I saw one of your first motorcycle videos last year and something clicked with me. I knew I could not afford what you had but I put together about 1500 and bought a 99 Suzuki DR 350. I made it road legal and plan to ride it all over northern Michigan. I can finally ride down all those seasonal roads that were prohibited by my four wheelers and dirt bikes I owned growing up. I envy you with the new bike but at least I can have my own bit of fun with what I have. Thanks nutn for sparking the fire.
Extensive riding brings us to this point: my full review on the KTM 690 Enduro R. At least for dudes that want to go to places like I show here: high mountains, deserts, wilderness places, it may be your best choice. Man I LOVE this bike. -nutn
+nutnfancy ok got it 10.5k. Maybe that is why you did not respond. Probably saying under your breath. "Watch the freakin video dude!" I get ya. Thanks for the vid.
Sounds like there are plenty of TNPers would love it, you'd have a place to stay and a garage to keep the bike... and as you know the weather down here is pretty excellent for riding during the winter months!
Great review! I agree with everything you said. I was going to buy the KTM 690 but dealership support sucks here in NE Ohio, I got a wr250r instead for the time being. I'm thinking about hitting the road full time in my bug out moto van in the future and a 690 could be the bike to replace my 12 Honda cbr1000rr and 14 yamaha wr250r. How's the vibration?
Dude, Nutn, you are awesome. A true American. Thank you for existing and making these videos. Much love and respect! Sick bike, I ride a DRZ400 supermoto. These KTM's are sick
I love your gun/survival videos so I was glad to see your review on the 690 as this is the same bike I have. I'm taking mine from PDX to Tierra Del Fuego in January. I've had to mod the bike a fair amount for this trip. I hated to do it but I needed a 250-300 mile range so I installed the Safari tank. I bought the transparent one, I have to admit I'm liking it, it's a quality kit. I have full Touratech Zega hard luggage too. One issue on these bikes are the rockers. They seem to fail early, around 6,000-15,000 miles. Not a deal breaker as they are about $150 and are very easy to replace. I'm taking a spare set with me. I have a BMW 1200GS and a Ducati 1100S Monster also but I think if I could only have one bike it would be this one. Keep up the good work. One more thing, I have a modded 10/22 takedown that fits perfectly in my hard bags.
Nutn, you are the reason I finally took initiative to finally get a bike. I now wish I had gotten one as soon as I turned 18!! Thanks for all the adventuring video's Nutn. You'll find me on a R6 cruising around the bay area.
Hey Nutn, since you don't have enough room for a fuse box for switched power just rig up a heavy duty 12V relay. All you need is to tap into a switched source like the headlight, run a positive/negative from the battery and an inline fuse. The relay only costs a couple bucks and is the size of a 9V battery. You could still easily hide that somewhere on the bike and then not need to worry about draining your battery. I did it on my XT600 for the heated grips and it works great.
Wow... Nutn approved and highly praised. I need one. Been looking for a second bike to hit the dirt when I'm not carving corners. Thank for the FULL review!
Btw, thanks for your service. Having the ability to ride those mountains and take the time to share, even though I know you are in your 2nd career, came at a cost of 20 + years of service. Enjoy "retirement" ;)))
I cant wait for more moto videos. moto camping, adventuring, dirtbiking, trips for food, love it all. Summer is here and I'm stoked to ride and go out and adventure. keeping my eye out for a survival break action shotgun I can take down and pack in my bag for some hunting while out moto camping.
Yes, you can turn the ABS off. "Off road" mode turns ABS off on the rear only, which is important to be able to stop quickly off road or change direction quickly anywhere. KTM sells a ABS dongle that lets the bike start in this mode as a default, so I don't have to switch it each time. Full time and off are still available with the dongle. I mounted the frame sliders in your vid, but they interfered with my shins in a forward riding position. The Double take mirrors aren't perfect, but they are the best alternative to the dorky stock mirrors I have found. I tried a simple mod of melting some sand into the plastic ball with a small butane torch, and so far-problem solved. Now on to the suspension...
In the South when talking about motorcycles we say "ride" not drive. Not being critical, but does this hold true in other areas? I ride my motorcycle and drive my car or truck.
Some guy tested K&N's a while back. They simply have much less surface area than a paper filter. So flow a similar amount of air, they have much larger pores. They offer very little advantage when clean, and after only a little dirt they flow LESS well. The bigger pores allow more dirt into the motor, and the reduced surface area mean they clog up in a fraction of the time.
Nice review, that looks like the Little Lyman & Mirror Lake areas in the uinta mountains. Maybe that's not where you were but still awesome places to go ride and explore.
