KTM makes an off road dongle for the ABS, which keeps it off until you turn it back on. Seat Concepts makes a great seat, there are plenty of windscreen options, same with a pipe. After owning it for 4 years you should have a good idea of your range once the low fuel light comes on, carry a 1 gallon rotopax. Basically everything you listed has an easy solution, if you really like the bike.

Virtually every negative you talk about is fully addressable. Wings exhaust, lowering link, aftermarket temperature switch for fan to come on sooner, seat concepts saddle, etc. I’m 5’11 and in my 60s and the 690 is in a league by itself as far as I’m concerned. One of my all time favorite bikes.

Everyone can have their own opinions. I owned two different 690s and truly loved them despite my 5'10 height. However, I would like to point out that these are not ROTAX engines. This is an LC4 line of engines developed by KTM. They are not using Rotax engines since the late 1980s.

I bought the 2020 KTM ENDURO 690R replacement for my 2007 Honda XR650L & really love the 690R, added a few mods to really make it complete in my eyes. Rally footpegs, rear fender bag, handlebar bag, ram mount for phone & a low seat concepts seat & wings exhaust.

Actually the modern changes are not minimal.. new 690 has quick shifter, additional counter balancer, 6 axis imu.... the new motor is smoother to a huge degree

KTM 350 EXC will look good next to that triumph. 230# , plenty of suspension and power.

Can be very easily lowered, Kouba links, etc. but surprising to hear that 36" is too tall for someone 6'2"

I own the similar bike since 2016 here in Germany. I deceided me for this bike because of off-road ablity as well as the on-road power. It's the very good combination of a powerful bike with 67HP and very important leightweight with roughly 150 kilogramms full with oil and gas. The fuel consumption is most between 4,5 - 5 liter per 100 kilometer (62 miles). Yes the bike is very tall, but if needed the height can be reduced with 3 or 5 cm (1, 2 inches), so you got a better stand. Due of the huge single cyilnder it's important to watch the oil. My bike consumes oil between 0,5 - 0,8Liter per 1000 Kilometer. My first impression was this a high consumumption for a new bike of 2016, but if you imagine what the engine works, it's acceptable, and after request at the service in an normal range. I like the drive this bike because it's very easy to ride, to handle always with a very stable chassis, brakes a powerful engine and with low weight ! And, also important after 9000 Kilometer, every things works as new, no problems, it's an easy to ride bike as well for woman may be with the reduction of the set height. I would buy this bike again because of the quality, the total performance which results in great fun of ride wherever you are.

This thing is actually a featherweight compared to my usual ride. I crossed the simpson desert on my DR650 with 50kg of camping gear strapped to the back and it was surprisingly easy to handle. I can see myself throwing this bike around and hitting jumps I normally wouldn't tackle on a dual sport.

He’s an everyday rider that doesn’t claim to be an expert. These are his opinions. Thanks for the video!

I had my 2016 690 lowered 1.5 inches, resprung and revalved. I added a seat concepts seat that’s lower. I have a 32 inch inseam and ride the 690 like a scalded ape. I do also have a 350 EXC-F and it’s better off road but it’s more specialized and not as good an all rounder as the 690.

I can’t see myself ever being without a 690, it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. I fitted a small KTM windscreen, Seat Concepts seat, Wings exhaust and a thermostat which turns the radiator fan on earlier. The only thing I don’t like is the gearbox. 1st gear should be lower and 6th gear should be higher.

Thanks for the video! Do you know which dual sport you will be replacing it with?

That's a great bike! Been looking at getting one unfortunately for me I'm only 5'5 and not ideal for road riding. Good luck to whoever buys it, they won't be disappointed. Cheers!

I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU SAID. I OWN A 2012 MODEL KTM 690 ENDURO R MOTORCYCLE AND HAVE DONE 160,000 KILOMETERS ON THIS MODEL IN COSTA RICA 🇨🇷. I AM ONLY 5 FOOT 7 INCHES TALL.

The '19 and up 690 Enduro R is 65% new from the '18 model.. Lots of awesome goodies.. 👍

The perception of a heavy bike is so wild. I ride the bigger brother the 1190 ADV R all over the place in CO. My buddy has the exact same 690 and when I jump on it it feels like a MT bike.

I appreciate your honesty about skill level and behing able to ride that bike. I'm 5'7 165lbs and I love my 2020 701 enduro and will be doing the Konflict suspension to raise the over height even more. Should have about 12 inches of travel in the front forks.

