KTM 690 Enduro R - 10,000 Mile Review: Everything You Need to Know
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2024
- KTM 690 Enduro R review after 10,000 miles of riding. This bike has been an absolute joy to own. This is probably the longest KTM 690 Review online 😂 Spend a few hours looking through all these KTM 690 Enduro R Links below! Took me a while to put it together! I tried to give you the best KTM 690 Enduro long term review I could.
3:25 Adventure Spec Skid Plate: www.adventurespec.com/shop/pr...
4:02 Rade Garage Brake Pedal: • Rade Garage KTM 690 En...
4:30 Tow Vehicle: • KTM 690 Enduro R Towin...
5:44 KTM 690 Burnout: • KTM 690 Enduro R - 3:0... / • KTM 690 Enduro R Burno...
7:59 KTM 690 Shifting Fix: • How to Easily Fix KTM ...
9:15 KTM Adventure Pegs: OEM Rally Pegs: amzn.to/34r30gd
Rade Garage www.radegarage.com/parts-us/k...
10:07 Pro Bend Ultra Handguards: amzn.to/33BjZNm
12:03 AWESOME Detailer Product: amzn.to/3jDc5c1
15:36 Motion Pro LiteLoc rim locks: amzn.to/33BQJX8
16:44 Kenda Big Block: • Kenda Big Block Review...
17:35 Metzler MC-360 Tire: • Metzler MC360 Mid/Hard...
TKC 80s Suck: • KTM 690 Off-Road Put-P...
Riding the Metzlers: • KTM 690 Enduro R vs. H...
19:25 690 in the shop: • Traded My KTM 690 Endu...
20:32 690 Tailight Kit: • KTM 690 Enduro R Owner...
Nice Sicass Tailight: sicassracing.com/store/product...
21:16 KTM 690 Airbox Mod: • KTM 690 Airbox Mod - P...
23:41 KTM 690 Throttle Fix: • How to: Remove KTM E-G... / • KTM Freeride E-XC Thro...
25:08 Pro Grip Rally Grips: amzn.to/3llafNE / • ProGrip Rally Grips Fi...
25:58 Rade Garage Tank: www.radegarage.com/parts-us/k...
26:42 KTM 690 Fork Spring Change: • KTM 690 Enduro R Fork ...
Fork Springs (click fit chart): slavensracing.com/shop/fork-s...
First Ride with Springs: • KTM 690 Enduro R vs. H...
KTM 690 Crash: • MotoVlog: Crashing 690...
28:25 ABS Dongle: slavensracing.com/shop/abs-do...
30:12 Rage Garage Pedal: • Rade Garage KTM 690 En...
33:54 Steg Pegs: • Want Better Control & ... / • KTM 690 Enduro R Bush ...
37:44 KLR 650 Review: • KLR650 Review (Watch B...
KLR 650 Crash: • KLR650 Crash
First Ride Impressions KTM 690 Enduro: • KTM 690 Enduro R First...
Trying to ride 690 Enduro like a dirtbike! My first dirt ride in about 14 years 🤣
• KTM 690 Enduro R First... .
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Do you still have it?
Yep. She's ready for her 20,000 review.
ruclips.net/p/PLnlzppyagzeMlFxJlvssdV67YMsKum8y1
what year is best for 690 enduro which one to buy?
I’d say 16 and newer, but 19 and newer have the dual counter balanced engine, updated electronics and bodywork. The Husky 701 and GasGas 700 are also basically the same bike with different bodywork.
@@JohnHowerton137i found one 2015 year its low milage 7000 was road riding price is 6900$ its not worh it ? whats the difference between 2016 ?
Thanks for taking the time to put together such a comprehensive review. It's really helping to narrow down my choice of bike. Much appreciated.
Great review john. I ride my 2017 690 for 3 year now, i really love this beast!!
Thanks for a great comprehensive review...particularly, emphasising on its strengths and what it is best suited for...Helped me make my decision between the 500 exc and 690...Thanks again for taking the time to do this review...
Glad it helped! 🤙
Awesome video John, Thanks for taking the time to make it. Looking at getting a 690 and you have just answered a lot of my querstions. Cheers Dude!.
You're welcome. Thanks 🤙
This is a great review and info source John....I live in Colombia and have been thinking of getting one and turning it into a light weight ADV travel bike. Thanks for posting!!!
Thanks for the comprehensive reviews. We share the same riding style. Made me confident in purchasing this bike
Thank you for the detailed review and tips. This is one of the rare videos I watched all the way through, non stop.
I run an integrated tail light from TST Industries on my SMC R and plan on fitting one to the enduro. Vanasche makes a nice billet filler cap too. Thanks again for a great review.
Thanks. I'll check those out and maybe link to them. The taillight situation seems hard, so the more links the better. Lots of backorders.
The definitive make-ya-mind-up video. Thanks a bundle, from Norway
The Truckbike 😂 I really had to laugh. Never saw something like this before. You really use this bike ❤
She does everything for me.
I was the 1,000th Like! I own a 2016 KTM 690 Enduro R, and I haven't taken it off-road yet. I've put 24,000 miles on it. Love the videos, thanks for uploading them..
Glad you enjoy! Thanks for pushing up to that 4th digit 🤙 And get that big girl dirty already! She likes it rough sometimes.
Glad I found this. Your well thought out and honest review pushed me over the edge to calling the dealer and putting a deposit down. Been looking for something like this ever since I fell in love with the XR650R years ago.
You'll like this a lot better than the 650R. No only do you not have to kick it 😆 it has a much more modern flat feel. It'll be a different feel at first because you sit on top instead of in a pocket, but it's a lot more aggressive feeling when you get use to it and it's very empowering/aggressive, especially with less chassis flex.
Excellent video dude, really enjoyed the details
Thanks. I try to keep them shorter than a 1/2 hour. LOL!
I love the fact that you tow your mx bike with the LC4 brother......! -) Badass man, keep up the good work......! -)
😋 Thank You!
I have just put down a deposit on my new 2021 KTM Enduro R. Keep the videos coming as you are now my KTM 690 Enduro R guru John!
From the other side of the world in Scotland.
Best regards JD
Hope to make more... working so much these days. At least you have plenty of old ones to watch! 🤣
Nice work on the trailer & carrying your other bike
Clever Guy good on you from an Australian Cheers
Merry Christmas mate 🤙
Got a used one 3 days ago, this is super helpful. thanks man.
I’ve got a whole playlist full of them to keep you busy for hours! 🤣
Super review! I bought mine one week ago because of you! Also, you ARE riding that like a 500 EXC!!!
Nice 👍 Congrats! Rolling a new set of skins on her soon, so stay tuned for some more videos 🤙
Thanks John
Learning a lot from your videos John.
Very good appreciate your time making these great videos.
Thanks for your Christmas thoughts.
All the best for 2024 John.
Cheers from Australia again
You're welcome. Lots of them. I have a couple 690 playlists if you navigate to the channel page. Aloha
As others have said already: another superb vid.
Great video! New '23 Husky 701 here, with a 300 XC and Super Tenere on either side of it.
