I test rode all the KTM range (690, GG700, Husky701) on several occasions at different events and they never felt "right" to me and the motors were just not to my liking needing to rev like that. I rode the AJP one time at an event and was sold. I don't need the aggressiveness of the KTM line of bikes and the AJP comes with so much already in place vs the KTM lineup. I only needed to add a rear rack for loads and chose to update the fuel filler (ask any PR7 owner....your mates are filled up and on a second coffee when you finally get the PR7 filled stock) and will do a few other recommended changes but no major purchases for this bike to do what I like. Its easier to work on and super simple. Agree, you don't get ABS and riding modes, but you just have to keep that in mind when riding. All of my other ADV bikes are old 1st gen anyway with no technology so I'm used to it. Only issue is dealer network for most of world. Even here in western Europe its semi scarce but they are responsive (being a small company) to questions and parts requirements. I have about 4000km on my AJP and really enjoy it. I would rank it in the top 3 bikes out of over 50 I've owned for fun factor and man I do love when other riders or kids on the street give me a big thumbs up because it looks the part stock. Great videos on a little covered bike!!
@@gsj-66 Wow over 50 bikes and it's in your top 3... Glad to hear such positivity as I reckon this bike was made for me so glad it's suits other people as well 😉 Thanks for watching and the experienced comments Regards Steve
Nice comparison, had a 690 for several years before the 790R and 890R. Just loved it. Been riding the PR7 on extended testrides and i really like it. It really comes as a very capable package out of the box. Keep it up! ✊️✊️
Thanks a ton and hello the States. I've been off-roading my KTM 990 since new in 08 and love, love, love it. However, it is getting older and so am I at 60. When I bought the 990, few knew what it was and that was kinda cool. The PR7 seems similar...especially in it's simplicity and fun to ride category. They are rare here in the States so seeing one, much less riding one is almost impossible. Therefore, these kinds of reviews are invaluable....thanks. I was wondering if the PR7 responds to smaller front or bigger rear sprockets to help in in slow, more technical terrain. I've done that to all my other ADV bikes and it has always helped. Thanks again for your video and looking forward to getting back down to your fantastic country. Cheers from the mountains, canyons, and deserts of Utah.
Hi Todd, thanks for your reply. To be honest I have not played around with the sprockets on my bike it is the stock gearing and it works for me. I agree with you on changing front and rear sprockets can help with a particular type of riding. I just use my AJP for big trips and ADV style riding, for this the stock gearing is perfect. If you were going to do some technical slower style riding I would increase the rear sprocket size as I feel like it adds a bit more torque down low that's my gut feel. I have just come back from a 4 day trip up into NSW which was my first trip back from a hip replacement so to say it was fun is an understatement. I do love the PR7 it is very easy to get along with. I would love to ride the BDR's you have in the States one day particularly Utah looks amazing. A great place to live for an ADV rider. Thanks for watching, Regards Steve
I've never ridden an AJP nor seen one in the flesh, and I've probably spent collectively an hour on a 690 which I was quite impressed with. I've owned a DR650 and frankly I sold it as it was hands down the most boring bike I've ever owned. But for me, with all that I've seen, read and heard, it'll be a PR7 for me when I have the funds to make it happen. I too like simple bikes and my limited experience with KTM ownership has not been great. Great comparison, thank you.
The PR7 was the only bike I seriously considered as an alternative to the 701e. I'm pretty sure I'd have been completely happy with the PR7 but I was worried about how far away the closest dealer was (2-3 hours vs. 35 minutes for the 701). But I did end up with the 701 and set it up for ADV (TAT/BDR riding in the US)... and at that sort of riding it IS very fast. I think these two bikes are probably likely to be the fastest bikes for long ADV tours on routes like US BDR's (at least with bigger guys)... possibly the Kove might be close and certainly the ktm 500's might also if you're willing to ignore dealer service intervals (I'm not), though the smaller bikes will struggle on fast dirt road and occasional paved sections we have to deal with. I did put a Scotts damper on the 701 and I'm glad I did... on silty/sandy roads I turn it up and it keeps hidden ruts from throwing me off like used to happen without the damper (or "as often" at least). Given how I tend to ride fast on offroad adv I think the 701 might be a BIT better fit for my riding style than the PR7... but as I said I think I'd have adjusted to the pr7.
