Why I Bought - but then QUICKLY sold - the "Unicorn" KTM 690 Enduro Rally

[@BigRockMoto]

Did I make a huge mistake by selling the modified, ultimate lightweight ADV 690 Enduro? Sound off below! 🏍 SUPPORT BIG ROCK MOTO BY USING THESE LINKS! ⚠Rocky Mountain Store: bit.ly/33kgRIz ⚠Revzilla Store: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN ⚠Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto ⚠Amazon Store: amzn.to/3viGZ0A ⚠Merchandise : big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/ ⚠Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia

[@boudix5737]

I guess not, if it can’t do the single trail stuff like the smaler 350 KTM, with all the luggage on and it feels heavy and can’t handel the luggage for a multi day (weeks) trip. It’s not the right bike to do that, and you can better use a specially designed bike for that purpose like T7 or KTM 890 ADV-R. Okt-Nov I did a 5 week tour to Greece on a 890-Adv-R and yes you have to do some highway miles and a lot of secondary road with the bike …. To get to those great off-road tracks in the Balkan an Greece, but that means that you still ride 60% on roads, and I agree that a 890-adv-R is Mitch more fun than the 690. and since you have multiple bikes to pick from that is the right decision I guess.

[@MattPerry]

The KTM 690 is for people who want to have a motorcycle to ride off-road but don't want to have the Maintenance and want to have a motorcycle that rides off-road and that is also light And that is powerful enough to ride on the street. therefore for people who have in view these objectives in the first place, leaving motorcycle trips to the background, this motorcycle is for people who like the KTM 500 but don't want to have the maintenance work, I think that is this above all. KTM 690 is for me.

[@GCTO239]

Right call

[@AppalachianDualSport]

@@MattPerry Ehh....there are a much bigger differences than maintenance intervals between those two bikes.

[@AppalachianDualSport]

Definitely not a mistake. Dirt bike for off-road, heavy touring bikes for pavement and gravel.

[@neptunetriton]

After owning larger ADV bikes, I purchased a Husqvarna 701 Long Range and it's been an amazing bike. It weighs 383lbs wet with 6.3 gallons of gas on board, makes 70+ HP, happily travels at 80mph on the highway, slays in the dirt, goes 330-370 miles between fuel stops, light enough to pick up by myself offroad, and easy to load/carry in a trailer, pickup bed, or hitch carrier. IMHO there are no other bikes on the market today that can do all that with a full compliment of BDR camping gear. You can go a little bigger (Taureg, T7, 890) or a little smaller (CRF300, 350, CRF450RL, 500EXC), but if you want a single do all bike in between, the 690/701 (esp Long Range) are where its at.

[@MOTOPSYCHO909]

Too bad they only built the LR one year.

[@JS-ny8sn]

@@MOTOPSYCHO909 There are multiple ways to add fuel capacity to a standard 701.

[@MOTOPSYCHO909]

@@JS-ny8sn Yes, I have the Rade Garage Aux. Tank. Factory option is great to have though if you want it. I did consider the LR when I got my 2020 690. I don't think it was overly expensive option. Wish I would have now.

[@zedballs]

@@Coldgecko something way dumber and more detuned, the CRF300RL is probably just about the perfect option. I don't think KTM is "unreliable" per se, but 74 bhp out of a single is pushing it, as is the twin balancers and a few other things. The CRF300 is bullet proof, you could probably run that thing without oil to limp it back and it'd be fine.

[@bradsanders6954]

@@MOTOPSYCHO909 I can get right at 200 miles with stock gas capacity on my 690, its not hard to carry a gallon. 90% of the time I wouldnt need extra. They get really good mileage.

[@El_Jaco]

I bought a used 21 690 with ALL the mods; the more stuff I removed from it the better it got. Eventually I was left with Wings exhaust, APX skid, a teeny tiny rack on the back and the offroad dongle. If you use these bikes like a big dirt bike that can get to the trails, maybe camp overnight- they are flippin amazing!

[@CurtisBrandt]

Yeah this is the ticket right here.

[@bradsanders6954]

Thats how my 690 is set up, just enough to be a great dual sport bike that I can easily use for camping once or twice a year, its just a fun bike! No Rally weight adding junk is needed.

[@spookyroofus]

690 Enduro owner here (I also have a beta xtrainer). I love my 690, for a reason that goes beyond the "good balanced compromise" stuff. And that is that it is more capable off road than any other bike you can ride for 2-3 straight hours on the highway. If you want to stick to easier BDR type stuff, than sure, youll get more comfort on an adv weight solution. But if you want the option to take your bike on some more agressive trails on that same trip, the 690 is the answer. The sacrifice you make in on road comfort is worth the added ability to take tougher trails, for those who want that option.

[@jeffwall2906]

Exactly ! U nailed it . . . 4my purposes anyway 👍

[@jancervinka2007]

Well said (;

[@JS-ny8sn]

I agree, I just did 400 miles (one day) on road only on my 701 and it was fine. I mostly do really aggressive sections of BDR with full gear (camping gear etc…) and it’s fantastic. I’m not sure what he was talking about that it can’t haul lots of gear. I wouldn’t want or need more gear on a big bike if I had one. I think most bikes you want to get off and stretch some after two hours of riding. We did 1200 miles of just road on a 701 and a KLR 650 last fall, no problem. Until they make a transformer bike the one you love is just fine 🤙. I suppose debate always makes good content 🙃

[@andrewstambaugh8030]

I have a dr650, similarly capable off road (with some suspension modifications). Offroad it's great, but it feels a bit boring on the road. It really needs more top end to get that road surge of power feeling... and that's exactly what a 690 does. Down low, they are almost identical in power. But the where the dr650's power drops off, the 690 keeps going and going to a much higher rpm. I haven't ridden a 690 myself, but I think I would like it a lot. But I've also heard they lose the forgiving nature of something like a DR, and instead need constant paying attention to your inputs. That's great for a race or exhilarating section. But it's also tiring for the easy more relaxed stuff where the DR shines.

