I rode my second hand purchased 690 on position one for a while before I realized the different settings. I put it on two, am pretty happy but need to try position three to see the difference. So far I like the bike for what it is, a large displacement dual sport. Too many people try to believe that one bike can do it all well, and that's just not the case. A dual sport is always a compromise, a BMW GS will cover street miles fast but will not be fun in single track. A KTM 300 two stroke is amazing in the tight stuff but I wouldn't want to highway ride it. The 690 can do both things pretty decent but is compromised a bit in both areas. Enjoy the ride!
I have the 2013 model, there was some issues that model year with fuel pumps and after 7200 miles (11,600 km) had to replace mine. Also had some fuses get weak from prolonged vibration and once I figured out what was going on I just keep spare fuses. I ride mostly off highway so I change oil about every 1000 miles (1600 km) for preventative maintenance and I have two sets of oil screens so I clean and swap them during intervals. As long as people understand that the 690/701 is a compromise bike you will not be disappointed. It may be less reliable then most Japanese dual sports but is vastly superior in performance, though it is not in the same category as an EXC, FE or CRFRL off road, but requires much less maintenance and more comfortable on asphalt. The 690 is also a far more capable off roader and lighter then adventure bikes, so think of the 690 as a jack of all trades but a master of none.
I have a 2021 and have really had no issues with it I did my own oil change just over 1000-miles and have the supplies handy to do another. I did replace the clutch slave even though IZ had no issues with it, call it preventative maintenance. I love this bike and put about 3000-miles of fun on it last year. I have made many upgrades and have about 10 outstanding projects awaiting some milder weather.
Dirk, what oil and filter did you choose? I’ve got a 2020 with only 400 miles, (been super busy, no time to ride) and I want to change the oil/filter(s) and plan on buying a case of each.
@@Rakkasan-vr8xt There are several avenues for oil changes. If you search online, there is a complete kit and if memory serves right it was around $75.00. I went to a dealership and picked up all of the parts individually, it requires 2 oil filters, 2 screens, a host of O-rings, and I used Motorex oil. I performed the oil change myself. I cleaned the screens with brake cleaner and intend to use them. Since then, I picked a gallon of the oil and two oil filters from Amazon. I feel that most of the O-rings could also be cleaned and reused. There are a lot of O-rings.
This popped up in my feed and I’m happy I clicked it. Excellently put together spiced with humor! The joy of watching this increased when I saw you had some of my footage in there as well 😁 Best of luck with your 690, I absolutely love my 701!
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I always like to include footage from channels I watch! Sadly, I haven't been able to ride since November, but we're finally starting to thaw out. Hopefully I'll be able to publish a riding video in the next couple weeks.
Nice video and I have the 2020 690R ENDURO coming from a Honda XR650L & can't believe the difference is better in every way possible, I've used AOMC KTM for anything I needed & had excellent experience, everyone ride safe.
I have a 2017 Ktm 690 enduro r. I like everything about it except for when speeds on the road get to 70 mph and above. It’s hard to explain exactly what is going on. I guess it just doesn’t feel planted. I don’t feel like I’m going to crash or anything and it’s not like a high speed wobble either. I have ordered a Scott’s damper for it to see if that will help. Hopefully that takes care of it. If not I will try a tire change to one that is a little more road bias but I’m already running a 50/50 tire and would hate to have to do this. I’ve watched a lot of top speed run videos and can see that my bike isn’t the only one that does this once the speeds get over 70. Other than that it’s great fun and I rarely hit the highways so it’s not something that would cause me to get rid of it for something else. It would be nice to be able cruise at 70 and have the ability to hit 85 without getting this twitchy feeling in the front end when on the highway. If you go any slower the cages will run you over here in Maryland
The rocker arm issues was resolved WAY back in 2015.... The clutch cylinder has also been resolved in the 2021+ models... I have a 2021 and have only hit a false neutral a couple times in 7000 miles..... Each time, it was because I very lightly shifted.... Just shift like you mean it and/or use the quick shifter.