You're killing me Nutn! I just started looking for a lightweight dual sport with quality suspension and decent power. I've had a Super Tenere and currently a Multistrada, and they're just way too heavy to be wandering very far from pavement. Sure some guy on the internets is tearing around on these >500lb 'dirt bikes' (cue Chris Birch), but Long Way Round showed us that normal dudes will have a very very difficult time. The 690 enduro is at the upper limit for weight and price. I was looking at the WR250R, as it and the 690 are about they only fuel injected enduro bikes with a standard service interval, but I just don't think I'll be satisfied with a 250cc on the street with it being parked next to a fire breathing 150hp superbike on stilts (Multistrada).
I run saddlebags on my z1000. I bought a 4" roll of clear lamin-x and covered the whole tail section in it. You cant see any of it with the saddlebags on and it is pretty hard to tell its there with them off. Definitely worth the protection.
I'm not familiar with apple products, but you use an ipod for music, and the iphone for navigation? Is the iphone not capable of playing music to bluetooth headphones and navigation at the same time?
Love it Nutn, had a friend recommend this bike. Thought about it for months finally found an 09 with low miles and bought it. Rails canyons and rips single track. I didn't think a bike could do what this does! Amazing street handling too even with Continental TKC tires. Been hoping you'd review it and one day there it is....reviewed. Got my Scotts from Slaven's, got the rear brake lever in the cart. Thanks for reviewing the bike.
I like this review, I also have a 14 , 690. The Abs can be turned off or placed in off road mode by adding the bad fuel dongle. I agree with your review, I feel the bike is geared excellent for roadways but a little high for any type of super tight riding
Nutn, I love the moto stuff, I recently bought a '93 honda africa twin (low on money) to travel and do some smalltime dirt riding, it's no dirtbike but if I pick my 'fights' right I have a lot of fun (i do have a small dirtbike for the dirty work :) ). If possible keep the moto stuff going, I'll be watching, you can be sure of that :)
+nutnfancy what bike would you advise for a tall guy to do a long adventure on (7 - 14 days) hauling camping gear or even maybe pulling a bike camping trailer. but still excellent for the mon-fri commute?
Great video I got a lot out of it. I just bought a used KTM 690 2014 same year and looking to do some modifications to my and your video helped me a lot in what to buy. My question is where was the area that you show the mountains so I can look it up to go ride there my self?
Another drawback of the safari tank is that it increases the side pick up weight of the 690. One of the biggest benefits of a rear subframe tank is that it get the weight of the bike much lower to the ground, so picking it up off its side is much lighter. I think (if memory serves me) the stock 690r is about 80 lbs to pick up off its side. To compare, my DRZ400s is about 115lbs to pick up off its side. That doesn't sound like much, but on an hard enduro trail, if you're having a bad day, you may drop your bike 10 times... So that's ten times I have to lift 110lbs. A lighter side pickup weight means you're using fewer calories to ride, so you can ride longer.
Nutn! Love all your vids dude! Any chance you would get your hands on a Kawasaki Versys 650 for a review?? Good luck in all adventuring with you and your family!
The reason I want a dirt bike with street legal features is the same reason as you Nutn, I want to be able to ride to the trail, not load up the pickup truck.
I am 5'9"w/ 29" inseam could barely tippy toe. Had the suspension lowered 1" internally and Kuda link and I'm ok with that. For power to accessories look behind the headlight you will find two wires with grounds, one is hot all the time the other shuts off with ignition that's were I sourced power for my charger.
Is it legal to install a holster (with a pistol in it), say, right up under the windscreen, or below the handlebars somewhere, purely for Secondkindacool purposes?
ABS Can be shut off for off road by holding i believe the bottom button on the speedo until the abs light is flashing. Have to redo overtime you start it. It will reset to activate abs upon restart.
Nice bike! Just got myself 990R adventure. Thinking I'll add the 690 next. Oh I just replaced my headlight bulb with the cyclops led bulb. You should get one for this bike. Very reasonable and super bright for right at $70.
*****Good review, loved it. Great for guys like me who aren't really into the gun thing. For some reason I presumed you had already done a review on this bike, but I couldn't find it.... Cheers. (from south australia)
+nutnfancy would you suggest improving / stiffening the suspension for better load capacity? Great video by the way, very detailed. Keep up the good work!
I've been contemplating buying a Honda Grom. I am not a experienced rider. I've only ridden dirtbikes a handful of times and once I rode a 70's model Trail 90 in a parking lot. I'm not looking to go fast on a motorcycle especially with my inexperience level. Im just looking for something to ride to work (which is a 15 minute ride across town) and save on gas because sometimes I travel to and from work three or four times a day. I'm interested in the Grom because it's affordable and I like the idea of being the original owner. My biggest question and concern is I am 6 foot tall 230 pounds, only having sat on it a few times it feels comfortable to my shorter legs but I'm not sure about how well it will operate for someone that weighs as much as I do? I was hoping that Tactical Doodle and Nutnfancy might be able to come up with some data points and or opinions based upon your guys's knowledge of motorcycles that might aid me in my final decision whether or not I purchase one. also I plan on buying something with two wheels for my 30th birthday in April. Thanks for you guys this time and consideration.