[@crispinwalker8495]

701 owner here. Agree entirely. While the 690/701 is never going to be as nimble as a 500cc or less enduro off road, its not bad. Recently did 1000 miles of Colorado back country (200 miles per day) with Rade Garage auxiliary fuel tank and it was perfect. It is also fast and well balanced on the road. I pity anyone trying to lug heavier bikes about off-road just so they can have an armchair ride on the highway! If you want an armchair - stay at home! :)

[@jayd3931]

I have a 701 LR, and for me, it's the perfect bike. I have ridden it all over Australia, and although it is a compromise, when you are doing desert crossings, or tight trails, you don't want anything heavier, and on the highway, you don't want anything lighter or less powerful. The 500km range is also pretty essential. I happily cruised at 160km/h. BTW, there is cruise control for it. It's made by MCCruise, and it works well. We did a 6 day group ride with 701's and 901's and most people on the 901 were wishing they had the 701 for that ride.

[@CoachSteve4u]

You've got my dream bike Jay... The 701 LR is as close to the unicorn bike as there is.

[@vindiesel5466]

Nice one well done

[@jonasbaine3538]

701LR are now very hard to find for sale.

[@jonasbaine3538]

@@ssd6467 ducati will probably release an enduro and adventure version using new 698 single cylinder 80hp engine.

[@jayd3931]

@@ssd6467 amazingly no. There were on average 3 people per day that had to go to the hospital for injuries, but no bike breakdowns. This is with 47 people. The only major issue I saw was a guy with a 2017 who was having clutch issues, but he had a million km's on his bike, and he was one of the top riders. He rode it hard. He just had to touch it up at night a couple of times. That bike and engine has been around for ages, so they have worked out most issues.

[@glossblack1098]

The 690 / 701 is the perfect bike for those who ride less than 2 hours road to the dirt trails. That is what it was designed for. Any longer than say 3 hours on the highway and you start wishing you had a twin ADV. After decades of riding many different bikes, the 690 is my favourite. Ride whatever bike makes you smile the most. Cheers

[@Erstwhile.Freeman]

I totally agree. The only bike that would replace my 2016 is a new 690. Every ride is a blast.

[@ManBikeSwag]

the seat concept seat can push this up a little. as would a screen.

[@SASSniperL96]

Can't agree with you. My own exp in travel 1100 kms 2 day in a row (~2300 total) on my 701. It was nice and comfortable enough.

[@ManBikeSwag]

@@SASSniperL96 I love my 690 more than life itself. But the touring comfort is nowhere near the big bike comforts, Wind buffering and the loud knobby treads are my main issues, both fixable. As we get older (51) it gets harder to punch out 1100km days even on the best tourers.

[@glossblack1098]

@@ManBikeSwag 1100 km days. Wow. Never done that as I’m in the dirt more than the road. If I was doing long highway rides regularly I think I’d get a GS. Whatever floats your boat.

[@DerpInTheWoods]

As a 701 owner, they're absolutely a compromise bike. No, it's not an ADV bike, but it can do it. No, it's not a dirt bike, but it can do it. But you spend a bit of time tweaking it for what you want, and it's a lot better at what you want to do IME. Get the suspension setup if you're carrying luggage, get a fairing if you're going to be doing high speed off road or a lot of on road, get a wider softer seat if you are going to be doing long hauls, swap sprockets if you're going to be doing a lot of single track, etc. Why do I love it, despite the jack of all trades nature? Because it's the only bike I have that I can do anything with. Blast down the freeway at 80-90? Sure. Find a twisty back road? Great. Got a single track trail you want to hit? She'll do it. So for me, it's the flexibility of not going "I need to come back to this with XYZ bike" and just going and doing what I see. I'd love to have a fleet of bikes all setup for what I want (and I have a couple for sure), but there isn't anything that's replaced the fun I've had with the 701 in never feeling like "I need to swap out bikes." FWIW, I swapped the Slaven's MX Tech "Lucky Mule" cartridges in the front when I did my front springs, and it was a hell of an upgrade both on tarmac and off.

[@nuttyDesignAndFab]

for highway riding: scoot forward up onto the tank, and lean forward. The skittish feeling you get on dual sports at high speed is because the wind drag is shifting load away from the front, which really does make it less stable.

[@oknevals]

How long can you ride like that? 300 miles?

[@Gofr5]

I actually find my 701 is super stable on the highway. But I found that I just naturally tend sit pretty far forward on the seat as is. Plus my bike is the supermoto version, so having the 17 inch tires with more street biased rubber I'm sure also helps in that case.

[@craighoffman6876]

Having the sag set properly in the rear is critical too. If it is saggy in the rear the front can feel unweighted and flighty at speed.

[@danielhusain7570]

true, but its so uncomfortable! but I'm not complaining, no one said it'd be comfy :)

[@headwinded1948]

I think it really comes down to getting what's capable of doing the toughest terrain you want to, and just dealing with the compromises you'll make on the asphalt to get to that point. If you don't need what the 690 offers off-road, you won't be happy with it.

[@timeboom]

Well said!