@@kuhndj67 Yeah valid point's both these bikes you talk about are great options and only a few minor points seperating them. As U say access to a dealer or a bias to one sort of riding terrain can be enough to sway you. Both great bikes. Thanks for watching Regards Steve
@@MrEtnorb Plenty of support actually. Very few shiny showrooms but plenty of support. Local importer is easy to get in contact with and parts only a click away. Cathy the parts girl is brilliant and always responds quickly. Factory in Portugal also responds quickly allowing for time zones. I find them brilliant. Don't mistake shiny showrooms for support. KTM have tons of shiny showrooms but in the case of the recent cam issues your on your own. With a good local dealer hopefully they will support you but not always. Remember simple bike to work on and maintain so for me in the two years I've owned it I've had no need for a dealer. Appreciate your thoughts 🤔 Thanks for watching Regards Steve
I went on the AJP site for a look, finding out that the bike costs over 19k in Australia turned me off straight up. I went 690, it still needs mods and is expensive in its own right. Should be comparing the 19 and up model.
Yeah agreed the price new is an issue for me as well. (Bought my AJP second hand so it was bargain) I was comparing the later model 690/701as I have owned the 2018 model but ridden two of the later 2019 on models. All the tech I talk about on the 690's is on the later models and not the bike I owned. The reality here is it is great to have these two offerings in Australia they really hit the mark for me on lots of levels. Sorry for the late reply forgot to get back to you on this one Regards Steve
So here’s s a question for you AJP riders (bare with me please) - I primarily ride older off road bikes like ‘86 BMW R80GS where not having ABS is not really an issue because, well, they never really just stop when you brake, like built in ABS ;). But when I ride new bikes like KTM (and AJP I suspect, thus the question) those brakes are instant and hard without ABS. But I read that AJP does not have ABS, how long does it take to learn the really delicate braking I assume you have to use to avoid the front tire sliding out from under you all the time? Or am I totally misunderstanding how that works?
@@chrismottes67 Yeah good question. I personally hate abs, the technology is for people who can't drive a car or ride a bike well. I grew up driving manual cars with pretty crude drum brakes. You learnt pretty quickly you can't steer when the brakes are locked up. But locking the brakes is the fastest way to pull up by far. If U are coming to a stop in a straight line U can lock up all four wheels no problem but if at any stage U have to steer around something U release the brake pressure to get back your steering. I do this by simple instinct Now on a motorbike U have front and back brakes so a little different. On tar U use mostly front brake but on loose gravel U use mostly back brakes. But the same rules apply. Nothing wrong with locking the brakes up in a straight line but if U want steering as well to avoid an obstacle you will need to release some of the pressure to the rear and all of the pressure to the front. Again I do this by instinct so when a bike has abs I lose some of that control over the bike, I don't get to choose how much brake I require. For me ABS is dangerous. If U are a shit rider/ driver it is safer. I can brake a lot faster than someone on an abs equipped bike. Do some slow speed experimenting without abs in a car and U will work it out no problem. Drive on a gravel road, lock the brakes up, note how U have no steering and release the brakes when U want your steering back. Do it on a bike but never lock the front up obviously. Lock the back up and when U want steering release brake pressure. Hope this helps regards Steve
Agreed like you I grew up with drum brakes and no ABS, and my ‘86 BM does have a disc but even so I would really have to yank the brake handle to get it to lock up. I just notice that the slightest touch on a modern bike will lock up the front wheel without ABS. But I guess the conclusion of your comment is that there is more room to squeeze and control the stopping power than I feared :)
@chrismottes67 Yeah I know what U mean the old Yamaha 350 has a lot more input required but the modern brakes are fine I have no problems with any bikes I've owned. Good luck 😁
Steve, I have to ask about vibrations to the grips and bars running single cylinders bikes between these two. Any feedback on the feedback of these two bikes? Lol, pardon the pun 😂
@@markrichardson8382 That is ripping pun. Yeah the 2018 690 might have a tad more vibration than the PR7 but that's mainly the bigger engine. Have ridden a couple of the later models with the extra counter balance shaft and effectively they are probably the same now. To be honest I don't notice any vibration as I don't grip the handle bars very tight. It is very minimal on both bikes I would say but I appreciate it is a very personal thing Thanks for watching Regards Steve
PR7. I rode the KTM range at several events (including Touratech Active Adventure and EAT ARC) where they had some challenging and rough test courses. Didn't like them on the slow technical sections and climbs. If I was going to live in the desert with wide open country, yes the KTM line I might go with (or not!!). But for fire roads, slow riding the AJP is just more comfortable, more neutral seating position and tractable motor.
