KTM 690 Enduro R: The Bike That Does It All? Honest Review After 15 Years of Riding!

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  • Опубликовано: 14 янв 2025

Комментарии • 87

  • @bobz1736
    @bobz1736 Час назад +1

    Enjoyed this. More videos around the 10-15 min mark would be great... or even longer if it's all interesting 👍

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  23 минуты назад

      Great to hear. I'll keep this in mind.

  • @WiyakanPilgrim
    @WiyakanPilgrim 2 дня назад +6

    Sub’d and liked . Yes, please, to all: mods, gearing change, maintenance, etc.

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  2 дня назад +2

      Thank you. I'll start making plans for some more 690 content.

  • @MrEtnorb
    @MrEtnorb День назад +3

    Quick summary.seat height is up to 929 mm depending on which year and where you look. Rear tank is a pain to fill. Sidestand is tricky, easy to take off with it down. ABS settings work very well,on map 2. Engine power is outstanding. Forks are OK, harsh on soft ground but need work. Of course it’s a compromise, anything between a 500 and road bike is. The complaints about the gearing are silly. You will need to carry more fuel. Pegs need replacing. There is nothing else on the market that goes this well and weighs so little for a wide range of riding.

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  День назад

      Totally agree. I've always found the gear boxes tall but also narrow. You can buy a wider range gearbox to fit. Something I've not done but Lyndon Poskit did. Fueling wise I've carried the fuel bladders from giant loop for longer stretches. They've been great.
      Thanks for the great message. I may add a few of those details in another video.

  • @MrRplo
    @MrRplo День назад +2

    Definitely would like to see videos of your mods, gearing choices, maintenance, tire choices etc. particularly considering your extensive experience with this platform.
    Agree with your review. This bike has become my favorite platform (701/690/700). Spent many years on larger adventure bikes and dabbling in enduro machines then on a whim took a 2023 701 on a 6,000 mile trip and that was that. I call it a light weight aggressive off road focused "adventure" bike. I also find it a blast on twisty roads -- guess that is why there is a supermoto version.

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  День назад +1

      Totally agree. I've loved this bike since 2010 and it has been my choice whenever possible.

  • @michaelcorker7168
    @michaelcorker7168 День назад +2

    I have had a 2014 for 3 years. Agree there are some compromises, but very versatile. Mods are widely available - would love a few videos on your mods, gearing, tyres, tower, etc.

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  День назад +1

      @@michaelcorker7168 I'm planning that video now. Please subscribe if you haven't already and it should notify you.

  • @rickc6726
    @rickc6726 19 часов назад +1

    Great bike! Yes to gearing and mods video please! Good luck with the channel! 😁👍

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  18 часов назад +1

      Hoping to film these this week.
      Thanks for your comment.

  • @JohnDoe-dk8zz
    @JohnDoe-dk8zz 2 дня назад +1

    I bought the 2024 690 enduro as my first bike. Took it directly offroad. While i had years of experience offroad with 4wheelers, i did not have any on motorcycle. I was able to tame the beast and i still learn everyday. I love this bike and it fit my needs. The only things that scares me a bit is reliability but i will make sure to maintain it like it should. Maybe you could do a video on how to maintain such a beast.
    Very nice video , unbiased and very informative. I would indeed like content on modification and what you did sprocket wise. You will find that there's actually not a whole lot of content on the 690 enduro on youtube so you will definitely have audience.
    cheers !

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  2 дня назад +1

      Congrats on the new bike. I'll start making a plan to create more content for the 690.

  • @KellyWhitehouse
    @KellyWhitehouse 19 часов назад +1

    I've been riding my 2015 690 R since 2020 and concur with everything you've said. The massive selection of aftermarket parts available for this platform makes it one of the most flexible bikes on the market. So far the reliability has been outstanding and I'm looking forward to being able to upgrade to the smoother motor in the future. My ultimate goal is to have a fully "dirt oriented" and a fully "adventure oriented" set of 690's.

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  18 часов назад +1

      I'd love more than one 690 but sadly the money won't stretch that far.
      Thank you for the comment.

    • @bradsanders6954
      @bradsanders6954 30 минут назад

      @@FixRideExplore I have seen guys online , that have 3 690's. One will be a project bike, one will be a dirt oriented older 690, and one will be the 2019 and up modernized version. These bikes can be addicting.

