Updated touring enduro KTM 690 ENDURO R 2021

03/04/2020 Most of us find it difficult to imagine our life without a car. But there are also those who enjoy the feeling of freedom and extreme sports while driving. And these people will without hesitation prefer a powerful bike to a comfortable car from Japan.

Today, the range of motor vehicles is in no way inferior in variety to the choice of cars: classic, touring, sportbikes, cruisers, choppers. But a special type of motorcycle deserves special attention - enduro, and it is to these two-wheeled all-terrain vehicles that we will devote our today's material. In this article we will talk in detail about the features of Enduro motorcycles, and also give a rating of the best representatives of this type of motorcycle.

Motorcycles from Japanese auctions! Ask a question

Free consultation

What is an Enduro motorcycle?

Enduro is one of the types of motorsports that involves driving off-road, as well as on specially equipped tracks. To participate in such competitions, special motocross motorcycles are used - lightweight, with a durable frame, reliable suspension and a powerful engine, powered by a kickstarter (started from the foot).

Initially, these units were developed specifically for racing, so the design of most of them lacked unnecessary electronics and light elements, but over time, the demand for this equipment led to the appearance of Enduro models on the market, perfectly suited for driving on the most ordinary roads.

At the same time, the essence of the design has not changed, but headlights, some electronic elements, and a manual starter have been added.

Today, all Enduro motorcycles can be classified as follows:

• Hard enduro
  . These models are closest in design to their predecessors - cross-country motorcycles - however, they have significant improvements in the form of lighting elements, additional electronics, a manual starter, as well as the ability to issue a vehicle passport for driving on public roads.

The chassis of these Enduros is very durable, the suspension is indestructible. The low weight of the motorcycle ensures excellent maneuverability and maneuverability. A powerful engine allows you to overcome even the most serious obstacles on the way or move along a flat road surface with equal success. However, owners of these units should be prepared for the need for frequent maintenance due to the short service life of the motor.

• Soft enduro
  . This type of motorcycle is perfectly adapted for riding on moderate off-road conditions and is suitable for lovers of hunting and fishing. Lightweight and maneuverable soft enduro bikes will allow you to easily overcome small obstacles in the form of holes or bumps, and also feel great on road surfaces of any quality.
• Touring Enduro
  . Fans of long-distance travel will undoubtedly appreciate these comfortable and convenient motorcycles. Unlike cross bikes, touring Enduro bikes are characterized by more impressive dimensions and greater weight. For this reason, they are unlikely to overcome serious obstacles and obstacles along the way. At the same time, these units are equipped with powerful engines and good suspensions, allowing them to transport cargo and passengers. The main advantage of these motorcycles is the ability to install additional equipment: windshields, headlights, protective elements, navigation devices.

Yamaha TTR250 Raid

This model is not designed for jumping. The TTR250 is a versatile ride that is well suited for everyday riding or long-distance touring. But its harnesses are not designed for jumping, so choosing it for this purpose would be a mistake.

The Yamaha TTR250 is easy to ride and even easier to maneuver. The engine performs well both in low-end and high-end operation, which will be a huge plus for someone who is choosing their first iron horse. There are different points of view regarding the ergonomics of the TTR250.

1. Some will highlight it as a comfortable model, perfect for travel.
2. Others complain that the tank is too large and the side plastic is inconveniently configured, which can limit the driver's freedom of movement while riding while standing.

Many note the simplicity and thoughtfulness of the carburetor, thanks to the presence of an accelerator pump. If you have the desire, you can make a small upgrade and add a kick and an oil cooler.

Advantages and disadvantages of Enduro

Most experienced motorcyclists agree that Enduro motorcycles are perfect as a first experience with motorcycle technology. And it’s hard to disagree with this statement - it’s almost impossible to jump on a powerful sports bike and feel comfortable right off the bat, without practical experience. Firstly, heavy units, such as cruisers or choppers, are quite difficult for a beginner to handle - due to the large mass and low maneuverability, there is a serious risk of injury during the learning process.