The way my back is, I'll stick to my V-Strom 650 Adventure for a better ride. It still has plenty of ground clearance. How would you compare this bike to your KTM 690?
I'm seriously considering getting the 690 enduro r, one problem though, I'm 6'6 315 pounds. yes that would mean I would weigh more than the bike. what are your thoughts and opinions on this?
I would love to have this bike but the price tag is a bit much for me at this time, I went with the WR250R, 26k miles before the first valve check is needed so it is extremely low maintenance, in stock form is cruises at 70 easily which surprised me for a 250cc, feels great on the road and is light and easy to flick around off road. Many people stiffen the spring rate for loading gear and use them as adventure bikes. A do-able alternative if you don't have the 11k for a ktm690
so how is its reliability, what will break first? :) I will rather take xt660z tenere into the mountains or desert with over twice the range of 690 enduro rr.
I have this bike and I agree with your comments 100%. If you can only have one ride and like getting into remote spots this is the bike for you. I was riding with it in Maine this year and during the same day we were carving up mountain highways and brutal power line trails. It's expensive but worth it.
Nutn you ran a Suzukis before. What are your thoughts on the DR650? I own one and love it. It's a very very simple dirt bike with interstate capabilities.
+Mike Halverson I got the super moto! I don't want the extra wait. I just wish they would make the Drz line up with six gears, a 450 engine, and fuel injection!
hey nutnfancy and other tnpers, I have been a fan for a while now, and have watched this video about 20 times, I am 17 and am about to buy a jeep wrangler or a another capable 4wd off road vehicle, and want to get a duel sport motorcycle as well to ride around to save gas and go on trails, kinda like you have. Everything you stated in this video i know i want the ktm 690 but i know i cant afford one because how perfect they are i currently weigh 135 pounds and 6ft 2. I love dirt biking, camping and just going on road trips. Any other ideas under 10k? and possibly able to hold a passenger, ergonomics are major
Sweet bike, you just have to put a price tag on being cool. I took a KLX 300 and made it street legal with homemade saddle bags for less than $2200. I am 5' 8" and it is tough to find the right bike being short. Cut the seat , kuba links and it was still tall in the rocks off camber. It is happy at 55mph and at under 300 lbs it would be in my opinion the best trail bike for the price. When any bike is loaded, you are in minivan mode. You still left everything at home when the bike is loaded to max. Backcounty bike camping is the coolest thing you can do "once". Not having what you want with you, no beer, no dog, a broken fishing pole because you took a digger, it's tough. I'm saying this because you might not like it after you dumped 10 grand. Larger bike and fire roads is a lot easier. No bike does both great. Decide if you want more dirt capability or more road capability. The KlX is a great trail bike and works when packed. This is based on not having 10K to drop and being short and trail ride-ability preferred. Tall rich guys, the choices are open. The better rider you are will allow you to ride a larger, heavy bike with less spilled blood. Not being a good rider, light and low is good.
Great review of this bike. I am in the market for a dual sport bike. I wonder why KTM would not sell a bike to E. McGregor when he and his brother drove around the world. P.S. Bought the Cold Steel #11HCM HOLD OUT 111. It is all you said in the review. Thanks.
+Dronston What's more important than your height is your inseam length. If you have short legs relative to your height, it will be more difficult. Even more important than that, however, is how experienced you are as a motorcycle rider. Not being able to easily touch the ground isn't a big deal if you have experience, but combining that with being new to riding in general may not be a good idea (not sure how much riding experience you have). Your best bet would be to check out a local KTM dealer if you can and try sitting on one.
+Warner K You are right, I guess I have normal proportions. I am a medium experienced rider (riding a Honda CBR F3 atm) and I know just being able to use the tips of your feet usually is enough.
+Warner K You are totally right about the inseam. Mine is 30" and on some KTMs I'm dangling my feet with 8" to the ground. I know about hanging a cheek but I think I need to find a lesser tall bike than a KTM to start the learning process.
Just picked up a used 2016 690E. Check your airbox for dust. I was swapping in a KTM foam filter that came with the bike when I noticed fine dust in the air box. It's at the local KTM dealer right now for a leak down test and bore scope under warranty-fingers crossed as good KTM mechanics are hard to find. I will go to the aftermarket, as the stock air box is a POS, with reports of dirt ingestion going back to the bikes debut 8 years ago. Yes, I've read about work arounds using the stock lid, but the fact is that it is not up to the task under high heat & vacuum operating conditions. C'mon, KTM, get it together.