  • @sorin.n
    @sorin.n День назад +1

    +1 for the mods and the gear videos! 🧡

  • @dexrose8578
    @dexrose8578 День назад +2

    Bought a ‘23 701 last year. Much more suited to me than my previous 790R which itself was a great bike but just too heavy. Would be interested to see vids on the mods you do. I have also fitted the Rade garage tower ( also did the auxiliary fuel tank ) Look forward to your vids 👍

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  День назад +1

      Thanks for the comment. The 790r is also a lovely bike. It hits a sweet spot.
      701s look great with the rads tower. Make sure you're subscribed and it'll let you know when I upload the vid.

    • @bradsanders6954
      @bradsanders6954 14 минут назад

      In 21,000 miles my 890R has been great, faultless....its never once felt like a dirtbike to me, not even a big dirtbike.
      I weigh 170 lbs, it weighs 470 lbs. It has the advantage.
      My 690 felt like a dirtbike the minute I got on it.

  • @bradsanders6954
    @bradsanders6954 41 минуту назад

    I had a late 90's Lc4 620. An animal of a bike, a plated dirtbike in my case. Vibration that was insane at every point of human contact. Fun!
    I rode a 2014 690, again the vibration was well beyond unpleasant. But I bought a 2021 690 Enduro, a civilized brute of a bike.
    Vibration is no issue what so ever.
    These bikes are polarizing, you either get it, or you dont. Ive had over 15 KTM's almost all 2 strokes.......now Ive got an 890R and the 690R.
    Ive done the minimum, sort of, to the 690. Scotts damper, SC seat, KTM windscreen with Puig extension, Wings muff, super bright Cyclops headlight insert, good pegs, etc.
    This 690 the faster you get moving on dirt the better it works. Guys do all sorts of things to these for "more power"..................74HP isnt enough on dirt? Your that good you just have to hop it up? A good 450 makes 60HP and very few people ever use it all.
    To me, my 890 is a gravel road/street bike, who really wants a near 500lb bike on dirt? 100HP is of no use on dirt, but great on road.
    By all means, more videos on 690 would be great!

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  32 минуты назад

      @@bradsanders6954 Great comment and agree with everything you said.
      I never got to ride the 620 but a friend told me all about feeling numb when he got off it. Thankfully the vibrations have been designed out these days.

  • @Eds_PanAm
    @Eds_PanAm 2 дня назад +1

    Yup, i agree, let’s see what ya did lol i bought a leftover 23 701 last year to compliment my Pan America, every time i ride it, it puts a smile on my face🤘🏻 sláinte!

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  2 дня назад +1

      Yes the 701 is a nice bike. Almost the same but kids and servicing will still be relevant. Thanks for the comment.

    • @Eds_PanAm
      @Eds_PanAm День назад

      @ for sure, I knew that going in to buying the bike, that it was actually a high-performance motorcycle…little more maint but its worth it

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  День назад +1

      Lovely bike. I rode the 701 variant around Argentina. They look great as well.

  • @mudaamoob
    @mudaamoob День назад

    I got same combo. Rade tower. Wings exhaust.
    Got +6L fuel air filter combo. Moved sidestand sensor under the seat and glued it together.
    Keep up the videos. Very well explained.

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  День назад

      @@mudaamoob Thanks for the comment. I'll keep em coming.

    • @bradsanders6954
      @bradsanders6954 17 минут назад

      I tried gluing the magnet to the sensor on my 2021 690 kickstand switch..............dang. The fancy ECU senses something is wrong and the bike wont run. A 100.00 dongle has to be bought from Slavens and that works great!

    • @mulvahetpolemidasateed
      @mulvahetpolemidasateed 14 минут назад

      ​​@@bradsanders6954 it needs to be perfectly placed. I tried half a hour different positions. Same angle as its in stock

  • @dertom1000
    @dertom1000 2 дня назад

    Just picked up a 2024 690, so yes to all: mods & gearings and maintenance vids please 😃

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  2 дня назад +1

      Thanks for the comment. Planning the vids as I type..

  • @frank_jk
    @frank_jk День назад

    Great video and concur with others: let’s see the mods and maintenance! Cheers!

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  День назад

      It's in the planning. Thanks for the comment

  • @paulderbyshire1255
    @paulderbyshire1255 День назад +2

    love to see mods

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  День назад

      Currently planning a couple more episodes.

  • @ianminus60
    @ianminus60 День назад +1

    I still have my original 690 from 2010. I have flipped it and trashed it numerous times - it takes a lick'n but still keeps tick'n.