Good comments, thanks for that. I've always wondered if the 2 bike scenario is not the be-all instead of the all-in-one unicorn.

Everyone should have at least 2 bikes if they can afford it. I just bought my grandson a Husky 701 street bike. Black arrow he has trouble with the seat height but he loves it.

I just bought a new 701 (which is not much different, few changes in the 2019)... at 5'10" the bike is definitely tall, flat footing would be nice but while I'm not on tip toes I'm not flat foot either, I rode dirtbikes when I was young so got used to taller bikes so I don't think it'll be a problem... but time will tell. Lower weight (less than 300lbs) would ALSO be nice... but there's nothing I found in that range (very much liked the 500exc) that doesn't require service every time you sneeze at it. SO... it's a compromise. Interestingly it feels SUPER light to me coming from heavyweight ADV bikes like my current Multi and prior Triumphs and Beemers. The power is totally unneeded offroad but even on dirt roads I'm using it all (and at "only" 75hp it's tame compared to the Duc on tarmac and dirt roads). I was IMMEDIATELY impressed with how confident the bike was on seasonal roads (even pretty beat up ones)... I had to regularly ease my pace because I was moving too fast. I'd say a seasonal road that I'd ride at 30 on one of the heavies I'd be at 60 on the 701 if I didn't pay attention. I think the seating position for long road rides is great for me (seat will be swapped out for something a bit softer tho)... standing ergo's are not bad. I'm in the same boat as the poster though in that my dirt skills are NOT at the same level as the bike. So I'm going to need to behave when I get into true offroad... which I've not done yet.

320lbs is really light for a dual sport. Most of the 250-300cc dual sports weigh that or heavier.

I bought a 2018 at the end of that year. I love this bike but the height does get me sometimes, I'm still on the fence about installing a lowering link. For the abs, I don't want to by the dongle, so I put a reminder on the dash, (turn off abs) where I can't miss it. I guess we all deal with things differently.. I'm an old guy (59) and stand at 5'8" with a 31" inseam. I do love to ride this bike, the main thing is that I have to control myself with the throttle at times. But I'm also a blessed guy too, I've got a Triumph Tiger to handle the long trips. I can understand why the need for a change for the dirt. I explain the bikes like this, the tiger is like a 4x4 SUV and the 690 is more like a Jeep, if that makes sense. Other than that, do what you think will keep you riding. ✌

Thanks for the honest review Roman! If you are looking for something lighter and more dirt friendly, check out the Beta 500 RRS. Definitely easier to handle in the dirt and comes with a plate.

Solid points to consider. I'm also 6'2" and prefer comfort over time travel. Great review & thank you.

320Lbs. is actually very light for a 690cc bike. The BMW 700's are almost 500Lbs. If it's too heavy, drop down to the 300 class. Also, I've never owned a bike with a fuel gauge. I've had ZX-7's, a Triumph S3, GSXR's, dual sports, etc... None of them had fuel gauges. Resetting the trip meter is just muscle memory.

The riding footage at the very end of the video looked like Imogene Pass, which I know is a fair distance from Boulder, but is that where that was shot?

Training and practice...I took my son to a RawHyde training course for big bikes, made a big difference in my confidence riding my BMW R 1200 GSA off-road. They have summer training courses in Colorado.

Stock rubber with, maybe 500 miles?:D You'll get good money for her. I went from a uncorked '16 690ER, to a tuned '17 500. I bought a KLX 300 to ride with family who are new riders, and on a recent to NW AR for gravel & dirt, I rode the KLX over the 500 90%. Now, at 58, I'm wondering if I still need the 500, as I uncork the KLX, and the suspension may be the best in segment. KTM might consider a competitor for the '21 KLX 300 I just bought. I have owned many KTM dirt bikes since 2014, and love then, but until the recent shortening of some Husky dirt bikes (.4"?), they are all 38" seat height, and sometimes overkill for easy rides. The KLX 300 is well suspended, reliable, 35" at the seat, and has plenty of motor for easy trail rides & gravel roads. Watch 'em sell at $56-5800USD.

I had a Yamaha WR450 that I liked except that it had no fuel injection. The newer models did, which is a huge plus. It was pretty light, about 250 lbs I think, but as with most enduros had a 36 inch seat height. I'm 6 foot and not a great rider, like this guy. Excuse me for living. So, I installed a lowering link, lost an inch and a half in height, didn't affect the suspension or handling but made a real positive difference in rideability. For all those who made comments disparaging this dudes riding ability--eat shit. We all were rookies once, and it you're having fun and learning new skills then it's all good.