The way I see it, these bikes do the DR650 thing but at a much higher level to entertain the former/current off road racer type of rider. Raced a lot of desert in SoCal, still doing the occasional off road race on my XC here in Colorado. The 701 is the perfect explore Colorado kind of bike as we have a ton of Forest access roads which degenerate (get more fun) the higher up the mountains one goes.
Totally agree 👌
Thanks! Now Ive got an 890R, and just picked up a 21 690R with low miles and some good extras.
Whole new thing to play with.
Indeed. Your "more adventurous" days you'll be happy you're on the 690, but it for sure doesn't cruise the open roads like that 890. It's good to have a full fleet. Might as well add a EXC in there 😉🤷♂️
the bike is so so beautifull GREAT video as well !
Very detailed instruction - thank you.
nice review man. thanks
Man, that trailer clip is probably the COOLEST thing ive seen in a lonnng time. Just AWESOME!
Been meaning to get some better shots. Stay tuned 🤙
@@JohnHowerton137 More trailer footage!
@@jonasbaine3538 yep, there will be. Just haven’t had much time to film lately or even weather to ride 💩
Not sure what I was thinking... I have a bunch more right here ruclips.net/p/PLnlzppyagzeMlFxJlvssdV67YMsKum8y1 🤦♂️🤷♂️
@@jonasbaine3538 you too. Bunch more here: ruclips.net/p/PLnlzppyagzeMlFxJlvssdV67YMsKum8y1 😆 #Brainfart
I have a 690 enduro and I'm at like 6500 miles....i think its my dream bike after exhaust and heated handle grips and little things here or there. That motor is so nice I love this bike
I love it too. Just when I think I’m less in love with it, I don’t ride it for a week. Then first love all over again. It probably wouldn’t be my only bike again due to some off-road limitation, but it fits perfectly in a fleet of tools. It’s like a big pair of channel locks. I don’t always use them, but they’re perfect when I need them.
Nice,I just picked up a 2020 690SMCR,looking forward to hearing about the engine and transmission 👍
Honestly didn’t cover it too much... but a few little tidbits and tips. You’ll probably still get something from it.
Looking forward to this : )
Awesome trailer idea! I have an 1190 adv and it could easily pull that small trailer setup plus luggage/passenger. Opens up a ton of opportunities!
No problem it will. The load on the rear grossly affects the bikes handling/braking though) and you may need to make some suspension adjustments, so I’m not endorsing that anyone do this (and MOST riders simply aren’t good enough riders). The 1190 has a lot more mass than the 690, so if you can keep the load under prob 250lbs and no swaying it should still handle ok. Just make sure you do a lot of testing before you long road trip it. You don’t want a largely untested trailer start swapping at 65mph in wind because you only tested 45 through the neighborhood.
The main problem I see, is the mount will be a lot more complicated to fab on a 1190. Have fun be safe 🤙
Good honest video. Thanks
Thanks for watching. She's due for some more videos sooner than later.
Awesome review. I have a klx300 and I been looking for something faster and more street. But still want to ride every once in a while in my property in east Tennessee.
I have a few minutes on a KLX300. This is obviously a little heavier, but the bulkiness probably feels similar, this probably feels like a lower center of gravity, annd in general feels like a more solid feel. The power isn’t even in a comparable world.
Been meaning to do the 20,000 mile review for months now, but life was pretty crazy with work hours, then moving and changing careers at the same time. I should be able to get to in soon. In a nutshell… they are fantastic bikes (and I have/do owned a ton on bikes).
Heidenau K60 Scout M+S are very good dual-purpose tyres, even on cold and wet roads. The front one still has 2.5mm knobbies after 22000km (ok, i know, it's time to change), the rear one did last 18000km. Before those the 2 OEM Metzeler Enduro 3 did 15000km.
You're absolutely right when you say it's a Duke with an enduro chassis, and even if she is a bit heavy for off-road she's one of the lightest roadbikes 😊
JCF69700 I hear good things. There has been a number of tires I've wanted to try, but getting them shipped (reasonably) to me is the hard part.
Exactly, the weight is a blessing and a fault. On the road it's great, add a bit of technical and it becomes a bit of a battle. Of course this is also relative. If you've been riding a big old adventure bike off-road it feels like a tinker toy. If you've been riding a modern 450 or 300 etc... it feels like a battleship. It'll go anywhere, just requires slowing down a bunch.
I notice you "trimmed" your clutch lever.
Thanks for your review. Lotsa good points made.
Cut them off right at the ball when handguards go on. Actually prefer the levers without the ball usually because of my dysfunctional hand but only the Magura levers are long enough. The Brembo lever seem to be about 1 finger shorter and don't have the same leverage so I usually keep the ball on them.
Great vid! Very useful info! I’m in the same place, torn between the 500 EXC and Adv sized bikes. Lots of asphalt between me and the trails where I want to ride.
If the trails aren’t too tight and technical and you aren’t trying to hammer through them with your hair on fire, the 690 is just fine. Especially dry fire-road stuff. When it starts to get slippery, the heavier bike’s momentum pushes etc.. and when it starts to go down, you’re mostly along for the ride to listen to expensive parts crunch 😖
The 500E doesn’t do pavement nearly as well, but it’s a whole lot better in technical trail and aggressive riding. Parts are cheaper when you crunch them. No passengers on the 500.
If you have a dedicated off-road bike already, the choice gets easier for the 690. If I could only do one bike, my aggressive nature would probably do the 500 in 100% hindsight. That said I have no regrets getting the 690. I did long for a bike I felt better about abusing when it was my only bike, but now that I have a couple of those too, I adore the 690. I love riding it. And the fact that it ended up pulling my dirtbikes... makes it the queen in my life 😋 500 wouldn’t have been able to do that for me.
P.S. I did have a 350EXC too.
Just throwing my 2 cents in.
I ride pretty technical offroad on a variety of bikes (450 EXC, 450X both plated and a 300XC). I've also been hammering a 690 Enduro harder than I ever imagined I would chasing a friend (desert expert) over mountains, single track, off camber deeply rutted trails, rocky climbs as well as fire roads. It's really surprised me with it's capability when pushed. No suspension mods, haven't even set sag. Just jumped on and rode.
Backed out compression on the front as needed.
Steer the rear with throttle or brake slide. Mine is a 2016 I just picked up from the hare I chase offroad with very low miles. Couldn't be happier with it.
@@eddiebones20 I agree. Good tires help a ton. Just know it's a freight train and the front can push pretty quick. Dryer conditions I think are favored. I imagine a handful when it starts to get slippery. Lot of momentum in whatever direction it starts going.
I adore the 690, but I'm also glad I have other off-road bikes. Scout the terrain (Adventure) and go back with a "Dirt Bike" to hammer it ✊
@@JohnHowerton137
I feel fortunate to have options too. We do utilize the "big" bikes to scout and return on 500-450s to blitz trails. You are absolutely correct that the 690 is a "freight train" in motion and can get scary (momentary circular clenching) when that front ends pushes away from the intended direction of travel. It's a lot of forward momentum to slow or redirect when things get sketchy, but I absolutely love this bike and look forward to exploring Idaho and Washington with it.
