The KTM 690 as daily ride.

[2StrokeDan]

Use mine often around town, yes it is naughty, but a lot of fun, always have a smile at your destination.

Just got to watch out for pavements,  It keeps jumping on them, also does not go around traffic circles.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

Ja, pavements, and trailers.

[wolf skaap]

All personal preference.

I used to commute with a Husaberg 550 (which might make a 690 feel like a boring, overweight pig)
As much fun as it was, it felt wrong using it to commute.

Same goes for the 690, albeit in smaller quantities.

You may be surprised how well the 690 actually goes in the real offroad stuff, GJ's son Rensie gave us a bit of a lesson the other day on his 690. We were all on plastics.
I know that if he was on a plastic he would have been even quicker.

The 690 is far from a boring, overweight pig, in the right hands.

I'm sure.
My point was aimed at perceptions.
The 550 has the same power to weight as the 950se, while weighing less than 110kg..

Imagine commuting with a top fuel dragster; There is a gray zone where ultimate thrill becomes ultimate sacrifice and its up to the individual to determine its boundaries.
So, the answer to the OP is that yes it can be done and its up to him to decide if its something he can live with

[Dwerg]

All personal preference.

I used to commute with a Husaberg 550 (which might make a 690 feel like a boring, overweight pig)
As much fun as it was, it felt wrong using it to commute.

Same goes for the 690, albeit in smaller quantities.

You may be surprised how well the 690 actually goes in the real offroad stuff, GJ's son Rensie gave us a bit of a lesson the other day on his 690. We were all on plastics.
I know that if he was on a plastic he would have been even quicker.

The 690 is far from a boring, overweight pig, in the right hands.

I'm sure.
My point was aimed at perceptions.
The 550 has the same power to weight as the 950se, while weighing less than 110kg..

Imagine commuting with a top fuel dragster; There is a gray zone where ultimate thrill becomes ultimate sacrifice and its up to the individual to determine its boundaries.
So, the answer to the OP is that yes it can be done and its up to him to decide if its something he can live with

The 690 is not far off when it comes to power to weight. I would guess something like 0.49 vs 0.51.

Lets go do a ride and swop bikes, I've always wanted to ride a 660Z. That way both of us can actually have a real opinion about the two, not an on paper opinion. I am constantly amazed by the 690. Ride it hard and it's a serious sharp tool, relax and cruise and it's surprisingly comfortable. And of course, it also has fully adjustable suspension unlike most DS bikes so you can set it up to suit your riding


EDIT: How much power does a 550 put out? I read stuff anywhere from 38 (on a dyno) up to 50 (claimed)

[Rough Rider]

Get a 950 SE and tick all your boxes one shot.

[wolf skaap]

Not only does it make 55hp,  but it has an unrivalled power band.
Some claim that the 690 doesn't have thumper-like bottom end, the 550 does.

On paper, it has almost the same power /weight as the 950se, but it's a total different experience riding a bike that's lighter than most 450's, with that much power and midrange.
On tar, it power-wheelies all the time while sitting on its tank and its shorter stroke makes it out accelerate the berg 650.
The light weight makes it very twitchy and combining a brutal midrange makes it crazy, but moerse fun.

Thanks for the offer but to be honest, 70k was the max I was willing to spend, and believe or not, I'm 100% content with my Z.
 
I'm afraid that riding your bike will just f*ck with my logic

It would be great to do a ride though!

[Dwerg]

Not only does it make 55hp,  but it has an unrivalled power band.
Some claim that the 690 doesn't have thumper-like bottom end, the 550 does.

That's crank, not rear wheel. My 690 read 64 on the dyno, with knobblies. Add a rally crank and it will go up to 70+. And I am not sure how many times I have to tell you this but the 690 is not a proper thumper, it likes to rev. That being said, low down power is better than you'd think.

Thanks for the offer but to be honest, 70k was the max I was willing to spend, and believe or not, I'm 100% content with my Z.
 

I am not trying to convince you to buy one, I was merely giving you the opportunity to ride one so that you'd have an informed opinion instead of just sucking things out your arse. But hey, as you were 

[wolf skaap]

Lol, so much nerd rage!

That's crank, not rear wheel.

.. instead of just sucking things out your arse. But hey, as you were  

Barbie calling Ken plastic  

This here, is a dyno chart from JD Jetting. (calibrated dyno)
It shows the 628cc husaberg, which as the exact bore as the 550cc but 12mm longer stroke, which means that the higher revving 550, is very close in terms of max hp.


