Is the KTM 690 the Mythical Unicorn Dual-Sport? | Bikes & Bants

[@AusMoto]

Want to feature your motorbike on Bikes & Bants? Reach out to me via Instagram DM (josh_from_ausmoto) or email me at [e-mail]

[@darrellbarry3402]

I was the guy who bought Josh's T7, was a great bike in many ways but in slippery conditions it was a handful and was very topheavy. Sold it and went to a 21 690, just as much power but much more manageable in difficult conditions.

[@AusMoto]

Small world mate! Hope the T7 served you well and great to hear that you found the 690 a more suitable bike, seems to be the case for a lot of people that like to ride in the tough stuff!

[@ianross225]

I have one of these in the US which I bought used for a 4,000 mile ride next year. It’s also a 2019 with a Nomad tower, Arrow end can, Kineo tubeless wheels (massively expensive!), bar risers, range extender and Seat Concepts seat. Other than being too tall for me (and now sorted by my old buddy) it was fantastic. In September I came over from the UK to do a few days shake down of the bike. The major distance was 450 miles of mixed road/gravel/dirt from Massachusetts to Vermont over two days. I loved it. By no means a comfortable bike in the touring sense but for our riding utterly fine. Enough capacity for luggage and a staggeringly good fuel range. I got a combined 75 (UK) mpg which is 3.76 litres per 100 km. Sure we were on slow back roads for much of it but also some faster highways but a superb figure. I loved the bike so much that I’ve bought a Husky 701 Enduro in the UK and it may displace my excellent but heavy (for my needs) 890 Adventure. The quick shifter is excellent on both the KTM and Husky and, to me, much nicer in use up and down shifting. Contrary to popular myth it works well in all circumstances and doesn’t need to be full throttle. Far from it. In town (my reality) it’s slick and user friendly. Have fun with your bike: great choice!

[@AusMoto]

Thanks so much for the detailed comment, I’m sure this will be helpful to a lot of people!

[@maxflight777]

@Ianross225 nicely worded.. I agree (I’m a new 701 owner) with everything you wrote.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

64 now and loving my 23 701. Hauls ass and easy to pick up after over doing it.

[@AusMoto]

That’s awesome, enjoy it!

[@796andy2]

62 and just swapped my speed triple in on a smcr 690 !

[@BigDaveTALKS]

Yup, it's an awesome bike for sure. I really had a hard time choosing the T7 over the 690. My main reason is the major stretches of highway I have to travel just to get to really good riding. Sure the trails are close, but that's just for practice. I have a minimum of a 4 hour ride to get to anything close to what you have just around the corner.

[@AusMoto]

Sounds like the T7 is the better bike in your case!

[@BigDaveTALKS]

@@AusMoto Yeah it’s better for the mileage aspect but the KTM is better out the box IMO BUT, after getting my suspension reworked it really opens up a whole new level of performance. I think Yamaha made a great platform for one to mold into what they may want. It’s super easy to work on and upgrade.

[@Speedytrip]

Another huge reason to consider the T7 is valve check every 40000km...on the KTM, it's 4 times as often...reviews rarely ever cover this. But someone riding 15000km a year, will be doing a heck of a lot more valve checks on the KTM. Yamaha has had 40000km intervals for decades...now even Ducati has a 60000km valve check schedule on their Multistrada V4. It's crazy to think some bikes still have 10-20000km valve check schedules...My DR650 (which is a 30 year old design) has a 12000km valve check schedule, but it takes about as much time as an oil change. Not the case on the KTM nor the Yamaha for that matter, but at least on the Yamaha you won't be doing it often and that 40000km can probably safely be stretched to 50000km.

[@BigDaveTALKS]

@@Speedytrip Great point but on the flipside, a lot of people don't keep the bikes that long, around here anyway. I had a Multistrada for 8 months and put about 10K miles, then an Africa Twin for a year and now a KTM 1290 SA-R. I never even thought about valve maintenance BUT, I absolutely love the 1290 so I will have to do the valve check. The addition of the T7 will stretch it out a little bit though. Back to Yamaha. I had a 2019 WR 450 and at 120 hours the valve tolerance was still in good shape. Yamaha has been known to have a really good valvetrain and I'm new to KTM so we will see how the 1290 plays out. I only have 6K miles on it so I still have a while.

[@rc51bigdaddy]

In the USA here. Last month I traded my 2022 KTM 890r for a 2023 690r and it was the right move for me due to the lighter weight. I was getting into some tough off road stuff on my 890 and the weight became a real issue in both maneuvering the bike and picking it up after a tip over. I had a 2009 690r that I bought new and kept for 4 years. That was a long time ago, and I have been through a lot of dirt bikes and adventure bikes since then and now am back at square one with another 690r. The 2023 690r is a LOT more refined than the 2009 690. Love the quick shifter!

[@AusMoto]

Awesome, thanks heaps for sharing that David, I think that's going to be helpful insight to a lot of people!

[@jasonoconnor9446]

I have a 2017 model, done 13k so far not a single issue with it.. Puts a big smile on my face each time I ride.. I run a remus pipe, the stock pipe needs replacing due to the heat it generates.

[@AusMoto]

That’s awesome mate 🤙

[@kymcopyriot9776]

I’ve had one of these for a few months now and…purchased second hand, it came with both motard wheels and dirt wheels. Great fun on and off road. Loving it.

[@AusMoto]

Nice! I reckon motard wheels on the 690 would be super fun!

[@billbill7894]

Got the 2024 690 enduro r it’s happy at 130 on the highway I’m pretty green on the highway but felt good to 170 completely stock

[@AusMoto]

Yeah mate, they feel pretty decent on the highway!

[@Tales_Of_Moto_Adventures]

Nice one mate, great video concept.

[@AusMoto]

Thanks heaps mate!

[@davidh1314]

Try it in Map #2!!! Amazing bike. I've had mine for 3 year now at that, with a few mods (windscreen, RG auxiliary fuel tank, and seatconcepts seat), it's the ultimate BRD/TET bike. People keep raving about the T7, which is a great bike, but this is 150 pounds lighter and has way better suspension.

[@AusMoto]

It sure is an awesome bike!

[@nevillebroadbent1601]

Just bought a 2023 Husky 701. Came off a Z900RS so good with naked. Fitted with Pirelli MT21s but still bile is fine on the bitumen . Bought it as an adventure bike. Love it already.

[@AusMoto]

Good stuff mate

[@MidCoastAdventures]

Definitely have all the specs on paper! But...I just can't get past the reliability issues. Some guys have great runs, others regret ever buying one. Argghhh, come on Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, read the KTM specs and put out a comparable bike. Cheers for the up-load mate 😎👍

[@AusMoto]

Thanks mate and I wish the Jap manufacturers put something out to compete with it! We can only dream…

[@glossblack1098]

Seat concepts seat makes it better for longer trips. I often do 10 hour days no issues. I have 2021 model 690, 22,000 km no issues. Cheers

[@AusMoto]

100%! It made a huge difference on WR250R

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

Improvements on 690 Enduro R Gas Gas ES 700 Husqvarna 701 Enduro: 1. Reliability vs known 690 Enduro issues like revving issues, false neutrals, cam sprocket bolts, engine malfunction light, seal of the clutch’s slave cylinder, engine stalling when hot offroad, traction control deactivating. 2. 150lbs weight cutting for serious offroad: check out KTM SMR 950 by Hazan Motoworks 3. Improve road stability with e.g balance the wheels, Scott steering damper, flexx bars, bar ends 4. Full exhaust system mods airbox ECU map >low end grunt 5. Seat Concepts seat

[@AusMoto]

Nice summary, thank you for sharing!

[@mikef3300]

I have a 2017 Ktm 690 and it’s been a fun and reliable bike for me. I’ve seen the horror stories about my bike but it hasn’t been the case for mine. I do change the oil and filters every 3000 miles instead of the 6000+ it states in the manual. I also changed a lot of parts that were considered problems very shortly after purchasing the bike so that may be why I’ve had no problems. It’s my go to bike for everything except for the longer rides.

[@AusMoto]

That’s great to know mate!

[@advseeker]

No need to ask as it is... many of my friends have had t7 and they have all moved to KTM 690. ❤🎉

[@AusMoto]

Great insight and backs what was said here

[@jehanswanepoel4854]

Why I don't think it is quite the unicorn most people want: its too expensive, and too tall and seems to have some reliability issues. Luggage carrying capacity is also limited due to plastic subframe. For the rest it is an awesome bike though. I test rode uno but end up buying a BMW X Challenge. Also tall but was cheaper and has more luggage capacity. Reliable Rotax motor. Same weight.

[@AusMoto]

Yeah, there’s always something that could be changed for unicorn status, but I reckon the 690 gets pretty damn close.

[@ridemfast7625]

Bought a used 2020 Husq 701, 3k miles, with $4k+ worth of extras for $10k usd. Max payload weight is 440lbs. Many people lower them, koubalink. 701/690 are amazing bikes.

[@timbrandt7211]

I bought a used one for 8 grand and have had zero problems in 40,000km. Granted, one actually needs to follow the manual for maintenance, but I’ve raced it, rallies, trips and just beat on it for years. I bought luggage racks and added Wolfman panniers, can carry enough for a RWT, not sure how much you’re thinking about carrying. But yeah, it does have a higher price tag like all of the Austria KTM. That Kove might be an interesting option.

[@AlexFBuchholzPhoto]

Without any doubt, in the "light" trail bike segment, the AJP PR7. Got it four weeks back and it is just amazing. Uncomparable suspension and seating. Very noble and predictable. Got companion to my KTM 890 Adv R.

[@AusMoto]

I’ve always wanted to try one, heard good things about it!

[@timbrandt7211]

For the AJP I’ve read about so many reliability issues, and lack of support, but can’t put any weight on that first hand.

[@AlexFBuchholzPhoto]

So far I had no problems. And of course, living in Spain (very close to Portugal), support should be no issue. @@timbrandt7211

[@OzADVRider]

I have ridden one of these and they certainly have some punch. I've also had several fly past me on rough tracks so I know that the suspension is good. Great idea for a video series, keep them coming!

[@AusMoto]

Thanks heaps mate and yeah, they got awesome torque!

[@copybooknano854]

I had a 2019 and sold it after a year. It was great for exploring backroads and simple dirt tracks, but besides that, it wasn't really good at anything. If you have the money, get a solid street bike and a dirtbike you can transport with another vehicle. That is a unicorn combination!

[@AusMoto]

Depending on the riding you do, that could potentially be the better option, but that’s the point of a dual-sport. I feel like you loose your sense of adventure when you don’t have a dual-sport/adventure bike, which allows you to explore and not be constrained by a trailer/van.

[@adambatchelder4121]

In the world of klr 640s , xrl 650s, dr650s the 690 is by far the best .

[@AusMoto]

The performance of the 690 certainly leaves those for dead!

[@russellborn515]

I have a T7 and a DRZ. Love the T7, but off pavement the DRZ is just so much better. I've ridden a 690 once, would love to have one.

[@AusMoto]

I reckon that's a great set-up you got there, Russell!

[@anotherguyonabike4726]

The 690 and 701 seem to be getting some buzz atm and tbh I really want one haha those highway miles on the drz kill me😂 I reckon it would be perfect coming from the 400 but not going as far up in weight as the Tenere🙌

[@AusMoto]

It’ll be a nice upgrade to the DRZ but in saying that, it really wouldn’t be that much better on the highway (maybe just a little less vibrations 🤣)

[@anotherguyonabike4726]

@@AusMoto yeah gearing man and a 6 speed calling my name😉

[@maxflight777]

Rade garage pegs are 30% bigger and 1.5cm lower. I love them 😍

[@AusMoto]

Nice!

[@zokhrozzWoomzy]

Literally the closest thing to a unicorn dual sport until a 490/390 enduro comes out (they will never)

[@AusMoto]

Agreed for sure!

[@sausagesandwichSA]

Jumped off my 250 one day onto a 701...Wow it was great fun👍

[@AusMoto]

Yeah, they're definitely a fun bike!

[@ajszymala6048]

I just want a CP3 in and enduro chassis

[@AusMoto]

Can you imagine how fun that would be haha!

[@MVDBR]

Haha wow jinx! Good run down I agree with most of what you guys said, it's so good off road 💪

[@AusMoto]

The timing haha and yeah, I can see it being a weapon off-road!

[@CinntSaile]

Would you tour with it? I have a T7 and, yes, it's a great bike but just too heavy for off road. The only thing stopping me from jumping ship is long distances on the KTM, although I would do 90% of that off motorway and on "B" roads.

[@AusMoto]

I think it's possible with a few modifications i.e. seat, windscreen, etc.

[@CinntSaile]

Many thanks, Josh. The other issue which keeps getting flagged up is reliability but, from what I see, the vast majority seem to be trouble free.

[@AusMoto]

@@CinntSaile yeah, it does seem like they sorted out most of the big issues post 2015

[@TubeClift]

Thank you for this very nice video! It was really informative to me as Honda Africa Twin owner, looking for something lighter. On a different note.... I'm from Texas,USA so you guy's speaking accents were really interesting! Your duuurt booiike descriptions and the 6Nooiiney KDeeM riding impressions were super cool to hear. But boooyying one will be expensive. Your video of riding on the "wrong side" of the road was really terrifying for me to watch; all those cars were coming right towards the camera!!! Also, don't the local animal rights folks complain about you guys amputating the front legs of those neighborhood "dogs" that crossed the road in front of you?? (LOL) Thanks again for the great 690 review!

[@AusMoto]

Thanks heaps, Clift, glad you enjoyed it and found our accents interesting 😂🤣

[@abluequaker5486]

Honestly tempted to get myself the supermoto version of this and mod the crap out of it.

[@AusMoto]

Man, that would be so bloody fun on the road!

[@markcomisky7106]

Can't beat Japanese reliability

[@AusMoto]

That is certainly true

[@ParallelCamper]

Lots of positive about the KTM but I think that I will stay with my DR650 for now.

[@AusMoto]

The DR650 certainly is a phenomenal bike, I even have a video talking about it potentially being the greatest bike of all time!

[@jw8556]

Just don't buy a 2011/12 model they were a bit of a headache

[@AusMoto]

Yeah, I've heard pre-2015 were plagued with issues.

[@jw8556]

@@AusMoto yeah l had a late 2011 model did about 4000 ks on it and back traded as had issues with fuel pump, fuel filter, ignition the seat was a nightmare the stock air cleaner and air box were not great but hopefully they have fixed a few issues because the bike was a absolute weapon on and off road one of the best balanced bikes lv ever ridden with power and handling to match the slipper clutch was well set up

[@AusMoto]

@@jw8556 ah that’s rough!

[@jw8556]

@@AusMoto must have been the first of the cfmoto swaps

[@budget-adventure]

It’s a great looking bike and I’m sure it’s more then capable off road. But I just keep hearing to many horror stories about them being just about reliable as a ford ranger. And yes while it’s here say for the most part, someone that’s owned one for 5000k isn’t making me hopeful either. But I’m sure a lot of the talk out there is fuel more so jumping on the anti China bandwagon then actual issues with the bike

[@AusMoto]

Yeah, the pre-2015 690s seemed to be plagued with big issues, but as mentioned in the video, I think they've resolved a lot of those in recent years. The issues are most likely not as prevalent as we see online, probably because most people jump onto internet forums to post issues rather then to praise the bike.

[@glossblack1098]

I’ve done 23,000 km on mine, 2.5 years old, lots of dirt, not a single issue yet. I hear a lot of old horror stories but that’s not my experience. Cheers

[@budget-adventure]

@@AusMotogreat points

[@budget-adventure]

@@glossblack1098yeah and it’s why it’s better to hear from actual owners and not accounts in Forums :)

[@ferkuzuel]

I had the same bike, and one of reason why I bought it is because the 690 has been around for over 12 years and most of the issues have already been solved, so the ended being as reliable as my previous Dr650,

[@danstevens2204]

Just can’t take to the sound. no doubt it’s awesome otherwise.

[@AusMoto]

I might be in the minority but I like it haha, sounds mean!

[@whitedrguy6503]

Just way to expensive, at close to 20k on the road plus what it cost to adventurise, big dollars. I will stick to my old DR 650 and spend what I saved on actual travel, $10,000 takes you a long way. 😂😂😂😂

[@AusMoto]

Yeah, they are costly compared to the other singles (except for the KTM 500, that's bloody expensive too!) Love the DR though, I have a video on the channel talking about it potentially being the greatest bike of all time 😂😂