My two bits added - Have done portions of single track trails returning to starting point of the day by road. It just worked out this way one summer in Idaho. This typically meant 60-120 miles of single track then 50-75 or so miles returning by two-track/pavement. Not comfortable at the end of the day but possible and would much rather have tarmac ridden a 690 but the limiting factor is then being able to ride single track comfortably. Two-track is still very fun on the 500 but for longer trips the 690 likely makes more sense. Can you do 100mph on a 500, yes barely but is it fun, no.
There are guys with much more ability than me who could rock a 690 on single track (I've done it on a 990A but wasn't thinking straight) but add the increased risk over a smaller bike and it loses its appeal to me.
Would ask what kind of riding you want to do and how aggressive (full knobbies or 50/50 tires?) are the trails? With lots (30-50 miles or more?) of asphalt and minimal chance of dropping the bike or having to pull it back up and onto the trail the 690 might make more sense.
Good thing we have options!
Just subscribed. I suspect the KTM 690 will be my third consecutive bike (first was a KTM 625 SMC, sort of a hard hitting rough around the edges machine; second was a sublime Ducati Hyper Strada) because I want a bike that's nice for mid range riding on the main roads and can handle some trails.
It's perfect for that. Totally fine for a 200 mile day trip, can go on about any trail with a little bit of finesse and caution. I have plenty of videos in the 690 playlist for you to get a feel for what she can do 🤣
my 690 Enduro-R from 2015 has exceeded 55,000 km. it does not consume a drop of oil. it was necessary to replace the rocker arms, apart from that no mechanical problem, these lc4s are solid!
Mine is at 33,000 right now. Been a great bike. Going to do the 20,000 mile review soon.
Great video thanks/Garry =Ireland
I just did my first real off-road trip with my 690. I've been riding all my life, last 20 years I was on an XR400R dual sport. My 690 is bone stock 5k miles on the odo, 2018 model. I got to spend Memo weekend at Foresthill OHV in NorCal. Everyone said the 690 was too big, hell no. I did the fearsome trail 5, the switchbacks sucked, but I didn't go down and only one dude on a 450 passed me. But I was riding with an UltraBee, a 300 smoker and a the rest were 450s and I didn't hold them up. And I did most of it with the ABS on because I kept forgetting to turn it off, and quite honestly, on the steep crumbly downhills, I kind of liked it. But I am also looking at getting the brake dongle. I'm selling my 400 now. No real reason to keep it.
No biggy if you’re used to the XR400. Put the Ultrabee guy on it if you want to hear some crying. Haha!
You can get the dongle or if you don’t mind little at the amber light, you can just put a little spacer under the sensor to disable the rear ABS. Maybe yours works better than mine. It’s about killed me and Ryan Hughes off-road, so I know it wasn’t just my riding 🤣
Glad to hear you love her.
Utility vehicle 😂, wasn't expecting that lol
Please make a video about your trailer! Too cool!
ruclips.net/video/mCc90WH6RKo/видео.html 😋
good review, been wondering myself if having already 500 exc-f makes sense to get 690R...
Robson Enduro it could. Lots of pavement yes, mostly dirt, no.
This review of upgrades and reasons behind them was the best I have seen. It made me commit a crime. Just got back from a 7,000 mile adventure ride on a 15 Tiger 800 XCX. I practice dirt skills on a 250 EXC. Naturally, after seeing this review, I bought a 2020, 690 R with 1,200 miles on it. I'm flying 800 miles and riding it back. I'll be farkling it up and making custom accessories in my home machine shop. I would appreciate product and upgrade suggestions. Purpose is multi week dirt adventures.
Haha glad I could help enable you. Let me get back to you a little later.
In the meantime I got a lot of videos on this bike in the 690 playlists 🤙
Ok, so I really like the products at vanaschemotorsports.com/collections/ktm-690. All the parts I’ve mentioned in my other videos I like (unless otherwise noted), but Vanashe looks like they know what they’re doing and they have all the stuff you’d need from one source. Even though I like my Adventure Spec bashguard, if I was to order a bashguard again... I’d get Vanashe. The polymer will resinate less engine noise and is super tough (similar to what the hard enduro teams use) and it also has a linkage guard. The 690 doesn’t have the ground clearance of say that 250EXC, so in anything super rocky, protecting all those low hanging parts in back is good and will help you slide over stuff.
Get the throttle spacer fix: ruclips.net/video/iwzXKGI_IZc/видео.html the play in the egas throttle is worthless gov BS.
And if it was my primary trail ride... I’d put a Rekluse RadiusX clutch in it. Especially if you keep the 15T counter sprocket. 1st gear is pretty tall on the 690 and in the tighter stuff you ride the clutch a bunch. The Rekluse slips the clutch a lot better than your fingers can and will keep the motor from stalling, dumping over, and breaking expensive stuff. If you’re off-road more often than not, put a 14T counter sprocket on. This will help a bunch, especially of you don’t have a Rekluse.
Other things to maybe think about would be a kickstand neutral switch eliminator. If they get smashed the bike may not start. ABS dongle, the ABS will try to kill you off-road. In your pack, consider carrying some handlebar mounts and the bolts. They get bent often in crashes because the bike isn’t light. The good news is, they are cheaper and less of a pain in the ass to swap out that bent bars. Get Rimlocks and No-Mar weights to balance the wheels. This allows you to run lower tire pressures for off-road (huge for grip/handling) without tearing the stems off your tubes. Get the engine covers. I got some from ebay made in Poland, but Adventure spec has some branded ones as well. This protects the clutch cover from the brake lever. Especially if its the noodle stock one. And if you’re going to have the stock one on for more than a minute... remove the tip and grind off those inner teeth so they don’t punch holes in your case the first time you bump it.
That list will keep you busy for a while 🤙
Rottweiler stuff is dialed for the 690 too
Very good review John. I regrettably sold my 2011 model (no rally mods) 5 years ago and looking for a newer replacement model again to serve as sweet spot between my 300 & 990. Many pro-500 & 690 haters have been buzzing in my ears but the 500 is too close to my 300. I've ridden the 500 several times but it won't tour as well as a 690. For me, a 500 will be the right bike 20% of the time but the 690 will be right 80% of the time. (the 701 is also nice but costs a lot more than 690)
Totally agree. The 690 is really the right bike for me 30% of the time, but once I turned it into my tow vehicle, that became 80% 🤣 I totally love it though! It’s something I need in my stable as much as I would love to also have a 500EXC. The terrain here and my aggressive riding favors the lighter 500, but the pavement travel here is 100% 690! It’s been a damn good bike.
@@JohnHowerton137 found some of your other vids quite useful, especially the one on shifter swop. I need to consider that for my 990 too. Since I put on OEM rally pegs, I've had hassles with 'false neutrals', especially with my new Alpinestars Tech8 boots with higher bridge. When I start windowshopping for 690 later this year I'll definitely add checking out the shifter as part of my inspection criteria.
I’m betting it’s the same shifter for the 990.
You could maybe even try your 300’s. If it’s the 2017+ shifter it’s probably similar, but even the older non-rubber tipped one might be worth trying.
@@JohnHowerton137 you're right, my 990S shifter is same as 690 but my 300 (2014) has an completely rounded metal tip which gives no hassles.
