Closer look at the Touratech shock absorber for KTM 690 Enduro R, Husqvarna 701 Enduro and GASGAS ES 700 dualsport models.

The Austrian manufacturer of KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS’s popular single cylinder dual sport or adventure lite bikes, the 690 Enduro R, 701 Enduro and ES 700 respectively fit pretty decent suspension straight out the factory – at least for the kind of riding most people do with these bikes.

But not for everyone with the machines being so capable, owners who want more off-road performance or greater luggage carrying capabilities can find the standard suspension wanting.

Touratech has the answer with this new “Extreme” shock absorber to fit these three bikes which share common chassis and engine platforms.

Designed for “tough off-road use or when travelling with a high payload”, Touratech say the individually configured shock absorbers “take performance to a whole new level”.

NB: It‘s worth noting here that upgrading your suspension like this doesn’t mean you have to ride harder or faster. Upgrades also mean you can have a standard or softer setting but have improved damping control and wider adjustment range.

On and off-road performance

Touratech are keen to point out that, despite the Extreme name, this shock improves all-round handling skills of your bike with more consistent damping for a more sporty ride on the road as much as it does at speed through difficult off-road terrain or on an journey with a pillion or luggage.

Wide adjustment range

Like all shocks in the Touratech ‘Travel’ range, the Extreme shocks are based on a separating piston design and have an extra-strong 16mm piston rod made of chrome-molybdenum steel, low-friction seals with an integrated Teflon support ring and high-strength stainless steel bushes in the shock eyelet.

The spring preload can be adjusted over a wide range using a classic adjustment ring on top of the spring.

Rebound damping adjustment is at the base of the shock via a clicker adjuster, while compression damping is adjustable in the high and low-speed ranges which gives you a wide range of setup for preference, load or terrain.

The shock features a large piggyback reservoir for effective cooling of the damper oil with large oil volume which in part is where the damping performance improvement over the stock WP parts comes from.

The travel-dependent damping or PDS system on these bikes means Touratech use a second damping piston in the shock which, they say, improves resistance against bottoming out.

The spring rate and the basic setup of the Extreme shock absorbers are adjusted to the intended use in consultation with the customer and you’ll be asked for these details at point of purchase.

Like all shock absorbers from Touratech Suspension, the Extreme range is fully serviceable - for consistent performance and a long damper life.

Cost: £1399.00

More information: www.touratech.com