In turn, Enduro motorcycles have a number of serious advantages:

• Price
  . Obviously, such motorcycles are much cheaper than powerful sportbikes. Moreover, for your first experience you can choose not the most sophisticated enduro, which you won’t mind finishing off during the learning process. Add here economical fuel consumption and we get the ideal motorcycle for a beginner.
• Availability
  . If driving a classic bike requires a license and documents for the motorcycle itself, then with Enduro you can try your hand outside public roads - on dead rural roads, in a forest belt, in a wetland, etc.
• Light weight
  . For beginners, this factor is often decisive. Agree, having dropped a heavy sports motorcycle weighing about 400 kg, not every weightlifter will be able to put it back on its wheels.

As for Enduro, the average weight of these units is 70 - 90 kg, so it is much easier to handle them both while moving and in case of accidental falls.

• Reliability
  . Due to the absence of complex electronics in the Enduro design, motorcyclists have unlimited possibilities for repairing and servicing these units. Having a standard set of tools and a smartphone with Internet access at hand, even a beginner who is more or less familiar with the technical design of a motorcycle will be able to fix minor problems.
• Maintainability
  . As mentioned above, if you wish, you can make minor repairs to the Enduro on your own. Plus, spare parts and consumables for these motorcycles can always be easily purchased at a very competitive price in almost any specialized store, and if they are not available, they can be ordered.
• Easy to operate
  . Despite the powerful engine, Enduro motorcycles are characterized by linear acceleration, smooth brakes, and good traction. These units are stable even when moving at low speeds. The vertical landing allows for better control.
• Appearance
  . Obviously, in the first stages of learning to ride a motorcycle, falls are simply inevitable. The result is numerous scratches, dents, and chips on the body. The advantage of Enduro in this regard is that for these motorcycles any minor damage to the body is an absolute norm: after all, this is the default unit for off-road riding, where endurance and durability are much more important than external gloss and gloss.

In addition, the Enduro body elements are made of soft elastic plastic, which rarely breaks; the frame can always be repainted in a garage, and the stickers can be replaced.

• Almost limitless travel possibilities
  . The maximum that a standard bike can withstand is an asphalt surface of medium quality. Enduro in this regard are more universal units. You can try it on city streets, on the highway, on gravel roads, on forest roads, in fields, forests, on river banks - the geography of travel will be limited only by your imagination.
• Minimal equipment
  . This advantage, depending on your point of view, can also be a disadvantage. But let's face it: Enduro motorcycles are not designed for high-speed riding on trails or racing grounds. These tough horses are needed to overcome obstacles that are too difficult for other, more massive motorcycles.

Thus, the maximum speed and lack of wind protection will not allow you to ride too hard (this especially applies to beginners), which ultimately is an undeniable advantage of Enduro.

• Driving pleasure
  . Extreme sports enthusiasts who prefer outdoor activities will undoubtedly appreciate all the benefits of Enduro. The characteristics of these motorcycles are ideal for off-road riding, as well as for traveling on road surfaces of any quality.

But, like any, even the most sophisticated and expensive equipment, Enduro motorcycles have some disadvantages:

• High rise
  . The seat height in these motorcycles is 80 cm, higher than that of sportbikes and especially choppers. This design is due to the field of Enduro use, where high ground clearance and long-travel suspension are required. It turns out that a person of average height from a sitting position can hardly reach the ground with his foot. But you shouldn’t be too upset about this - you quickly get used to this design, and the high seating position no longer seems so uncomfortable.
• Small fuel tank volume
  . This characteristic is due to the need to reduce the overall weight of the motorcycle as much as possible. As a rule, tanks with a volume of up to 13 liters are installed on Enduro. With this amount of fuel you can travel about 200 km. Naturally, if you plan to just drive around the area, 10-13 liters of gasoline is quite enough. But if you have a long distance ahead, it is better to take care of the presence of gas stations along the route.
• Weak headlights
  . Of course, this does not apply to all models, but the fact remains that quite often it turns out that the headlights shine too dimly, which significantly reduces visibility when driving at night.

We bring reliable motorcycles from Japan

Free consultation

Rating of the best Enduro motorcycles - our top 10

Our rating of “TOP 10 best Enduro motorcycles” presents motorcycles of different price categories. In addition, we tried to take into account the complexity of the route that one or another model can overcome (5 is the easiest, 1 is the highest level of difficulty).

