2016 KTM 690 Enduro R, Ride Review and "why do people hate this bike"
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- Опубліковано 30 тра 2024
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Thanks This is a ride review of one of my all time favorite bikes, its not right for everyone so I give some points to think about when looking to purchase a bike like this. - Розваги
Excellent evaluation! I just bought a new 2020 KTM 690 a month ago. Mission profile is moto-camping from Louisiana through the western states, mountain regions, CDT (continental divide trail), Colorado mountain passes, etc. I need a big dirt bike that will haul me and a 100 lbs of gear for long distances at interstate highway speeds. The 2020 has the second counter-balancer in the motor, same as the 701. Still had a little buzz felt in the butt, but a Seat Concepts XL seat took care of that. Mods include Wings exhaust, Rade Garage storage compartment (replaces air inlet box), Vanesche fuel fill cap, enduro pegs, sprocket guard, Rottweiller canister removal kit. CRG bar end mirrors with Rottweiller folding mounts attached to the hand guards. A set of custom build aluminum pannier racks are fitted specific to Mosko-Moto Backcountry 35L soft luggage. A LIPO battery replaces the heavy AGM lead acid unit. Bike weight is about the same as OEM. Replacing the stock exhaust and the lead acid battery cut around 15 pounds. The additions were less than that.
I am 6" 1" tall, 200 lbs, and can just get my toes and balls of the feet on the ground. Not great, but I can live with it. Coming from a background of moto-cross and flat track racing starting in the 70s. Ran a Triumph 650 in a Rickman Metisse frame in open class motocross. Great bike for muddy tracks! Anyway, the idea of a 330 lb dirt bike like the 690 is not a problem. The weight of the 690 is less of a concern than the potentially explosive power, a lot more than my old Triumph 650. Will carry a fuel bladder with a couple of gallons of gas for the occasional long haul. The fuel bladder will roll up an store in the luggage, taking up little room when not needed, which is most of the time.
The other contenders for me were the KTM 790 and the Tenere 700. Both would have been better for the road but both weigh a good 100 pounds more. Picking up a dropped bike when riding solo in the middle of no where is a prime consideration. I can easily pick up the 690. The other bikes would be a real problem for me. I am 73 and getting weaker by the day!
sounds like some great upgrades!
will you be bringing extra fuel for the trip?
I'm 53, 210 lbs. and have a 29" inseam. I bought a new 2018 690 Enduro R in March. Bought it for "mission" specific trips. BDR's starting on the west coast and working my way to the newly opened east coast routes and the TAT. I've had the suspension lowered and set-up (compression/damping/rebound) for my weight plus travel gear.
Since buying it I've made almost as many mods as you. Seat concept seat, Flatland's skid plate, front and rear discs guards, radiator protecting, Triple Clamp case covers, Barkbusters, Wings exhaust, Rally Raid soft luggage rack for the Mosko Moto Reckless 80, Double Take mirrors, KTM touring windscreen, Perun Moto rear rack to secure a Harbor Freight Apache 4800 top case, Perun rear master cylinder guard, Outback crash guards (guards for the 2019/2020 will fit on a 2018 with a modification to the plastics), Vanesche fuel cap and footpegs. My to-do list has several more mods on it. Might have to put swapping out the battery at the top of the list.
James Skinner - Excellent comment!
Just picked up a 2016 690 Enduro! The previous owner really did a lot of great work on her. 5600 miles on it. Happy man am I!
Excellent, super low miles! you should be happy! have any trips planned
Im heading out at the end of next week for the top part of the NM BDR and lower half of the CO BDR!
@@TRCAdventures Probably the MABDR in October, maybe sections 8&9 this summer as a shake-down (we live in PA). September and October are much better times to ride on the east coast. The bike came with nearly everything to do the TAT, Rally Raid fuel tanks, Baja Design Squadron Pros as aux. lighting, Seat Concepts seat, Wolfman soft bags, the list of upgrades is amazing. Cost is one of the reasons I've only longed for a 690. Just like a KLR, you buy the bike, then you upgrade the bike. The overhead of upgrading a 690... like you mentioned new is just way too much (because THEN you add on). To find this bike was a stroke of luck. Many thanks to the previous owner's wife who said, "One of these 5 bikes needs to go!" The 690 was the one selected to go. Win! Foot pegs, clutch slave, and coolant temp sensor are about all that are needed. Eventually I'd like to add a Lynx fairing but that isn't necessary.