Thanks for the video mate ! There’s only a few things I knew that are an issue with this bike but you have opened up the others I had no idea about !! I’ve been looking at buying either the 690 or 701 for a couple of years now and watched as mates had bought them and had the clutch fail either just down the road from the bike shop or at least a couple of weeks in and out in the middle of nowhere ! One guy suggested using the recluse clutch pack as his actually failed after 3 months as well as the master cylinder on the first ride home from the shop ! Crazy business to not support their products ! As he said they didn’t care and charged him for the replacement of that part and fitting even after 5 minutes of ownership ! Really does say to me is it worth it still 🤷🏼♂️🤦♂️ thanks again 🤙🏾😎
Used bikes with 0 warranty? No way a brand-new bike breaks down after 5 minutes and it wasn't covered under warranty.. Used "as-is no warranty" you roll the dice. 5 minutes 5 hours 5 days, it's on you.
Some issues with the subframe on the bottom of the tank and side bolts to the tank. I put in a subframe tank reinforcement kit. When I put the old bolts out some we’re already bent at 6000km. Nice bike I have a 2016 690 Enduro. Under valued bike far as I’m concerned.
An acquintance bought a one-year old R (2016 model) and told me he'll strip it to parts, meaning a total disassembly. "I wanna know what I've got". Now I understand why.
Some users are also complaining about the output shaft seal (behind the sprocket) leaking oil. There is a kit for that, sold by ktm, that allmost always solves the problem. On my bike I get a false neutral weekly...
Pretty sure the valve actuation was completely redesigned on the 690 Duke in 2016 and the 690 Enduro did not get the new engine until 2019. So much better.
I rode a 2013 690 from Portland to Ushuaia Argentina in 2016 and my exhaust rocker arm failed in Antofagasta Chile. I’m on a 2017 Husqvarna 701 now with the Improved motor and have had no issues. I never had a problem with KTM Twins but get most of my stuff from Munn Racing.
I've put 7k + miles on my 2018 KTM 690 Enduro....I'm the only owner. The bike is great for what it is. It was my favorite motorcycle but it eats oil the seat sucks. Also there's a lot of vibration if you take it on the highway. I've been very very very happy with the bike but it isn't perfect like I thought it was going to be. Oh well I'm keep her forever though
I really couldn't say. I've never ridden a 500. It's definitely smoother than my 450L was. Final gear ratio is only 3.00 on the 690, but the 500 is like 3.69, so I'd imagine it could be a bit snappier.
Well, if you're in 6th then you might not see much for a power gain. The bike is still only geared to go so fast and 6th is kind of an overdrive. You can give the advanced map a try though. You'll at least get up to speed a lot quicker.
They actually just recalled it an acknowledge the clutch slave they took for ever and when you call a dealer they play it off like we will just inspect it an do nothing if we see nothing. So if your bike is new an only have 15 on Odo you are screwed again by KTM an you should just buy Oberon an spend 180 cash.
4:55 Of course KTM is fully responsible for their many issues. Funny how every other manufacturer can purchase gaskets and test their use to destruction before shipping their products..
“They might not have everything that KTM twins has, but neither does KTM twins” lmao
I rode my second hand purchased 690 on position one for a while before I realized the different settings. I put it on two, am pretty happy but need to try position three to see the difference. So far I like the bike for what it is, a large displacement dual sport. Too many people try to believe that one bike can do it all well, and that's just not the case. A dual sport is always a compromise, a BMW GS will cover street miles fast but will not be fun in single track. A KTM 300 two stroke is amazing in the tight stuff but I wouldn't want to highway ride it. The 690 can do both things pretty decent but is compromised a bit in both areas. Enjoy the ride!
Picked up a well-cared-for 2016 and have now turned it into my ideal BDR/TAT/Haul road to Deadhorse, AK bike. Couldn't be happier with a purchase.
1:20 position 1 is also useful for reducing engine torque on snowy roads... it helped me with both my '08 Enduro and my' 15 Enduro-R
The gifs you insert to your video are insanely great. How do you only have 760 subscribers?! You got a new sub my friend.
Great video - the most informative I've seen
Great overview of key issues, thank you!
Excellent research dude, I had the 16's 690 duke and it was the bomb
Excellent cautionary advice for an otherwise excellent riding platform.