KAYO T2 250

One of the best options for a beginner. The 4-stroke engine provides optimal power for inexperienced motorcyclists, and the ideal price-quality ratio makes this unit one of the most popular among young riders. The weight of the motorcycle is 105 kg, the fuel tank volume is 9 liters, the seat height is 89 cm. Of course, for more experienced riders this cross bike will be a little weak, but for universal use in the first stages of learning, it’s just right.

Honda Transalp XL600V

This Enduro bike is perfect for both moderate off-road and public roads. The Honda Transalp XL600V has been produced since 1987, but even the models of the late 90s are quite viable to this day. This is a reliable, economical, powerful unit with good controllability. Newer models have been maximally adapted to driving on road surfaces, so the 1997 Honda Transalp XL 600V is one of the latest “off-road” options.

Honda AX-1

This Japanese product first hit the market in 1987 and enjoyed good popularity until it was discontinued in 1994. Honda ax-1 copes well with both moderate off-road conditions and regular asphalt. Particular attention should be paid to the reliability of this model - the manufacturers stated (and many motorcyclists have tested this on themselves) that this Enduro motorcycle can travel about 100,000 km without the need for major engine repairs, which can be considered a very good indicator. Tank capacity – 9 l, seat height – 81 cm, steel frame.

Yamaha XT660R

An ideal horse for moderate off-road use. Japanese quality makes itself felt - the build quality is excellent, the driving performance is excellent. Steel frame, fuel tank – 15 l, total weight – 181 kg, seat height – 85 cm. The model was discontinued in 2016, so there may be a problem with new spare parts. At the same time, you can buy a used motorcycle for spare parts.

Honda XR250R

Start of production - 1981. Every year the company introduced certain innovations into the design and construction of the bike, due to which its performance regularly improved. The model has been discontinued since 2007, but its popularity does not go away. Thanks to the high reliability and excellent performance of this unit, the Honda XR 250R is still in good demand today. Experienced motorists (who have something to compare with) claim that the unit is quite decent, but there are questions about fuel consumption. Also, this Enduro bike is not very suitable for riding on regular roads.

Suzuki DR-Z 400

This is a truly universal soldier in terms of travel geography. The manufacturer made sure that buyers had a choice - buy a bike exclusively for off-road (version E), or opt for a more universal option (version S).

The quality and incredible popularity of this Enduro bike is confirmed by the fact that the model is still being produced as usual. Of course, since 2000, the Suzuki DRZ 400 has undergone several restylings, but this has not made it any worse - the scrupulous Japanese think through everything down to the smallest detail, so each new version is better than the previous one.

Steel frame, adjustable sports suspension, weight -119 kg (for a beginner this is, frankly, a lot), 10 liter tank, saddle height - 94 cm (more suitable for tall guys).

Geon 250R

The first and only “Chinese” in our ranking. It is worth noting that this motorcycle creates the first impression of a very worthy unit, but in reality the euphoria from the purchase wears off quite quickly, since “China” is “China”. While the bike is new, it provides excellent value for money - power, performance, efficiency. But over time, having exhausted their service life, the engine, suspension and chassis begin to mope. In general, the build quality leaves much to be desired. But, it’s worth paying tribute to the price - for $1,500 you can buy a practically new bike, ride it for 1-2 seasons, get better, improve your driving and repair skills. And only then switch to an expensive motorcycle from Japan or Europe.

KTM 690 Enduro R

The enduro motorcycle of the Austrian brand is considered one of the best in its class. Stylish appearance, power, performance, reliability - these are the main characteristics of this cross-country bike. This Enduro can be called truly universal - it feels equally confident both on regular roads and on any off-road. But the price, frankly speaking, is biting - for a new 2019 model you will have to pay at least $13,000, as for used options - you can find a bike for $5,000-7,000.

Yamaha WR 250F

The unit is equipped with an aluminum or steel half-duplex frame, 5 or 6-speed gearbox, suspension (both front and rear) is fully adjustable, seat height – 98 cm, tank capacity – 7-10 l, motorcycle weight – 115-136 kg . The model has been produced from 2001 to the present, the appearance and performance characteristics have been constantly improved, so at the moment this motorcycle fully meets the requirements of professional participants in enduro competitions.