@@TRCAdventuresI’m from texas and love going to New Mexico. Since they have public blm land and mountains
Great video bud, was looking for a good review before I pull the trigger on one and I’ve definitely found it. Put out more content for us people limited by riding seasons please!!!!
Thanks!!
I have a cuple of projects and builds going on, and some new ride reviews coming out soon.
Thanks for the feedback.
The 690 is a great bike! Never ending fun!
I had a hard time finding my 2017 KTM 690R. I was lucky because the bike I got was supposed to be sold but the out of state buyer backed out and I had left my info with the salesman. He called me and I bought it over the phone. 4053 miles and like new condition. Even had taller risers, wider pegs and the top rack already installed Great review of the bike 👍 Can’t wait to hit some trails this season
I'm glad you found one, they are amazing bikes, so much fun!!!
I currently live in Vietnam and have a little 150cc dual-sport for my daily but have ridden the CRF250L, DRZ400, KLX250, XR250/400, CB500x, WR450F, KTM350/500 (a few times), and older Huskey TE310 in mostly offroad conditions. I was looking to get something bigger that I can not only enjoy riding more aggressively with friends but solo as well as I am not a racer.
I have seen a few KTM690 SMC-R and thought I could switch to a 21/18 set easily. And the KTM690 is really appealing for its ability, FI, weight around 300lbs/145kg, low center of gravity, usability, and top-notch suspension.
However, this is the most insightful advice I have seen on the KTM690 in regards to a step-up option from the 250cc class and someone who isn't interested in a full enduro bike that can only be enjoyed when seriously ridden and increased maintenance that can add up costly if there is a problem. So like another gentleman in this comment section mentioned, I am rethinking finding a DRZ400 or XR400 instead as they are as capable but don't intimidate me as much as the aggressive enduro bike I rode which were the KTM350/500 and WR450. Thanks for the advice!
Thanks for checking out the video! good thinking on the bikes! I would love to do some riding there some day, keep thinking the KLX250 would be perfect for the area! DRZ400 could be perfect too
Thank you, this video was extremely helpful. I currently have my CRF450L for sale and am debating what to move to next. The CRF450L is amazing off-road but I don't enjoy it on the street. I previously owned a DR650 I heavily modded and miss it. To setup another DR650 the way I like with take thousands in mods. I have an opportunity to purchase a 2016 690 Enduro R that is already tastefully modded with 4k miles on it. I've also considered a new 2022 KLR650 or Tenere 700 but I ride solo most of the time and the weight of those bikes concerns me. I'm hoping the 690 might be bridge the gap for me and still be good enough offroad and more tolerable on the street. I already have a dedicated street bike so this bike is to get me to fire roads and jeep trails. I don't enjoy the hard enduro stuff. Thanks again!
It sounds like your the perfect rider for the 690, I absolutely love this bike! extremely capable off road and can still manage quite well on the street, that said, for my adventure bike I moved to the KTM 1090 Adventure R, I only mention this because if you do long distant travel to and from locations like I do, riding from one state to another to get to a trail head, spending 12 to 14 hours on the road on a single cylinder bike will take its toll, on the 1090 I can cruse at 80 MPH all day long and still hit the trails. I did consider the T7 but the KTM is about the same LBS and has much better suspension and much more power. if your adventure does not take you more than 4 to 5 hours on pavement in a single shot than you just cant beat the power, to LBS, to Fun of the 690 Enduro R , and if I did not ride as far as I do, I would still have this bike. as far as the DR or The KLR, the 690 will be a better bike in all ways except fuel range (Rad Garage makes a fix for that if you need more fuel)
Love my 2017. Kouba link, Yoshi and a ton of other farkles. I'm old, I ride alone in Colorado allot and connect trails via I-70 and county highways. It's a Unicorn IMO.
Im headed your direction next weekend, following the top of the New Mexico BDR and the lower half of the CO BDR (one of my favorite areas to ride)
@@TRCAdventures Summit County rider here. Done most of the COBDR but tend to stay off it and the other advertised roads these days. Tired of helping to pick up 1200cc loaded 850lb pigs on trails...
@@markjacobs6294 yep, I totally get that!
The media (phone) connects to your trail tech so you can have the option control your music through the trail tech in the event you don't mount your phone on your handlebars. I keep my phone in my pocket or tank bag and control my music through my Garmin GPS which connects in the same way
I never really listen to music when I'm riding, but I think your right it can connect through the trail tech then to my headset, or directly to my headset, I will sometimes use it through my headset as it works with voice controls, and can give me Google maps directions.
Thanks for the tip!