I sold mine five years ago for same reasons. „It owns me“ says all about its character. But I still miss it. Sometimes.

I feel you on all aspects I'm a short guy at 5'4" own a 2019 crf250l absolutely love it many off road & paved trips, BUT I'm short its tall off road sucks due to that plus it also is about 300 lbs mine does run the cooling fan off road & due to gearing options for road use I have mine rapped out on off road use for power, mine does have fuel gauge which is awesome, seat is surprisingly comfortable for about 2 to 3 hour trips but me being a short guy still cant get over the fatigue I get from stop & go balance act & occasional tricky situations off road like you said at the end the bike gives me a workout LoL

Holy Shit! I've been watching Truck Vids from this man for years & didn't expect a Dual Sport vid from him!!! I'm all ears. Now I'll watch the rest of his program. LOL.

Great review as usual!

I have a 2018 ktm that I bought new. It has its limitations for sure. But honestly its a perfect bike for me. I love to ride on the road and I love to take it into the mountans. I do wish it had a bigger gas tank. I love that I can take it anywhere. I put heated grips on mine and a new exhaust and its pretty much my perfect bike. My favorite bike that ive ever owned without a doubt

I almost bought one, but got a Honda crf450. A few mods brought it down to about 270lbs. Little buzzy on the highways but tons of power.

Awwhwhh this bike is so gooood! Can't believe you are selling it.

I had a 2009 690r and did a great Baja trip on it but it's too heavy and the gas tank design is strange. Now have a Husqvarna FE 501s. I really like the relative simplicity of the 501. Yes it's fuel injected but no abs or traction control. Easy to mod. Easy to work on.

As a 6'5" rider I thoroughly enjoyed your video.

I have had off road bikes, on road bikes and dual sports. And yes, it is great to have that dedicated street bike for your strict street ride smiles. BUT, Roman, I think I know you well enough from all your videos to know, you don't really want a strict dedicated dirt bike. Because, you will be legally restricted to having to load the bike up every time you want to hit the dirt. IF you get say a Kawasaki KLX300, you will have the lower inseam ride height you are looking for, the lower weight of a bike you are looking for. And still be more than capable for your skill level to venture up into the hills and back roads when you are out and about and see something that grabs your eye. As for air cooled, vs liquid cooled, you talk about hot, air cooled dirt bikes are the worst on hot days. The power drops severely to the point you have to stop and let it cool down and your bike is 1 giant radiator under your body. Just my 2 cents.

Should've tried the new Beta 500rr it weighs 250 with full knobbies on it 👍

I find that ABS on my 2020 works great on steep downhills. Keeps me from sliding out. I bought the dongle but took it off after a few months after I realized how useful ABS is on gravel roads. The 690 is a horrible trail machine but it's everything that you would want your dirtbike to be on the road. I consider it a light adventure bike.

Isnt the scrambler quite a bit heavier than the 690?

That bike is sick AF 💯 Also, kudos to Colo scenery. I lived there since 2010.

well, it's not really a dirt bike. You have to remember that. It's a dual sport, albeit very dirt oriented. or capable. And it's light for it's class. You can def find a light dirt bike if you're willing to move away from dual sport. The 36" seat height, we'll that's actually pretty normal. Probably some 35" bikes, but any lower than that and you probably putting an aftermarket "low" seat, and modding the suspension a wee bit. And you don't have to touch the ground to ride in the dirt, that sort of defeats the purpose. The great ground clearance, and off-road worthiness, comes at the expense of height. just like a truck/jeep. If you do decide to stop, you just put one leg down and lean. at 6'2", you shouldn't have a problem. So, it's great for what it is, because they built it that way. If you want to flat foot it, you'll give up ground clearance.

I was gonna mention that to get on that bike I'd have to use the foot peg. I had a KTM LC4 640 with a center stand. I had to sell it because as I got older I couldn't get my leg over the seat anymore.

Was wondering when you guys will have a pan America review?

Tall bikes are all about technique. i've had taller bikes and i'm only 5ft 9 and its fine. If you want it bad enough you'll make it happen

I never ran out of fuel in 28 years on any vehicle... Never carried extra fuel... I have the Husky 701 and I just watch the normal odometer or use a healthy dose of common sense (more than a couple hours behind the handlebars = maybe it's a good idea to refuel).

Nice review. At 6-0 with a 34.6" inseam I struggle with the seat height as well

If you don't like hot exhaust pipes you are in for a nasty surprise with the Scrambler....