KTM 250 XCF

This two-wheeled horse will appeal to those who are already familiar with this type of equipment - excellent performance indicators will allow you to overcome any obstacles along the way. The 6-speed transmission guarantees excellent performance on any terrain. The perfectly adjusted suspension and excellent handling provide an optimal level of comfort. What else can you expect from a leading European brand? The only negative is the price. A used KTM 250 XCF will cost no less than $7,000.

Honda XR 250 Baja

It is difficult to confuse this motorcycle with any other, because the developers awarded it with a pair of huge round headlights, which makes it stand out among the mass of similar models. Those who have become the owners of this motorcycle constantly express a desire to ride it somewhere far away. However, it is unlikely that such a trip can be enjoyed to the fullest.

This model has a hard and narrow seat, and loading the rear leads to a noticeable unloading of the front wheel, so that the ride quickly becomes uncomfortable. As the motorcycle gains speed, it loses stability. But, of course, Baja also has positive features.

It has a more reliable motor than motorcycles of similar models. Tests also note good lower traction and engine flexibility, which can be useful off-road.

But at the same time it vibrates much more strongly. The rear suspension is equipped with a linkage system, allowing it to perform better than a simple swingarm. The Baja also weighs less than its classmates. Adherents of this particular model have traveled more than once in Altai, in the highlands of Tyva and in other picturesque places. In mountainous areas, such motorcycles also perform well.

Top 5 best Enduro motorcycles from Japan

KAWASAKI KX85-I

KAWASAKI KX85-I is an ideal option for beginners. The small engine volume and optimal power are perfect for learning the first basics of Enduro riding. Add here high reliability, low weight of the unit - only 67 kg, fast acceleration, 5 liter tank, electric start, rigid steel frame and high-strength suspension - and you get an excellent bike for beginner motorcyclists.

SUZUKI RM-Z450

This bike deserves first place in the “Japanese quality – affordable price” category. This bike is characterized, first of all, by excellent handling and maneuverability, which will be very useful for a beginner. SUZUKI RM-Z450 is equipped with an aluminum frame, an electric starter, a fuel tank of 6.2 liters, and the weight of the motorcycle is 112 kg.

The characteristics of this Enduro will allow you to feel as comfortable as possible both on the track and off-road.

HONDA CRF450R

What can Honda boast? One of the main advantages of the HONDA CRF 450 R is the compatibility of spare parts for all modifications. Simply put, parts from 2021 bikes of the same model are highly likely to fit a 2013 model. In addition, this motorcycle appears in our rating as the most inexpensive to maintain - spare parts can always be easily found on sale and are inexpensive. Also, the HONDA CRF 450 R is characterized as a dynamic and well-handling bike with excellent suspension.

YAMAHA YZ450F

From year to year, motorcycles of this brand take prizes in competitions at various levels. Experienced athletes consider it the ideal off-road bike, thanks in large part to its unique suspension with 31 cm of travel. The aluminum frame, powerful engine and kickstarter make the YAMAHA YZ450F a true motocross bike.

KAWASAKI KX450

Since its first release on the market, this bike has been regularly criticized by experts. Fortunately, minor defects were promptly corrected, thanks to which today the KAWASAKI KX450 is considered the best Japanese professional motocross bike.

Are you interested in any Japanese or European motorcycle?

provides a range of services for the delivery of motorcycles from Japanese auctions, where almost any model can be found

Top 5 best Enduro motorcycles from Europe

M1NSK ERX 250

Fifth place in our ranking of the best European Enduro motorcycles is occupied by a Belarusian-made unit. Minsk motorcycles have been produced for decades and have always been valued for their optimal price-quality ratio. Naturally, the M1NSK ERX 250 does not claim to be the best in its class, but it is significantly superior to Chinese brands in terms of performance and quality characteristics. Even a beginner can repair this enduro, and maintenance will not require large material costs. If your goal is to buy an inexpensive but reliable first Enduro bike, the M1NSK ERX 250 is exactly what you need.

BALTMOTORS ENDURO 250DD

BaltMotors is a company that, along with the Belarusian Motovelo, has been producing bikes for quite a long time. Many Russian professional athletes prefer this brand - because for very little money they get excellent quality, time-tested. BaltMotors is a Russian brand that is well aware of the needs of our consumers, namely the desire to be able to repair a broken motorcycle right in the field, having with them a minimum set of tools and, of course, electrical tape.