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  День назад +1

      They were crackers. Every time I see a good early model for sale I'm always so tempted to buy it. I've an addiction 🤣

  • @mohammednawaz5363
    @mohammednawaz5363 21 час назад +1

    Excellent and precise video - great job. Few question: does the rally tower create any wind buffet/noise over/above stock? I noticed you have no grab handles - what contact points do you use to lift the bike? Do you recommend any crash/engine protection/casing? Many thanks

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  18 часов назад +1

      I'll add these to the list of content for the next videos.
      Thanks for the comment.

  • @constantinosschinas4503
    @constantinosschinas4503 18 часов назад

    5:50 There are lowering links available, around 50€. I would not lower it, but there is an option.

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  17 часов назад +1

      @@constantinosschinas4503 Yes there are. It's best to get used to the designed ride height if possible rather than risk changing the bike dynamics.
      However some people can find it too difficult to ride at standard height so have to do what they can.

    • @constantinosschinas4503
      @constantinosschinas4503 17 часов назад

      @@FixRideExplore Yes i don't like the idea of lowering either. But there are people out there which have done it and are very happy with it.

    • @bradsanders6954
      @bradsanders6954 37 минут назад

      @@constantinosschinas4503 The rear shock damping needs to be turned up stiffer, and pre load added to the shock spring to run a lowering link. I think no matter what for my 175 lb weight a 1 range stiffer shock spring is needed It works well but just seems soft.
      Ive added pre load but only so much can be added and be right.
      690 suspension is worlds better than my 890R suspension. 890 rides like a buck board in stock form, no matter what reviewers say it needs serious work.

  • @seneca-jl7lt
    @seneca-jl7lt День назад

    Excellent video. I have a T7 at the moment BUT it is just a bit heavy for off road. This video has persuaded me to swap.
    Yes, more videos please.

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  День назад

      The T7 is a great bike. I'd like one.

    • @seneca-jl7lt
      @seneca-jl7lt 22 часа назад

      @FixRideExplore I don't think you went so far as to commit to one, "do all" bike but if you could only have one would the 690 be it, or at least amongst the contenders?

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  2 часа назад

      @seneca-jl7lt It's such a tough questions. The T7 is an amazing bike but heavier. If this is an issue off road, the 690 is a great option. If you're only doing very short distances you could go even lighter with an enduro bike until your confidence builds. With each step lighter you lose refinement on the road.
      Try to weigh it all up. Maybe even the T7 for road and light off road and a light enduro for all off road. It all depends what, where and how you ride. A great bike is the CRF450L. Is not a huge thumper like the 690 but it's an incredible machine once unrestricted (I think EU bike are restricted).
      When you ride a bike that's heavy in an environment you are still gaining confidence in it can slow the process down or scare the confidence out of you. What ever bike you choose, pick your routes and terrain wisely. Don't take risks, ride at your pace.
      Hope you find the prefect bike or combo for yourself. Go take some test rides. It's the best way to find your fit.

    • @seneca-jl7lt
      @seneca-jl7lt 2 часа назад

      @FixRideExplore I rode trials and enduro for years, then got a R1150GS. It was great for road mile munching but not much else, hence the move to the T7. It is a great bike but just a little too heavy for more
      technical stuff.
      What I should have asked was, if you could only have one bike for reasonably technical off road, TET, touring on mainly A and B roads in the UK and the Continent plus some motorway, would the 690 do well enough?

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  53 минуты назад

      I rode 6500kms around Argentina. Everything from dunes, high altitude deserts, rocky riverbeds and lots of road miles getting across the country.
      I did this on the 2016 701 enduro and it ate all the miles up. Factory spec, off road it's great but it did lack on road refinement. It took me a while to get used to the high revving single for long distances at motorway speeds. Wind protection was lacking and lighting wasn't great.
      My main goal was remote exploration so the sacrifice was refined road riding. But, it did it all and I'd choose the bike again for that trip.