Brilliant video, well done 👍
I have the 2013 model, there was some issues that model year with fuel pumps and after 7200 miles (11,600 km) had to replace mine. Also had some fuses get weak from prolonged vibration and once I figured out what was going on I just keep spare fuses. I ride mostly off highway so I change oil about every 1000 miles (1600 km) for preventative maintenance and I have two sets of oil screens so I clean and swap them during intervals. As long as people understand that the 690/701 is a compromise bike you will not be disappointed. It may be less reliable then most Japanese dual sports but is vastly superior in performance, though it is not in the same category as an EXC, FE or CRFRL off road, but requires much less maintenance and more comfortable on asphalt. The 690 is also a far more capable off roader and lighter then adventure bikes, so think of the 690 as a jack of all trades but a master of none.
Master of wheelies
Spot on comment.. that’s why I have a 701 enduro and a 350 GasGas
I have a 2021 and have really had no issues with it I did my own oil change just over 1000-miles and have the supplies handy to do another. I did replace the clutch slave even though IZ had no issues with it, call it preventative maintenance. I love this bike and put about 3000-miles of fun on it last year. I have made many upgrades and have about 10 outstanding projects awaiting some milder weather.
Yeah, they fixed the oil „Problem“ on the past 2016 Models. My 2016 Needs like 400-500ml / 1000km
Dirk, what oil and filter did you choose? I’ve got a 2020 with only 400 miles, (been super busy, no time to ride) and I want to change the oil/filter(s) and plan on buying a case of each.
@@Rakkasan-vr8xt There are several avenues for oil changes. If you search online, there is a complete kit and if memory serves right it was around $75.00. I went to a dealership and picked up all of the parts individually, it requires 2 oil filters, 2 screens, a host of O-rings, and I used Motorex oil. I performed the oil change myself. I cleaned the screens with brake cleaner and intend to use them. Since then, I picked a gallon of the oil and two oil filters from Amazon. I feel that most of the O-rings could also be cleaned and reused. There are a lot of O-rings.
@@just-fun-stuff6753 but they did not fixed oil problem within the clutch
This popped up in my feed and I’m happy I clicked it. Excellently put together spiced with humor! The joy of watching this increased when I saw you had some of my footage in there as well 😁
Best of luck with your 690, I absolutely love my 701!
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I always like to include footage from channels I watch!
Sadly, I haven't been able to ride since November, but we're finally starting to thaw out. Hopefully I'll be able to publish a riding video in the next couple weeks.
@@doomermotorsports Looking forward to your next videos - as I’ve said before, you’re very good at this. Keep it up 😁
Nice video and I have the 2020 690R ENDURO coming from a Honda XR650L & can't believe the difference is better in every way possible, I've used AOMC KTM for anything I needed & had excellent experience, everyone ride safe.
I have a 2017 Ktm 690 enduro r. I like everything about it except for when speeds on the road get to 70 mph and above. It’s hard to explain exactly what is going on. I guess it just doesn’t feel planted. I don’t feel like I’m going to crash or anything and it’s not like a high speed wobble either. I have ordered a Scott’s damper for it to see if that will help. Hopefully that takes care of it. If not I will try a tire change to one that is a little more road bias but I’m already running a 50/50 tire and would hate to have to do this. I’ve watched a lot of top speed run videos and can see that my bike isn’t the only one that does this once the speeds get over 70. Other than that it’s great fun and I rarely hit the highways so it’s not something that would cause me to get rid of it for something else. It would be nice to be able cruise at 70 and have the ability to hit 85 without getting this twitchy feeling in the front end when on the highway. If you go any slower the cages will run you over here in Maryland
Awesome info thanks! :)
She's a beast of a bike
great video!!!!! was considering a 390 until i saw the 690 weighs 20 lbs less
The rocker arm issues was resolved WAY back in 2015.... The clutch cylinder has also been resolved in the 2021+ models... I have a 2021 and have only hit a false neutral a couple times in 7000 miles..... Each time, it was because I very lightly shifted.... Just shift like you mean it and/or use the quick shifter.
great video
Thanks for the video mate !
There’s only a few things I knew that are an issue with this bike but you have opened up the others I had no idea about !!