+Older&Wiser It baffles me how insulated their engineering dept. seems to be about dirt. I know in theory they're aware of the existence of fine, desert-like sand, but they still have problems like this. How do they think these things are just running around a loamy austrian forest trail all the time? If I were them, I'd put Noah Horak on permanent consultant status. -TD
I'm looking for the kind of on/off road bike you can kick, beat, throw off a cliff, and fix with a tin can and gaffer tape and get back on like nothing happened. Any suggestions?
Tango Down Yea, not the best looking bike, but they will go where nothing else can including a mule. Two wheel drive, you can get a single track trailer to carry more than enough gear, like 800 pounds worth. Most bearings are the same one, and can be sourced from pretty much any hardware store. You can ride real slow, very slow and bike won't fall over, climb over logs, etc. Snow not a problem, it will even pull a plow. Half tractor, half bike. Watch a video on youtube called "Rokon Trailer". In my area at least, you can tag this bike for Medium speed roads. With some sprocket swaps and a racing go kart engine, you may even be able to swing highway tags. There is a racing go kart engine you can get about 18 horsepower out of, and still crank with the rope. A survival bike, I don't think anything else even comes close. It's not fast, but it will do things you can't do on any other bike. I even figured out how to go from the East Coast to the West Coast without stopping to refuel, and that's with survival gear.
+FullSpectrum Survivalist My friend Ron, which is mentioned in many of my 690R videos is also known a RokonRon. If you ask, he will tell you the 690R is the bike to go with, and he is the reason I bought mine.
I saw one of your first motorcycle videos last year and something clicked with me. I knew I could not afford what you had but I put together about 1500 and bought a 99 Suzuki DR 350. I made it road legal and plan to ride it all over northern Michigan. I can finally ride down all those seasonal roads that were prohibited by my four wheelers and dirt bikes I owned growing up. I envy you with the new bike but at least I can have my own bit of fun with what I have. Thanks nutn for sparking the fire.
Extensive riding brings us to this point: my full review on the KTM 690 Enduro R. At least for dudes that want to go to places like I show here: high mountains, deserts, wilderness places, it may be your best choice. Man I LOVE this bike. -nutn
+nutnfancy How about a price? I did not catch a price on that bike.
+nutnfancy ok got it 10.5k. Maybe that is why you did not respond. Probably saying under your breath. "Watch the freakin video dude!" I get ya. Thanks for the vid.
+nutnfancy Why change something that's not broken
Nutn, would you consider making a video or a few videos teaching how to ride? I know I would appreciate that.
+nutnfancy Hey nutn? Do you ever respond to people's questions or just no time?
Im so happy you've finally posted this review ( I love the motorcycle/ adventure bike stuff).
Man we need to ride together sometime! Wanna come down to Southern Utah when it gets cold up there? I'd be happy to show you some amazing trails.
I'd love to see this vid!
+eveRide ADV HOLY SMOKES! Is everide a TNPer? That wold be a great video :)
-Nick
+eveRide ADV That would be great to see!
+Survival Pax Hell yea. EPIC.
Sounds like there are plenty of TNPers would love it, you'd have a place to stay and a garage to keep the bike... and as you know the weather down here is pretty excellent for riding during the winter months!
I just started taking an interest in motorcycles recently, so this review was perfectly timed.
Thanks for another Moto video. The 690 is a killer bike.
"If you're looking for an 8 minutes video, I'm sorry this ain't it"
We pretty much figured that out since you said it at 9:23 ;-)
Been looking at this bike for awhile. I don't have 50 minutes to watch the whole video but I can't wait to watch it.
Great review! I agree with everything you said. I was going to buy the KTM 690 but dealership support sucks here in NE Ohio, I got a wr250r instead for the time being. I'm thinking about hitting the road full time in my bug out moto van in the future and a 690 could be the bike to replace my 12 Honda cbr1000rr and 14 yamaha wr250r. How's the vibration?
Dude, Nutn, you are awesome. A true American. Thank you for existing and making these videos. Much love and respect! Sick bike, I ride a DRZ400 supermoto. These KTM's are sick
I love your gun/survival videos so I was glad to see your review on the 690 as this is the same bike I have. I'm taking mine from PDX to Tierra Del Fuego in January. I've had to mod the bike a fair amount for this trip. I hated to do it but I needed a 250-300 mile range so I installed the Safari tank. I bought the transparent one, I have to admit I'm liking it, it's a quality kit. I have full Touratech Zega hard luggage too. One issue on these bikes are the rockers. They seem to fail early, around 6,000-15,000 miles. Not a deal breaker as they are about $150 and are very easy to replace. I'm taking a spare set with me. I have a BMW 1200GS and a Ducati 1100S Monster also but I think if I could only have one bike it would be this one. Keep up the good work. One more thing, I have a modded 10/22 takedown that fits perfectly in my hard bags.