Not crank, rear wheel.

And I am not sure how many times I have to tell you this but the 690 is not a proper thumper, it likes to rev.

You don't have to tell us that, we already know that, which is why we always refer to its "lack" of bottom end (at least those that's ridden it)

[Dirt Junkie]

Get a 950 SE and tick all your boxes one shot.

Weight

[wolf skaap]

To be blunt, there's a reason for it being discontinued.
Is it the best commuter? No
Is it the fastest? No
Is it the best in technical? No
Is it the best at cruising dirt roads? No
Is it the best at long distance? No
Questionable reliability? Yes

It's good at everything, but for some people, good isn't good enough.
I'd rather have something like a Z for long distance and commuting, a superbike for exhilaration, and a 450 for technical.

So like I said, it's up to the OP to decide if he's prepared to compromise everywhere.

[Dwerg]

Barbie calling Ken plastic  

I was asking. Not giving strong opinions about a bike I've never ridden, plus offering you a ride on mine so you could form a real opinion on it, good or bad. But, be an arse when someone is being generous, I think that's chapter one in "How to make friends"

[Regis Laconi]

I use my 2015 690 as a daily commute from Paarl to Worcestor.  It's about a 160 km commute daily.  Weekends I mess around Blouberg and once a month I do a Cederberg trip.  I'm very happy with the bike.  You can't do 140 km/h all day long, it will kill you, but the bike does sit happy at 115 - 125 km/h.  Fuel consumption is around 22.6 km/l.  The seat does kill your arse in the beginning, but after a while you get use to it.  I've got the KTM wind shield on mine and It works fine.  I think it's a very good all round bike.  I'll give it a solid 8 out of 10.

[Omninorm]

Get a 950 SE and tick all your boxes one shot.

Weight

Exactly.
I want to shed weight.

How can you not love this bike? 

A beaut indeed.

I am not a speed freak. My F800gs is PLENTY fast for me. In fact if I can get something slower it will actually save me money  
110-130km/h cruising is perfectly fine. My mates can buy me a drinkso long when they get there 15 minutes before me.

So in the garage we have the F800GS, the 650 XCountry and my KTm 250 XCW 2 stroke.
I ride the technical and sand on my 250 now use to be on a Yamaha 250f, but then you cannot ride to destinations, you have to trailer it.
Then I briefly had a on the road KLX450R but this to me was too heavy for technical / sand bits and my skill level, and not good enough for long distance to where it excelled / gravel 1 spoor . 2 spoor etc.

And this is the whole thing. If i'm going to the quarry or juts dirt riding on my doorstep i'll take the 250 for an hour or 2 and i'm as happy as a pig in mud or if we goign to Funduro's etc we can trailer it there.

The 450 /530 for commuting and long distance makes no sense for me anymore. I thought I could make it work with the KLX450 and it was to me a failure. Oil change every 3000km,s, valve checks about the same amount, not good at all on highway, and not better for me at least than any of my 250's in the rough/sandy stuff. In any case any flicker kits etc wont last.  

I ride to work every day and long distances now and then with the F800GS. Use to pillion with luggage but now that is no longer an issue since my wife has her own bike. These rides are usually 1000km's or so but usually not highway. Some highway to get to scenic passes etc, then get to some dirt highways etc. My trips consist more of the likes of Tankwa or Oasis or to Ladismith, die Hell etc,
I often ride past places I'd like to go and explore but don't due to fear of the F800gs being too heavy to go in there on my own. Plus seeing as it's my daily I don't really want to abuse it in places where it might get damaged easier than a Xchallenge / 690 etc.

I would have even considered the Husqvarna 630 but it weighs 35KG's to 40KG's more than an BMW XChallenge or KTM 690.
The other thing that comes into play here, and thats where a lot of you hardaasses will roll your eyes   - but I want switchable ABS.
Commuting in the the rain, this to me...from experience of 2 seriously close calls, not really an option to leave out of the equation.
That means a 2014 KTM 690 or a XChallenge.
There are no other bikes that I know of and weighs less than 160KG's and has a 21" front as well as switchable ABS.

The other option of course is to sit tight till end January and look at what the Husqvarna 701 Adventure / Enduro will cost. The SuperMoto is of course a KTM 690 with a few different bits.  It may mean pre owned 2014/2015 690's at better prices.
The other option is to just get a pimped XChallenge.