[@kuhndj67]

It sounds like the original builder of his 690 did the visuals but not the rest of the job needed to get the 690 set up for TAT/BDR use. To make the 690/701 work you need not just the fairing, but shock/spring updates (for more weight), cruise and heated grips added, comfort seat added, preload adjuster, final drive ratio (sprockets) change and if you can afford it... wide ratio gearbox (along with the usual stuff like bags and fuel capacity extension). Costs over $20k including the bike but if you want the ultimate lightweight ADV bike (and you're a bigger guy) I don't have a better option. Even with that setup - if you're planning to ride expressways the 690 isn't your bike, I don't do 4 lanes except when I can't avoid them even on my heavyweight ADV bike (Multistrada)... I DEFINITELY don't do them on this bike. It's not a bike that's fun to ride steady state over about 65mph. That's just fine for TAT/BDR (even on nice clean dirt roads I don't cruise at much over 60) but not so much for traditional Tarmac ADV. Short bursts to high speeds are fine... but droning along on the highway at 75? not on this bike. (it'll do it but you won't like it). Also... the bike is not really needed if your focus when riding is cruising along and enjoying the view... BDR's are entirely do'able on heavyweight adv bikes. When you check the BDR forums you'll see that most riders are in it to have a nice ride, stop to see attractions, set up camp and chill with a beer or four... etc... This is all very cool and I think it's a great way to get out and both ride and enjoy the outdoors. If that's your jam you'll be perfectly happy on middleweight or even better a heavyweight adv bikes (GS/GSA is the ultimate Barcalounger that can do light dirt)... it's not really how I ride though. If you're like me though... if you're out there for the ride (and like to push it) and want to do TAT/BDR sort of "dirt road/trail focused touring"... then do yourself a favor and look at this bike. For reference... most riders average 200-250 miles a day on the TAT (Transamerica trail) and average speeds in the low-mid 30's... and take a month or more to ride it. I rode it (7000 miles of it anyway) in 19 travel days, 350'ish miles a day and close to 45mph moving average. Most riders ride the MidAtlantic BDR (1000 miles) in 5-7 days with many taking 9+... I was on a 3 day pace on the 690 (we actually rode all of PA and then rode the west side of the PA Wilds BDRx, same mileage but didn't ride the VA part of the BDR). So the use case for the bike is (IMO) TAT/BDR when your focus is the more challenging offroad stuff (Colorado Passes, Moab) and you like to ride harder than say the average (not a quality judgement - what's important is riding not how/why). It's still nowhere near as capable on that stuff as something like an exc-f... but getting a bike that's even as good as the 690 and still can manage touring AND has long service intervals (IMO a requirement for this sort of riding) is a tall order.

[@bradsanders6954]

Just the wide ratio set is 4K + labor. Spending 20K on a bike just to have fun...I guess, if thats what you need its great! Sounds like entering real races is what you would love, just go flat out.

[@wine_country_moto]

I agree having different bikes for different things is good. But I also think using a bigger adventure bike and learning or “attempting” to do things with it that it’s not supposed to do is also fun. I’ve taken my 1200GSA on things I have no business taking it on and I feel much more accomplished if I actually pull it off. Just my opinion.

[@jancervinka2007]

Hey buddy, I'd say this is one of the most honest vids / reviews / sharing of feelings and thoughts I've ever seen. And u know what? It's so damn right! I was caught in exactly the same situation. I was driving street bikes as youngling, then I went to enduro a cross bikes while growing old and lately, I wanted to have "one fit all." I was fortunate enough to be able to ride classic KTM Enduro 690 R and I came to the same conclusion. Weirdnon highways and long distance traveling, quite fun in the cities though. However, when I took it out to samé decent terrain and trails I used to ride my KTM EXC 350-F (yeah, same bike like u do 👌🏻) it was a hell. Nightmare perhaps. I was sweating all the time, unsure whether or not I'm able to pass over some obstacle and on top of that, when u need some response in the right hand, it was always just way too much. Well, I returned that 690 R happily and now I'm back in the game with EXC 350-F and ADV 890 (; (Which is btw, if not the one, one of the most fun bikes I've ever riden. The joy u have doesn't matter where and how u ride is just ridiculously insane 😂🤟🏻😎) P.S.: I'm also choosing a new ADV helmet and ur vids r super useful. Thank you lad and perhaps, we'll meet on some track back here, in heart of Europe = Czech Republic 👌🏻😉

[@barryolaith]

In life, and certainly in the motorcycle world, there is always disappointment when your dreams collide with reality.

[@thomasdoe6768]

This is propably the best argument ever.

[@wanderlpnw]

You don't know until you try it, tho.

[@ridemfast7625]

And that is why I have low expectations in everything and everyone.

[@Blekk1989]

I own one bike.690 is the perfect bike for me.I need 5 mins to get on the dirt road and from that road i can reach any city i want with a minimum on road riding.that's what the TET is for.(Trans Europe Trail) I can cross borders with 90% off road riding.The negatives u mentioned in your video are valid.I think it all depends where you live.

[@russellborn515]

Just bought a T7, but looked very hard at the 690. Think I made the right choice, still have the DRZ for lighter weight fun.

[@timslifkin7632]

Nothing like the 701/690 if u take the time to set it up properly. 100lbs lighter than any other adv bike with 6k mi oil change. If you ride on any real dirt and you dont bench 300, its pretty hard to beat. I also have a 950 and a 530. The 701 is the one i ride most.

[@alanprice9938]

I had a feeling you would sell quite quickly. I think the 690/701 does have a particular place, even if you have other bikes. I have a Husky FE350, Husky 701, Multi V4, and a 996…… and where the 701 fits in for me, is if I’ve got some twisty mountain tarmac in between home and the trail, or if a shortish run to the beach, added to some around town. With that mix of journey, I don’t think anything can quite come close to the 690/701 enduro. It’s a joy, on the twisties, much moreso than a light adv, and still has the sharp power to excite for brief straight blasts in between corners, or to confidently pass a fast moving truck, or away from the lights.

[@CharlieTrevaskis]

Thats a good point. I never considered it probably rides more like a supermoto on the road than a “sport touring” bike that the advs would handle like.

[@dirtbike-adventures]

You know what? I had a 2016 690R and road it all over Utah. Through the desert and on mountain singletrack. I'm only 5'8". I did add the lowering link and the proper spring rates. The bike was tall but so are dirt bikes. Riding the 690 from the hotel in Moab and then all the way around the white rim trail was pure bliss! So chalk me up as disagree!