I've got a 2009 KTM 690 Enduro R and just love it.
Nutn, you are the reason I finally took initiative to finally get a bike. I now wish I had gotten one as soon as I turned 18!! Thanks for all the adventuring video's Nutn. You'll find me on a R6 cruising around the bay area.
Hey Nutn, since you don't have enough room for a fuse box for switched power just rig up a heavy duty 12V relay. All you need is to tap into a switched source like the headlight, run a positive/negative from the battery and an inline fuse. The relay only costs a couple bucks and is the size of a 9V battery. You could still easily hide that somewhere on the bike and then not need to worry about draining your battery. I did it on my XT600 for the heated grips and it works great.
Don't care about motorcycles but love nutnfancy so he still gets my view. Keep the vids comin!!
Wow... Nutn approved and highly praised. I need one. Been looking for a second bike to hit the dirt when I'm not carving corners. Thank for the FULL review!
Incredible review of the KTM 690R. What a sweet bike, amazing ground clearance.
I like the way you made the bike sound too.
Btw, thanks for your service. Having the ability to ride those mountains and take the time to share, even though I know you are in your 2nd career, came at a cost of 20 + years of service. Enjoy "retirement" ;)))
No doubt an amazing machine, but even greater is where and how it takes you! Love the views and sunset at the end. Thanks for sharing.
I cant wait for more moto videos. moto camping, adventuring, dirtbiking, trips for food, love it all. Summer is here and I'm stoked to ride and go out and adventure. keeping my eye out for a survival break action shotgun I can take down and pack in my bag for some hunting while out moto camping.
I had a 525 MXC. A BEAST of an Enduro. One of my very favorite bikes of all times - and the 690 does everything better.
Good pick, Nutn.
Incredible land in this review. Another great great video Nutn - thank you!!
Yes, you can turn the ABS off. "Off road" mode turns ABS off on the rear only, which is important to be able to stop quickly off road or change direction quickly anywhere. KTM sells a ABS dongle that lets the bike start in this mode as a default, so I don't have to switch it each time. Full time and off are still available with the dongle. I mounted the frame sliders in your vid, but they interfered with my shins in a forward riding position. The Double take mirrors aren't perfect, but they are the best alternative to the dorky stock mirrors I have found. I tried a simple mod of melting some sand into the plastic ball with a small butane torch, and so far-problem solved. Now on to the suspension...
In the South when talking about motorcycles we say "ride" not drive. Not being critical, but does this hold true in other areas?
I ride my motorcycle and drive my car or truck.
Man you have got some fantastic videos. I'm making a Sci/fi pre apocalypses movie and I have gotten great info from your videos thank you very much.
great review, I usually don't watch this part of your channel though. glad I did
Some guy tested K&N's a while back. They simply have much less surface area than a paper filter. So flow a similar amount of air, they have much larger pores. They offer very little advantage when clean, and after only a little dirt they flow LESS well. The bigger pores allow more dirt into the motor, and the reduced surface area mean they clog up in a fraction of the time.
Nice review, that looks like the Little Lyman & Mirror Lake areas in the uinta mountains. Maybe that's not where you were but still awesome places to go ride and explore.
You're killing me Nutn! I just started looking for a lightweight dual sport with quality suspension and decent power. I've had a Super Tenere and currently a Multistrada, and they're just way too heavy to be wandering very far from pavement. Sure some guy on the internets is tearing around on these >500lb 'dirt bikes' (cue Chris Birch), but Long Way Round showed us that normal dudes will have a very very difficult time. The 690 enduro is at the upper limit for weight and price. I was looking at the WR250R, as it and the 690 are about they only fuel injected enduro bikes with a standard service interval, but I just don't think I'll be satisfied with a 250cc on the street with it being parked next to a fire breathing 150hp superbike on stilts (Multistrada).
I run saddlebags on my z1000. I bought a 4" roll of clear lamin-x and covered the whole tail section in it. You cant see any of it with the saddlebags on and it is pretty hard to tell its there with them off. Definitely worth the protection.
I'm not familiar with apple products, but you use an ipod for music, and the iphone for navigation? Is the iphone not capable of playing music to bluetooth headphones and navigation at the same time?
Love it Nutn, had a friend recommend this bike. Thought about it for months finally found an 09 with low miles and bought it. Rails canyons and rips single track. I didn't think a bike could do what this does! Amazing street handling too even with Continental TKC tires. Been hoping you'd review it and one day there it is....reviewed. Got my Scotts from Slaven's, got the rear brake lever in the cart. Thanks for reviewing the bike.