@@seanfrench1029 right. I’m saying that you might be able to try the older style shifter on your 990. They are the same basic design, but the fat rubber tip I suspect is the problem.
I put ktm suspension on my dr650, carb and exhaust. I still want the 690 or 701. I still love dr. I’m just obsessed with these two
Sounds like you fixed a lot of the shortcomings of the DR. These will still handle a little better and have a lot more revvy ponies. DR is a little more of a workhorse like the KLR, these are a little more thoroughbred.
I love your review and I love my 690 too. About 8000 k on mine and 500k at least on my snow bike kit. I ve had a few problems with it
Shift selector wheel is unsupported and with a heavy foot broke 2nd pin. Clutch slave oring x2 had to ride home clutchless lol
So I was just down on van island and had a great couple days of riding then I put gas in it and turned it off to get on a ferry and it wouldn't start... has run like crap since. Like limp mode or intermittent throttle response loss lmao just both the throttle resets you just said now to ride and try :-) Thanks again for sharing your experience
Good input! Have you disabled the 2-3rd gear power limiter for the snow?
Change out the inline fuel filter first. Mine ran like ass when I had a dirty one.
@@JohnHowerton137 had no idea it had a limiter ?!?
Haven't changed it yet but dealer said that might be it it's not been changed
@@chrisstone3954 yeah, anti-wheelie limiter with the stock ECU. It's been a long time so I don't remember If you can turn it off without buying an ECU or the OEM Akrapovic pipe kit... which authorizes the dealer to turn it off during a remap.
Worth looking into, especially with the snow kit 💪
@John Howerton it's been a year in my shop all apart so sad dealer said its was 380 for a new throttle but couldn't tell me if that was the problem for sure 😔 I think a dead battery might have some thing to do with it doesn't make enough to sustain fuel injection thru the mid range and then tops out at 100 km tops when reved out gonna put a new filter and battery in it this spring
I’d replace the fuel pump with an aftermarket one first. Cheaper, and fuel pumps are a known issue on many bikes.
I also broke a shift star in mine. I never uploaded that repair video 🤦♂️ The part for the 2019+ bikes has a cap on it to support the pins. Shifts like a dream again.
Fantastic review! Gary South Africa
I'm looking at a 690 here, your review sealed the deal, I have a 1200 tenere, to heavy for our wild rides here, 690 just what I need!!!!
It’s a good compromise between being solid handing for the street and still being functional off-road. Enjoy 🤙
ruclips.net/video/Say3YdrmhUk/видео.html
Excellent! Where did you get your graphics? Thank you!
Once upon a time they came from ebay. The guy doesn’t sell them anymore. No idea why, I sent him probably dozens of people 🤣 This is prob the closest thing to them now www.ebay.com/itm/KTM-SMC-690-2012-2013-2014-2018-ENDURO-SUPERMOTO-GRAPHICS-KIT-DECALS-STICKER-/254809183493
Very good info, thank you. I like this bike ... probably buy one for the 2023 saison... now is winter time ( Québec Canada November) ... and for next years I move to Alberta... they have a lot of ..fire road and country road... so I when litter bike but I little bit Aventure bike for Put MOSKO MOTO pannier on and enjoy the fire road... I sure is good one for this. ... but for the tire what for you think about put some Mousse on..... do you think it is good idea... I do all my maintenance by my self,
Sorry, I’ve replied to this 3 times and it’s gotten lost. Perfect bike for fire roads. When it gets tricky is when the single track comes and there is limited traction. Bikes seems a little heavy for mousse and may build too much heat on the road to have them last very long. That would be a problem in Hawaii, maybe not so much in chilly Canada 🤣
Where did you get that graphic kit? Great video!!
Came from ebay. It was about the only one I could find at the time. Pretty sure I saw it for sale again 3-5 months ago.
Thanks 🤙
Thanks for the vid. I have been looking at the 690 for a couple years now, really since they made the changes in 2019. Currently ride a WR250R and I am only a so-so skill level. I'm also shorter 5'8" mid 50's. Ride mostly off road and don't like the fact that it is 50lbs heavier....but....love the TC/ABS and fact that it could ride hwy with ease. Would you advise a so-so rider to avoid the 690? Thx, and thx for the vids.
It will be a handful in wet trails, but thats the sacrifice of basically having a pretty damn good road bike. If you're comfortable balancing on one foot... it's not really higher than the WR, but the seat it wider, so it'll feel taller. Some of the trail drawbacks can be mitigated with really aggressive tires and HD tubes run at lower PSI. First gear is pretty tall for tight stuff, but if your riding is a lot of fire roads it's still pretty good. Hardcore off road with the ability to hwy is the 500EXC's domain, but a damn fine road bike that is a pretty legit fire road bike the 690 checks that box really well. All that said, you could put a Rekluse in it too and give it more trail prowess.
The ABS is your worst enemy offroad. I'm sure the new one is better, but if you go offroad, turn that shit off! 🤣
@@JohnHowerton137 Thank you John for the reply. I wanted to go sit on one before getting back to you. The two bike are similar in seat height and yes the 690 seat is a little wider. The KTM dealer told me I could lower the bike with new springs 2" and keep the proper geometry. They warned against using a lowering link, not sure if that's correct or dealer speak. Anyway thanks again for the feedback and thanks for the vids.
I agree with the dealer. Many good suspension performance shops (or maybe your dealer) can lower it 1-2" the correct way. You will lose a good deal of ground clearance. The 690 doesn't have a ton of clearance to begin with, so there is that. Not trying to talk you out of it in any way, but want you to not miss any details.
Yeah dude, I get it. She's awesome.
Can you do a video on your 690 trailer setup sometime?
Did a while back ruclips.net/video/mCc90WH6RKo/видео.html but I have thought about doing a new one.
I didn't even know towing another bike with a bike was possible lmao. I'm wanting this bike to daily so thats pretty reassuring.
I pull it 60mph +, at altitude, up a mountain 6,000ft in the wind. Plenty of power 😋
Nice review. Ordered my 2020 one with the abs dongle. Also bought the KTM open air box lid witht the twinair filters. Any experience with the open airbox lid? Also got myself the Rottw fuel dongle and a wings slip-on. Hope the combo of the open airbox lid, fuel dongle amd Wings will make a difference
Not outside of chopping mine up 5 different ways. The only thing about the top totally missing was I was getting water on the filter and the intake noise is really loud.
It will all make a difference, you’ll love it. Exhaust is finally on my menu, just waiting for an email back.
@@JohnHowerton137 the water issue, after wtching your vids, is why I went for the ktm open airbox lid. On top it’s still closed, we’ll see what it does besides making more noise😀
Checked R/G for the brake lever, 119€, guess shipping to Belgium will be ok, but definitely want one after seeing your video. Thanks for that!
@@MrTocov ah, I must have saw a different lid. Clean Speed has a decent looking lever too but the RG looked a little thicker and more OEM so I got that one. Essentially the same price. I ended up liking the bigger tip because I’m a ball of foot rider and it brings the lever closer. Actually might order “closer” tips for my other bikes now.
