KTM 690 Enduro R Long Term Review Love Hate Is It Worth IT?

[@richardclegg5853]

From a guy that rode nothing but 2-stroke woods bikes for 50+ years and NEVER owned or even ride a 4-stroke... until e years ago when I bought my 690... never giving up my 2-strokes but very happy with my 690, does what I wanted it to do, built the way it should be built

[@BlackdogADV]

I’m a long time 690/701 rider. I rode a 2014 690 from Portland to Ushuaia Argentina in 2016 and made it to Antofagasta Chile before the exhaust rocker failed. This bike had the latest improved 2016 rockers installed before the trip. I was discouraged by KTM but knew the new motor was coming out soon, so I sold the 690 and bought a new 2017 701. Nice bike, I’m at 10,000 miles and no problems. I would recommend to any potential owner to make sure you get the new motor, the older bikes are fine if you stay close to home.

[@690ADV]

Great info and thank you

[@humzilla707]

I believe there were 3 versions of the rocker arm through the years on the old motor with the version 2 failing catastrophically

[@BlackdogADV]

I just returned from a 6,000 mile trip to Tuktoyaktuk with the 701. No problems other then the drive chain, still going strong at 18,000 miles.

[@dougderby9454]

Have a 13 690’. No ABS. A real throttle cable. I can tune the Ecu. I don’t notice vibration. Have a lot of kx500s...

[@Mikethebike-ov1yp]

Ultra expensive bike that seemingly need s lots of upgrades!!! according to this post. If you like spending lots of cash is a good bike. Get yourself a self limiting DR or KLR kids, that are more reliable and cheaper on all levels. They are not "ready to race" for a good reason- they last longer and you don't need to break the bank for upgrades. You will still enjoy your riding i can guarantee. Just some thoughts from an old experienced adventure rider.

[@espero7757]

Having had the 690 Enduro for 10 years, I simply have learned so much in doing dual sports. With that knowledge I have changed to the 790 AdvR RALLY which superseeds the fun for the 690. Both, the 690 and the 790 are great bikes making much fun. Cheers Uli with 790 AdvR RALLY „Racy“ 🏍😁👍🏻

[@iSean1]

Hey Joe, another great video. I previously owned 2016 which I sold in 2019. Of all of the bikes I had sold, I missed the 690 like no other. There is now a 2021 in the garage :)

[@R1ric]

Great video, but it's worth mentioning the steering damper isn't designed to get rid of the know front end wobble these bikes sometimes have. It's more to stop the sharp jolts front side to side or high speed head skakes. Worth saying, just incase someone thinks buying one of those is going to solve the problem 👍

[@TomsTinkeringandAdventures]

I picked up my 2017 used with 3000 miles on it last year, outfitted with more goodies than yours for $7000. Killer deal in my opinion, I have added more stuff to it (RG Rally fairing!) and have been enjoying it. Still need to do the long BDR type trip I got it for, but it will happen.

[@marcochavanne]

KTM of North Texas is awesome. Picked up a Norden 901 from them last year and plan on getting my next buke from them next summer. Was probably the most painless vehicle purchase I've ever experienced.

[@mikef3300]

I found a 2017 with 4053 miles that looked like it had never seen dirt before a few months ago. It had taller risers, larger pegs and a rear rack already installed so that was pretty cool. I’ve added a yoshimura R77 slip on, a foam uni air filter and Rottweiler performance fueling dongle which has made a big difference in power delivery. I bought it to get back in the trails since my other bikes (95 Harley springer softail and 2004 GSXR750) are street only but I find myself grabbing the key to the 690 more often than not. Riding it does bring back memories of my younger days blasting around the woods near my home though. What more could you ask for out of a motorcycle? 😆

[@Duken4evr29]

Agree about the Yosh can, dongle and fun factor! On a Husky 701 here. With the dongle and can, the engine is a wonder - deceptively fast on the street and a beast off road.

[@craighoffman6876]

@@Duken4evr29 Added a PC6 with Rottweiler's mapping since I wrote that, it ran well before, it runs holy sh%t awesome now. Low end power is dramatically better as is throttle response. It even sounds deeper, smoother and better. The power really is kinda stupid at this point. 😆 Still running the stock airbox with the inside of the snorkel removed, which I don't think does anything for power, but it spreads the dirt over the air filter a lot more evenly than the "concentrated" stock setup. Paid more attention to the rear sag settings and extended the forks all the way out to the caps to help even up the low front end. I am shocked how well the suspension works off road. The bike is heavy but it is sprung and valved for it's weight. The suspension feels firm and accurate, it can go in the dirt. Still loving my 701.

[@Gofr5]

Just got a leftover new stock 2020 Husky 701 Sumo 2 weeks ago and so far loving it. Planning to turn it into a light weight touring machine as it is my only ride and have plans to ride around the country once things open up more. Got a seat concepts on order (agree it's an essential upgrade), a windscreen already in but not yet mounted, and next year will add an MC Cruise electronic cruise control. Going to be great.

[@690ADV]

that will be a perfect bike for you and with a few upgrades you will have a bike that many will envy

[@SamiKaram--IzzNoGood]

Great Video, I have a 2013 and it's still going strong! What are using to mount those aux lights above the front turn signals? Cheers!!! :)

[@beyondtheborder2549]

Hi Joe, I'm on my way to San Antonio. To test ride at 690 I got a couple questions for you. I've been the big band the first time I went. I was on Africa twin and honestly. A lot of those roads were not much fun. Everyone else were on 2 50s. How does your 690 behave in those rough roads? At Big Bend. I saw another video where you took yours and a friend of yours rode 250. Period how do those two compare on the really sketchy stuff?

[@mikeschlup5279]

I rode a 2015 at a demo day...they updated the balance shafts in 017...before that no thanks.

[@intendedformatureaudiences]

I bought a 2014 enduro r, and omg it sucked sucked sucked at first. The guy I got it from had it lowered (much shorter then me) and had knobby tires on it. At 50+ it was brutal how shaky it was, scary stuff. So started with the tires, got some Michelin Anakee Wilds for it, much better but still rough. Set tires to 25psi rear, 22 front, and set front suspension to 20 clicks for comfort, made it even better, totally fine off road, but still pretty bad, but tolerable 50+ on road. Starting to enjoy it now tho, my 450 excr is still a more comfortable ride tho. Next is to raise it back up in the front, and redo the rear suspension. Ordered handle bar inserts, and scotts stabilizer and mounting kit and a seat concepts seat. Hoping it smoothes it out enough to make it great. I did discover he had the fuel map on 1, and before my first long ride today I set it to 2 (the performance map) omg, its awesome on 2. I really want this to be my do all. Wish I could ride a stock one though, because first rides made me think this guy had to have messed this bike up cause no way someone would ride it the way it was lol. But now I wonder If I should get one of the new models for the dual balancer shaft lol.

[@edwinarmstrong9175]

Perfectly said as usual. Love your videos & thanks for your time & effort!!!! The KTM 690 Enduro rules the adventure/dual sport middle ground!!!! If that is your idea of a perfect do it all bike both on/off road, it is the unicorn for you!!!!

[@690ADV]

Well you pretty much nailed it the perfect middle ground bike! thanks so much for your support

[@hagestad]

Either i was not listening carefully or all major issues were omitted. Rear brake leaver made out of absolute garbage. Same with seat- not only it is uncomfortable, its made cheaply, brakes and the upholstery disintegrates. Tank mounting screws fail fairly commonly same with fuel pump. Clutch is absolute garbage and can fail under 1k miles - not enough oilflow/ can be modded. gyro emergency switch off for the bike tends to rust. Front fairing bolts go straight into your radiator (take them out use zip ties) . Oh and cherry on top engine rocker arms

[@edwinarmstrong9175]

@@hagestad said by a person who obviously can’t afford a KTM & is super in love with the Japanese motorcycles. I have owned my KTM for years & it is super reliable. As for brake levers, when I had my Yamaha’s & Honda’s the brake levers were the first things to brake that I would replace with aftermarket replacements. The Honda had to have the cases split to replace 2 of the gears & the Yamaha I finally sold as junk to a junkyard for scrap because it seized up & was going to cost more than a new bike to repair & I have always done the maintenance when required on all my vehicle’s. My KTM hasn’t had any issues other than needing the valve clearance & it’s 17 years old. The Honda made it 7 years before I sold it but the Yamaha only 5 before it died. If you don’t have a machine don’t comment about makes you don’t own. I wouldn’t say anything bad about another manufacturers machine if I don’t have any experience from owning one. So please stop talking about gossip on KZbin until you invest in KTM. When my KTM dies I definitely will get another. Problem is I am afraid I will die before it does!!!!!

