Building the ultimate adventure bike/Dual sports bike Eps 2! A true go anywhere machine | MCN

#KTM690#adventure #dualsport
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[@BigRockMoto]

Great series! I am glad to see you exploring the potential of the 690. It's an amazing and unique bike, made far better with the mods you are highlighting.

[@JustinSmithWY]

Watching your new 690 review now ;)

[@huwfrancis9437]

I’m loving this series!! Thank you MCN

[@drzrider3440]

I agree with you..but costs way too much for me. So i chose the DRZ400S. Will ride 80mph all day long even loaded down with gear. And like a stock 690, the DRZ400 falls short. So i did the big carb and cams, moskomoto R80, built a one off rally fairing, double take mirrors, hand guards, big foot pegs, super bright headlights, heavy duty springs, crash protection. And now with over 50,000 miles, she still starts like flipping a light switch on. Doest even crank over once, just instant on. Will do single track, even with my 120lb. son on the back. Puts 40HP to the ground and has made be a believer in Suzuki. Almos zero issues at 50,000 miles. Never left me stranded even once. Hands down the best bike i have owned in 35 years of riding. Turning a dualsport into your own adv bike is the best. But will be upgrading as soon as KTM releases the new ktm490 adventure.

[@Blockbuster2033]

Can't understand why Suzuki never released a new model of that

[@inrptn]

@@Blockbuster2033 Yeah I gave up on Suzuki years ago and sold my DRZ.

[@hello-dz8co]

@@inrptn what do you own now?

[@inrptn]

@@hello-dz8co KLX 300.

[@maxathmao]

I also really like this series. You are basically building my dream bike. I agree with you about everything

[@davidmallia628]

I was wondering, with all the mods, what is the resultant weight, less luggage, of course.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Tenere 700 levels probably

[@MyRandomLife247]

So you turned it into an AJP PR7 😂

[@davesnowpros6785]

Exactly this

[@ktmkevin]

But a PR7 that's fun to ride and rip around on! 😁

[@MyRandomLife247]

@@ktmkevin have you ridden both?

[@ktmkevin]

@@MyRandomLife247 I own a 690 and have test ridden a SWM Superdual, same engine as AJP. It's fine, but the 690 is more explosive and fun. The old husky engine is a bit lazy, but has that tractor factor. Personal preference I guess but the 690 makes me giggle like a little girl!

[@scoobydan8042]

Lol apples to oranges.

[@joediesel8267]

My dream bike setup. Exactly everything I would do. Well done, im sure you will travel many smiles

[@brucekendall52]

I have owned a 2014/2020 models.fantastic bikes.Good luck.

[@steveball2307]

You've stolen my fantasy mods list! I'm completely envious.... 😀

[@GoodkatNW]

That rally tower looks sooooooo good, my God. This has been a fantastic series to watch, please keep up the awesome work

[@davemitchell8756]

Excellent, why don’t the manufacturers produce a bike like this without having to rebuild it? Tower looks great👍

[@enricjv9122]

It's called AJP PR7 =)

[@defylifeadventure]

They did, the KTM 640 adventure unfortunately, it wasn't 'that' popular and MCNs own review gives it a 3/5. In fact the same review says you were better off buying an F650 Dakar. A bike some 30kg heavier with a sponge for suspension.

[@milzispete]

CCM also built a 450 Adventure that didn't sell well. Had everything as standard and only weighed 125kg

[@davidhardstaff8110]

Cost

[@Back2TheBike]

What a refreshing review. Far better than the standard churn of characterless factory bikes. More please!

[@JDeezle21]

Absolutely Fantastic. I like this series. If you could ask the mcn bosses for a raise so you could do this again... 😁 buy another bike for our consumption that would be great. 😆. Great stuff here though 👏

[@bezetuba]

I rode ktm690 recently, I was thinkg about getting one. And I really didn't like it, ergonomics are completetly off as I am tall, engine reaction is very road-like. This bike is too small, seat is very uncomfortable. KTM 640 was waaay better. I own ktm 890advR so I am spoiled but the weight won't allow you to do certain things. Still, I like drz400 more than ktm690. It feels like a supermoto bike. For regular-size human ktm690 looks like good choice though :)

[@thambu19]

The mods you have done to the bike is exactly why this is not the unicorn bike for many. Having to spend so much on upgrades on top of an already expensive bike is not great. Plus you will struggle with the close ratio gearbox that you simply cannot fix with gearing. I owned it and I don't think I'll get another.

[@willyoung5465]

Please give a full breakdown of what you spent to get to this stage, including what a mechanic would cost for two days' labour. Super looking bike, thank you.

[@dbmiller5881]

agreed! This is a premium priced bike to start with - seeing the grand total to get it to this point, would be very helpful!

[@dualsportadventure]

Bike looks great. What did it all cost above the price of the bike?

[@wrenchride]

The uk rrp price for a ktm 690 enduro is £9349 otr. The parts Michael added to the bike where as follows : 1. RADE GARAGE F5 TOWER KIT + 2 X GPS MOUNTS 2. AXP RACING BASHPLATE 3. ENGINE CASE COVERS 4.KTM RALLY PEGS 5. SMART MOTO SAS & CANISTER REMOVAL KIT 6. SMART MOTO SIDESTAND DONGLE 7.OUTBACK MOTOTEK CRASH BARS 8. RADE GARAGE UNDERSEAT STORAGE KIT. 9. OXFORD SPORT ADVANCED HEATED GRIPS 10. KTM BARKBUSTER HANDGUARDS 11. SEAT CONCEPTS COMFORT LOW SEAT 12. REAR RACK 13. KTM TAIL TIDY 14. DOUBLE TAKE MIRRORS All of the above comes in around £3250 ish this does not include installation costs and also Michael has also fitted a akraprovic exhaust which def top end in cost when looking at a exhaust to replace the oem one which is heavy and also gets very very hot. It also doesnt include his Garmin montana & mount plus Garmin zumo xt nav & mount. If you would like any advise - parts or a bike built get in touch 👍 www.wrenchride.co.uk [e-mail]

[@willyoung5465]

@@wrenchride Thank you WrenchRide, very useful indeed. 👍I thought it was going to be costly, but didn't quite realise everything that was involved to get it to look the way it does. Something to consider though.

[@jayd3931]

@@wrenchride What are the engine case covers? Thanks

[@briancarroll2443]

Beautiful build. Would be great if you could get one of your mates to get an AJP PR7 and the two of you could compare and contrast bikes over the next year..... ;-)

[@billabong123321]

Great Video, on my 2021 690 i have fitted a Australian MCCruise control works the same as a car cruise control fantastic, also fitted a Scotts steering damper which is also great for stabilty, and fitted the 300mm front end makes the bike feel like a true EXC off road, keep up the great work :)

[@stevestevens9780]

Did you raise the rear end to compensate?

[@billabong123321]

@@stevestevens9780 No dont raise the rear end will make it just as unstable as stock, what i looked at was after spending a lot of time looking at other KTMs was the 690 upper headstem bearing is the same height as the seat and is nothing like the EXCs enduro bikes, after putting on the 300mm forks the 690 is now super stable, and super capable on and off road. feels great and confidence inspiring something it was lacking stock.

[@KTM690enduror]

This turned up to be a very sexy orange machine!

[@CWhite-fp3eo]

No adittional fuel tank? Not many options for us, I went with the Rade 1.5 gallon, looking good sir!

[@MattVenturesMoto]

@wrenchride - what a legend.... Loving the build well done

[@djedUVprojector]

JB Weld sounds like an essential for your underseat toolkit

[@bazza8947]

Mccruise in Australia make electronic cruise controls for this bike

[@HamzaFaruqui]

Michael is basically posting an in depth tutorial on building my dream bike. Love it.

[@JustinSmithWY]

Howdy folks, thanks for the 3 great little videos. I'm surprised there was no discussion of fuel range, but maybe I missed that? I'd be curious which direction you'd go if you wanted more fuel capacity.

[@kiwiadventurer]

Every body has said what I would say. For kiwi conditions I would prefer 450 -500 for the weight aspect

[@p.a.93]

KTM (or a competitor) should make them like that. It makes no sense to have to change twenty perfectly good parts to get the bike right.

[@MianCowell]

I'd love to see a comparison video between this and the old 690 Adventure to see how they compare. I still think KTM are missing a trick not making a 690 adv.

[@ianross225]

Exactly what I’ve been looking at. My bugbear is weight having ridden GSAs and now a full fat Africa Twin. Just too heavy. I’m aiming to do some of the Trans America Trail in 2024 and want a fully sorted bike for that. This is pretty much it! Looking forward to the real world test. Cheers, Ian

[@c3h4organic97]

Really interessting. I am on the exactly same way as you after gathered bad experiences with so called middle weight bikes. As a solo rider they are a pain for everything except paved roads. On a FE501 now.

[@keithwaller4545]

Excellent video, the balance of going off road weight and the tyre compromise and whether you get a enduro bike van it or adventure bike and ride it to your off roads. Just think how much better it would be if so many byways weren't restricted.

[@therealturbofanisme]

Went right down this path. It was a good bike when I was done, but i could have had an 890R for the same or less 😅 ended up going that direction anyway, all said and done.

[@StuHNomadBiker]

Brilliant 👏

[@natural9743]

Yeah 👌

[@stevebiron3036]

I'd like to purchase a lift like that CJ Autos he's using. Do they have a USA distributor ?

[@glossblack1098]

It’s the ultimate light adventure bike for you, and me too. Cheers

[@ktmtravels3727]

Great video and info, getting the bike exactly how you want it is all part of the fun. Mods can be done as and when you need/can afford them. It's also a great way to get to know your bike in case it goes pear-shaped on the trail. I find the building as enjoyable as the end use👍

[@swedbear4035]

I will let you build me a bike anytime you want to, just let me know 👍😉

[@ktmtravels3727]

Ship bike/parts asap😆

[@swedbear4035]

@@ktmtravels3727 Workin' on it, how many can you do at a time? 🤔

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Absolutely!

[@THX5000]

UK plates are clownishly huge.

[@mrSpatcat]

This is exactly my plan. Ditch the 1250gs and CRF250 for something in-between. Be interested to see the fuel range and whether an auxiliary tank is a must?

[@roughrider9831]

Personally I would suggest you would be better off keeping a larger Adventure or Road bike plus some kind of trail or dual sport bike be it KTM 690 or other. Having owned one, it’s still not a good enough road bike. Better than a CRF for sure but not a unicorn.

[@shadowred1980]

Enjoying this series. Thank you for putting it together.

[@dieweltistbunt]

great bike...i did nearly the same upgrades to my 2019 690r and it has become a nearly perfect Adventure Unicorn. I went for the Perunmoto luggage Rack with Kriega bags. I can recommend the Vanashe Bash Plate as its very light(hard plastic) and protects the link. Rade Garage is really nice👍

[@janisavela6788]

Ive done almost the same exact build, started with a t7, heavy and slow.. moved to a 21 eu5 690e, hated the emissions bs on it. Got a 2020 model 690e and build it for adventure ❤rade garage 😍

[@genecatan3565]

omGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG! I love that build!

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

This bike should come this way from the factory. That and maybe more fuel capacity...

[@modzso2]

Enjoy your bike! Looks great.

[@s7ok3d54]

Great kits the rade garage towers , Venache brake pedal Pro shift shift kit Mx style shifter Would be the next few things to really polish it off !!

[@maxathmao]

Cost and weight?

[@Motosportz]

You missed the most important part of the rally tower. It is frame mounted removing all the weight and wind force of a fork mounted setup. I've built a few and find it is a great advantage. Actually makes the bike feel lighter because of the removed weight, wind (headlight) and wire harness from the forks. BTW, I've ridden a few PR7's and really like them. Own a SWM 650 Superdual right now.

[@szymonchalupka]

That's valid point. I wasn't convinced if I want to put the rally tower to my 701 Enduro but now I think I will get it. Thanks.

[@acdcjonnyboy]

New drinking game: take a shot every time he explains the motivation for that

[@TomsTinkeringandAdventures]

I just picked up a '17 690 Enduro, for the same reasons that you got this one. It already had some accessories on it, deciding how to outfit it so I'm glad to see the way you're setting this one up.

[@ACE_888]

Does the 690 have TC built in?

[@mikealls8938]

Whats the name of this workshop please.

[@MrAdambinnie]

Love this series, can't wait to see what's next!

[@theamalgamut8871]

6 seconds into the video and I'm already on the ground.

[@robertmansell3667]

Looks amazing but I notice you’re not saying how much it’s costing.😬

[@simonthomas5367]

'96 Dominator. YSS rear shock. Hagons up front. Mitas E07's. Job done.

[@JamesInvest]

Great build, one question will you have problems getting though an MOT with those lights I’ve heard people have to take the tower off to get it though the MOT since the change in the light test on the MOT.

[@wrenchride]

these lights on the Rade Garage kit are e marked and road legal in the UK - i have not know of any issues on passing a MOT with said light/kit thanks.