@@JohnHowerton137 i’m talking about this one: aomc.mx/76506102000.html
Closed on top but provides much more air..and fits on the oem airbox.
Hello. Have you thought about replacing the exhaust? I heard the engine temperature is reduced by changing the stock exhaust.
Almost every time I ride it (nearly every day).
I imagine it would. Everything about that exhaust is a hot as a blast furnace. Some other priority seems to take my money every time I go to order an exhaust for the ol' girl.
great video,, is the 2022 690ktm much improved?
There are a few significant improvements. Dual counter balancers on 19+ bikes for less vibration (old gen isn't bad), few more traction control and ABS improvements and new bodywork. Not at all unhappy with the old gen, but I would take the new gen if opportunity presented. Some people miss the old style instrument display. The new one is digital and smaller like the EXC models.
@@JohnHowerton137 Thanks, so I should look for a 2020 or newer. I have a 790R in South America and a 350 exc-f in USA. I watched your video on Steg Pegz and I will put them on my ktm 350 exc shortly, I need all the help I can get
@@SteveHofsaess they're all good, but 2019+ is the newer Gen.
Stegz are good. If I was to re-order them, I'd get the ball of foot ones so they set back a little further.
I’m about to pull the trigger on a 21 SMC. 98% paved road riding is my plan, occasionally a dirt road. Is it reliable enough to fit this role? I wanted a street bike but I like the idea of a dirt bike feel. My last 2 bikes were a Sportster and Yamaha WR250R.
100%, it’s much more street oriented than dirt, just like the 500EXC is a lot more dirt than street. Obviously if you ran full street tires it’s going to suck off-road, but scrambler or adventure type tires and a good bash plate and it would be totally fine still for fire-roads at cautionary (ground clearance) paces. Decently maintained dirt roads and you could still rip full supermoto style ✊
Hope you got one. The bike is amazing. I want the enduro now too.
Hi, thanks for the video. Is it the original muffler? Sounds good
Yes it is. The airbox is open though, so it is a little louder. The stock exhaust sounds good enough, the problem is it’s HOT AS HELL and also weighs a ton. Every time I go to buy a different one, a big bill comes up and eats my exhaust money 🤷🏼♂️
@@JohnHowerton137 I enjoyed the sound of it to be honest thats why I asked because the other videos I watched the stock exhaust sounded like a moped eheh yours sounds good.
I'm close to buy a 2011 690R . I come from a XR 650R and will probably keep it but I'm looking for the ktm as something more useful for light enduro and ride around the city /work/ home (50km /day) Is it a good choice right? Thanks
@@itiswhatitis4821 you're probably catching the open airbox growl and the fact I have it on the rev-limiter most the time... in all reality 🤣 It does sound better than a stock pencil hole outlet Japanese Enduro though.
The 650RR was a legit bike from Honda, but its a hell of a lot harder to start 🤣 690 you get more power, Fuel Injection, electric start, better (more upgradeable) suspension, more modern ergonomics, more aftermarket stuff, etc...
There was some cam/lifter issues with the earlier 690s, so if you plan to get one of those... be a proficient mechanic. It's 10 years old. As with any bike that old (used much or not) you will be working on things. Stuff rots as much as it does wear. If you have to have a local MC shop work on everything, you might as well save yourself headaches of huge labor bills for a old bike and buy a brand new one.
Solid down payment and likely good interest rate makes buying pretty easy. Finding a bike is the hard part 🤣 My payment is only $40/48mo after my down. Not trying to be a financial advisor... but it's real easy to spend $40, 60, 80, $200 a month on a used bike. Just my 2 cents.
Appreciate you watching 🤙
Hi guys and girls,
Hoping people can help me?! I realise that this may seem like a really silly question, but….
I’m considering a 690 enduro OR a 390 adv sw.
A bit of background on my rider profile….
Bike history: MT-09, triumph thruxton, DRZ400SM.
Ridden mostly on pavement, but always done a bit of light off-roading on husky 250 etc.
I want a bike for:
- 40% exploring a very wild part of the world offroad.
- 40% 5 mile commute to work on highway.
- 20% town (super hilly and terrible cobble roads)
Things I know I love in bikes and riding:
- that load up in the corners you get on street going dirt bikes.
- being able to use all the bikes power (I couldn’t on the MT09)
- exploring offroad and getting anywhere.
My skill level…
- riding for 13 years.
-90% off my riding has been on road. But I now live in a place with crazy amounts of offroad.
- pure amateur. Love riding on and offroad. I can do most things that aren’t too steep offroad. As long as I have a lightweight bike.
- I like aggressive riding, which is why I have enjoyed being limited by the bike. I’m not good enough (nor want to) ride like a mad beast at crazy speed.
I love everything I hear about the 690 enduro, the only final question is, is it going to be too much my bike for me?! Will I be able to put all that power down, or will I feel like I’m always only using 70% of the bikes power??
Any helps would be hugely appreciated. Thanks!
I feel like the 690 is mild mannered enough for you to enjoy. The 390 engine from what I remember acts a lot more like a 250F you wring out (I had a Duke).
The 690 will be a much more robust machine, like a more powerful and suspended version of your DRZ. There is also a lot more accessory stuff for the 690 models.
I don't think the 390 is a bad machine by any stretch, but it's more of a work commuter with a dirt road streak than the 690 and it's potential. Obviously the 690 is heavier and such, but it will also be much better on the hwy. You could also ride the 690 in the mellow map for a while 🤷♂️
Just my 2 cents.
Cannot stress enough, do NOT over tighten the screws holding the filter on the right side of the engine, not the screens. I did it, seriously I used very little torque and the filter cover (housing with the cable) broke. It didn’t leak and I managed to get it to hold for now but I ordered a new cover. I thought I was being careful and bam!
Yes. Fine thread and cast alum. Easy to pop the threads.
Having to switch abs off like that can be dangerous. I ave seen on their other bikes you have to remember to switch it off EVERY time you restart, which is insane, very inconvenient.
Michael Schneider this is true. That's why I mentioned the Dongle. There's also a link in the description.
It's probably my main gripe about the bike, yet I don't seem to be able to get off my wallet to do anything about it 😂 I thought about disconnecting it all together but it might throw a computer error code. I turn it off all the time, even on the street.
Just checking, what is your opinion of this bike on the interstate. We do a lot of riding highways in our adventure rides. Many times cruising for hours at a time at 80-90 mph
Totally fine. Just keep in mind it is lighter and no fairing/windscreen to hide behind. For those speeds you’ll want to drop a 16T sprocket on too (stock 15T). What you give up in comfort on the road, you’ll make up on the trail. Depending on experience (seems like you have plenty), riding the lighter bike at those speeds will take a little bit to get comfortable with.
what tyres are these? what tyres should i put on my 690 im riding on roads and off roads too whats your opinion whats the best option ?
In the video the front is a Conti TKC80 and the rear is a Metzler Karoo.
You have to pick a battle. There is no tire that's really good at one and also the other. A lot of good off-road tires wander on the road and don't corner real well. Good on-road tires push the front off-road and dont hold traction in the rear.