SHERCO 450 SEF-R

The Sherco company (Spain-France) has been producing Enduro motorcycles since 2000. During this time, its products fell in love with many motorcycle enthusiasts, as well as professional athletes. The main advantage of these bikes over similar units produced by competing companies is convenience and ease of repair. In fact, repairs take a minimum amount of time - after all, any spare part can be easily and easily reached, without disassembling half of the motorcycle for this.

At the same time, the SHERCO 450 SEF-R cannot be called a powerful and productive unit, and its maneuverability and cross-country ability are far from the best. But, in addition to maintainability, this Enduro boasts a very competitive price - dealers are asking about $9,000 for the new SHERCO 450 SEF-R. Used models can be found 1.5-2 times cheaper.

KTM 690 ENDURO R

The enduro motorcycle of the Austrian brand is considered one of the best in its class. Stylish appearance, power, performance, reliability and excellent cross-country ability - these are the main characteristics of this cross-country bike. This Enduro can be called truly universal - it feels equally confident both on regular roads and on any off-road. It is not for nothing that this particular model was simultaneously included in 2 of our ratings - the TOP 10 best Enduro and the TOP 5 best Enduro from Europe.

HUSQVARNA FC 450

This Enduro bike takes an honorable 1st place in our ranking. It is rightfully considered the most powerful, while the handling and maneuverability indicators are also not great. The suspension is easily adjusted to the driver's needs and the characteristics of the track. It is not for nothing that HUSQVARNA FC 450 is preferred by many world-class professional athletes. The only drawback of this Enduro is the high price and expensive maintenance. But European quality, time-tested, cannot be cheap.

Recommendations for choosing an Enduro motorcycle

An Enduro motorcycle is a very specific technique, so you need to choose it exclusively “for yourself” - you need to focus on your needs and capabilities. Here are some tips on how to choose your first Enduro bike:

• Engine
  . Manufacturers offer two options - two-stroke and four-stroke engines. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Two-stroke engines are focused exclusively on sports. In other words, these are ideal horses for participating in Enduro competitions. They are powerful, aggressive, productive. At the same time, they require regular maintenance, and you will have to tinker with them when repairing them. Four-stroke engines are more versatile, they are not as sharp as two-stroke engines, and do not require serious time and material costs for maintenance and repairs, they consume less fuel, and these units are simply easier to drive.

All experienced motorcyclists unanimously say: for a beginner, the ideal option is an inexpensive Enduro with a four-stroke engine.

• Factory
  . There are two options for powering an Enduro motorcycle - kickstarter, electric starter or both. There are also some nuances here. Starting a two-stroke motorcycle with a kickstarter is as easy as shelling pears, while some models have an additional electric starter, but such motorcycles are not cheap. When it comes to four-stroke motorcycles, kickstarter winding can be a real problem, especially if you accidentally flood the bike a little or have the rear wheel hanging on a log.

Therefore, we conclude: for two-stroke motorcycles, a kickstarter is sufficient, but as for four-stroke motorcycles, who better take care of the presence of an electric starter.

• Dimensions of the motorcycle
  . For Enduro motorcycles, one of the main characteristics is weight. The lighter the motorcycle, the better it will overcome obstacles in its path. At first, you should not chase the most powerful and productive unit - choose a lighter (70 - 80 kg) option with simple controls - no one is immune from mistakes and falls, especially at the stage of learning to ride.

In addition, pay attention to the height of the motorcycle - if you are taller than average, choose a unit with a seat height of more than 80 cm.