I've watched your 690 reviews with great interest because I have been thinking of moving from my current WR250R to the 690. However, your CRF250L comments really make me wonder. A big reason I was thinking of making the switch was due to all the tech upgrades (TC, ABS, smoother motor specifically) Which means I was looking at 2019 and newer. Now I'm really wondering if this whole idea is a bad one. I'm also wondering if its a mistake to not look at the earlier years. Who do you think is the fit for this bike? I'm 5'8", late 50's, ride mostly off road and a 5/6 skill level. I was looking at changing bikes with the thought I would do more longer road trips and camp off the bike. Thanks for any advise.
Thinking of moving from the WR50R to a 690 or 701 is really not a step up rather a step in a different direction.
the WR can be an amazing off road dual sport motorcycle, the 690 is a fun hooligan bike on and off road, and if most of you riding is off road you may have the unicorn right now!
the 690 is one of my all time favorite bikes, because its ridiculous in a lot of ways that makes it a blast to ride.
for an off road bike the bike has FAR too much power, and as a step to make the bike more compliant for more riders KTM and Husqvarna have started the process of de tuning the bike in 2019, with more aggressive TC controls and Power controls to lower the power to a more reasonable level in all but one mode.
more electronics are not what you want off road, as one malfunction can leave you stranded, that said they did not go overboard so they are just annoying more than anything, there is aftermarket support to bypass these through Rottwiler
they are a vary tall bike and that can be intimidating or off putting for some riders when you have to manage the extra weight of the bike.
riding skills and style will make a big difference, I am a advanced rider with some success in national enduro racing, and off road my style is standing up 90% of the time. so the seat height does not bother me and I enjoy the challenge of a larger bike.
again these bikes are an absolute hoot, you can pull the front wheel off the ground at 60mph and ride it out for a long time, Years to buy.. KTM made a change to the rocker assembly in 2015 and they are more reliable for it, all years can be retrofitted with this change. the Husqvarna 701got all the upgrades sooner (suspension, motor) I had the 2017, 701 2015, 690, and a 2016 690, all great bikes, the 701 (all years) and the 2019 KTM 690 have a different cam and dual counter balancers that raise the RPM for power (not great for off road) and smooth out the motor, this makes a difference if you plane to spent 8 to 10 hrs on the freeway.
because of the electronics changes, I personally would not buy a 2019 or newer bike.
if you want the smoother motor buy the 701 if you want lower tuque buy the 2015 -2018 KTM 690
keep you WR until you have fully committed to not riding it again and feel the 690 can replace it in all situations!
@@TRCAdventures Thank you so much for your reply. Great insight and food for thought. I'm having a hard time identifying exactly why I really want a 690. Like what am I looking for I don't currently have? And it really is the ability to ride on the freeway. Just not really sure how much I would honestly ride on the freeway. I'm also concerned I'm just not a good enough rider for the 690 and it may just get me into trouble. I did really love the comment about keeping the WR until I answered all the 690 unknowns. Excellent advice!!! Thanks again.
Nice video man!
Thank you!
If care for, how many mile do you think you can get out of an LC4?
They are great motors, though they had a problem with rocker arm assembly, before 2016, with that fixed on an early motor, or a newer version 2015 or newer they will last as long as you take care of them. As for how many miles, that's hard to say I just have not seen any with large amounts of miles, those with 30-60k "miles" are still going strong.
Hi, sorry to disturb you. Can I know what’s the part number and where to order the fan switch to make it kick in at a lower temperature?
I know their are lots of places to get the switch, originally I looked up the part number and ordered a few from the manufacturer and it was much less expensive for the same part, but for the easse of getting the right part you can just order from one of the KTM parts suppliers, here is a link to one
www.rallyraidproducts.co.uk/products/rrp-027-fan-thermostat-switch
Thank you so much
I had a Husky TE450 and a Yamaha Super Tenere, went to the 2017 KTM 690 Enduro to split the difference between the two. I like where this bike slots in for me. Any dual sport or adventure bike is going to be a compromise, people have to be realistic as to what they are planning to do with a "do it all" type of bike because it will never do everything great.
Definitely good points! Good collection of bikes!
The Husky got dual balancers prior to KTM? KTM 2019+ Husky 701? idk 2018
Yes I had the 2017 701, fantastic bike a bit different cam as well, revs out a bit more with more power on top! Feels faster! The suspension is a bit different as well. Brilliant bike! Would love to have one again!
I love my 2021 690 !! Looks like Pocatello ?
Such a great bike! Livermore California!
