The KTM 690 as daily ride.

[wolf skaap]

Came across this Rally bike on KTM CTN's site:

http://ktmcapetown.co.za/2015/08/19/2011-690-enduro-rr/

20 000KM
R115 000

I know that you were asking about a normal 690 but the reason for me posting this is that its wind protection and added weight will make this just as good at commuting as anything, but, its got power and suspension of note.

[wolf skaap]

Begs the question: how many other bikes can you buy with that amount of money.

For those with deep pockets, it's a no-brainer.

[Dwerg]

Came across this Rally bike on KTM CTN's site:

That looks like a normal 690R with kit. Not a proper factory RR

[wolf skaap]

Came across this Rally bike on KTM CTN's site:

That looks like a normal 690R with kit. Not a proper factory RR

Yes, following the link: 2011 KTM 690 Enduro Rally Replica

Will probably be a better idea to buy a new 690 and convert it, but who knows how much THAT would cost?

[cocky]

Came across this Rally bike on KTM CTN's site:

That looks like a normal 690R with kit. Not a proper factory RR

I know the bike well, he used it to commute and do trips with, bought 1190R

[wolf skaap]

Came across this Rally bike on KTM CTN's site:

That looks like a normal 690R with kit. Not a proper factory RR

I know the bike well, he used it to commute and do trips with, bought 1190R

At the risk of derailing this thread, why 1190?

[cocky]

Came across this Rally bike on KTM CTN's site:

That looks like a normal 690R with kit. Not a proper factory RR

I know the bike well, he used it to commute and do trips with, bought 1190R

At the risk of derailing this thread, why 1190?

Takes his Mrs with him now and he reckons he is getting old and his ass can't take it anymore

[Omninorm]

Holy crap thats nice!!

@Aprilian, did you say you did 30 000km problem free with the XChallenge or 30 000km after the 9600km rocker arm failure.

The last few post has me a little bit concerned.
I am looking on the interwebs and it seems KTM repalced bearings in middle 2010.

Xchallenges seems to have more reliability and more bottom end grunt funny enough. it's unclear on most reports if they are comparing to the 650cc, 690,  or the  ....690cc er.....690.

The 690 trashes the XC  in the suspension department though as well as having on average about 10KG's less weight.

[Dwerg]

That would be the 650cc. The post 2012 has 20-25% more power than an X. I personally wouldn't buy a 690 in the X price bracket

[Aprilian]

[@Aprilian, did you say you did 30 000km problem free with the XChallenge or 30 000km after the 9600km rocker arm failure
[/quote]

Rocker arms went on my 2009 KTM 690 with 6500kms on. Prob I had commuting with 690 was that I had nowhere to store gloves, jacket etc on the bike- even XC was better with rack and topbox. Managed over 30000ks on my X-Challenge with no mechanical problems.

[blauth]

I've ridden a 2009 and a 2012 and the 2012 had more 50/50 tyres on and was less "fidgety" than the 2009. But I also put that down mostly to the tyres.

Sideways wind and that type of thing on the bike since it's so light?

What I actually am trying to figure out -which one makes the better all round bike.
KTM 690 or BMW 650 Xchallenge with some suspension work done. (I'm looking also from a price difference perspective - I know the KTM is a better performance bike with better suspension and the like.)
Commuting, the odd long distance trips, lots of short trips (+-300km round trip)

I know the long distance will make me wish for my current 800GS though.

The 690 will make both BMW's feel boring

The 690 has 7 kW and 5 Nm torque over the X-Challenge - not enough to make the XC boring.

I will put money on the fact that the XC is much more economical on fuel and that motor will outlast the KTM by many many miles.

I think the XC is the better commuter although my next bike will be the KTM 690.... 

I'm not so sure about outlast. My X-Challenge let me down twice in five rides. Fuel pump plug and stripped water pump gears.....< 12000km. Sold it because I no longer trusted it.

[Omninorm]

[@Aprilian, did you say you did 30 000km problem free with the XChallenge or 30 000km after the 9600km rocker arm failure

Rocker arms went on my 2009 KTM 690 with 6500kms on. Prob I had commuting with 690 was that I had nowhere to store gloves, jacket etc on the bike- even XC was better with rack and topbox. Managed over 30000ks on my X-Challenge with no mechanical problems.

Thanks.
I hardly ride with any top box etc now. If I must it's a tank bag but I hear what you are saying. Some sort of "semi secure" storage is needed now and then. I've seen a bunch of racks and boxes for the 690 and XC though. Even though they are not functional for hardcore stuff I think a plastic square Pelican case or semi or a box like the Givi to use when you know you need to carry something will do in a pinch.
For traveling further. yeah... Giant loops and those things are fantastic but you can never really leave the bike untended.

