I have the Husky 701 and I have to say, I fought it for a while, it struggled on freeways and was not very smooth. I almost gave up on it. I decided to make a change and added the Rottweiler intake setup and the Coober piggy back chip. I have never experienced such a dramatic change in performance. It went fron a pretty good enduro to my favorite bike I own. It can now cruise at 75mph, the power is incredibly better, smoother, more torque and better top end. If Husky/KTM made it this way out of the gate it would easily become the absolute best adventure touring machine available today. Nice to know it can be altered simply though. If there are other 701/690 owners do yourself a favor and add these things....truly amazing difference. I have owned the 1290 SAR, I currently own an R1250GS and neither bike can hold a candle my Husky as is for adventure riding.
I’ve got a 2020 KTM690 Enduro Also. Some of the mods I’ve done; Vanasche Fuel filler, Vanasche Oberlon clutch master slave upgrade, Dual5 headlight, Seat comfort “comfort” seat, Twin Air filter, Wings exhaust, rally foot pegs, Vanasche oil filter cap and filler cap, Riggs bags and just put a set of Motoz Desert H/T’s on. Lost about 15 miles a gallon with these tires, going to switch them out for Anakee wilds in a few weeks. Great bike and better vid, I may order a part or two from your list, thank you.
Yes, we do like a change every now and then don't we. Forbidden fruits and all that? Whatever, that was an excellent, helpful and real world review of your time with Wolfgang, so thank you. Should you decide to keep him I somehow doubt that you'd be that upset. Thanks for the video. Safe roads!
Great review. Why more people don’t consider this bike over the usual 200 kg twins is beyond me. It’s about KTM build quality and the reputation of the early 690s, which had horrendous top end problems and vibes. I’m doing a similar project to yours, all good fun if you know the limitations of yourself and the bike. Re screens, no screen will ever stop cross winds from affecting you. And speaking of a Honda, whatever you are thinking of buying will be 50 kg+ more than the 690 unless it’s a crf300, which as you say is gutless compared to a 690. It’s refreshing to have someone give a warts and all review.
Superb vid. Counting all the falls from the bike, ähm I have no idea how many hands I need for this. The first time I was at the petrol station when jumping of the 690 😂
Hi there CB, yet another fine and long awaited instalment. One thing this brought home to me is the fantastic support we enjoy from small (Some only one man band) engineering and visionary designers. Brands such as Perun, Vanasche etc. Pure quality over some more mass produced articles. I love that. ps. apprentice Codger's musical talents remind me of The Velvet Underground meets lollipop whistle.... Salut ! (I didn't mention the "Honda".....)
Glad you liked it. And yes you are so right. We are lucky that people out there have developed great products. One of the benefits of a bike with long development history 👍👍
I put that lowering link on mine too. It lowers my bike 1.25” too. I’m 6’1” with a 32” inseam. But I’ve got bad arthritis in my knees and everywhere else. I have a Seat Concepts, but it’s not the low.
Codger, try squirting some foam space filler/insulation into the handlebars, the sort you buy from a builders merchant. See if that takes out the vibes that effect your hands. If you try it, please let us know if it made a difference in a video. After doing the 7,500 TAT on my 2015 690 I developed a "Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome" in one random finger that makes it go white and numb in extreme changes of temperature, even walking into a cold supermarket on a very hot day outside can on occasion suddenly trigger it. Vigorous rubbing of the wrist gets rid of it or putting the offending finger under warm water or against my body. Seems to be progressively wearing off a bit now after 7 years but still occasionally returns. Not serious but annoying, especially if it strikes my trigger finger on a cold day when I am shooting! Anyway I have a 2021 690 now and it seems very smooth to me but I will probably try the insulation foam trick in the bars before doing another really long trip like that as some people swear by it.
Interesting idea, might change the resonant frequency. I know what you mean about that tingly feeling from bikes long ago. This 690 is not like that. It has a balancer shaft and the bars are rubber mounted. But it is still a single. I found so long as I don't sit on 70mph in 6th for mile after mile all is fine. I alternate around 60-80 and no problem. Interesting idea though 👍👍
Nice one mate. Almost convinced me that I need one. And I'm so happy to see you finally landed that Red Bull sponsorship deal after all of your hard work 😉 Will you be needing that Codger Biker logo in Honda colours anytime soon?