The KTM 690 is more exciting but the Xchallenge is probably the better all round bike.

The 690 has without a doubt the better after-market farkle options
but with KTM I have to deal with KTM CT. I can purchase parts etc at RAD but Services if still in warranty then it's KTM CT or...?
The KTM has the rocker arm/bearing issues thats reported a lot. Has this been sorted in 2014 and up models that you know of?

The BMW has the clutch cover / Throwout rod issue issue thats reported a lot.
Not a lot of aftermarket farkle but has BMW support. I don't know how many have used BMW but the backup is pretty damn good. Not once so far have I been disappointed with them.
Xchallenge had a limited run and does not get made anymore but has that Rotax 650 single thats pretty good and everywhere.

Xchallenge R60K and under - this includes ABS and to get that dreadful Air shock replaced.
690 R90K up currently for 2014 and up, but that means a newer biek with less miliage. no shock work really still getting produced.
So can go Xchallenge maybe in October / November if I decide to or go KTM 690 sometime next year but start saving up in October if all goes according to plan.

Option 3. Keep my F800GS thats been very good no issues, comfy etc. The only issue really is weight.
This all came into being since we bought my wife a bike (Xcountry) and I no longer have to pillion us on trips. It now feels a bit of a waste to have the F800GS.

The question of if I want to deal with a Thumper / naked open dirtbike like feel on the road is a very valid one.
Vibrations and the dirtbike feel.
I love it.
Rode my wifes BMW Xcountry a few times now and I really love that little bike. The only place is on the highway where she needs a screen as at 120 the wind starts making you a sail. But w.r.t the motor and the power. No issues.
I've ridden 690's, Xchallenges, 450's etc and really don't mind Thumpers at all.

[Rough Rider]

Get a 950 SE and tick all your boxes one shot.

Weight

My one weighs 175kg dry and makes 100hp and 95nm Torque that is a power to weight ratio of 0.57 hp/kg and is surprising light once rolling.
The 690 is only 0.47 hp/kg.

[Omninorm]

The little ktm powerparts screen works great for me,  just takes the wind off off your shoulders, help allot. Similar to this one

That sounds perfect actually.

[MiniDan]

Get a 950 SE and tick all your boxes one shot.

Weight

My one weighs 175kg dry and makes 100hp and 95nm Torque that is a power to weight ratio of 0.57 hp/kg and is surprising light once rolling.
The 690 is only 0.47 hp/kg.

It is not how much power you have, it is what you do with it that matters...

[Rough Rider]

Get a 950 SE and tick all your boxes one shot.

Weight

Exactly.
I want to shed weight.

How can you not love this bike?  

A beaut indeed.

I am not a speed freak. My F800gs is PLENTY fast for me. In fact if I can get something slower it will actually save me money  
110-130km/h cruising is perfectly fine. My mates can buy me a drinkso long when they get there 15 minutes before me.

So in the garage we have the F800GS, the 650 XCountry and my KTm 250 XCW 2 stroke.
I ride the technical and sand on my 250 now use to be on a Yamaha 250f, but then you cannot ride to destinations, you have to trailer it.
Then I briefly had a on the road KLX450R but this to me was too heavy for technical / sand bits and my skill level, and not good enough for long distance to where it excelled / gravel 1 spoor . 2 spoor etc.

And this is the whole thing. If i'm going to the quarry or juts dirt riding on my doorstep i'll take the 250 for an hour or 2 and i'm as happy as a pig in mud or if we goign to Funduro's etc we can trailer it there.

The 450 /530 for commuting and long distance makes no sense for me anymore. I thought I could make it work with the KLX450 and it was to me a failure. Oil change every 3000km,s, valve checks about the same amount, not good at all on highway, and not better for me at least than any of my 250's in the rough/sandy stuff. In any case any flicker kits etc wont last.  

I ride to work every day and long distances now and then with the F800GS. Use to pillion with luggage but now that is no longer an issue since my wife has her own bike. These rides are usually 1000km's or so but usually not highway. Some highway to get to scenic passes etc, then get to some dirt highways etc. My trips consist more of the likes of Tankwa or Oasis or to Ladismith, die Hell etc,
I often ride past places I'd like to go and explore but don't due to fear of the F800gs being too heavy to go in there on my own. Plus seeing as it's my daily I don't really want to abuse it in places where it might get damaged easier than a Xchallenge / 690 etc.