[@SK3DDO]

I think you're EXACTLY on the money, and it's the exact dilemma I'm facing. I'm currently in a mental spiral debating if I get rid of my amazing multipurpose bike for a more specialized 2 bike setup. So I have a headily modded 2019 701 Enduro here in Aus. Tuned suspension with aftermarket internals, front Safari tanks, rally tower: Handles amazingly offroad, 700km range, carries luggage weight better than stock, and it can chew through the highway miles. I've done 10 hour days on the highway, and torn around my local two-track, and it did both of them well. Everything was great until I bought a TTR250 as a skills practice/singletrack bike. Then the 701 got pushed more to the adventure riding/travel end of duties, where I'm now longing for the benefits of a bigger bike like T7 or a 950. If you can only accommodate a single bike garage, there is no better than the 690/701. But if you can accommodate two bikes, you can cover more "spectrum" of riding with less compromise. That said, there is something to the question of "what kind of adventure riding you want to do?". If you're more worried than being able to pick up the bike solo than highway cruise comfort, then this might aaaall change, and that 690 might be spot on. Just a note about the handling comments you made: It really comes down to setup with these bikes. With the stock rear fuel tank setup, luggage very quickly makes the bike too rear heavy. Getting some proportion of weight back over the front is good. I did it with the front safari tanks. Rear sag only goes so far to level the bike out, but it doesn't change the weight split.

[@maxw576]

I bought a 690 Enduro because i can load it in the back of my truck and take on camping trips while pulling my trailer. This allows me to stay under the truck load rating while having a fun bike to explore secondary and back country roads/ trails. I wouldn't want it for any other reason and i have other bikes too.

[@AKAOmnivore]

I think your bottom line was spot on, if you can have one bike and like to go lite trail riding and some short touring, the 690 will get-er-done. That said it's a bit big for single track, a its a bit small for extended freeway travel. Just by default their is no perfect bike for everything although you can try and to do everything, and people do.

[@diogoalves4919]

Not sure if you have it in the US, probably not, but you should try to find out about the AJP PR7. It’s a portuguese bike built with good quality parts and probably the closest stock bike to that allusive unicorn.

[@geedubone]

But it has a the old italian husky motor...

[@diogoalves4919]

@@geedubone As far as I understand it's considered a very reliable engine.

[@getdealtwithquick]

​@@geedubone There's nothing wrong with that motor. The challenge people are running into is that it hasn't passed Federal emissions, which means no plates in California.

[@georgeferguson9779]

I own a KTM 690 Enduro, and I agree with you. It’s perfect for me. Even on long distances since I like to get off the pavement and explore dirt roads too. Light, nimble, and comfortable for how I use it. If I’m mainly just riding riding pavement, I ride my Triumph Scrambler 900 (which I ride on dirt roads too some).

[@k_plax]

Theres a lot of people that love the 690 and see it as the closest thing to the unicorn of adv bikes. I can see why too after owning a '22 model. However after owning one for 8 months and modding it, I can relate exactly to what you said and I sold mine too. Like you said, it did most things pretty good but nothing great. And so that meant overall it wasn't a positive riding experience for me. In fact Im average height and weight and couldn't stand up on the 690 offroad to save my life- that was the biggest gripe for me.

[@scarumanga]

I just got a 690 myself, a step up from my 250L. Looking forward to getting it setup with a small rear rack for moto camping, but I do not intend to make it a lightweight adv bike with pannier racks. Only addons I really plan to put on it are better bark busters, bigger skid plate and the orange crash bars you see in the advertisement video of the bike. Yeah id say you are right at the end of a the video, the 690 is a sweet spot if you want something that does both, it really is the only option IMO. A lot of the other options are long in the tooth sadly.

[@skipperdabio]

I had a 701 for a couple years and loved it. Great bike. I agree with you in that if I only could have one bike that would be it. However my dream has never been to own only one motorcycle so I ended up selling for the exact same reason(s) you did.

[@wpatton5894]

Rode 725 miles in two days, over 500 in 1 day! Southeast Utah. This bike loves to go fast especially on the highway. Loaded with gear and camped. Love my KTM 690.

[@big_petebear8535]

I only have the room and budget for a single bike. Glad to see it wasn't some bad design flaw that made you sell. Still sounds like my dream bike.

[@Mushroommandala]

I have a 701 rally build and its amazing king class in Dualsport. - Easy doing rallys in mid enduro trails. Also the comfort, long highway rides and traveling is great with it, Rade Rallymask, comfort seat and side bags like Enduristan Bilzzard brought back the lack of comfort/travel skills. - Hard to understand your critics (bad on highway/wind or hard to drive offroad trails). - Even onroad, in combo with my good riding skills i win asphalt competitions (zB a KTM Duke) and i had a 50:50 TKC80 tyre.

[@prairiedog879]

You sold it because you need to fund your next bike for content purposes? So many youtubers really just video posers vs serious riders. It's all about the video and pics for clicks these days

[@phatsmitty]

(pause @ 2:28) holy crap, that bike IS COOL LOOKING Ian!!! I must agree that a mid - sized adv in addition to a 250 - 400 cc dual sport would be the perfect pair. KLX 300 or DRZ 400 parked next to my Tenere = heaven

[@mr.terwilliger5728]

I think your first video did an astounding job telling us what the 690 is. I have watched many of your videos *YOU ARE THE BEST ON KZbin) as well as other dual sport videos and I keep coming back to the 690 being the bike i want. I get more and more comfortable laying down $15k on this bike, because It seems like it will be my do all bike. Throw it in the back of my truck, ride it leisurely around town, keep up with my Harley buddy at 75mph... hit the powerlines and be able to go insane in the woods. the big stock gas tank is a major plus. From what I can see it needs nothing but a new seat and its a 10/10 bike. I haven't seen a big thumper available anywhere near the caliber of this motorcycle off the showroom floor. If you ask me, making it a single swingarm in future models front and rear would make it the PERFECT bike. Guys like me can switch from street to dirt in 5 minutes

[@texlee1640]