• Maintainability
  . Off-road riding requires regular maintenance and repair of your motorcycle. In the first stages of training, try to choose popular Enduro models - it’s easier to find spare parts for them, and any car mechanic who more or less understands the design of a motorcycle can handle the repairs. In addition, it would be a good idea to sharpen your skills in this matter - stock up on the necessary tools, find a convenient place in the garage, and meet other motorcycle enthusiasts. This will make it possible to carry out repairs and maintenance of the Enduro motorcycle on your own, thereby saving a decent amount.
• Manufacturer
  . There are quite a lot of companies producing Enduro motorcycles. Conventionally, all of them can be divided into 3 categories: Chinese, Japanese and European. Chinese ones are the most affordable. However, no one will give you a guarantee that this unit will work for more than three seasons. But the price for them is very attractive - for $2,000 you can buy a new bike. Repairs will also not require large material costs. European brands offer stylish, beautiful, powerful motorcycles. The quality here is top notch – you can’t argue with that. But the price is appropriate. Japanese motorcycles are the golden mean. A used Enduro from Japan can be bought for $1,500-2,000; there are plenty of spare parts (both new and used) on the market; in addition, any service station will undertake the repair of this equipment.

Thus, if you are clearly sure that the passion for Enduro motorcycles is not a temporary fad, feel free to buy your first “Japanese”. Subsequently, you can always sell it (and since these motorcycles are quite liquid, you will not lose anything in value) and buy a more sophisticated “European”. Well, the “Chinese” is the best option for those who plan to spend no more than two or three seasons off-road.

• Documentation
  . All vehicles traveling on public roads must be registered. Thus, if you plan to ride not only off-road, but from time to time go on the highway and ride around the city, then choose only an Enduro motorcycle with documents. It is worth noting that an Enduro with a title can cost an order of magnitude more than a similar unit without documents.

If your plans only include trips through forests, fields and ditches, then you can do without documents (keep in mind that you will have to transport the motorcycle to the place of riding by separate transport).

• Condition of the motorcycle
  . The documents may show a very recent year of manufacture, but in fact you will see a dead unit in front of you, since the former owner actively used it for its intended purpose. At the same time, a fairly old motorcycle can look quite decent, since it has been sitting in a garage for 5 years, waiting in the wings. Be sure to test the Enduro motorcycle and ask about its strengths and weaknesses. And it’s best to take an experienced specialist with you to a meeting with the seller, who will inspect the Enduro before purchasing.
• Price
  . In this regard, you need to be guided not only by the initial cost of the motorcycle, but also by the costs of its maintenance and service. In the first stages, it is better to choose an inexpensive used model. Focus on popular brands - they are easier to get spare parts for. Also pay attention to fuel consumption - keep in mind that four-stroke engines consume less gasoline than 2-stroke engines.

It is worth noting that a new Chinese Enduro motorbike is cheaper than a used European brand. Naturally, its maintenance will not be so expensive for a beginner.

• Enduro motorcycle type
  . For those who plan regular rides on rough off-road terrain, a Hard Enduro motorcycle is an ideal option - they are powerful, characterized by high cross-country ability, durable and reliable. More versatile touring Enduros are suitable for those who like frequent fishing and hunting trips, without relying on driving on trails with serious obstacles. Touring Enduros are also good because you can always find additional equipment on them in the form of an additional seat for a passenger or small glove compartments for carrying cargo. They are more convenient and comfortable for traveling long distances.
• Experts' opinion
  . If you have never dealt with motorcycles before and have a vague idea of ​​what a beginner’s Enduro should be like, do not hesitate to contact a specialist in this matter. Even if there is no specialized motorcycle school nearby in your city, you can always find the right person on the Internet and get advice from him on issues that interest you. Under no circumstances should you be afraid to be interested in even the most banal things - it’s better to ask again than to make an unconscious choice and face its negative consequences.

IRBIS TTR 250R

“Irbis” TTR 250R is a real enduro in its full sense. This is manifested both externally and in terms of technical equipment. Easy to drive and obedient on the road, it adequately overcomes absolute off-road conditions: potholes and potholes. It can cover considerable distances and perform tricks of varying complexity. Irbis TTR 250R is an excellent enduro model for both beginners and motorcycle racing professionals.

Technical equipment:

• engine capacity - 223 cubic meters. cm;
• number of measures – 4;
• maximum acceleration speed – 120 km/h;
• fuel consumption per 100 km – 3 liters;
• tank volume – 12 liters;
• dimensions: 2085/820/1180 (l/w/h);
• dry weight – 125 kg;
• Gearbox – manual 5-speed.

You can purchase Irbis from official representatives or partner stores at a price of 90,000 to 100,000 rubles.

Watch a video review of this enduro model: