2nd hand 690: which yearmodel?

[BuRP]

A friend of mine is contemplating to buy a 2nd hand 690, a farkled one.
Looks good is all I know, he'll find out what yearmodel it is.

Which one's are better avoided if any, and for what reason(s)?

[DavidMorrisXp]

You can do a lot of reading on the forum, some posts will tell you when the suspension was changed etc.

I seem to recall after reading all of it, the 2014 was the best compromise but I haven't seen much on the post 2016 models

[BuRP]

Thanks Meurig,

but I really don't have the time neither inclination to start wading through endless threads to find nuggets I need.
But you appear to have done that, and you mention suspension - which can be, no, should be individualized in any case, so I regard that as a minor.
You don't mention the engine or its shortcomings / weak points though ..... there aren't any?

I dunno hence me asking here, I got myself a new 701 which makes me 

[funky_munky]

Probably the biggest thing to check on earlier 690's - prior 2013 maybe 2014 is the rocker arm bearings. Not much goes horribly wrong with these bikes. i think that is also when they upgraded the engine from 654 cc to almost 700 cc.

[Thumper Dumper]

2014 onwards has ABS and only 250mm of suspension travel.
It boils down to what your friend wants.
Cheers

[Dwerg]

Generally speaking the older models had more issues. Anything 2012 and up should be ok if looked after and is of course 690cc vs 650. 2014 saw a few more upgrades like ride by wire, 4CS forks, slipper clutch and ABS. Older models had more electrical issues but 2011 had the best suspension though

[BuRP]

Thanks for the varied info, will relay it through! 

That's a good design then, perhaps I may be swayed a bit more to orange now