Interesting this. My biggest problem is how the dealerships dismiss me when I comment about how I want to buy a bike that does not exist. After considerable research I now buy stock bikes second hand and modify to my requirements. This gets me the bike I want but creates a feeling of total contempt for the dealership. Dealerships should make the contemplation and purchase of a bike a pleasure. They do not. Yes I am grumpy, difficult and knowledgeable but I should not be dismissed in the way that they do. Trying to talk to a manufacturer is impossible. So I will remain grumpy, difficult and knowledgeable, I have no reason not to be.
Totally agree. I went to a BMW dealer and asked to test ride a certain bike. ‘Nobody buys those’ I was told by the salesman who directed me to the 20 GS they had. I left. The customer is always wrong! 👍👍
Hi Codger, nice review! May I make you few short questions about the Wings exaust? Apart of the Wings is lighter, I kant to know if the sound is too loud, and maybe the most important, is if with the Wings, the feeling is cooler than the OEM, in a few minutes, the OEm is like a fire close to your legs. Thanks in advance for your time.
Hi Pablo. As I said in the video 1) The Wings is much much cooler, so much better than the stock fire can. 2) the Wings is much lighter. 3) there are two DB killers provided, so it can be very loud (without) quite loud, or just louder depending on your choice. There is also a ‘Silent Kit’ which I have which makes it same loudness as stock. There are videos about this on my channel, see links below. It is better than stock in every way so long as Cat is not required. Cheers 👍 ruclips.net/video/W--aaEltREk/видео.html ruclips.net/video/rCqw2CNcAis/видео.html
So I came across your channel with the review of the 390 adventure which I think is a cracking all rounder, see you went for 690 r which now seems discontinued so only 790 n 890 as options to consider
790 and 890 are parallel twins. Lots of info on KTM 790 Adv on my channel, I had one for two years. See playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLeqBZ9Sn4T5uT0jGP3wbiTj4-WGZdidYg
Nah they just released a 2023 update so very much still around. I bought a slightly abused 08 990 adv as a second bike/london commuter as I'd always fancied one. I'm considering whether a 19 onwards 690 might be in the same spirit but a bit more manageable off road etc. The 990 does more miles than the s1000 at the moment. Tried the 890 and a Honda AT, neither gave me the brap grin of the 990.
Regarding tubeless wheel conversion. Did you research to see if he stock KTM 690 wheels have a safety bead before switching to Excel wheels? Did you order the Excell wheels from Woody's Wheel Works? Kam
Stock ones, I believe (I still have them) do not as they are purely tubed enduro wheels. These do of course as it is designed for tubeless wheel system and tyres. I am in UK so ordered them from Harry at SM Pro, he did the technical choices See playlist for details 👍
You know it's actually hard to measure, and when you sit on the bike the suspension compresses. Link claims around 30mm (1" Kouba drops the 19/20 by 1 1/4" claimed). Low seat reduces by another 15mm claimed. So 40-50mm lower. I hope that helps 👍
Hello. I purchased tubeless rim wheels from SMPro (UK) and had them apply their airtight system. You need tubeless rims which are not supplied with the 690. Expensive. But all still good as of today, on 2nd set of tyres. Here’s a video. More in the playlist: ruclips.net/video/83Y-TaWne5k/видео.htmlsi=0fHJnhFRUQ7U9nHr
When you say miles an hour you do MPH right? Only asking because you're in the UK and I'm looking at this bike to do the motorway miles to the trail. If it sits nicely at 90mph than it's a far cry better than my dr650
@@CodgerBiker You've sold me. Have you considered the Tenere 700 as an alternative to the 690 for your type of riding or is weight the deciding factor? (I'm currently stuck between the two) Thanks for the quick reply
Of course. Tenere is superb, but too heavy for me if I drop it alone far from anyone. Also it is top heavy due to fuel tank. But plenty of people love it. It's just not for me 👍
Hello! Only the endcan change. The OEM has the Cat inside and gets very very hot. So I replaced it with a Wings (video on channel). Lighter, cooler, nicer tone. So far have left all else alone, bike is powerful enough for me. 👍
@@CodgerBiker Yeah it is fast enough fo rme too. Brilliant bike. Can go anywhere. Great video. I do hope you keep it long term. I sold my original 690 and deeply regretted it. Still do. Will be buying a new one in the coming months and upgrading it similarly to yours.
hello! nice video! I have the ktm 390 adv and now I'm considering to change to a higher cc, but I'm between the 690 enduro r and the 890 adventure r.... I don't know which is better for me... for me it's very important the wheight because I'm not a tall person jajaja
I've had both 690 Enduro R and a 790 Adv. Depends on your riding and ability I would say. In any event try both as they are very different is my advice 👍
![Eminem - Temporary (feat. Skylar Grey) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZaK9Wi5ho0o/mqdefault.jpg)
I have the Husky 701 and I have to say, I fought it for a while, it struggled on freeways and was not very smooth. I almost gave up on it. I decided to make a change and added the Rottweiler intake setup and the Coober piggy back chip. I have never experienced such a dramatic change in performance. It went fron a pretty good enduro to my favorite bike I own. It can now cruise at 75mph, the power is incredibly better, smoother, more torque and better top end. If Husky/KTM made it this way out of the gate it would easily become the absolute best adventure touring machine available today. Nice to know it can be altered simply though. If there are other 701/690 owners do yourself a favor and add these things....truly amazing difference. I have owned the 1290 SAR, I currently own an R1250GS and neither bike can hold a candle my Husky as is for adventure riding.
Will you please specify more precisely what modifications you performed to increase performance? Considering for 2020 KTM 690 Enduro R.
How much louder is the intake noise with the Rott intake?
Great review CB😎
Very thoughtful and thorough 👏👏
Cheers. Your support is appreciated as always 👍👍
Compelling video !
I collect my 701 tomorrow. Thanks for filming this.
No problem. Enjoy that bike! 👍👍
I’ve got a 2020 KTM690 Enduro Also. Some of the mods I’ve done; Vanasche Fuel filler, Vanasche Oberlon clutch master slave upgrade, Dual5 headlight, Seat comfort “comfort” seat, Twin Air filter, Wings exhaust, rally foot pegs, Vanasche oil filter cap and filler cap, Riggs bags and just put a set of Motoz Desert H/T’s on. Lost about 15 miles a gallon with these tires, going to switch them out for Anakee wilds in a few weeks.
Great bike and better vid, I may order a part or two from your list, thank you.
Yes it’s definitely a bike you can make your own. One of the benefits of a tried and tested machine. Thanks for watching 👍
Yes, we do like a change every now and then don't we. Forbidden fruits and all that? Whatever, that was an excellent, helpful and real world review of your time with Wolfgang, so thank you. Should you decide to keep him I somehow doubt that you'd be that upset. Thanks for the video. Safe roads!
Thanks for that. I like to keep him on his toes. So many bikes so little time etc 👍👍
Great review. Why more people don’t consider this bike over the usual 200 kg twins is beyond me. It’s about KTM build quality and the reputation of the early 690s, which had horrendous top end problems and vibes. I’m doing a similar project to yours, all good fun if you know the limitations of yourself and the bike. Re screens, no screen will ever stop cross winds from affecting you. And speaking of a Honda, whatever you are thinking of buying will be 50 kg+ more than the 690 unless it’s a crf300, which as you say is gutless compared to a 690. It’s refreshing to have someone give a warts and all review.
Cheers. Agreed on all points. Great bike once tailored to personal requirements 👍
Superb vid. Counting all the falls from the bike, ähm I have no idea how many hands I need for this. The first time I was at the petrol station when jumping of the 690 😂
Cheers 👍 We've all done it. Slippery places.
Hi there CB, yet another fine and long awaited instalment. One thing this brought home to me is the fantastic support we enjoy from small (Some only one man band) engineering and visionary designers. Brands such as Perun, Vanasche etc. Pure quality over some more mass produced articles. I love that.
ps. apprentice Codger's musical talents remind me of The Velvet Underground meets lollipop whistle.... Salut ! (I didn't mention the "Honda".....)
Glad you liked it. And yes you are so right. We are lucky that people out there have developed great products. One of the benefits of a bike with long development history 👍👍
I put that lowering link on mine too. It lowers my bike 1.25” too. I’m 6’1” with a 32” inseam. But I’ve got bad arthritis in my knees and everywhere else. I have a Seat Concepts, but it’s not the low.