I've owned large ADV bikes, middle weights like the 890 and enduro's like the 450/500's. I find the large adventure bikes truly do best on the long slab sections or when one wants to cover a quarter of the country via bike while still having the ability to hit the occasional dirt and gravel roads. The middle weights were where I thought I'd land for the perfect ADV bike that could also be ridden more aggressively and while to a large degree that was true, they never had the long road comfort or wind protection of the larger bikes and they were a bear off-road when things got slow and technical. The small enduro/dual sports like the 450's and 500's are awful on the road beyond 30 minutes or so to connect trails but I found I have three times the fun and cover more ground when off-road on one. To ME the 450/500 is the perfect BDR bike, something you'll trailer to the ride, ride balls to the wall off-road for a week with a lighter load out and then trailer it home when done. I am over chasing the perfect do-it-all bike, because it simply doesn't exist without making huge concessions in one way or another. I now realize that I need different bikes for different uses, and while that's not always feasible for everyone or ideal, for me it's the only solution for my riding wants/needs/desires/demands.

[@BigRockMoto]

Well said

[@CharlieTrevaskis]

Yea i love my plated 300xc for the same purpose. I can handle 15-30 minute asphalt sections when necessary even with stock gearing as long as im not trying to push more than 60-65 during that time but anything more than that or freeway use is miserable. Man i would love to add a t7 or 890 to the garage though

[@toltod]

I was at that place when I had to choose between the 701 and 501. The bigger 701 enduro made more sense on paper, but I knew if I bought it, I would still lust after the 501...which is the bike I went with. Smart choice because I'm never wishing I wanted the bigger enduro when doing harder single track. Also had a buddy who switched from 690 to 500 and he's really happy.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Had my 500 for a few weeks now. Love it. I ride 45 mins on the street to get to the dirt and then have a so much fun. So glad I didn’t opt for the 690.

[@rdrg7362]

The 690 is best in its SMCR variant. Try it and you will keep it.

[@painsrides3616]

I'm a proponent of having the right bike for the ride. Its just more enjoyable to ride a machine purpose built for the type of ride.

[@gabecanderson]

Agree with your assessment. It's about 80% across each of the major types of riding I do. I bought SM wheels which increased versatility as well. Have thought about selling and getting a more dedicated dirt/ SM bike and then a true ADV but can't justify the cost of two bikes when this one is so capable.

[@peewee6938]

Great video and I get your point. I own a 701 and I fully agree with your considerations. But, even if I could afford two bikes, I can just ride one in the same trip, if you know what I mean

[@_hold_the_line_]

Unlike most you're in a position to have multiple bikes. But if you could only have one, which one would you choose? Does the 690 make more sense in that case?

[@gbner9991]

Imo a middle weight ADV bike is THE bike to have if you have only 1 bike. 690 is way to uncomfortable if you do any amount of road riding.

[@BigRockMoto]

Yes

[@_hold_the_line_]

Thanks

[@biscuitsalive]

I sold my 701 after a about 6 weeks. Did like it. Great on twisty roads. But just didn’t quite like it enough off road. (Compared to my 350excf)

[@MarcinWojtczuk]

Just returned from 10h mostly unpaved roads trip on Tenere 700 world rally (rented). This bike is completely unfit for this purpose and I would not go anywhere out of hard surfaces with it, especially sand. I own Honda CRF 250L and after riding Tenere today I really appreciate how gem of a motorcycle it is. I'm going to buy 300 rally and put best suspension and tires money can buy into it. It is the only actual adventure bike out there, if adventure means "go where it's fun and forget about practicing deadlifts with motorcycle".

[@lukefish7562]

Another fine one Ian! I’m breaking in my Norden 901 expedition right now but I believe the 690/701 is in my future. Ride safe! 🏍️💨

[@Ivan_1986]

901 expedition is on the top of my list now, but… kind of thinking if I should go for 701. I do plan to make 2 times a week trips to city (90 km), but would also like to explore some trails around. My last bike was 2010 Z1000, which I tuned quite a hit and it was just a thing of beauty. When I think about just doing tarmac mostly I feel that maybe I should just go for a sport tourist 🤦‍♂️ Lots of great bike options out there. Looks like it is a real challenge to find a do it all bike in many cases. Ho do you like the Norden? :-)

[@Erik-rp1hi]

I have a lot of bikes, Honda CR250, KTM 300 exc, KTM300XC, KTm 450 XCW, KTM 500EXC street legal item, KTM790 S with shock mods for dirt and now a 701, 2023 model. Just did the Kevin GPS Pacific Divide ride on it. 2700 miles of forest roads and back country paved roads. Put on a 49 tooth rear sprocket with Rade Garage aux fuel tank, Seat concept seat, 1 " more foam. Canada to Mexican borders through the Cascade and Sierra Nevada Ranges. Basically following the Pacific Crest Trail route. The 701 was the perfect bike, bar none. It is just a big dirt bike. I must have a good off road bike and this also does paved well. Chase truck and hotels every night.

[@Enduro_BALLISTIC]

690 is a DUAL SPORT! stop already comparing this bike with sport touring bikes like yamaha T7, triumph tiger etc..... what the hell??? this bike is for 70% off road 30% on road that's all. Yes if you want to ride it on the highway you can do that (once, twice several times but not regularly on highway 300-500km ) OKEY but if you want to ride more on roads and travel more on roads than choose a different bike. 690 is a perfect bike what is it made for. (btw you arguing about high seat WHAAAAT? bro if you are short than buy the lower bike what is suit for you, that's like I would buy a Ferrari and start to crying how fast it is looool)

[@SuperBooogieman]

I knew right away what was going on when I saw you standing beside those bikes and I totally agree. If I had the money I'd also have a bike for each style of riding, but I can't afford two bikes. I have a sumo conversion kit so I basically go dirt riding, travel longer distances and I can race up those twisties going up Idlewild. All with one bike and I love her for that versatility.