[@n03m9]

Awesome content! Do you know how much is the weight of your machine in total?

[@NudaMan]

Dammit now ima have guys coming into my job asking if I can do this to there bike 🤦‍♂️im gonna say hell no go somewhere else 😂

[@percusski]

The bike looks the dog's nuts

[@santiagopsd18]

just amazing work! what a dreaming bike

[@fcalin21]

Do you like it more then the AJP?

[@RiderVSRoad]

ok ok ok - I need a parts list please! Now that I see the transformation I can relate to your decision.

[@wrenchride]

if you scroll further down on the comments i listed all the parts used for someone thanks.

[@inrptn]

Great series! Take a look at Fisher seats! Better than Seat Concepts, IMO.

[@steveh100]

Must admit... it looks the dogs danglies! Very nice. It's nice upgrading this and that on a bike, and whatever you buy... you are always thinking of doing something to it.

[@jonasbaine3538]

Ducati is developing a single cylinder 650cc bike. Wonder if they will release the single cylinder adventure bike ktm should have years ago?

[@mikeisland7382]

Never thought I'd own a Ducati but there sure is a huge hole in the market for a truly lightweight ADV bike where the 690/701 sits unchallenged.

[@jonasbaine3538]

@@mikeisland7382 Yes and KTM is wasting time with so many other models instead of releasing a 701ADV with fairing/screen, luggage subframe, LR tanks and counterbalanced engine off showroom floor still under 400lbs.

[@alf9638]

absolutely sweet built mate love that tower. that 690 engine and frame is such a nice platform but there is always a lot of work to do on these bikes to get them to be what they should.

[@steveb6593]

I bought one when this version came out in 2019. As you said in video these are fantastic on road as well really engaging. On b roads as fast as anything nothing more rewarding than overtaking sports bikes round the twisties with noblies on. Build quality is high have done 14000 miles so far so good. Would challenge anyone to ride without having loads of fun . Would highly recommend

[@p.a.93]

COST !? How much for all these mods?

[@williamrae9954]

Price of a 2nd KTM 😂

[@camilomanuelalejandrodonos5799]

You don’t need to build it…go for the AJP PR7, the ultimate dirt dual sport machine

[@andydowson8248]

Great series. Keep them coming. 👍

[@paul.vanhout57]

Vanasche Motorsports in the USA makes a stout rear brake lever and brake tip along with some other high quality bits. Might be worth checking out if available in the UK. My 2019 690 has been a stellar lightweight adventure bike so interested to see what your experience is.

[@racingtag1237]

Vanasche was a real let down! Very low quality products (disc guard, foot pegs, sprocket guard and rear brake lever) Especially the paint. Every little scratch or a small stone chips the paint. Can’t see why they are premium brand.

[@paul.vanhout57]

@@racingtag1237 - Opposite from what I have experienced and unfortunate you have had those issues.

[@964tractorboy]

The bike looks fantastic. The changes have transformed the front-end. Next episode please...

[@creedm3040]

Awesome bike! It really turned out great. Best!

[@jibinraj6058]

I am so curious to know the wet weight of the build

[@wrenchride]

Good shout perhaps we will fully fuel the bike up and weigh it to find out.

[@2fastnlight]

Picked the wrong bike for sure. All the changes are a dead giveaway and the cost total will be way out of line with most of your viewers ability. Another moto fantasy piece.

[@nobodyshero200]

Cliche build for sure

[@ironmancj]

Wonderful

[@kamilcuniak8412]

Amazing machine - similar build as mine - however main question is - what was his motivation? 😄

[@panchochilli11]

Super cool tower, changes it close to a Dakar special in looks too.

[@marijnkramer6897]

No radiator guard? 🧐 or are those standard already good?

[@C90_Adam]

How do you find the rally screen? I made my own front end with ktm 450RR screen and although it got the wind off my chest, it still caused buffeting on helmet. Considered adding a screen extender for road miles...

[@davebethell1]

Great review on a fantastic bike. I would be interested in kit reviews too, cheers 😀

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Lol you forgot the R.E. Himilayan it's better in the end.KTM is not reliable.

[@kvasios]

Sweeet!

[@newroads9787]

Great build ,well wear and enjoy.