I have to say that it worked great on/off road. Lifted front forks 20mm to balance it. 👍
Codger, try squirting some foam space filler/insulation into the handlebars, the sort you buy from a builders merchant. See if that takes out the vibes that effect your hands. If you try it, please let us know if it made a difference in a video. After doing the 7,500 TAT on my 2015 690 I developed a "Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome" in one random finger that makes it go white and numb in extreme changes of temperature, even walking into a cold supermarket on a very hot day outside can on occasion suddenly trigger it. Vigorous rubbing of the wrist gets rid of it or putting the offending finger under warm water or against my body. Seems to be progressively wearing off a bit now after 7 years but still occasionally returns. Not serious but annoying, especially if it strikes my trigger finger on a cold day when I am shooting! Anyway I have a 2021 690 now and it seems very smooth to me but I will probably try the insulation foam trick in the bars before doing another really long trip like that as some people swear by it.
Interesting idea, might change the resonant frequency. I know what you mean about that tingly feeling from bikes long ago. This 690 is not like that. It has a balancer shaft and the bars are rubber mounted. But it is still a single. I found so long as I don't sit on 70mph in 6th for mile after mile all is fine. I alternate around 60-80 and no problem. Interesting idea though 👍👍
Let me know how it goes 👍👍
@@CodgerBiker Will do.
Cool. I want a windscreen like that on mine. 👍🏻👍🏻
Makes it a better Adv bike. 👍
Great detailed review thank you very much
Wish I never sold my 2020 ,model.Yes my slave cylinder went at 4000km.Replaced under warranty.Great bikes.Thanks.
I changed that the week I bought it. It's the only weak link, and as you say they now swap them out under warranty/recall. 👍
Nice one mate. Almost convinced me that I need one. And I'm so happy to see you finally landed that Red Bull sponsorship deal after all of your hard work 😉
Will you be needing that Codger Biker logo in Honda colours anytime soon?
I wish. Also I doubt it will be soon… but maybe one day 👍
really good review imo, cheers
Cheers! 👍
Great review.👍
Cheers, appreciated 👍
Interesting this. My biggest problem is how the dealerships dismiss me when I comment about how I want to buy a bike that does not exist.
After considerable research I now buy stock bikes second hand and modify to my requirements. This gets me the bike I want but creates a
feeling of total contempt for the dealership. Dealerships should make the contemplation and purchase of a bike a pleasure. They do not.
Yes I am grumpy, difficult and knowledgeable but I should not be dismissed in the way that they do. Trying to talk to a manufacturer is impossible. So I will remain grumpy, difficult and knowledgeable, I have no reason not to be.
Totally agree. I went to a BMW dealer and asked to test ride a certain bike. ‘Nobody buys those’ I was told by the salesman who directed me to the 20 GS they had. I left. The customer is always wrong! 👍👍
Great Video.
Cheers! 👍
Hi Codger, nice review! May I make you few short questions about the Wings exaust? Apart of the Wings is lighter, I kant to know if the sound is too loud, and maybe the most important, is if with the Wings, the feeling is cooler than the OEM, in a few minutes, the OEm is like a fire close to your legs. Thanks in advance for your time.
Hi Pablo. As I said in the video 1) The Wings is much much cooler, so much better than the stock fire can. 2) the Wings is much lighter. 3) there are two DB killers provided, so it can be very loud (without) quite loud, or just louder depending on your choice. There is also a ‘Silent Kit’ which I have which makes it same loudness as stock. There are videos about this on my channel, see links below. It is better than stock in every way so long as Cat is not required. Cheers 👍
ruclips.net/video/W--aaEltREk/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/rCqw2CNcAis/видео.html
I want a CRF 450L. With normal service intervals but when will happen. Until then 690 makes sense.
Honda development speed is frustrating. I've been waiting for a CRF750L for years and years and years... 👍
So I came across your channel with the review of the 390 adventure which I think is a cracking all rounder, see you went for 690 r which now seems discontinued so only 790 n 890 as options to consider
No it's still available. At the very least as a GasGas 700. Same bike 👍
@@CodgerBiker thanks i will have a look so the 790 n 890 are v twins
790 and 890 are parallel twins. Lots of info on KTM 790 Adv on my channel, I had one for two years. See playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLeqBZ9Sn4T5uT0jGP3wbiTj4-WGZdidYg
Nah they just released a 2023 update so very much still around. I bought a slightly abused 08 990 adv as a second bike/london commuter as I'd always fancied one. I'm considering whether a 19 onwards 690 might be in the same spirit but a bit more manageable off road etc. The 990 does more miles than the s1000 at the moment. Tried the 890 and a Honda AT, neither gave me the brap grin of the 990.
