THEY SAY GOOD THINGS come to those who wait. Well, we’ ve waited 20 years for KTM to produce another rally-inspired motorcycle powered by the bullet-proof LC4 platform. One part adventure, two parts dual-sport, the KTM 640 Adventure was released in 1999 to much fanfare but was last seen at dealerships in the fall of 2007. It was a bike inspired by the Austrian brand’ s efforts at the Dakar Rally that begged to be ridden fast and far. And then suddenly, it was gone, replaced by the KTM 690 Enduro, which although a marked improvement over the 640 variant, didn’ t have the rally styling that made the 640 Adventure so desirable.

Coming to KTM dealerships in the next few months, the 2027 KTM 690 Adventure Rally looks to rekindle the relationship between the brand’ s cross-country rally racing efforts and the motorcycles it sells to the general public.

Sharing the Enduro R’ s 693cc single-cylinder motor that makes a claimed 79 hp, the new Rally model is also built on the same steel-tube trellis frame and is outfitted with the same WP XPLOR suspension and Brembo brakes found on the Enduro. What the Rally offers that its Enduro brother does not is added range( total fuel capacity is 5.28 gal., 1.8 gal. more than the Enduro R), an improved cockpit layout complete with a rally tower, 4.2-in. TFT display, and a taller windscreen, as well as chassis updates that are necessary for long-distance off-road travel.

Considering we’ ve waited two decades for KTM to offer another rally-inspired dual-sport motorcycle, it’ s safe to say the

690 Adventure Rally is highly anticipated. With updates that allow riders to go farther, long service intervals afforded by the LC4 platform, and a suite of modern amenities( ride modes, rider aids, and traction control, to name a few), the Rally looks to fill a void left vacant for 20 years in KTM’ s lineup.

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RIDERMAGAZINE. COM / NOVEMBER 2026 / 9