Lots I haven't tried because its hard to get tires where I live. The stock MT-21s were pretty good at both, Metzler MC360s were my main off-road tires, my last MotoOz Tractionator Deserts were pretty good when new, but the front wanders on the road a lot. The Metzler Karoo 3 was my best compromise, but I'd love to try the Mitas E07.
Tires are very subjective. Everyone likes different things because people gain confidence in a tire from different characteristics. Personally I like predictable slides. If a tire has good grip but breaks loose unpredictably... I'll hate it 🤷♂️
You leave you map in the "advanced map". I've always been confused by the map settings. I just left mine at 3, the factory setting, what number is advanced, and why?
Yes, all the time. I leave it there because I can handle all her juice and 20% more if I had it.
#1 is soft. Might be good is slippery conditions.
#2 is Advanced, responds to rider input more quickly.
#3-9 is Standard.
There is other stuff that softens the power that I'd like to turn off, but I'm too cheap or broke to buy a aftermarket ignition.
Curious what tail light you have on your 690? I'm looking for something lower profile than the stock light.
ruclips.net/video/GvrB7FVv4UY/видео.html but click on the description too, I updated links in there.
@@JohnHowerton137 Cool! That's exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks!
Welcome 🤙
I have an 18 690r and was wondering exactly what sprockets you are using to gain a little more comfort at 65+ mph cruising?
16/45 (1T more up front) will make it real comfy there and is less than $20 👍
@@JohnHowerton137 awesome thanks for the reply, this video has really been helping Setup my 690.
Okay, i got a good question for you. Some advocate getting the supermoto version of this and if you want to go offroad just switch tire for more off road oriented fun.
What is your opinion? Also i am thinking about sand and sandy roads and trails in Las Vegas.
Please tell me what you think!
How about I confuse you more? I wanted to put Dirt Track wheel setup on it for a while. Kind of the best of both worlds 🤣
Supermotos are probably easier to come by than Enduros. If you're mostly on dirt I'd get the Enduro. If you're going to mostly commute and dirt ride once a month, get the Supermoto.
@@JohnHowerton137
But, which tires would work better in sand? The Enduro or supermoto with the wider shorter dirt tires on the moto rims?
@@ronsexton3685 any offroad I imagine the 21/18 would always be better. They aren’t terrible on the street either, just not going to shred like on the 17s.
Great review👍any problems with the slave cylind.er? Had to replace mine, then 500 miles later the clutch started slipping! I don’t ride the crap out of it either🧐love that bike other than that!
Nope, and the clutch has been pretty tough too. It’s faded to not working twice (fine after cooling down), but that was doing 70mph up a mountain with the trailer... and the other time it was going up a mountain with 3 people on it. I did buy some stiffer clutch springs that I’ll be putting in when I install my new brake lever in about 2 weeks. The slave cylinders are pretty simple. Usually it’s just a couple o-rings or a seal is they’re having problems.
@@JohnHowerton137 it’s a known issue on the internet! Replacing with the Oberun. I guess you’ve been lucky👍don’t know if that had anything to do with my clutch sloping🧐just sucks! Back to back👎
Yeah I’ve heard it before with the Magura stuff. The Husky line has been using Magura and KTM mostly using Brembo, so I’ve seen it mostly in recent Huskys. I’ve have 3-4 Magura bikes and haven’t had an issue yet. I think maybe it could have been a recent QC issue at the Magura factory, because the 5 years I sold KTM, all models used Magura and we never saw issues.
@@JohnHowerton137 I’ve read horror stores on this! Replace everything, and still slpping😩mines getting replaced now, so hopefully will be back 100%! Also revalving front/rear👍
@@toddbenfield6546 I don't put too much stake in internet horror stories after working in a shop for so many years, but it can show you things to keep an eye on. The only case I've seen personally, was one of my best friend's Husky 450. The bike was ridden maybe twice from new (2018 Rockstar) in 3.5 years. In his case, he sold the bike and it immediately leaked on the new owner. Maybe the seals shrink or something from sitting or the rubber they're made of is reacting to the fluid or old fluid. Haven't looked into it, but seems unlikely it's real complicated fix in general.
Often a lot of the stuff I see online (not just bikes) is just a few loud parrots in an echo chamber. The make things sound worse than they really are. Disgruntled people posting everywhere they can making it seem like the problem is worse than it is.
Got my fingers crossed for you. Either way the parts will look cool 😎
so maybe not dr nor exc comparisons, but what about between the ktm 690 and the husqvarna 701? or is it just a matter of taste from there.
In the current models, same thing different plastic more or less.
Hi John, would be nice if you can add link to the graphics
Originally I did, but the guy never had any for sale so it was just a pain and frustration for the viewers.
I'll see what I can put together. I have a company I've been working with.
Hi John. Have been thinking about getting a 2018 and wondering about the vibration level at 70/75 mph. I have read a lot about how this bike can't be used for long distance travel due to the vibs. I know you have an issue with your hand so thought you might be really sensitive to vibs. Is it as big of an issue as I read or interweb BS? Have you ridden a newer 2019+, wondering if that one is noticeably smoother. Thanks
Is it a big issue? No. Is it a big single? Yes. My guess is it has a lot more to do with expectation, groupthink, and not to sound like a dick because I’m being serious... a beta male civilization with testosterone levels that largely hover around that of post menopause females due to lifestyle. This is a lot of the problem with the world in general now, not just dirtbikes. It does not vibrate like a 500 2-stroke or even a 125 2-stroke, but it’s not as smooth as a 600 sport bike either.
To get rid of a lot of the buzz, put a 16T sprocket on the front. It lowers the cruising RPM by like 1,000. Vibes in general can be reduced by little things like; Rally Grips (which I very much enjoy), uncorking the airbox, running more street worthy tires, and keeping the fuel tank more full. There’s piles of bar damping systems on the market for KTMs from bars, to mounts, even putting heavier handguards than that stock plastic crap should help.
Some of those things may sound weird, but like the extra weight of a full fuel tank keeps a little more load on the engine smoothing out the power delivery. I rarely weight more than 155lbs, so the 690 barely knows I’m there. I really took notice of this when I started towing. The bike felt as smooth as a KLR (make sense because it now weighed the same as one 🤣) with 375lbs of trailer on back. Uncorking the intake makes it run way smoother. I can feel that stock air filter choking it through the throttle. Riding the same streets every day on the same setup you can feel changes when they happen.
I haven’t ridden the new one. I have no doubt it’s better and I won’t pretend it isn’t. Would I like one? Yes. Am I disappointed in this one? Zero. If the new bike didn’t exist, I wouldn’t desire it. I like smooth as much as the next person or even more. I love my ebike. At the same time, I don’t have the expectation that a 690 single is going to be like my ebike. Above 2,800 RPM on dirt, it is less vibey than my 250F and on the street it’s less vibey everywhere. I’ve ridden it 1,200 miles in a single weekend several times. Never had an issue. Even with the stock seat (which I love).