[@hagestad]

@@edwinarmstrong9175 afford? its not any more expensive than other bikes. I own exact bike from the video after extensive modifications. Apart from brake lever do you question my other points? BTW our last trip with 701 and 690 4 out of 4 bikes got clutch fried. Not enough oil flow by design. One bike was almost brand new under 1k miles. KTM said its not their problem. There is a reason there are businesses that mod those clutches by drilling them. they are faulty.

[@RajFallen]

Hell yeah. I’m about to buy a 2018 690. Can’t wait!

[@12gsxer]

I have just got a gasgas700es yes the ktm 690 , it’s has become my bike of choice over my two bmw gsa all I can say is what a bike I love it 👍👍👍

[@YTubFan]

Great review thanks!

[@tbgtbg6311]

What is the reliability / maintenance like? Valve checks , top / bottom end rebuilds?

[@drzrider3440]

Yeah, great bikes. I truly believe that KTM really needs to add a 690 Adventure model to thier line up. Wouldnt need to change much, just add wider more comfortable seat and that TFT display. And keep it light. Yeah yhe 490/501 is coming, but im thinking they would sell a boat load more if they added a adventure model to the 690. Thoughts?

[@690ADV]

I agree a 690 adventure would be amazing to the lineup 100%

[@erkful]

Everyone has been saying this since they canned the 640 adventure.

[@toltod]

One of the sticking points has got to be you need to always disable ABS? Otherwise I was so close at the dealer looking at the 2017 Husqvarna 701 right next to the 501. I almost got the 701, but knew i'd still lust after that 501. Just the fact it weighs less than my xt250 is amazing.

[@christophersharon2265]

Thanks for the great review! I got a 2018 coming tomorrow so I’m pretty pumped. Who makes that rack system on the back? The mounting hardware. That looked like a slick solution with the pelican or whatever the box was.

[@stoplogicmotorsports]

I got to try one but when I went back up to purchase it down and Austin it was already gone. I had a chance to buy a husky 701 Long Range model but I heard they have a fiery recall you might want to look into. No one can seem to keep bikes in stock down here in Austin though. I also got to try a 2017 off road once and I nicknamed a Chewbacca that thing is a handful I love it.

[@690ADV]

Yeah bikes are hard to get right now! I like they name.

[@davidh1314]

Nice review. I just got a 2021 a few months ago. Amazing bike. What kind of wind screen is that? Thanks

[@TheBigdutchster]

I have a 2021. Here is my list of hits and misses: The misses: The stock pegs are tiny, there are many options to replace them, I did replace them early on. No self-cancelling turn signals, endlessly annoying. The stock seat is as hard as a rock, there are options to replace it, I recently did and am much happier. The stock exhaust will not be what everyone wants, it is very quiet and weighs a ton, I did replace it with a slip-on and asm very happy with it. The display is tiny and provides very limited information. Give me a real tachometer and gear indicator. A fuel gauge would be handy as well. The mirrors will be the first thing to be totally destroyed off-road. I suspect that the stock hand guards won't last long off-road. There is a lot of plastic on this bike. While I have yet to have issues with the clutch slave, it is a known problem with KTMs. I occasionally get a false-neutral when upshifting using the auto-blipper. The grips are very thin and IMHO could use some more padding. I get particularly annoyed with the clutch lever, which IMHO is tiny, I can get at most 3 fingers on it. The hits: Power Gas mileage The auto-blipper The brakes On-road performance It is pretty easy to work on Appearance Overall handling Great for tall riders

[@RodNeufeld]

I have a 2018 690 and one of the first things I did was replace the clutch lever with the smallest one I could find. That is one of the smoothest and easiest clutches to squeeze, I ride all day with just one finger on it. Not sure if it is just because you are used to riding cable pull clutches that you find the small lever annoying but I am sure that once you get used to 1 finger clutch you will love it.😀

[@whiskeyechomick1015]

Would be cool if they made these same bike but with the lower maintenance 390 single, and I know “huh duh just get a ktm 500 or 300 exc,” but those have super tall weight height and super heavy maintenance

[@TheKernables]

The 690 Enduro will without a doubt be my next bike🤙

[@egalegalegal2176]

You can have all the things you mentioned if you pay some more bugs for it out of factory.

[@pilotdane1]

Hi Joe - Awesome / honest review. I feel the same way about "THE MIGHTY SUZUKI DR 650" - I can tell you that !!! Best part about ANY Dual Sport - whether on road or off - you can do whatever you want. Example: I had a shitty day today and am beat - But I'm fixin to take a spin on the DR for my "afternoon therapy session" - If you know what I mean !!!!!! Peace Brother !

[@aircooled2068]

I have a 91 dr650r and I wouldn't have anything else,well nearly anyway! Rock solid reliability and great fun on or off road!

[@pilotdane1]

@@aircooled2068 TOTALLY AGREE WITH THAT !!!!!!! Cheers !

[@pilotdane1]

@@outdoorfun8780 Agreed !!! - I ride the shit out of my DR 🙂

[@kaytme5915]

The 690 FRONT WHEEL DON'T TURN ENOUGH! MENTION THAT FACT PLEASE!...UGG!

[@kaytme5915]

I'M TALKING ABOUT FROM RIGHT TO LEFT, THAT'S A HUGE PROBLEM!

[@booger65man]

Great video. How would you say the bike does if you need to put in some highway miles? Can it cruise comfortably at 70 miles an hour without feeling wrung out?

[@VWGuy-jc4xd]

A 2019 or newer 690 or 701 will EASILY cruise at 70mph and do it all day long. I've owned two 690 Enduros, a 2010 and a 2019. I advise buying a 2019, 2020, or 2021 690 or 701, because the 2022 models conform to Euro 5 emissions and they do not run well with the stock ECU. Since the ECU is locked down on the 2022 690 / 701, the only fix is to buy an aftermarket ECU, and this is expensive.

[@jeremyhartsell2750]

You installed your own garage door huh?

[@Canada151337]

I ride a 2012 690E and I think it is my favourite bike i've owned yet! My list: Pros: Power - The engine comes alive at 5500rpm+ Weight - The gas tank being underseat really helps with mass centralization, it feels like it weighs 50lbs once you get moving Suspension - Premium components, what more needs to be said? Handling - Once you get it set up for your ergonomics, steering is telepathic Throw a set of sumo wheels on and you have an epic canyon carver Cons: Transmission - Why have such a powerful engine and throw a close ratio transmission in??? COME ON KTM.......... Rocker arms - I've upgraded mine to 2016+ ones but how has this been an issue for so long? Its always in the back of my mind and makes me nervous to venture too far off the path... Stock footpegs - Come on KTM, if you buy one of these new, and then have pegs where you're sliding off the sides when standing up after on, i'd be rather irritated No proper bashplate - See footpegs... Seat - I know its an "enduro" but for the premium price tag, you'd think they could put a nicer seat on it I suppose most of my gripes come down to KTM "cheaping out" on a few things, even though you're already paying several thousand more than you would for a DR650. Granted, you'll probably spend enough in farkles to make a DR650 perform the same as a 690, but they're so close to having the unicorn bike... My biggest gripe out of all of them is the close ratio gearbox. IMO that is completely inexcusable for this sort of bike. The only reason me and my main riding buddies drag races are even close is because I have to shift so much more often than he does. What the hell were they thinking?

[@johnscott9829]

How many miles do you expect a person can get out of it well cared for LC4

[@BiztoryTime]

Lyndon poskitt has uograded an lc4 engine with wider gear ratio box from nova racing, upgraded rocker arms and a clutch upgrade. Has done 240.000 kms now

[@gwolt]

very nice review, i got this bike a month ago and its absolutely amazing. everything he said here solid true

[@aazzrr]

Enjoyed the video but the REAL QUESTION is...is that a home made still on the bench??? 😆

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

Joe, I love the style and honesty of this review.

[@russiaisadictatorship.8865]

Always jealous ppl with no money that give negative comments

[@Shawn-in-da-Canyon]

It would run a lot cooler with an aftermarket exhaust and a cooler fan switch. Get busy!

[@firstamendmenttshirt4768]

Kouba link still? Hot engine just sitting.

[@kurthedgecock6313]

Great review!

[@690ADV]

Thank you very much

[@frostbitevinnie]

Yer bike is dirty but not as dirty as mine! I think the 690 is too fast!

[@690ADV]

man I just got called out! crap.... thanks for the comment bro! be safe out there😂