  • @constantinosschinas4503
    @constantinosschinas4503 19 часов назад +1

    I have a 2022 Gasgas SM700. Vibration is practically non existent. Only bike in my life that does not make my toes, hands or balls num after half hour. Not even after 3 hours. Whatever vibrations are of very low frequency and amplitude, hence the low impact on nerves. Knees never get in pain too. Motor is just amazing. Feels like a reving two cylinder with plenty of low end grunt and amazing brute torque. Dare i say it reminds me of a two stroke that hits limiter with ease. Seat is very hard but precise and at the end of the day does not make me num even after a couple of hours. It is very light but not featherweight. Lean sensitive electronics are out of this world in sport mode, a mediocre rider can be drifting while taking a curve at no time. Fuel consumption is really low, you can go full throttle and you will rarely go above 6lt/100km, go easy and close to 4lt is not impossible, giving an almost 300km range. ABS is excellent too, makes the tyre squeak and never engages without a real reason. Even when it does, it is in a perfect manner and you don't feel the lever pumping itself in panic. Just a nice brake assistance. Suspension does the job but lacks road feedback, i think! The only thing missing is a small fairing but that could be added, together with a couple of led lights, with a cheap rally tower for around 500€. Overall, a fantastic, rare bike that i can't fathom why japanese companies are not trying to reproduce.

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  18 часов назад +1

      Totally agree with everything you said. I think the Kove 450 is snapping at its heals and the AJP PR7 is also close.

    • @constantinosschinas4503
      @constantinosschinas4503 17 часов назад

      @@FixRideExplore I recently drove the Kove 450 and was completely disappointed. Did not like anything about it other than the styling and ergonomics. Motor was stock without any of the power kit, maybe that had something to do with it. Extremely rattly, noisy engine almost ready to self disassemble and power curve all over the place. Geometry weird too, very dirt/drift oriented that makes it understeer heavily on the road. My dreaming of it was completly destroyed lol. The AJP has very good ergonomics and an excellent seat. Looks great too. Worry about it's engine reliability though and cannot officially carry a passenger, when needed, afaik. Another very interesting bike that felt close to perfect for what it is, was the Kove 800X Pro. I was pretty impressed. But yesterday i saw a video from Poland of it having the known camshaft issues and was completely put off.

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  17 часов назад +2

      @@constantinosschinas4503 That's really interesting to hear. I was hoping to take a Kove out at some point this year. I'll let you know my thoughts once I have. I don't know much about them at the moment. Maybe I could try and do a video on it one day once the channel starts gaining more traction.
      Really appreciate the info and your comment.
      Any ideas on how I can make this channel rock id appreciated it. Also share if you know someone who'd be interested.

    • @constantinosschinas4503
      @constantinosschinas4503 16 часов назад +1

      @@FixRideExplore This 690 video was very good, especially for a small-ish channel. I subscribed and will check more of your work. Hope the best growth to your channel, but more than that, to keep your passion for riding intact! Greetings.

    • @bradsanders6954
      @bradsanders6954 26 минут назад

      @@constantinosschinas4503 If you weigh an AJP on a real scale, its a little ways over 400lbs. Guys that buy em, like most bike owners they will say they are fantastic bikes. Maybe they are? Like a Kove they are not good at resale time. Some have never heard of the things.
      The Kove is also very heavy, and meant be like a Rally bike. A small amount of people really need a bike that looks like a Rally bike.

  • @adaptableadventurerider
    @adaptableadventurerider 2 дня назад

    Subscribed what an absolutely brilliant video :) I’ve just sold my 1150 gsa an looking for a lighter option to do some road book stuff with, had a 300 rally an t7 in the past thanks for sharing, been browsing at these an the ajp have you ever tried any of the smaller cc Ktm’s? 450 an husky 501 etc?

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  2 дня назад +1

      Thank you so much for the great feedback.
      The bike depends on what you want to do.
      I have the legendary KTM 400 EXC. It's an older bike now but the carb fueling and the detuned 450 engine makes it a joy and pleasure to ride. This has taken me on many trips around the Spanish trails but mostly loops, all of which I can do on the 690 (albeit 45kg heavier).
      You can use lighter enduro bikes for long distance but the short service intervals work against you unless you spend some big bucks countering this with oil coolers and larger tanks etc. Many people have done this and would imagine getting great results.
      AJP PR7 is a great option alongside the 690. Very much a rally bike feel with an older but proven engine. Worth a test ride for sure.

    • @adaptableadventurerider
      @adaptableadventurerider День назад

      @ thanks so much for the detailed reply :) super appreciated 👌🙌and a huge help.

  • @danielgagne84
    @danielgagne84 День назад

    Great review of an awesome bike! I used to own a 2018 KTM 690 Enduro R. Loved it, had to trade for an 890 but now I'm tempted to go back. I'm curious to see if there will be a 2025 690 model despite the challenges KTM is going through. Fingers crossed!

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  День назад

      @@danielgagne84 The 890 is a superb bike. Like the 690, I think the 790 and 890 have also hit a sweet spot.
      It would be on my list of considerations for a long distance adventure bike.

    • @williamrae9954
      @williamrae9954 23 часа назад

      790 is under £7k these days

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  21 час назад

      I know. I'd buy one if I had some spare cash.

    • @williamrae9954
      @williamrae9954 20 часов назад

      @FixRideExplore I'm injured...sell you this one, lol

    • @bradsanders6954
      @bradsanders6954 20 минут назад

      KTM is showing pictures of a 2025 690 ADV bike, which guys have been asking for. It seems like the 2019 and up 690's have sold pretty well.

  • @zlatanadvanture7187
    @zlatanadvanture7187 День назад

    thx

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  День назад

      No problem. Please subscribe if you haven't already. I'm planning more vids.

  • @jasonarchambault4589
    @jasonarchambault4589 День назад

    Mods ✊️

  • @williamrae9954
    @williamrae9954 22 часа назад

    Fuel pumps...going anywhere overland with lower quality fuel,pump will fail...take at least one spare!

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  22 часа назад +1

      Correct. Fit the new one. Carry the known working one as the spare. Also the injector.

    • @williamrae9954
      @williamrae9954 22 часа назад

      @FixRideExplore Been through the same with my Husaberg FE390...fuel pumps, and boiling fuel

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  21 час назад +1

      OMG exactly same here. We've clearly got the same great taste in bikes.
      I loved my 390. Foil tape under the tank, injectors, fuel pumps. Still, the bike was awesome.

    • @williamrae9954
      @williamrae9954 21 час назад

      @FixRideExplore yup...done it all,Samco hoses,BMW 5 Series temp sender,bigger radiators, etc etc

    • @bradsanders6954
      @bradsanders6954 22 минуты назад

      Ive heard that, Ive also seen guys go over 40K miles with stock fuel pump.
      I wonder what is SO different about a 690 fuel pump, as opposed to an 890R fuel pump? Guys put all kinds of filters on 690's to keep fuel clean going to and from fuel pump. Ive only got 5K miles on my 690 so a little new at 690 ownership.

  • @racewayman1
    @racewayman1 17 часов назад

    Yo I don’t care how much grab they talk about ktm 690 smc r that mother will get down.stock 😊

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  16 часов назад +1

      @@racewayman1 I've only ridden the SMC once and was still smiling and hour later.

  • @182mcg1
    @182mcg1 18 часов назад

    All OK but my question ktm on Dakar version use bottom way exhaust system on this motorcycle exhaust and Fuel close together is wrong things explain wrong over wheele catastrophic ready bike burn... On RUclips plenty videos with supermoto ktm /husky... This bike looking ugly on rear ass not simetric... That's my opinion...

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  18 часов назад

      I don't think the Dakar bikes are 690s these days.
      My bike is symmetrical but was leaning on the stand and has a wonky fuel sticker.
      Thanks for your comment though.

    • @bradsanders6954
      @bradsanders6954 36 минут назад

      Not once have I seen a problem with exhausts/gas tank on 690. Its not really about "looks". Its about what works.
      These arent sportbikes.

  • @whatmusicisit9354
    @whatmusicisit9354 19 часов назад

    KTM is an expensive myth...
    Why can't they offer these bikes for a reasonable price around the world?
    The Chinese already do!

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  18 часов назад

      There's some great Chinese bikes out there now. That's a whole other video I think.

    • @bradsanders6954
      @bradsanders6954 32 минуты назад

      Chinese have nothing what so ever like a 690 Enduro. If you have noticed even a good mt bike can run 6K these days.
      EVERYTHING is expensive. If you want cheap buy a DRZ400. Dont bitch about what you dont want just because your online.
      Buy a 2004 KLR 650 and be happy, its cheap!

    • @FixRideExplore
      @FixRideExplore  24 минуты назад

      @@bradsanders6954 Everything is very expensive these days. Inflation has caused bikes to skyrocket in price.
      The 690 is a premium bike and I think worth the money (or I wouldn't own one).
      Good call on the DRZ, it's always been a solid bike, hopefully the new model carrys the flag well. I am intrigued by some of the Chinese bikes, some do look good for the money.