I’ve been looking at buying either the 690 or 701 for a couple of years now and watched as mates had bought them and had the clutch fail either just down the road from the bike shop or at least a couple of weeks in and out in the middle of nowhere ! One guy suggested using the recluse clutch pack as his actually failed after 3 months as well as the master cylinder on the first ride home from the shop ! Crazy business to not support their products ! As he said they didn’t care and charged him for the replacement of that part and fitting even after 5 minutes of ownership ! Really does say to me is it worth it still 🤷🏼♂️🤦♂️ thanks again 🤙🏾😎
Used bikes with 0 warranty? No way a brand-new bike breaks down after 5 minutes and it wasn't covered under warranty.. Used "as-is no warranty" you roll the dice. 5 minutes 5 hours 5 days, it's on you.
Great video man we got to get u some more subs
Thanks, man, I appreciate it! All I can ask is that you share these videos with anyone else who might enjoy them.
Some issues with the subframe on the bottom of the tank and side bolts to the tank. I put in a subframe tank reinforcement kit. When I put the old bolts out some we’re already bent at 6000km. Nice bike I have a 2016 690 Enduro. Under valued bike far as I’m concerned.
An acquintance bought a one-year old R (2016 model) and told me he'll strip it to parts, meaning a total disassembly. "I wanna know what I've got". Now I understand why.
Some users are also complaining about the output shaft seal (behind the sprocket) leaking oil. There is a kit for that, sold by ktm, that allmost always solves the problem. On my bike I get a false neutral weekly...
How convenient that KTM sells a kit to fix their own quality issue. That's some shoddy customer support.
Don't forget the shift star (detent)... If it is not updated to the stronger aftermarket model the stock one will fail on you.
Subbed after 2:12🤪👍🏽
Ever bike has it ups and down every manufacturer!
Pretty sure the valve actuation was completely redesigned on the 690 Duke in 2016 and the 690 Enduro did not get the new engine until 2019. So much better.
I rode a 2013 690 from Portland to Ushuaia Argentina in 2016 and my exhaust rocker arm failed in Antofagasta Chile. I’m on a 2017 Husqvarna 701 now with the Improved motor and have had no issues. I never had a problem with KTM Twins but get most of my stuff from Munn Racing.
I've put 7k + miles on my 2018 KTM 690 Enduro....I'm the only owner. The bike is great for what it is. It was my favorite motorcycle but it eats oil the seat sucks. Also there's a lot of vibration if you take it on the highway. I've been very very very happy with the bike but it isn't perfect like I thought it was going to be. Oh well I'm keep her forever though
oil needs to be more often n also valve adjusts
Is 690 smoother on the road than the 500? I mean like chain slap at low RPMs and gear lash when shifting?
I really couldn't say. I've never ridden a 500. It's definitely smoother than my 450L was. Final gear ratio is only 3.00 on the 690, but the 500 is like 3.69, so I'd imagine it could be a bit snappier.
@@doomermotorsports thanks!
y a t-il une version francaise ?
KTM missed a huge opportunity not making that dial go to 11.
My 17 has 63000km on it and climbing
Cam chain tensioner. I bought DIRT TRICKS.
What's top speed?
170-180
In mph, I had mine to 111.
My 2014 is 104 on dirt roads. It's all stock.
Can go faster but I always slowdown at 104 MPH. IT'S almost impossible to read the speedometer 🤣
Faster than you.
My 690 has no power on the highway I’m prolly on the wrong map eh?
Well, if you're in 6th then you might not see much for a power gain. The bike is still only geared to go so fast and 6th is kind of an overdrive. You can give the advanced map a try though. You'll at least get up to speed a lot quicker.
They actually just recalled it an acknowledge the clutch slave they took for ever and when you call a dealer they play it off like we will just inspect it an do nothing if we see nothing. So if your bike is new an only have 15 on Odo you are screwed again by KTM an you should just buy Oberon an spend 180 cash.
4:55 Of course KTM is fully responsible for their many issues.
Funny how every other manufacturer can purchase gaskets and test their use to destruction before shipping their products..
The 690 don't turn the front wheel to the left & right enough!
That's The #1 issue with it!...UGG!
Shift locker is bad on 2019 and newer models. Bad design, bad quality of that part...