I like this review, I also have a 14 , 690. The Abs can be turned off or placed in off road mode by adding the bad fuel dongle. I agree with your review, I feel the bike is geared excellent for roadways but a little high for any type of super tight riding
Awesome in depth review like always! I would watch some videos on how you do your mods like you did for duracoat. Keep up the good work!
beautiful country! not much to look at here in baltimore😣 I'll be in the WV mountains soon can't wait to adventure thanks for the video nutn
Nutn, I love the moto stuff, I recently bought a '93 honda africa twin (low on money) to travel and do some smalltime dirt riding, it's no dirtbike but if I pick my 'fights' right I have a lot of fun (i do have a small dirtbike for the dirty work :) ). If possible keep the moto stuff going, I'll be watching, you can be sure of that :)
+nutnfancy what bike would you advise for a tall guy to do a long adventure on (7 - 14 days) hauling camping gear or even maybe pulling a bike camping trailer. but still excellent for the mon-fri commute?
Great video I got a lot out of it. I just bought a used KTM 690 2014 same year and looking to do some modifications to my and your video helped me a lot in what to buy. My question is where was the area that you show the mountains so I can look it up to go ride there my self?
Another drawback of the safari tank is that it increases the side pick up weight of the 690. One of the biggest benefits of a rear subframe tank is that it get the weight of the bike much lower to the ground, so picking it up off its side is much lighter. I think (if memory serves me) the stock 690r is about 80 lbs to pick up off its side. To compare, my DRZ400s is about 115lbs to pick up off its side. That doesn't sound like much, but on an hard enduro trail, if you're having a bad day, you may drop your bike 10 times... So that's ten times I have to lift 110lbs. A lighter side pickup weight means you're using fewer calories to ride, so you can ride longer.
What is the windscreen that you have on there?
Been waiting so long for this one!!!
Hey nuttin, did you ever consider a Ural sidecar for off-road and all the gear you haul? They are slow but go anywhere with 2 wheel drive
wat screen are you using here?
Doodle says MORE POWER!
Thx, nutn - enjoyed this review...
Been waiting for this review for a long time even though I don't fit on the bike. Thanks.
Nutn! Love all your vids dude! Any chance you would get your hands on a Kawasaki Versys 650 for a review?? Good luck in all adventuring with you and your family!
Depending on the size of your dog,
If you attach some rigid milk crates on your bike, You can haul all kinds of stuff including a 25lb dog.
The reason I want a dirt bike with street legal features is the same reason as you Nutn, I want to be able to ride to the trail, not load up the pickup truck.
Great review! I love my Suzuki DR650 These big singles are just too much fun.
Nutn. You need to post up some of that single track riding!
Hey nutnfancy I am looking at 4 wheeler do you have a take on them or know some to watch that will give good advice like you
hey +nutnfancy would you ever do some more reviews on other motorcycles? love you're gun reviews BTW.
I am 5'9"w/ 29" inseam could barely tippy toe. Had the suspension lowered 1" internally and Kuda link and I'm ok with that. For power to accessories look behind the headlight you will find two wires with grounds, one is hot all the time the other shuts off with ignition that's were I sourced power for my charger.
I'm pumped! This is the exact bike I want!
Is it legal to install a holster (with a pistol in it), say, right up under the windscreen, or below the handlebars somewhere, purely for Secondkindacool purposes?
ABS Can be shut off for off road by holding i believe the bottom button on the speedo until the abs light is flashing. Have to redo overtime you start it. It will reset to activate abs upon restart.
Hey Nutn! Lookin for the links! Love the vids man! KTM rocks!!
Nice bike! Just got myself 990R adventure. Thinking I'll add the 690 next. Oh I just replaced my headlight bulb with the cyclops led bulb. You should get one for this bike. Very reasonable and super bright for right at $70.
*****Good review, loved it. Great for guys like me who aren't really into the gun thing. For some reason I presumed you had already done a review on this bike, but I couldn't find it.... Cheers. (from south australia)
can this easily be converted to a Motard? can you just swap out the wheels back and forth or does the brake scalipers come into the equation?
+nutnfancy would you suggest improving / stiffening the suspension for better load capacity? Great video by the way, very detailed. Keep up the good work!
Rocky Mountain ATV MC has a great KTM 690 enduro build that I used to build mine, I also have the Husky 6day I'm working on.
I've been contemplating buying a Honda Grom. I am not a experienced rider. I've only ridden dirtbikes a handful of times and once I rode a 70's model Trail 90 in a parking lot. I'm not looking to go fast on a motorcycle especially with my inexperience level. Im just looking for something to ride to work (which is a 15 minute ride across town) and save on gas because sometimes I travel to and from work three or four times a day. I'm interested in the Grom because it's affordable and I like the idea of being the original owner.