I rode (primarily on road) a tall heavy 250cc dirt bike overseas for three years.. just got stateside and think I want the 690 enduro... probably 80/20 on/off-road... are you thinking this isn’t the right bike for me? What is the next step for the crf250l rider?
its hard to say what you will like, but these bikes are nothing like a 250, I like the small bikes, for many the next step up is a 650, many go to the KLR650 some get a DRZ400, and some over to a more street type like the Versys 650,
a DR650 or XR650L are alot more like the CRF250L than the KTM690.
still if you like a tun of power and a like to ride fast the KTM 690 is amazing, just not for the everyone! (it is one of my all time favorite bikes)
Tin Roof CycleWorks I have been back and forth... xr650l and the 690..I think I just found a 2001 xr650l... My wallet appreciates the cheaper bike too. Maybe I’ll switch the the 690 in a couple years
@@adm5569 you really can not go wrong with the XR they are great bikes and seem to last forever, there is always a market for them so if you decide later you want the 690 it should be a quick sale, this is a good choice with a great exit strategy!
Great video. I have a 2017 690 enduro and am considering the wings exhaust. The stock exhaust is so hot and the engine seems to run really hot at low speeds. Will the wings help with that? I want to get some rackless luggage and don’t want to melt it. Thanks
Jim Szymanski
Thanks for the comments!
The wings exhaust is shoter and runs much, much cooler than stock, that will definitely help for running soft reckless luggage, i have the giant loop coyote luggage i run it without the racks no problem.
As for the bike running hot at slow speeds you should get a new fan switch with a lower temperature setting. KTM put a high temp switch in stock, with the new switch my bike runs at the correct temperature all the time, and the fan comes on sooner to manage the temperature. Its an easy do it yourself upgrade takes 5min and if you lay the bike on it side you won't loose to much coolant in the process!
Tin Roof CycleWorks thanks👍
@@TRCAdventures Did you make any fueling changes for the Wings Exhaust? What about intake?
yes with the power commander! intake is the short air box and uni filter, I have the ROTTWEILER but Rade Garage makes one too
Buy it directly from the Wings' website. easy to do. I got mine in five days.
It be perfect if they gear down 1st gear and gear up 6th. Maybe add a twin motor to take away the vibes, and lower the seat a bit. In supermoto form. It is damn near perfect as is.
@Pete I dont think 2019 has dramatic enough changes for me to buy. I just rode 200 miles today on the twisty roads with tusk dsport knobby tires, enough to pass sportbikes. Supermoto wheels would kill it. Having owned 3 supermotos in the past. I know this is the 690 would make the best supermoto, but I also live around a lot of dirt trails. As for vibes, I thought about this today, and try to notice it.. What vibes it has was minimal. It's a single-cylinder bike. I feel vibes when I am cruising under 40mph. Riding a faster pace or on dirt, I am to busy to notice. My bike is 2015.
I also rode the road OP made in this video many many times in Livermore. Behind that road, there is mount Hamilton and Del Puerto Canyons. I rode those roads with guys decade ago on supermoto, and 690sm. It was what actually got me into liking SM and surprised what they can do vs sportbike.
it all depends on what your after, I think far too many people buy this bike thinking it will be something its not, Then again this is an amazing bike that is capable of so much, definitely a top 10 bikes of all time, for me! the SM is fun and for some could be perfect, just not for me, not sure I could keep my license on one!
I think the 2019 is a bit more street focused in its power, off road you need your RPM's up a bit on the bike, now the same as the 701 in power delivery, its fun, just not quite as good for slower stuff off road, and I bit more aggressive and acceleration.
I really love that bike, shame that it cost more than a home in my country.
it is truly a shame, how expensive motorcycle have become, we need some lower priced options that can provide the fun we all want!
@@TRCAdventures I got lucky and bought a new 2018 in March way below MSRP:)
Get a better camera and you got some great content keep it up
Thanks, any suggestions on cameras? Im using the gopro 8 black, im sure there is better, I just need to try and keep it as simple as possible
Thanks
@@TRCAdventures maybe watch schaaf his videos he is one of the best motovolgers in my opinion he has a great setup i bet he hase a video of his setup
@@Xlsample cool I will check it out!
Thanks
Came for a 690 review got a trail tech review... What?
Looks like I did go on about that for about a minute, LoL hope you still got something from the video.
Thanks for checking out the video
Dial the suspension lower. this bike is very adjustable. Fan temp sensor is 10% TO HIGH.. this GUY IS A CLOWN
suspension is adjustable, but it will change your setting quite a bit, but there is lots of range, good height for me though, Fan temp switch was the first nod, easy mod and no sense in running the bike quite so hot!