@dwerg. Yeah if i go for the 690 over the XC I will definitly be looking at more moolah and buy 2014+ model. I wont be looking pre 2014's at all.

And thats part of the question really. In what ways do you guys reckon a 2014 690 is superior to the XC that is worth the entry cost of say R50K price difference.
One can literally buy 2 XChallenges for the price of one 2014+ 690 at current prices on Gumtree etc.
I mean this as a serious question and I can think of two.

Suspension: On the XChallenge I'll have to re spring the front and definitely replace the rear shock with an Ohlins or something similar. Thats probably R10K-R15K right there.

Weight: The 690 has +- 10kg's over the XC

What about mileage?
If I'm not mistaken, stock,  the 690 has a 12l fuel tank and the Xchallenge a 8l fuel tank.
I know one can get additional tanks and stuff but I'm interested in stock range.
Is 25km/l too much to ask from a 690? I think the XChallenge gives that minimum.

In and around Cape Town, are there any indies you suggest work on a KTM 690? Here I have found BMW to be excellent believe it or not. they are cheaper and more efficient than my Honda or my Suzuki on services and maintenance.  The dealings so far with KTM other than purchasing oils and parts have been less than stellar to say the least. I hear good things about RAD in JHB and have spoken to them before. So I'll probably purchase a pre owned from there or something but I will then still need to service till warranty runs out, unless I only buy in 2016 and buy a 2014 model.

How easy are the 690 to work on yourself compared to the XC if you guys know?
Oil changes and valve checks for instance.

The other thing in the back of my mind is the Husqvarna 701 .... it may be cheaper new and virtually the same thing and the dealerships may be better. The problem with that will be cost as I will have to buy new.

Sorry about all the questions.

[Omninorm]

Came across this Rally bike on KTM CTN's site:

http://ktmcapetown.co.za/2015/08/19/2011-690-enduro-rr/

20 000KM
R115 000

I know that you were asking about a normal 690 but the reason for me posting this is that its wind protection and added weight will make this just as good at commuting as anything, but, its got power and suspension of note.

BTW. Thanks for haunting my dreams with that pic.       

[Rough Rider]

[@Aprilian, did you say you did 30 000km problem free with the XChallenge or 30 000km after the 9600km rocker arm failure

Rocker arms went on my 2009 KTM 690 with 6500kms on. Prob I had commuting with 690 was that I had nowhere to store gloves, jacket etc on the bike- even XC was better with rack and topbox. Managed over 30000ks on my X-Challenge with no mechanical problems.

The other thing in the back of my mind is the Husqvarna 701 .... it may be cheaper new and virtually the same thing and the dealerships may be better. The problem with that will be cost as I will have to buy new.

As far as I am aware the Husqvarna 701 is a motard.

[Omninorm]

[@Aprilian, did you say you did 30 000km problem free with the XChallenge or 30 000km after the 9600km rocker arm failure

Rocker arms went on my 2009 KTM 690 with 6500kms on. Prob I had commuting with 690 was that I had nowhere to store gloves, jacket etc on the bike- even XC was better with rack and topbox. Managed over 30000ks on my X-Challenge with no mechanical problems.

The other thing in the back of my mind is the Husqvarna 701 .... it may be cheaper new and virtually the same thing and the dealerships may be better. The problem with that will be cost as I will have to buy new.

As far as I am aware the Husqvarna 701 is a motard.

The 701 Enduro is also been spotted in testing with it. I'll try dig up the pics.

[Omninorm]

Mottard main, Enduro top right.



Motard in front with Enduro in the background



From the other side.


In either case it just looks like different wheels for the most part. Will probably have different gearing / suspension rates.

[Dwerg]

And thats part of the question really. In what ways do you guys reckon a 2014 690 is superior to the XC that is worth the entry cost of say R50K price difference.
One can literally buy 2 XChallenges for the price of one 2014+ 690 at current prices on Gumtree etc.
I mean this as a serious question and I can think of two.

Suspension: On the XChallenge I'll have to re spring the front and definitely replace the rear shock with an Ohlins or something similar. Thats probably R10K-R15K right there.

What about mileage?
If I'm not mistaken, stock,  the 690 has a 12l fuel tank and the Xchallenge a 8l fuel tank.
I know one can get additional tanks and stuff but I'm interested in stock range.
Is 25km/l too much to ask from a 690? I think the XChallenge gives that minimum.

I think it's a little unfair to compare a X to a 2014/5 690. The X is getting long in the tooth now and the 690 was a better off-road bike to start off with, and with the upgrades to date it is now in a completely different league. The forks on the 2014 690 is not as good as on some of the older models but you won't get the X on the same level without replacing the forks and shock completely which could get costly. And don't forget the almost 25% more power 

Seeing that you ride an 800, have a look at this to give you an idea just how quick a 690 is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abnA1qdE7ho

Depends on how you ride of course. If you don't fancy pushing the limits and you're just looking for a lighter ADV ride, the X is still a good affordable option.