My biggest question and concern is I am 6 foot tall 230 pounds, only having sat on it a few times it feels comfortable to my shorter legs but I'm not sure about how well it will operate for someone that weighs as much as I do?
I was hoping that Tactical Doodle and Nutnfancy might be able to come up with some data points and or opinions based upon your guys's knowledge of motorcycles that might aid me in my final decision whether or not I purchase one. also I plan on buying something with two wheels for my 30th birthday in April. Thanks for you guys this time and consideration.
The way my back is, I'll stick to my V-Strom 650 Adventure for a better ride. It still has plenty of ground clearance. How would you compare this bike to your KTM 690?
I'm seriously considering getting the 690 enduro r, one problem though, I'm 6'6 315 pounds. yes that would mean I would weigh more than the bike. what are your thoughts and opinions on this?
Love the review, I'm torn between getting this or a newer bmw s1000rr for the track and 690 of course for all the trails I have around my area.
I would love to have this bike but the price tag is a bit much for me at this time, I went with the WR250R, 26k miles before the first valve check is needed so it is extremely low maintenance, in stock form is cruises at 70 easily which surprised me for a 250cc, feels great on the road and is light and easy to flick around off road. Many people stiffen the spring rate for loading gear and use them as adventure bikes. A do-able alternative if you don't have the 11k for a ktm690
so how is its reliability, what will break first? :) I will rather take xt660z tenere into the mountains or desert with over twice the range of 690 enduro rr.
I have this bike and I agree with your comments 100%. If you can only have one ride and like getting into remote spots this is the bike for you. I was riding with it in Maine this year and during the same day we were carving up mountain highways and brutal power line trails. It's expensive but worth it.
Earned a sub. I always loved these bikes
+nutnfancy Have you ever ridin a DRZ400? If so, how do they compare? Is the KTM really worth the extra 5k??
Nutn you ran a Suzukis before. What are your thoughts on the DR650? I own one and love it. It's a very very simple dirt bike with interstate capabilities.
Get the Drz 400 less of a hog!
+YoJewFriend if you look up the specs, I believe the 400 is 332lbs and the 650 is 360lbs. For me the simplicity and top end made up for 30lbs.
+Mike Halverson I got a DRZ400 recently, I know this comment means nothing but I come on the internet to feel special...
DarkMatter946 You are, don't let anyone tell you different!
+Mike Halverson I got the super moto! I don't want the extra wait. I just wish they would make the Drz line up with six gears, a 450 engine, and fuel injection!
when are you going to do a review on the 1190? that's a great bike also
Looks like a great logging road cruiser!
You use tape as an abrasion shield? No JB Weld mod?
Hey NUTN or DOODLE,
im curious. "if" you guys were going to tote a bayonet on your LBE in 2015 what would it be? and why?
hey nutnfancy and other tnpers, I have been a fan for a while now, and have watched this video about 20 times, I am 17 and am about to buy a jeep wrangler or a another capable 4wd off road vehicle, and want to get a duel sport motorcycle as well to ride around to save gas and go on trails, kinda like you have. Everything you stated in this video i know i want the ktm 690 but i know i cant afford one because how perfect they are i currently weigh 135 pounds and 6ft 2. I love dirt biking, camping and just going on road trips. Any other ideas under 10k? and possibly able to hold a passenger, ergonomics are major
If you could only have 1 bike, would it be the 690? I'm leaning toward it more than the 1190 for some reason.
what would you recommend for a bike with the same pou as this bike but no mods
What is the best way to introduce the idea of purchasing a motorcycle to a spouse? We also appreciate the moto vids nutn!
What location is that ? Beautiful view!
Have you looked into the new Honda Africa twin crf 1000 twin better piston speed than having a single on the highway but heavy vs the 690
what's the difference between dual sport and adventure touring motorcycles??
Sweet bike, you just have to put a price tag on being cool. I took a KLX 300 and made it street legal with homemade saddle bags for less than $2200. I am 5' 8" and it is tough to find the right bike being short. Cut the seat , kuba links and it was still tall in the rocks off camber. It is happy at 55mph and at under 300 lbs it would be in my opinion the best trail bike for the price. When any bike is loaded, you are in minivan mode. You still left everything at home when the bike is loaded to max. Backcounty bike camping is the coolest thing you can do "once". Not having what you want with you, no beer, no dog, a broken fishing pole because you took a digger, it's tough. I'm saying this because you might not like it after you dumped 10 grand. Larger bike and fire roads is a lot easier. No bike does both great. Decide if you want more dirt capability or more road capability. The KlX is a great trail bike and works when packed. This is based on not having 10K to drop and being short and trail ride-ability preferred. Tall rich guys, the choices are open. The better rider you are will allow you to ride a larger, heavy bike with less spilled blood. Not being a good rider, light and low is good.
