere in early 2027. Looking forward to one?
Source – Motorrad Magazin