Regarding tubeless wheel conversion. Did you research to see if he stock KTM 690 wheels have a safety bead before switching to Excel wheels? Did you order the Excell wheels from Woody's Wheel Works? Kam
Stock ones, I believe (I still have them) do not as they are purely tubed enduro wheels. These do of course as it is designed for tubeless wheel system and tyres. I am in UK so ordered them from Harry at SM Pro, he did the technical choices See playlist for details 👍
How tall are you?
Ever fancy selling it let me know
Nice T-shirt
👍
Hi CB. What is the seat height now? I know the standard is 910mm on the 2019/20 and 929mm on the 2021/22 models.
Thanks in advance 👍
You know it's actually hard to measure, and when you sit on the bike the suspension compresses. Link claims around 30mm (1" Kouba drops the 19/20 by 1 1/4" claimed). Low seat reduces by another 15mm claimed. So 40-50mm lower. I hope that helps 👍
Interesting thanks. please can you tell me which tubeless wheels you chose?
Hello. I purchased tubeless rim wheels from SMPro (UK) and had them apply their airtight system. You need tubeless rims which are not supplied with the 690. Expensive. But all still good as of today, on 2nd set of tyres. Here’s a video. More in the playlist: ruclips.net/video/83Y-TaWne5k/видео.htmlsi=0fHJnhFRUQ7U9nHr
Thanks, I'll look into it - might be good just of the rear.
Don't know where you are but Harry at SMPro was very prompt when I dealt with him. Good luck. 👍
When you say miles an hour you do MPH right? Only asking because you're in the UK and I'm looking at this bike to do the motorway miles to the trail. If it sits nicely at 90mph than it's a far cry better than my dr650
Yes mph (miles per hour). It pulls well beyond 100mph. 👍
@@CodgerBiker You've sold me. Have you considered the Tenere 700 as an alternative to the 690 for your type of riding or is weight the deciding factor? (I'm currently stuck between the two) Thanks for the quick reply
Of course. Tenere is superb, but too heavy for me if I drop it alone far from anyone. Also it is top heavy due to fuel tank. But plenty of people love it. It's just not for me 👍
Can I ask you please what panniers and rack you use for longer journeys?
I use Perun Moto and Kriega. All videos on playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLeqBZ9Sn4T5v0B4GcWmSFBTAZPns3nrxE
Have you found any need to mess with any emmisions stuff?
Hello! Only the endcan change. The OEM has the Cat inside and gets very very hot. So I replaced it with a Wings (video on channel). Lighter, cooler, nicer tone. So far have left all else alone, bike is powerful enough for me. 👍
@@CodgerBiker Yeah it is fast enough fo rme too. Brilliant bike. Can go anywhere. Great video. I do hope you keep it long term. I sold my original 690 and deeply regretted it. Still do. Will be buying a new one in the coming months and upgrading it similarly to yours.
Yes it's a keeper. Was out on it yesterday. Good luck 👍
hello! nice video! I have the ktm 390 adv and now I'm considering to change to a higher cc, but I'm between the 690 enduro r and the 890 adventure r.... I don't know which is better for me... for me it's very important the wheight because I'm not a tall person jajaja
I've had both 690 Enduro R and a 790 Adv. Depends on your riding and ability I would say. In any event try both as they are very different is my advice 👍
@@CodgerBiker I think that I will do it, I will try both and choose the bike that I feel better! thankssss!
Let me know if you choose 👍👍
@@CodgerBiker It would be a difficult choice!
Can you provide a link to the tubeless wheels?
Just contact Harry at www.smpro.co.uk mention my wheels as he’ll probably remember 👍
If you like motorcycles, next is Honda!
Africa Twin🤠
Yes I had one. Great bike, but too heavy to pick up when full of fuel 👍
Why is this motorcycle more expensive then a Tuareg?! It is absurd.
The rules of motoring I guess, power to weight costs. Mine was however cheaper than a Toureg, which didn't exist in 2020. 👍
@@CodgerBiker Today 690 is 800 euro more expensive then the Tuareg.
Thank you for the free entertainement.
“Teutonic ADV bike” 😂
👍