I average about 18km/l on the 690. I am sure you can get that down by riding a little more subdued but that's not easy to do on a 690. My range is about 200kms on the stock tank, 400+ with the auxiliary tanks. The X is by far a more sensible choice. I now have probably something like 2000kms on my rear tyre. It still has about 5mm thread but the knobs are torn, some have chucks out and some have holes bigger than my thumb print melted into them, my chain and sprockets probably won't make it to 20k. But sensible isn't fun is it? 

Is there any reason why you are not also considering a DR or XR? Both great budget bikes

[Dwerg]

This looks like a great buy http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=178250.0;topicseen

[Xpat]

That Husky enduro is a good news, as RAD guys confirmed that 690R production stops at the end of this year, so it will at least continue in another disguise.

Whether it will be cheaper though, is big question. So far it seems like they positioned Husky as more premium than KTM in offroad (I think - I didn't check the numbers).

I'm looking hard at 690 now (what started as a XT660R quest) and losing quickly a will to resist. Even if that Husky comes up, I will need rally kit and I'm not sure the current available ones will fit (hopefully yes). And I'm not sure I would want to buy first production batch - even though it should be practically 690R, but you never know.

The other consideration for me is the possible adventure version of 690 as speculated here (it would save me mods I want to do for long adventure riding, like rally kit and subframe mods):

[Omninorm]

And thats part of the question really. In what ways do you guys reckon a 2014 690 is superior to the XC that is worth the entry cost of say R50K price difference.
One can literally buy 2 XChallenges for the price of one 2014+ 690 at current prices on Gumtree etc.
I mean this as a serious question and I can think of two.

Suspension: On the XChallenge I'll have to re spring the front and definitely replace the rear shock with an Ohlins or something similar. Thats probably R10K-R15K right there.

What about mileage?
If I'm not mistaken, stock,  the 690 has a 12l fuel tank and the Xchallenge a 8l fuel tank.
I know one can get additional tanks and stuff but I'm interested in stock range.
Is 25km/l too much to ask from a 690? I think the XChallenge gives that minimum.

I think it's a little unfair to compare a X to a 2014/5 690. The X is getting long in the tooth now and the 690 was a better off-road bike to start off with, and with the upgrades to date it is now in a completely different league. The forks on the 2014 690 is not as good as on some of the older models but you won't get the X on the same level without replacing the forks and shock completely which could get costly. And don't forget the almost 25% more power  

Seeing that you ride an 800, have a look at this to give you an idea just how quick a 690 is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abnA1qdE7ho

Depends on how you ride of course. If you don't fancy pushing the limits and you're just looking for a lighter ADV ride, the X is still a good affordable option.

I average about 18km/l on the 690. I am sure you can get that down by riding a little more subdued but that's not easy to do on a 690. My range is about 200kms on the stock tank, 400+ with the auxiliary tanks. The X is by far a more sensible choice. I now have probably something like 2000kms on my rear tyre. It still has about 5mm thread but the knobs are torn, some have chucks out and some have holes bigger than my thumb print melted into them, my chain and sprockets probably won't make it to 20k. But sensible isn't fun is it?  

Is there any reason why you are not also considering a DR or XR? Both great budget bikes

Oh yes it definitely has a lot of power, that video...I dont know.  The BMW rider looks like a noob.  I'm a noob, but thats a real wet noob.
in a straight line the F800GS will out accelerate the 690 esp if one keeps going to 200km/h.  A BMW F800's 0-100kmh is 3.2-3.4 seconds if you look at reviews etc and the KTm 690 Enduro is 4.2-4.6 seconds. Nevermind top speed.  I've ridden 2 690's and they are very fun and powerful. I think ones main concern in doing speed tests will be keeping the front down
However, I'm not in it for that really, a powerful bike is fun and indeed, hooligan inducing so i can understand your tyre usage ..or shal we say "abusage"  

That XChallenge you posted to is indeed a nice one. Not sure if it has ABS brakes though - some of them do some don't.
Also the reason I can't entertain a XR or DR. or DRZ for that matter.
Seriously, it's a big selling point for me personally. Will not consider a bike without it anymore.

I'm thinking I need to wait till next year, see what Husqy and KTM does for model lineup and then pick up a 2014 /2015 model 690....
You only live once.

@Xpat, yeah...that Adventure is also interesting...they definitely have something on the way, but for my needs I'll just go 690 / 701 or XC if I want to go cheap. I really don't need a twin anymore. Otherwise I will just keep the F800 as it does everything well, accept the weight part.