[@jcxxmotoxx]

I just picked up an 18 690. I have other dirt bikes but I have this unique bike nitche that the 690 fills perfectly (so far). I have a family, wife, kids and dog, so my adventure moto trips are super limited. But with the 690, I can leave from the house with light overnight gear. I can be in Big Sur in an hour or the Gabilan Range in 10 minutes, both have great FCFS camp grounds, and backcountry to explore, within reason. All said and done probably 150-200 miles of riding per adventure, usually a night or two. When I finally get the time to do real longer ADV rides, I'll jump up to an 890 or something. But you said the 690 was the only game in town, I think it competes directly with the XR650L and the KLR650.

[@noostNL]

I understand all of those motorcycles if you look at them separately. Basically it comes down to what your preferences are, what you are going to use it for and if it is possible. A Toureg, T7 or similar is made to go long distance and off the beaten track, but it got its limitations (i.e. weight, less offroad oriented> worse offroad handling). A 690/701 is made to do long distance with luggage as well but are much more off-road focused. So they got their limitations (comfort, less road (long distance) oriented> worse road handling). A 350 is just a dirt bike. Made to go on a trailer and hoon around at the destination location. It also depends on where you live. Where I live in Europe, there are almost no tracks around you could ride to with a 690/701. Than you basically have to choose an allroad motorcycle such as a Toureg/T7 OR trailer something around. Distance to get to decent tracks exceed the 1000km mark. I.e. if I look at some videos on KZbin of people in Australia, I understand the 690 completely. They have lots of tracks around and very difficult ones for that matter as well.

[@TonyB683]

I have just got off an Africa Twin Adventure Sports and onto a 2023 KTM 690. I loved the Africa Twin on the highway and on fast dirt roads, but at 64, I found it increasingly difficult to man handle the Africa when off the bike. I have also managed to fall over a number of times with the Africa, mainly due to seat height (I am short) and had some-one else had not been there on each occasion I would not have been able to stand the big girl up. I previously owned a 2010 690 which influenced the decision to buy the 2023 model. My early observations are consistent with yours in the vid. I am doing very little to my new 690 other than a pipe, mosko, Puig windscreen, air filter and a lowering kit. The big issue I see is the highway comfort compromise, but the upside is the 690 will encourage more difficult off-road type adventures. Anyway excellent vid I think your spot on with your thoughts, and it really comes down to do you want one or two bikes. For me happy to have one and accept the good and bad.

[@JRinPG]

Well said Ian & couldn't agree more. No you did not make a mistake. As you said the 690 / 701 series leaves to much on the table to the true mid range ADV bikes and does not have the fun factor of the 450/500's. Would of been cool to see you compare a modified CRF450 RL / L to that 690. CRF goes the other way on the spectrum of trying to hit that sweet spot, light ADV unicorn bike.

[@CostiRadoi]

Hello! You should try and ride the AJP PR7, and give us your opinion on it. It seems that the Portuguese brand has tried to create a bone stock "unicorn" bike. I am more than curios to hear your opinion on it.

[@mike_mikeff]

I choose honda crf300l... it does everything you want if you are an average rider... its cheep to buy cheep to run , you can go all around the world without been scared of mechanical problems.. so its fun.. i take it from monday to friday to work , saturday for cross country roads , a littke bit of enduro , then i wash it and in monday back to work... oh and its maybe yhe best looking bike !!! Love my crf...

[@stevecarmack6267]

I’m tend to agree with you on this. I like my 690 but keep thinking about something more desirable for dual sport and travel. I’m fortunate to have a dedicated single track bike (300 xcw) so the 690 seems a little odd for me to have. It’s OK on fire roads and back roads but still not what I long for. Maybe it’s time for a change 😜

[@bseidem5112]

We'd like to know what you end up with. Bill, Phoenix, AZ, USA

[@johnhewitt1096]

Ian is a hard man to please. He is blessed to live in a vou try with awesome tar roads and great offroad with a million choices of bikes and he is still not happy

[@Sconnie470]

I love my 690, but don't disagree with your assessment. I've spent a fair amount to get my 690 more "enduro-ized", including Solid Performance suspension upgrades which were an absolute game changer, re-gearing it, and putting it on a diet of after market exhaust and other parts. It wasn't cheap, but the results are amazing with an 80-plus HP motor and a 315 pound wet weight. I'm a bigger guy (over 6' and 220 pounds) so the size is more suited for me and it doesn't feel big, but I do long for the narrowness of a dirt bike for getting up on the front end cornering in tight trails. As an old motocrosser, I've been able to keep up with the true enduro bikes pretty easily, but the argument could be made that it wasn't worth it and that a 500 EXC-f would have been a better choice.

[@j.t.5826]

Hmm sorry, I own a few bikes and I have 701 Husky and even though its not made for long distance I love the size, the fun going crazy on it and saves gas. I do alot of road twisties and a few twisty, the best. Sorry, I still have mine and enjoying it every min. I came off a BMW 1200 gsa and S1000xr... remember its a 1 cylinder engine... If your going to do the things you mention, bring your other adv bike...

[@abritablondeabike]

Bought mine and sold it 6 months later. Got a Beta 480rr instead and love it. 👍😜

[@michelmartel7050]

I ride a 690 for 4 years. Best bike when you only have one. Now i ride a triumph rally pro 900 and crf 450rl, best for both world

[@GGLiEx]

the 690 is perfect as a Supermoto. thats why the 690 exists. for the smcr version. that is for normal mortals, the road handling is only topped by bikes like the 450smr or purpose built and setup (so suspension triple clamps etc.) enduros like the 500excf. In terms of hooning around same thing, as long as you stay with normal wheelies and slides the 690 is the best choice aswell. if you want to elaborate further on stunting might be wise to go with something lighter... The sweet spot is hooligan sport touring. that is where the 690 shines. doing +- 120-200 mile days where you enjoy the extremely twisty roads (eruopean doefinition the states do not have these roads) and then on the straights in between you ride it on one wheel. For THAT usecase it is mere perfection.