Hi Bill, I have watched a lot of your video's on the PR7 which gave me confidence to buy one myself so thanks for that. I agree the PR7 is a better option and I certainly love mine. Thanks for watching, Regards Steve
Give it time and the pr7 will sell more and more … a lot of people want exactly of what that bike deliver… idon t have the money and i am short so crf300l for me but would really like one in the future What they should really do is a more off road version of it…no tower no tablet a tad less high 1.5 pound less expensive and would sell like chips…
@@silvioperugini5890 Yeah there's an interesting thought a enduro version I like it..... Price is an issue you are right. I bought mine second hand so it was not a concern for me but if I had to buy new.... Mmmmm Thanks for watching Regards Steve
@@dirtbikeadv nice you didn't bite, good aussie humour radar - of course a different bike to the pr7 🙂 they are nice them Portugese models and if my 500 ever lets go, who knows...
@@ogasi1798 Lmfao it's simple just respect other people's opinions. I'll be doing a vid on the 500 soon. My mate Brendan has one with a tower. Freakin awesome set up.
I love your new series, crusing in memory lane...
Well done mate 🎉.
Excellent fair comparison. AJP PR7 for me after owning 3x 690s. Good bikes but for al the reasons you stated PR7 tops them.
I test rode all the KTM range (690, GG700, Husky701) on several occasions at different events and they never felt "right" to me and the motors were just not to my liking needing to rev like that. I rode the AJP one time at an event and was sold. I don't need the aggressiveness of the KTM line of bikes and the AJP comes with so much already in place vs the KTM lineup. I only needed to add a rear rack for loads and chose to update the fuel filler (ask any PR7 owner....your mates are filled up and on a second coffee when you finally get the PR7 filled stock) and will do a few other recommended changes but no major purchases for this bike to do what I like. Its easier to work on and super simple. Agree, you don't get ABS and riding modes, but you just have to keep that in mind when riding. All of my other ADV bikes are old 1st gen anyway with no technology so I'm used to it. Only issue is dealer network for most of world. Even here in western Europe its semi scarce but they are responsive (being a small company) to questions and parts requirements. I have about 4000km on my AJP and really enjoy it. I would rank it in the top 3 bikes out of over 50 I've owned for fun factor and man I do love when other riders or kids on the street give me a big thumbs up because it looks the part stock. Great videos on a little covered bike!!
@@gsj-66 Wow over 50 bikes and it's in your top 3... Glad to hear such positivity as I reckon this bike was made for me so glad it's suits other people as well 😉
Thanks for watching and the experienced comments
Regards Steve
Nice comparison, had a 690 for several years before the 790R and 890R. Just loved it. Been riding the PR7 on extended testrides and i really like it. It really comes as a very capable package out of the box. Keep it up! ✊️✊️
Good comparison based on real experience - thanks.
That said the PR7 is my unicorn too..
Thanks for the first proper comparison I have found! AJP was my choice as well
Thanks a ton and hello the States. I've been off-roading my KTM 990 since new in 08 and love, love, love it. However, it is getting older and so am I at 60. When I bought the 990, few knew what it was and that was kinda cool. The PR7 seems similar...especially in it's simplicity and fun to ride category. They are rare here in the States so seeing one, much less riding one is almost impossible. Therefore, these kinds of reviews are invaluable....thanks. I was wondering if the PR7 responds to smaller front or bigger rear sprockets to help in in slow, more technical terrain. I've done that to all my other ADV bikes and it has always helped. Thanks again for your video and looking forward to getting back down to your fantastic country. Cheers from the mountains, canyons, and deserts of Utah.
Hi Todd, thanks for your reply. To be honest I have not played around with the sprockets on my bike it is the stock gearing and it works for me. I agree with you on changing front and rear sprockets can help with a particular type of riding. I just use my AJP for big trips and ADV style riding, for this the stock gearing is perfect. If you were going to do some technical slower style riding I would increase the rear sprocket size as I feel like it adds a bit more torque down low that's my gut feel.
I have just come back from a 4 day trip up into NSW which was my first trip back from a hip replacement so to say it was fun is an understatement. I do love the PR7 it is very easy to get along with.
I would love to ride the BDR's you have in the States one day particularly Utah looks amazing. A great place to live for an ADV rider.
Thanks for watching, Regards Steve
The only thing I would disagree with you is that you are an expert 👌 Amazing comparison. Thanks.
@@greatfallskam Thanks bud 👍
I've never ridden an AJP nor seen one in the flesh, and I've probably spent collectively an hour on a 690 which I was quite impressed with. I've owned a DR650 and frankly I sold it as it was hands down the most boring bike I've ever owned. But for me, with all that I've seen, read and heard, it'll be a PR7 for me when I have the funds to make it happen. I too like simple bikes and my limited experience with KTM ownership has not been great. Great comparison, thank you.
The PR7 was the only bike I seriously considered as an alternative to the 701e. I'm pretty sure I'd have been completely happy with the PR7 but I was worried about how far away the closest dealer was (2-3 hours vs. 35 minutes for the 701). But I did end up with the 701 and set it up for ADV (TAT/BDR riding in the US)... and at that sort of riding it IS very fast. I think these two bikes are probably likely to be the fastest bikes for long ADV tours on routes like US BDR's (at least with bigger guys)... possibly the Kove might be close and certainly the ktm 500's might also if you're willing to ignore dealer service intervals (I'm not), though the smaller bikes will struggle on fast dirt road and occasional paved sections we have to deal with.
I did put a Scotts damper on the 701 and I'm glad I did... on silty/sandy roads I turn it up and it keeps hidden ruts from throwing me off like used to happen without the damper (or "as often" at least).
Given how I tend to ride fast on offroad adv I think the 701 might be a BIT better fit for my riding style than the PR7... but as I said I think I'd have adjusted to the pr7.
@@kuhndj67 Yeah valid point's both these bikes you talk about are great options and only a few minor points seperating them. As U say access to a dealer or a bias to one sort of riding terrain can be enough to sway you. Both great bikes.
Thanks for watching Regards Steve
Have a look at how manyPR7s are for sale in Australia. None. Great concept but where is the support?
@@MrEtnorb Plenty of support actually. Very few shiny showrooms but plenty of support. Local importer is easy to get in contact with and parts only a click away. Cathy the parts girl is brilliant and always responds quickly. Factory in Portugal also responds quickly allowing for time zones. I find them brilliant.
Don't mistake shiny showrooms for support. KTM have tons of shiny showrooms but in the case of the recent cam issues your on your own. With a good local dealer hopefully they will support you but not always.
Remember simple bike to work on and maintain so for me in the two years I've owned it I've had no need for a dealer.
Appreciate your thoughts 🤔
Thanks for watching Regards Steve
AJP by far tops 👍
I went on the AJP site for a look, finding out that the bike costs over 19k in Australia turned me off straight up.
I went 690, it still needs mods and is expensive in its own right. Should be comparing the 19 and up model.
Yeah agreed the price new is an issue for me as well. (Bought my AJP second hand so it was bargain)
I was comparing the later model 690/701as I have owned the 2018 model but ridden two of the later 2019 on models. All the tech I talk about on the 690's is on the later models and not the bike I owned.
The reality here is it is great to have these two offerings in Australia they really hit the mark for me on lots of levels.
Sorry for the late reply forgot to get back to you on this one
Regards Steve
So here’s s a question for you AJP riders (bare with me please) - I primarily ride older off road bikes like ‘86 BMW R80GS where not having ABS is not really an issue because, well, they never really just stop when you brake, like built in ABS ;). But when I ride new bikes like KTM (and AJP I suspect, thus the question) those brakes are instant and hard without ABS. But I read that AJP does not have ABS, how long does it take to learn the really delicate braking I assume you have to use to avoid the front tire sliding out from under you all the time? Or am I totally misunderstanding how that works?
@@chrismottes67 Yeah good question. I personally hate abs, the technology is for people who can't drive a car or ride a bike well. I grew up driving manual cars with pretty crude drum brakes. You learnt pretty quickly you can't steer when the brakes are locked up. But locking the brakes is the fastest way to pull up by far. If U are coming to a stop in a straight line U can lock up all four wheels no problem but if at any stage U have to steer around something U release the brake pressure to get back your steering. I do this by simple instinct
Now on a motorbike U have front and back brakes so a little different. On tar U use mostly front brake but on loose gravel U use mostly back brakes. But the same rules apply. Nothing wrong with locking the brakes up in a straight line but if U want steering as well to avoid an obstacle you will need to release some of the pressure to the rear and all of the pressure to the front. Again I do this by instinct so when a bike has abs I lose some of that control over the bike, I don't get to choose how much brake I require.