Can you list all of your mods, it would be easier than watching the whole thing again and taking note, thank you if you can.
I wish my KTM 525 was street legal
I still love it. How much heavier does the 690 feel than the 500
Great review of this bike. I am in the market for a dual sport bike. I wonder why KTM would not sell a bike to E. McGregor when he and his brother drove around the world.
P.S. Bought the Cold Steel #11HCM HOLD OUT 111. It is all you said in the review. Thanks.
Love this type of review so much!
Are you going to review/ride the 2016 Husqvarna 701 Enduro?
I want something along the lines of this or a super moto one day. Too many great back roads here in Colorado to pass up.
***** Good to know they make it with SM wheels.
Great Review! Been waiting a long time for this!! I have a CB500X from Honda. Get a URAL and take Allie!!!
Nutnfancy got me into adventure motorcycling through my love of guns. eveRide ADV got me interested in the DRZ400.
Nutn, Would you consider a length of 5.9 and weight of 163 lb too small for the KTM 690?
+mattman815 Thx for the answer but I am more thinking about being able to reach the ground when seated.
+mattman815 ok, thx. Gonna look further into this model :)
+Dronston What's more important than your height is your inseam length. If you have short legs relative to your height, it will be more difficult. Even more important than that, however, is how experienced you are as a motorcycle rider. Not being able to easily touch the ground isn't a big deal if you have experience, but combining that with being new to riding in general may not be a good idea (not sure how much riding experience you have).
Your best bet would be to check out a local KTM dealer if you can and try sitting on one.
+Warner K You are right, I guess I have normal proportions. I am a medium experienced rider (riding a Honda CBR F3 atm) and I know just being able to use the tips of your feet usually is enough.
+Warner K You are totally right about the inseam. Mine is 30" and on some KTMs I'm dangling my feet with 8" to the ground.
I know about hanging a cheek but I think I need to find a lesser tall bike than a KTM to start the learning process.
Just picked up a used 2016 690E. Check your airbox for dust. I was swapping in a KTM foam filter that came with the bike when I noticed fine dust in the air box. It's at the local KTM dealer right now for a leak down test and bore scope under warranty-fingers crossed as good KTM mechanics are hard to find. I will go to the aftermarket, as the stock air box is a POS, with reports of dirt ingestion going back to the bikes debut 8 years ago. Yes, I've read about work arounds using the stock lid, but the fact is that it is not up to the task under high heat & vacuum operating conditions. C'mon, KTM, get it together.
+Older&Wiser It baffles me how insulated their engineering dept. seems to be about dirt. I know in theory they're aware of the existence of fine, desert-like sand, but they still have problems like this. How do they think these things are just running around a loamy austrian forest trail all the time? If I were them, I'd put Noah Horak on permanent consultant status. -TD
Great review.. thanks for the video
brilliant review
I'm looking for the kind of on/off road bike you can kick, beat, throw off a cliff, and fix with a tin can and gaffer tape and get back on like nothing happened. Any suggestions?
+Tango Down ROKON
***** Thanks. Definitely not the best looking things, are they? But hey, if they work then I can deal with it.
Tango Down Yea, not the best looking bike, but they will go where nothing else can including a mule. Two wheel drive, you can get a single track trailer to carry more than enough gear, like 800 pounds worth. Most bearings are the same one, and can be sourced from pretty much any hardware store. You can ride real slow, very slow and bike won't fall over, climb over logs, etc. Snow not a problem, it will even pull a plow. Half tractor, half bike. Watch a video on youtube called "Rokon Trailer".
In my area at least, you can tag this bike for Medium speed roads. With some sprocket swaps and a racing go kart engine, you may even be able to swing highway tags. There is a racing go kart engine you can get about 18 horsepower out of, and still crank with the rope.
A survival bike, I don't think anything else even comes close. It's not fast, but it will do things you can't do on any other bike. I even figured out how to go from the East Coast to the West Coast without stopping to refuel, and that's with survival gear.
+FullSpectrum Survivalist My friend Ron, which is mentioned in many of my 690R videos is also known a RokonRon. If you ask, he will tell you the 690R is the bike to go with, and he is the reason I bought mine.
telerover That depends on what you want it for doesn't it?
My 950SM has been collecting dust ever since I got my 690SMC. Gotta get some knobbies for it lol.
He said, funner! That's more gooder man! Always like your vids nutn".
Hey nutn, you should review the vortex viper pst 1-4 & 2.5-10.