KTM releases first of the new 2027 road bike models: a hardcore rally version of the 690 Enduro, taking features from its 450 Rally competition machine
KTM is still on the long road to recovery following its financial collapse back at the end of 2024. But the orange Austrian brand is getting back on its feet with its new Indian owner Bajaj, and has started releasing its new bikes for 2027 with this, the new 2027 KTM 690 Rally.
It’s a pretty committed piece of work, based on the firm’s Enduro R 690, which features the most powerful single-cylinder production bike engine currently made. The Euro 5+ compliant LC4 motor is a serious piece of work, with a 105mm piston, 12.7:1 compression ratio, dual balance shafts and an efficient SOHC four-valve head.
It revs like a loon considering that piston size, making peak power of around 78bhp at a heady 8,000rpm – impressive. Despite all that, it has 15,000km oil change intervals and 30,000km valve servicing.
That engine is fitted into a trademark KTM main frame: powder-coated steel tube trellis, and an aluminium swingarm. You’d expect a full-on suspension setup here, and KTM doesn’t disappoint. The 690 Rally uses a 48mm WP XPLOR USD front fork with separate damping functions: compression damping on the left and rebound on the right.
As with all XPLOR forks by WP, the clicker settings can be easily and quickly adjusted via the dials on the tops of the fork tubes, with 30 clicks per dial. The red dial on the right adjusts rebound damping, while the white dial on the left adjusts compression damping.
Out back, you get a high-performance WP XPLOR shock with full adjustability for rebound, high- and low-speed compression damping, and preload. Combined with an off-road optimised linkage, it delivers 250mm of rear wheel travel for maximum control across varied terrain.
The differences start here though, with inspiration from the firm’s 450 Rally racebike which regularly wins the Dakar and other top off-road competitions. The 690 Rally gets an all-new rally tower front fairing setup, with a headlight unit derived from the KTM 450 Rally.
Then, the firm has added two additional front fuel tanks, providing an extra seven litres of fuel and increasing total capacity to 20L. The KTM 690 Rally also features a dedicated fuel management system, rather like on a military jet, allowing riders to actively switch between front and rear tanks via the handlebar-mounted switch cube. Cleverly, the reserve light corresponds only to the selected tank.
In addition, the KTM 690 RALLY incorporates integrated mounting points specifically designed to support the rally kit, including the front tanks and tower assembly, ensuring full factory-level integration and durability.
You also get a practical rally-inspired storage solution, which is integrated behind the right-side tank fairing. Here, a dedicated mounting location allows the tool pouch to be securely fixed behind the radiator.
KTM says that the positioning keeps tools protected from branches and potential snagging hazards while remaining easily accessible without removing the seat or bodywork, making it ideal for long-distance adventure and rally riding.
There’s full electronic and ride mode options too, accessed via a 4.2” TFT display, four-way switch cubes, advanced rider aids, and a comprehensive suite of ride modes and assist systems.
Multiple Ride Modes include Street, Off-road, and Rally, and there are also dedicated IMU-assisted cornering ABS and traction control configurations. Everything can also be turned off completely for hardcore off-road use.
The new 2027 KTM 690 Rally will be rolling off the Austrian production line in September, and arriving in authorised KTM dealers nationwide from October 2026. UK pricing to be confirmed, more info at www.ktm.com.
KTM SPECS 690 RALLY
ENGINE: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, four-valve SOHC head
DISPLACEMENT: 692.7cc
BORE/STROKE: 105x80mm
POWER: 58.1 kW(79 PS)@8,000rpm
TORQUE: 73Nm@6,750rpm
COMPRESSION RATIO: 12.7:1
TRANSMISSION: six-speed, wet slipper clutch
FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL: Keihin EFI, 50mm throttle body
CHASSIS
FRAME: Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame
WHEELS FRONT/REAR: Spoked wheels with aluminium rims, 1.85 x 21”; 2.50 x 18”
TYRES FRONT/REAR: 90/90 R21 140/80 R18
FRONT BRAKE: Brembo dual-piston axial caliper, single 300mm disc
REAR BRAKE: Brembo single piston floating caliper, 240mm brake disc
STEERING HEAD ANGLE/TRAIL: 62.3°/121mm