If you find a good deal on a ‘19+ buy it. The difference in my world is like having a iPhone 12 or an iPhone 10. Some people’s worlds are crushed if they don’t have the 12 🤣
@@JohnHowerton137 First, thanks for the awesome reply - much appreciated! My dilemma is between a 2018 4K miles with most every upgrade I would want. Probably 4 or 5K in upgrades. All I would do is add a Rekluse. Or a pretty much stock 2021 600 miles. The 2018 guy wants 10.500, the 2021 guy is asking 11K. For the same money is it smarter to get the newer bike knowing your going to need an additional 4+/- in upgrades, or get an older one that has all the upgrades? Is the 2021 tech just "nice to have" or real significant improvements worth the extra $$$. Thx again for your thoughts.
@@stevescott4763 ooh... that is a tough one. I guess for me it would depend on the budget. If 11k taps you out and you can't buy anything else for the 21 like a nice bash guard or whatever... then maybe the 18.
That said, that's pretty spendy for a 2018... but he may get it just fine in this in demand market. It's a good deal on the 2021. The '21 will hold resale much better for longer for several reasons. That may or may not be important to you. In the case of the 690, I don't plan on selling (and there is supply stortage here for them anyway) it isn't a factor to me, but resale can be factor on a dirtbike that I may plan on turning over in a year or two. I don't work with a very big budget, so it matters unless it's something I really "have to have" or love.
Probably just test ride both. Maybe the 18 has upgraded suspension or something that makes a world of difference.
One thing I'm sure of... neither are likely to disappoint you if your riding is road/fire road centric. In the case of off-road centric... you have to complicate things further with a 500EXC 🤣 But then you have a vibration issue again too and arguably less durable drivetrain.
Hope that helps to inform and confuse you even more. Haha 🤙
@@JohnHowerton137 Thanks John so much for your thoughts and feedback. I really appreciate your honest reply and love your no BS do what makes you happy style.
I really want to do the BDR's (Backcounrty discovery routes) so the 690 should be a really good fit for that. Thought about the 890 but way way to heavy and I really like more dirt bike style riding. 500EXC however just isn't good enough for freeway distance.
I think I will just take a chance on the 21 and trust I can make it work. My biggest challenge is I'm short 30" inseam, so I will need to lower it probably 2". I ride a WR250R now and LOVE that bike, it just doesn't have the freeway power for 75mph unless your comfortable riding it full out for hours.
Again can't thank you enough!
If I recall the ‘21 might have a slightly lower seat height. She rolls 70 just fine, and with the 16T you’re just cruising along. 690 is the correct choice. It still somewhat feels like a dirtbike offroad. You don’t have the rattling fairing stuff in you face and a clanking center stand. It does show it’s weight in the more technical stuff, but that’s the tradeoff for the very good road handling. I do wish it had more fuel capacity, but I don’t often need more, so I haven’t sprung for the Rade Garage auxiliary fuel tank. Might be something you’d want. It also solves the choked off airbox issue.
The Rekluse off-road will be 👌 My gut says the handling and ride enjoyment will go up two fold.
Enjoy! Thanks for tuning in 🤙
Have you tried riding it with mouses fitted?
No. I wanted to, but with the weight of the bike and the tremendous amount of heat generated by the tires and the hot roads here, I figured they would just disintegrate pretty quickly. Plus they're wicked expensive.
so, nothing broke during that period really? like fuel pump for instance?
Wild One nope. Just the starter post and a turn relay. Both under Warranty. I run good fuel ethanol free, couple ounces of seafoam in a tank, and I don't drop dirt into it. It also doesn't sit for months on end with crap fuel. 👍
how much does it weight kitted like this?
Real (curb) weight and "Claimed weight" are usually different. I think curb is 350, I'd guess reality with gas is about 370.
Are those graphics a pain in the butt to install?
For someone who's never done them before maybe... someone with patience not so much. Someone experienced, not at all 🤷♂️
Why you don't change the seat? The stock seat is fine offroad, but onroad it sucks! I have a touratech and this i can recommend.
easy B motonet I have zero issues with the seat. I’ve covered this in past reviews. I’ve spent 12 hour days on it and never had a problem. I even had a stiffer motocross type cover for most of the first year, but my unconscious neighbor ran it over while I was washing my bike and broke the fiberglass pan, so I bought this brand new take off seat on eBay. I generally cannot stand soft seats. Hated them on every bike I’ve ever owned. I’ve ridden bikes with aftermarket seats and hate them. I actually have a video of me riding one friend’s bike and it was literally the only thing I complained about (ruclips.net/video/TqaM8NoXtFY/видео.html - explicit lyrics). Soft seats are for the living room 🤣 To each his own.
This is actually one of the things that help me find love with KTM’s across the board... I’ve bruised my ass/tailbone on frame rails on bikes with mushy seats. I also hate mushy footwear, it’s the same concept that I could do a 8 hour clinic on, “Why mushy things are generally bad for your health.” The one sentence version of that clinic would be, “They create lazy biomechanics.”
@@JohnHowerton137 i understand now why you don't cover this part in your review. you are more focussed on dirt riding and every rider have their own style of riding. Sometimes i don''t like mushy things either, that's why i wear wooden shoes. :)
easy B motonet 😋
This bike almost only sees the road though and I still like it. One weekend a year I ride 3 days, 36hrs and have never had a sore butt. Thats my judge 🤣
Hi !
Is there a way to make it quieter then the stock ?
Not that I know of. It’s about as quiet as it gets.
@@JohnHowerton137 I would have wanted to be silent as a 4 cylinders motorcycle.
Thank you.
@@fcalin21 it’s as quiet as any motorcycle. The engine noise is more audible than the exhaust note at low RPM.
Thinking making brackets to sell for trailers I’ll buy one
It would be cool, but honestly probably a huge liability. I doubt I’d trust anyone I currently ride with to tow it. If I did, it would be a camping gear type application. Can’t remember the name off hand, but there is one out there already. Towing a load heavier than the lead vehicle (especially when a motorcycle) is not as easy as it looks or seems. 900lb Honda Goldwing or other cruiser towing some camping gear or a pop-up tent is not in the same realm of required skill.
I towed overloaded one wheel bicycle trailers every other day for 5 years, barely sat in 4 wheels for nearly a decade, and rode nearly every day for the 15 years before that... and still had some pucker factor. You absolutely cannot panic when wind gusts cause everything to speed wobble. It doesn’t rain all that much here, but when it does, it adds a whole other level of focus... the rear end of the bike starts drifting around downhill. Think of going down a clay hill climb with the rear wheel locked up in a slide. Something like that. If you’re locked up at the hips like 99% of the riders I’ve witnessed in my life, you’re going down.
Not preaching, I just want people to understand the complexity and risk. If you can’t commit to a set of Supercross whoops... you can’t tow this. You’re all in... or you’re not.
about the Graphics, you can get Custom graphics for 690 at BackYardDesign.. i got mine there, excellent quality
Good tip. Not too many out there doing graphics for the 690.
23:33 how is it go ?
Like a scalded dog ✊
hi, Where is the spark plug located?
I believe the right side of the head.
@@JohnHowerton137 okey. Thanks. I just bought a used ktm 690 smcr from 2012 but it dies after 10sek when I start it. When I try again same thing happens, it starts and idle for 10 sek then dies.. I did reach out to the seller and he don't know what it is. It has akrapovic mapping in Ecu, akrapovic slipon and open airbox.
Do you have any idea what to look for?