[@missinglinq]

I have the 690. I've been adventure riding in Colorado and Utah. Trail and desert riding in California, and I have a set of supermoto wheels for the canyons around my house. I'm always thrilled with the bikes awesome capabilities. However, long freeway rides are awful, and the technical hard enduro type trails of Utah (Pritchett Canyon) make me want a 350 EXC. And the seat height is, at times, unmanageable. For the riding I like to do, the 690 is the best fit. Though someday I'm sure I'll graduate to an 890.

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks for sharing!

[@davetrueman2240]

I bought a 690 went adventuring in the Maze and the San Rafael Swell (Devils Racetrack) and White Rim Trail and rather quickly found that I was happier with a 500 EXC with a big tank, wide seat, and soft day bags. Just faster and easier to handle. Think a 890 would be my choice for overnight trips/camping.

[@useless274]

"Well over 100 pounds" - The numbers I find are KTM and Aprilia stated at 147 and 187kg, dry respectively. By the time a KTM690 is fully "unicorn" built (larger tank, fairing/tower setup) it seems like weight does creep up - but how much? I would guess with larger tanks and fairing you're adding at least 15kg. I had built out a CRF450L to be a 'unicorn' (large tank, fairing, luggage) but tend to agree with you - it was still terrible for travel, great on dirt/gravel but too much (for me) on anything really technical. I'm a bit on the fence between a Tuareg 660 and KTM 690. thanks for all the great content.

[@andrius.cesnauskas]

I ride 701 enduro. For my type of adv travel and riding its an amazing bike.

[@constantinosschinas4503]

I think they should make up a removable RoadWeight(TM) accessory that adds 80lbs weight to the 690s, so that people stop complaining about highway winds. Mount it on the highway, leave it at the start of the dirt lol.

[@sqd8r]

At some pt, serial bike owners, do this. I did it when I sold my 2004 zx10, 3 months old, for a 2004 12gs. Loved that bike. You have to get the right bike for you.

[@omarfernandez8576]

as you correctly pointed out there is not a one bike solution. However For me a 60 year old very active rider the one that comes the closest to a unicorn is the 300 rally underpowered as it may be.

[@ducmoto1975]

I think nowadays people focus too much on comfort on a motorcycle. I am not saying comfort is bad at all - but if you loose the connection to the simplicity of a motorcycle because of wind protection, wide seats, board computer, drive assistent etc., you loose what make a motorcycle trip interesting. Feeling the environments the street condition, open view to the nature without digital screen lights etc. looks like a luxury today. Motorcycles companies believe that using car innovations like Seat Heating, adaptive drive controls Warning systems etc, is a cheap way to push their marketing machine further by asking for higher prices. I am not into that. also I believe for motorcycle reviews it`S more important than ever having this" innovations". In my opinion the truth is that only simple motorcycles can show what real adventure is. love the KTM690 R for what it is.

[@tincho1979]

Hola Ian. Pienso igual a ti. Prefiero dos motos, un más off y una más on. En mi caso una Husky TE300, y una Ktm 790 ADV r. Pero la ktm690 podría ser una buena plataforma si solo pensara en tener 1 moto 😉 Saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷

[@honestspade9323]

Just sold My 2017 Enduro R 690, 100% everything you said I agree. I will get a street bike and a 500 exc or 350 exc.

[@Angry-Lynx]

i dont see why so many people say lighy bikes are fun and egnaging to ride i find around twin cyl bikes more comfortable, stable and safer feeling way better. The only situation i like lighter bike more is when i have to pick it up lol ;

[@marcoruz5862]

I'm agree if you can afford 2 motorcycles, I have a ktm 450 and a Ducati enduro 1260, enjoy both a lot!

[@goncalofaria6664]

I'm not sure how available it is on that side of the Atlantic, but as dual sports adventure bikes go, maybe it's worth considering the AJP PR7. Sure the AJP has it's flaws like any other bike, but while the 690/701/700 it's fantastic bike and a great platform, the AJP it's a fantastic lightweight adventure bike ready to go straight out of the box. Just one more to consider 😉

[@choerenz]

I agree with this as a great potential bike that may check all the boxes. There is a great video made by Greg Villalobos that compares it to the 690 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIqwZo2Vf6-ai80. He's a great video maker and how I found my current "light" bike which is a Rally Raid upgraded BMW G310GS. Fun little bike but also thinking about a 701. This review has me reconsidering though as the other bike I was considering is the Tuareg 660 (which would replace my Tiger 900 Rally Pro).

[@takeshikusao4674]

It goes down to money, I think. You are fortunate enough to be able to own different bikes for different things. If I were, I would probably do, too. For those of us who can afford only one, 'jacks of all trades' feel much more preferable, even though they are not perfect in any one area. Riding somewhere with mediocre comfort feels better than not riding at all.

[@nickg2431]

Yes but often that "can only afford one" often means 1 new 15k bike instead of 2-3 secondhand ones😀

[@steves52]

I have a 690 and a 350excf. Much prefer my 690 for anything dual sport. Literally hardly ever ride the 350 because the 690 is so much more comfortable on double track and/or jeep roads and still very capable. The only place I prefer the 350 is on tight singletrack or knarly trails. I live close to the trail and only ride 5-6 miles on backroads with the 350. If I was interested in highway miles, I would consider a twin, but I am not. I don't ride the 690 more than 50-60 miles to the trails. Anything further and I trailer it. If I was running a channel like you, I would probably change bikes all the time too so I could keep the content fresh.

[@patauger1193]

I think you nail it….adventure bike, i mean 50/50, have to do a lot of think. One think is the highway and you need stability and comfort👍

[@Slov_]

2 to 3 bike stable seems to be the best. 300-500 for a dual sport/ enduro and then a midsize to full size bike for the adv rides.