For me ABS is dangerous. If U are a shit rider/ driver it is safer. I can brake a lot faster than someone on an abs equipped bike.
Do some slow speed experimenting without abs in a car and U will work it out no problem. Drive on a gravel road, lock the brakes up, note how U have no steering and release the brakes when U want your steering back.
Do it on a bike but never lock the front up obviously. Lock the back up and when U want steering release brake pressure.
Hope this helps regards Steve
Agreed like you I grew up with drum brakes and no ABS, and my ‘86 BM does have a disc but even so I would really have to yank the brake handle to get it to lock up. I just notice that the slightest touch on a modern bike will lock up the front wheel without ABS. But I guess the conclusion of your comment is that there is more room to squeeze and control the stopping power than I feared :)
@chrismottes67 Yeah I know what U mean the old Yamaha 350 has a lot more input required but the modern brakes are fine I have no problems with any bikes I've owned. Good luck 😁
Much Enjoyment 👍😎
AJP for me 😂
Steve, I have to ask about vibrations to the grips and bars running single cylinders bikes between these two. Any feedback on the feedback of these two bikes? Lol, pardon the pun 😂
@@markrichardson8382 That is ripping pun. Yeah the 2018 690 might have a tad more vibration than the PR7 but that's mainly the bigger engine. Have ridden a couple of the later models with the extra counter balance shaft and effectively they are probably the same now. To be honest I don't notice any vibration as I don't grip the handle bars very tight. It is very minimal on both bikes I would say but I appreciate it is a very personal thing
Thanks for watching Regards Steve
So which is the better option for slow riding the fire trails and dirt roads?
Go for the PR7! Both will do it but the PR7 will be more comfortable!
PR7. I rode the KTM range at several events (including Touratech Active Adventure and EAT ARC) where they had some challenging and rough test courses. Didn't like them on the slow technical sections and climbs. If I was going to live in the desert with wide open country, yes the KTM line I might go with (or not!!). But for fire roads, slow riding the AJP is just more comfortable, more neutral seating position and tractable motor.
@@gsj-66 Yeah good to hear someone with experience on both bikes and the same thoughts. Thanks for watching Regards Steve
AJP PR7 all day long - owned both - still have PR7…😜🏴
Hi Bill, I have watched a lot of your video's on the PR7 which gave me confidence to buy one myself so thanks for that. I agree the PR7 is a better option and I certainly love mine.
Thanks for watching, Regards Steve
Easy question, simple answer! If one is a KTM the answer is: the other bike!
@@wolfganglueger1691 Yeah l do believe they can be overrated a bit too 😁
Give it time and the pr7 will sell more and more … a lot of people want exactly of what that bike deliver… idon t have the money and i am short so crf300l for me but would really like one in the future
What they should really do is a more off road version of it…no tower no tablet a tad less high
1.5 pound less expensive and would sell like chips…
@@silvioperugini5890 Yeah there's an interesting thought a enduro version I like it..... Price is an issue you are right. I bought mine second hand so it was not a concern for me but if I had to buy new.... Mmmmm
Thanks for watching Regards Steve
Hate all that crap they put on me bike. Half the people could even ride the basics. What they need a quick shifter for.
@@kenkl5204 Yeah KISS...... Keep it simple stupid 😉
Clearly AJP ! Comfort, suspension far better made, and most important…its safe at high speed offroad
@@NMAdv some bikes seems to “take care about you” at speed….PR7 is one of them few
@@NMAdv just try the bike, and you will understand..
the only sensible choice is the ktm exc500
@@ogasi1798Yep great bike and of the light weight ADV bikes the best by a country mile.
@@dirtbikeadv nice you didn't bite, good aussie humour radar - of course a different bike to the pr7 🙂 they are nice them Portugese models and if my 500 ever lets go, who knows...
@@ogasi1798 Lmfao it's simple just respect other people's opinions. I'll be doing a vid on the 500 soon. My mate Brendan has one with a tower. Freakin awesome set up.