Check to see if there is one of the little inline fuel filters in the fuel line coupler. They get plugged they could potentially do that. This little guy: ruclips.net/video/CzXGY8BMnf0/видео.html
What year model is this
2018
I just got myself a 2013 690 with a rally fairing
What year is this?
Bike is an '18
Now that's not something you see every day. A moto towing a moto.😂
Nooo. Why you cut the airbox?
Because it works.
🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️
I've been on the fence on this bike for over a year now. I own a crf250l and a fz1. The 250l is awesome on trails but you can't really use the interstate to get to them. I raced mx for a few years in my youth and am quite hard on bikes off road. I'm thinking this the 690r is the only bike that really would fit my needs. Maybe a wr450 if I could find a nice one
Mostly off-road, 500EXC.
Lots of hwy and decent off-road, especially dryer conditions, 690. It really is great on the road. I love it. If I was riding it off-road mostly (I was), It would (did) leaving me wanting more.
difference between 2012 and 2017
Sorry, wrong video/bike 🤣
690 got some suspension updates I think, and some lifter issues resolved. Also ABS, some bodywork updates like the shrouds, Display computer, it actually might be more displacement too. Never looked into it too much, but these are some things that came to mind.
@@JohnHowerton137 Thanks John! someone offering 2012 for 5.5k with 5k miles..
That seems reasonable if it's in good shape.
Hi how is you hight in CM ? 🙂
182
@@JohnHowerton137 Thank you ! 🙂👍 ... My height is 170 cm . I think this bike will be need lowering for my 😳😀😀😀....
@@libertyliberty4371 if you are an experienced rider, no. If you are a new rider, it would help a lot. It's not a light motorcycle once it starts tipping.
Many of the best riders on the planet are your height, so no excuses 😉
@@JohnHowerton137 Thank you frend !!!! 👍👍👍🇱🇹🇱🇹🇱🇹🇱🇹🇱🇹🇱🇹
Whoa daddy,the sucker weighs almost what my DR650 weighs. Good to know.
Thats real weigh, not the claimed weight BS. Quite a bit lighter/more nimble feeling... possibly because of the huge HP difference.
@@JohnHowerton137 Ive bought KTM's since 1978,mostly 2 strokes but about 15 at last count. I like Austrian bikes.....some are claiming 319 lbs for their 690. They look more like 370 really. I may get a 2021 690.
@@bradsanders6954 I just call it 385 fueled. Saw a project build where they were weighing stuff. I recall it being like 360 after some math. Add a skid plate, Handguards, fuel, and you made it. It's nowhere near what most people think it is. I don't believe weigh claims until I see a ridable bike on a scale.
Even different tires and tubes can add 10lbs no problem. Lots of people add various racks, panniers, crash bars, rad guards, tool tubes, mounts, seats, windshields, footpegs, etc... all that stuff adds up real quick!
@@JohnHowerton137 Cracks me up when guys buy an 890R and go full hog to make it "light"...........take a 470lb, 2 foot wide bike and make it light............they dont actually ever weigh but they just know they took 60lbs off..............despite all the add ons that add weight...............if you want a light bike,buy a light bike.
Agreed, but I think it's probably more about the male tinker factor. Why buy a 125 and spend $5k milking horsepower out of it, when you can just buy a 250 and not have it blow that expensive motor all the time. It's a vet with too much money thing 🤷♂️
I’m heading to Georgia to pick up a 690 enduro R and I’m a lady 😊
20,000 mile review probably coming in the next week 👍
I wonder does anyone ever run these 690's out to say,30,000 miles? Or even 40,000?
Plenty of people. Prob requires more upkeep than a XR or DR, but a Porche requires more than an Civic too. There's sacrifices that need to be chosen/made in life that are individual.
@@JohnHowerton137 I just havent seen many people showing off their 40,000 mile 690's. I value reliability,a whole lot of people do. Its 2021. A vehicle should,I say should,run 100,000 miles no problem.
@@JohnHowerton137 KTM would probably not like to hear you saying reliability has to be somewhat sacrificed to ride one of their bikes,they are trying to do better.
@@bradsanders6954 doesn’t really work that way. A Honda Civic may run 300,000 miles for your wife, but we have people racing those things around here and I doubt they get 10,000. My typical customer in the old days could roach 200 hours out of a 125 motor. The rest of us ran them 15-30 probably. This 690 doubles the output of competing Japanese bike. A Porche engine with double the output of a Civic in general isn’t going to outlast it. When you de-tune an engine as much as the Japanese are... you by default build in “durability.” It’s not durability, it’s detuning. My best friend pumped his XR650RR to the output of the 690 (professionally built & catalog featured) it blew in like 15hrs. Pretty much a joke. That’s a sample of one, but my brothers roached out stock 200x motors for years... and I know other tuners who were rebuilding them all the time once they started upping the output for faster riders.
The KTM LC4 motor has been around in street bikes and dirtbikes for decades... the previous iteration was even raced in professional Supercross by Lance Smail. It’s tried and trued in every scenario possible from commuter Bob, to Supermoto Rob, to Dakar Rally champions... arguably the most demanding race on earth. Keep it stock, put it around, service it to mfgs recommendations and I have no doubt you’ll have years of service.
Anecdotally... I bounced mine off the rev-limiter from day one to 3,000 miles, then towed a trailer with another motorcycle on it over mountains ever since to 14,000? If the even could do it, I would have smoked many clutches in a Japanese thumper. I’m without a doubt WAY HARDER on it than your Avg user. It’s even been off small Freestyle ramps. She’s been a wonderful steed. I’d never give it up for a outdated Japanese thumper unless maybe I was crossing a continent with access to only shitty fuel... then a carb bike might be handy over fuel injectors... and I’d just deal with having zero power at altitude. My KLR 650 was a pathetic turd above 7,000 feet even with the airbox opened up and jetting. Not to mention the chassis handling isn’t even in the same universe.
Moral of the story, there are always pros and cons. Some users cons are other user pros. If you want a lawn tractor, save money and get a Japanese thumper. If you want the bike to get out of it’s own way that doesn’t have a wet noodle for a chassis... get a 690 or 701.
@@JohnHowerton137 I rode a 17 701 and really really liked it,by 5,000 miles the same bike is burning oil and blowing much smoke. It must be a fluke....the guy that owns it Really likes the bike..He let the warranty run out so both halves are his now.
engineers did not design this motor to tow. be careful
It’s probably got 5,000 miles of towing over mountains now and on the stock clutch still even… so they did a good job 👌
1:10 why you called bike as "she" ?
Because riding a "he" isn't the way I roll 😉
@@JohnHowerton137 oh i get it, but "horse-man" is stronger than "horse-woman" 🤔
if you go by _mustang_ - will you also called it as "she" ?
sorry for sort of questions, i'm not native, and i really curious about it, so many riders on yt called bikes like that 🤷♂
@@twowheelsabove any time I get on top or inside of something, it's going to be called a she.
I don't ride dudes. It's some people's thing, but not for me 😋
135 lbs n 6ft tall.. lol yeah ok... built like twigs
I was 6’ 205? Ever seen an elite runner. Wouldn’t even be competitive over 145.