[@kai-uweoch1159]

I agree, a 690 is not extremly good on anything. However I neither have the space nor the money to own several bikes. And terrain/single track riding is anyway illegal in most places in Europe, Scandinavia included, so 350 is not necessary. However we have tens of thousands of kilometers of gravel logging roads up here of variable quality, which can be legally used. I am very often out there on my own. For that reason I am very close trading in my Norden 901 and getting a Husky 701, which I will build up into a 701 Explorer. 😁 The descission will be done tomorrow!

[@stankmaster1821]

this guy goes through bikes like I go through smokes.

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Most KTMs are not as reliable as a Japanese bike. That's why I don't own one. I would hate to be stopped by a malfunctioning sensor/clutch cylinder/cam... while riding the TransEuroTrail Romania ;-) Good you have two bikes to choose from. Günter, Nürnberg/Germany

[@johnhewitt1096]

I love my Suzuki DR650. Does everything just fine

[@bseidem5112]

Why? Big low end torque for off road?

[@johnhewitt1096]

Just bought my first DR650 Best bike i ever owned

[@commonsenseproductions5893]

The KTM 690 is amazing in the city and on light trails nearby. Not good on highways and too heavy for serious offroad

[@areess6209]

Funny, I did similar. I traded my 701 for an AT straight across. The AT just fits what I want to do much better than the 701 could without more modifications. And I'd already done plenty.

[@jarrodleis4046]

It is a tall order for any bike to be a decent reasonably comfortable street bike and be reasonably competent off road. The two best options are modded 690’s or modded DR650’s. All of the big displacement adventure bikes I have ridden have been nice street bikes but none of them have been even remotely close to what I would call competent off road. Hopefully you don’t regret selling that 690 as it would cost an arm and a leg to replace it with all those mods.

[@nickg2431]

Sadly Jarrod many ADV riders have very limited real off road experience.This is what brings about all the inevitable re-sales.Many folks could save a fortune by renting 3 different kinds of bike and trying them all for a weekend.

[@smg5960]

I really think you should try the Honda CRF450RL.

[@bazza8947]

Mccruise in Australia make a full electronic cruise control for the 690/701 as an FYI

[@rodrigotorrealba5062]

I have gone through all those bike too and your reasoning makes a lot of sense. If you only make one kind of adventure the 690/701 may be the bike….. I am having much more fun with my Aprilia and I husky 501. They cover it all…. But one think really made me get rid my 690, the height, it is ridiculously tall for my 1,70 meters height.

[@victordanielgrenocoll2823]

And if the 690 is too tall, how do you manage the 501?

[@davidcoleman4941]

I get it, I've often bought a bike only to relize it wasn't what I'd hoped for, it can't do everything

[@chrishart8548]

I bought a F800gs I'm happy so far. I'm only ever having one bike. I feel lucky I can own a motorcycle at all never mind 2. I've always loved duel sports more than anything else and never really liked sports bikes, if anything the lack of turn in the steering meaning 20 points turns was what I found most annoying.

[@markjacobs3956]

Nobody ever said I wish I had a heavier bike...until now.

[@SteelHorseman]

Great points !!

[@Revy8]

Right tool for the right job. I own a KTM 300 and a t7

[@radtkedo667]

I use a Reckless 80 with stock suspension and not had any issues. I weigh 180 plus riding gear and carry 30lbs of gear.

[@wanderlpnw]

I just bought a Gas Gas ES 700. I plan to use it as an adventure bike. I already have a couple big trips planned. I'll know in 3 months I guess. I am very tall at 6'5", so that will help.

[@jasonluhmer4792]

As with any bike it has more to do with the rider than the bike. I have a 2014 690 super enduro, and regularly ride in tight single track , it has no issues going where my 300 xc will go, yes it is heavier and yes it is tall and yes the suspension as stock is a little too plush and yes its not great for highway use, but road use is a secondary factor, I will never sell my 690 as it is great for many many things

[@BlackwaterAquatics]

Can manufacturers please make a lightweight adventure bike like this but with out the rediculous 38" seat height? Im about 5'5" and these bikes are just way too tall for me to ride practically (imagine stopping at a incline with a bike you cant touch the ground). I know its possible because they use to make 32" seat height dual sports back in the 80s and 90s. Yes you can get used to it but as a daily its not fun.

[@banditleu1342]

Using my 07 smr 950 as a dual sport..skid plate hard bags ,and soft ones..tkc 80s, araka exhaust itg intake, oh and the 7.9 gallon tank..tired of running out of gas..its old..but it moves out like nothin out there..

[@АнтонВолков-щ1ъ]

I think you have a point. But bikes you choose are also compromise. Why not to have 2 stroke cross bike and something like 1290 adventure? First would be much better than 4 stroke and big adventure bike better on a highway. Also I reckon your set is more expensive than one 690. And what if you have nice trail in 1.5 hour from home? Which one to choose? 350 of 700? Compromises...

[@byronchesebro3125]

Ian as usual I agree with your conclusions in this video for the reasons stated. That is why I own 3 bikes. I am an extreme weight weanie when riding off road and I love my KTM 450 EXC 6 days. My BMW S 1000 XR for the road and my 390 ADV for adventure although I am considering buying an 890 or T7 for adventure in the future. The Aprilia Tuareg sounds great but I don't want to worry about reliability or parts when I am in Baja or Alaska or any remote location.

[@BigRockMoto]

Well said!

[@jonasbaine3538]

hopefully ktm will finally do a proper 690 adventure bike soon with LR tanks, subframe and fairings. 75hp single cylinder!

[@mikeisland7382]

One thing's for sure, we need some Japanese competitors for this bike. Alternately a refresh with 890 tanks and a transmission update.

[@oknevals]

There is no mystery. For hard offroad, you need light bike and dirt tires. For touring, you need heavy comfy bike with road tires and big tank. There is no compromise. But if one can handle suffering, anything is doable. A guy rode 1000 miles in 24 hours on crf300. Most I did was 550 miles in one stretch on Super Tenere and I thought my neck would never move again.

[@bseidem5112]

Ha ha ha. Thanks for that laugh.