I would have even considered the Husqvarna 630 but it weighs 35KG's to 40KG's more than an BMW XChallenge or KTM 690.
The other thing that comes into play here, and thats where a lot of you hardaasses will roll your eyes   - but I want switchable ABS.
Commuting in the the rain, this to me...from experience of 2 seriously close calls, not really an option to leave out of the equation.
That means a 2014 KTM 690 or a XChallenge.
There are no other bikes that I know of and weighs less than 160KG's and has a 21" front as well as switchable ABS.

The other option of course is to sit tight till end January and look at what the Husqvarna 701 Adventure / Enduro will cost. The SuperMoto is of course a KTM 690 with a few different bits.  It may mean pre owned 2014/2015 690's at better prices.
The other option is to just get a pimped XChallenge.

The KTM 690 is more exciting but the Xchallenge is probably the better all round bike.

The 690 has without a doubt the better after-market farkle options
but with KTM I have to deal with KTM CT. I can purchase parts etc at RAD but Services if still in warranty then it's KTM CT or...?
The KTM has the rocker arm/bearing issues thats reported a lot. Has this been sorted in 2014 and up models that you know of?

The BMW has the clutch cover / Throwout rod issue issue thats reported a lot.
Not a lot of aftermarket farkle but has BMW support. I don't know how many have used BMW but the backup is pretty damn good. Not once so far have I been disappointed with them.
Xchallenge had a limited run and does not get made anymore but has that Rotax 650 single thats pretty good and everywhere.

Xchallenge R60K and under - this includes ABS and to get that dreadful Air shock replaced.
690 R90K up currently for 2014 and up, but that means a newer biek with less miliage. no shock work really still getting produced.
So can go Xchallenge maybe in October / November if I decide to or go KTM 690 sometime next year but start saving up in October if all goes according to plan.

Option 3. Keep my F800GS thats been very good no issues, comfy etc. The only issue really is weight.
This all came into being since we bought my wife a bike (Xcountry) and I no longer have to pillion us on trips. It now feels a bit of a waste to have the F800GS.

The question of if I want to deal with a Thumper / naked open dirtbike like feel on the road is a very valid one.
Vibrations and the dirtbike feel.
I love it.
Rode my wifes BMW Xcountry a few times now and I really love that little bike. The only place is on the highway where she needs a screen as at 120 the wind starts making you a sail. But w.r.t the motor and the power. No issues.
I've ridden 690's, Xchallenges, 450's etc and really don't mind Thumpers at all.

The X Challenge and the 630 weight exactly the same at 156 kg; hardly 35kg or 40kg more.
The 610 and the 690 are both 139 kg

[wolf skaap]

Barbie calling Ken plastic 

I was asking. Not giving strong opinions about a bike I've never ridden, plus offering you a ride on mine so you could form a real opinion on it, good or bad. But, be an arse when someone is being generous, I think that's chapter one in "How to make friends"

Relax with your insults and start using question marks at the end of your statements.

[Dwerg]

Barbie calling Ken plastic 

I was asking.

That's crank, not rear wheel.

Ending statements with question marks is a good starting point, don't you think?

But, be an arse when someone is being generous, I think that's chapter one in "How to make friends"

Hmmm that Barbie/Ken analogy is rearing its head again.

You were being generous? Sorry I must have missed that part......

But let's not spoil the thread more than we already have. If this was posted in the 690 section I would've cleaned it up myself

[Omninorm]

The X Challenge and the 630 weight exactly the same at 156 kg.
The 610 and the 690 are both 139 kg

I find the following:

Xchallenge with ABS
Dry Weight
144 kg / 317 lbs.

Wet Weight   
156 kg / 344 lbs.

2014 KTM 690 (remember ABS)
Dry Weight 139kg's

2013 Husqvarna 630 Terra with ABS
Weights I find 186kg wet.  http://adventure-motorcyclingh.com/2012/11/18/husqvarna-tr650-terra-quick-spin/


610 does not come with ABS

[Omninorm]

Barbie calling Ken plastic 

I was asking.

That's crank, not rear wheel.

Ending statements with question marks is a good starting point, don't you think?

But, be an arse when someone is being generous, I think that's chapter one in "How to make friends"

Hmmm that Barbie/Ken analogy is rearing its head again.

You were being generous? Sorry I must have missed that part......

But let's not spoil the thread more than we already have. If this was posted in the 690 section I would've cleaned it up myself

I dont mind, I found those stats interesting. it also helps to know what fellow posters have and have not ridden.