[@marklister8155]

Stunning build 👌 ✨️ 👏 😍

[@frankneikes]

Nice looking bike amigo ! Interesting you choose a 690 for reliability! So now you want to through luggage on your plastic tank rear end ! Which has ruffly 10 liters of gas in it ! Can't be a long adventure uour going on ! By the time you finished you will be able to buy a brand new crf just on the upgrade side ! And you clearly have not read what the maintenance book tells you to do so make sure your adventure your going on is always in reach of a ktm dealership with spate parts and mechanics! Blinded by orange hey ! No disrespect I like the motivation but it's more like a boy in a candyshop and not a man wanting to go through midlife crises

[@jayd3931]

Do you own one? I have no problem carrying a fully loaded bike out on the road for a month, with 3/4 of the 10,000km ride on dirt. Bike is flawless, and I wouldn't want to be on anything else. There's a reason they can't keep them in stock around me.

[@frankneikes]

@@jayd3931 J listen ! That's no criticism! The average person can not afford what you just did ! Ktm has mager production issues atm that's why none is available the same counts for spare parts ! Ride this thing fir a while and you see what I mean! Eighter the service cost will eat you money 💰 or the spares you need ! Japanese bikes are more reliable! I ride a 500exc and was going to get a 690 but all the forums and issues with this bike stopped me getting one ! I did 200k on mine and overholed the engine many times I'm a full-time traveller ! I know a little bit about it

[@jayd3931]

@@frankneikes KTM in Oz has actually been able to keep a steady stock of the bikes. They keep selling. I also know from a friend at KTM Australia, that they have not seen any failures in the subframe. This is not my first one, and I usually flick them at 50k, because I want a new one, and the resale value is still there, and the bikes hold up. There is no other bike I'd want on the market, and I'm on the same forums that you are, and come across the bikes every day in the wild. I ride 1,000km from the nearest town, in 40C heat. I'm not one for taking chances.

[@rapufanatyk2196]

looks awful

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

Venturing offroad requires some semblance of reliability. Everything under the KTM umbrella is therefore immediately discarded.

[@Blockbuster2033]

KTM has become quite reliable in the past decade.

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

@@Blockbuster2033 I ride with a large group of KTM riders. Mostly new or recent model year bikes and it's one problem after another while my Yamahas remain flawless.

[@nobodyshero200]

Lucky if the KTM boys join us on a ride is the joke.

[@alessandroroca8113]

Do u mind to specify how many Kgs and how tall are you? Many thanks

[@PhantomMark]

Just bought one, watching with interest :D

[@bandobandit353]

Alternative title. Yet another person adds a rally fairing to a 690

[@hometownguy7184]

isnt that rade tower like 1500 bucks?

[@BRP_USA]

Flashy. What about fuel capacity??

[@zardportugal]

MCN, you droped off the AJP BUT NOW you are builting one........... pays more, right?

[@oldhairpin]

Brilliant. Really enjoying this 👍

[@ezecapo90]

awesome. love that new tower!

[@hawkrangerh1552]

So much to admire in what Wrenchride are doing in this area. My only frustration is the distance to travel. I have a new 690 ready for the same work/mods; does anyone know of any company in the south east delivering to the same standard and specification as Wrenchride?

[@wrenchride]

Hi Hawkranger H, Thanks for the nice comments, regarding the distance from you to Manchester no need to see it as a issue we build bikes for customers all over the UK, I also have a couple of really great motorcycle couriers that move motorcycles around for me that are fully insured and are very well spoken off in the trade, its roughly £300 ish for a collect and return, i also if preferred can collect and handover. If you havent got a bike yet we can also source and supply or get dealers to call you with a great deal as we work very closely with a fantastic selection of dealerships. it is quite common for the customers to have the bike come to us direct from the dealer from new and have a build done before us handing it over in person either at Wrenchride HQ or at the customers home some times we never actually meet if a courier is used but we have lots of conversations before and whilst building. if you would like to discuss a build of just want any advice on one and the best parts for you to use for your needs please just get in touch always happy to help. Thanks and safe & happy riding, Olly@Wrenchride

[@hawkrangerh1552]

⁠@@wrenchride Olly, just seen your reply for which many thanks. Will put an email together today. Probably courier it down and then I’ll collect if that works. Email to follow this evening. Thanks again for replying.

[@mhg_7330]

Great Bike, Perfect Look 👍

[@twowheelpilot]

Good luck with the clutch. Fragile as hell on the 690/701. Don't slip in off road, get that lever fully out asap and leave it that way!