The new Honda CRF300 might be a good option for you. The DR650 is a comfortable Hwy machine. It's heavy but the low seat height makes the bike feel lighter.

thanks for your honesty

Look at Beta dual sports. Highly rated and there is an excellent dealer in Colo Springs!

I also own a 2015 690. I bought it used with a lowering link which is fantastic. I am 6’1” and 200 pounds. That would solve one of your problems. My 690 also has a dongle so I don’t have to mess with the antilock brake every time. It’s off all the time unless I want it on. Another problem solved. Seat concepts seat. Another problem solved. FMF aftermarket pipe does not run hot. Another problem solved. Small windscreen on front solve the problem. I put BRP handlebar mount and that took out the buzzing in the handlebars. I rode a Beta 430 RR the other day. It’s 244 pounds dry. If feels thinner and lighter between my legs than my KTM EXC 500 and just as fast. I would suggest you check it out. Also street legal and a true dirtbike. And We are about the same age.

the yz250fx might not be shorter but it will be lighter making it easier to manage offroad

Roman I know this video is years old but maybe you have some input anyway. I think you bought a Tuareg so your experience is relevant here. Anyway I really enjoy trailering a bike to a mountainous region and camping or hoteling off the bike on BDR’s for a week or so. Sometimes after a trip I have 500 or 600 miles to ride back to my car. I own the Tuareg and find it too heavy for me off road. Picking it up is a beast. I am thinking about a KTM 690 enduro r or the KTM 500 exc-f? What are your thought? Thanks in Advance

I have a T7 and feel pretty much the same about it I do miss having a capable street bike. I did get a KLX300 and is way more fun off-road

Have a look at the Honda CRF300L

Didn't know those were so light...my crf450L weighs 305 ready to ride with a few extra addons. Definitely a burden to ride in the right trails but it's mostly because I'm not a great rider.

Sounds like you love the bike but just want something a bit different (dirt bike). KTM 500 EXC might be worth a look.

Get a KTM 350EXC-F. Perfect bike for what you described. You might want to get the 500cc version if you plan to keep it stock because since theyre street legal theyre alittle "corked up" from the factory..

Best dual sport on the market. Wish they made a 490 that was 30lbs lighter

TW200 probably too low for you at 31 inches but kLX300 is a little taller.

This was my last bike, I had 2 over the years as my daily commute bike in London, UK. First one was stolen - they cut the frame as my chain was too good (Almax series III 16mm). Second one I sold. Great bike, I’m surprised I got away with the height as I’m 5’10” and tall in the saddle. Love all TFL channels.

Honda , ktm and Husqvarna make some sweet dual sports in the 450-500cc range

Rotax? Nah...

IMO, the critiques are a little out of context. The issues you had with the bike were with the dual sport segment, not with the KTM specifically. The weight of the bike is in line with most everything else out there, as is the seat height. The 690 is only an outlier in terms of its prodigious power output. Seat height should be a non-issue for anyone normal sized anyway. You do not need to flat foot a motorcycle to ride it or to stop it, on road or off. There is a skill to be learned there.

I will confidently say that this bike is ridiculously easy to ride off road. I was so skeptical about buying one because people make them out to be so big and unwieldy, if you're short then maybe but I am 6 foot 230 and can just about flat foot with this thing. I came up 5 years ago on an r6, got into tracking it and got real good with that side of the sport and flicking around a 400lbs plus race bike. Also rode a fz10 for a couple years so going down to the 690 it honestly feels like I'm on the small 250 I grew up riding before getting into sportbikes. If you've never ridden I'm sure the 690 would be a damn handful but if you've had some prior dirt experience or are used to 450s the 690 is just a hoot. Better for the street, if the gearing is too low you can slap a 14 front and 52 rear sprocket and it'll rip off road like no other.

Heat issue. Probably just needs a aftermarket tune. Emissions make the engine hot and that exhaust hot.

All your money, you can revalve the suspension to make it lower, aftermarket parts like rade for wind protection, and your other issues. As big as you are, you would look like a giant on a smaller bike🤔you actually look big on that bike!

Meanwhile I’m 5’6 and ride an 890 adventure R 🤷🏻‍♂️. Different strokes for different folks. 500lb off road bike. 35” seat height. That’s NOT a brag. Tall bikes can be challenging to adapt to. But if you want to ride off road, know that long travel means taller bikes.

personally i find the 690 easy handle offroad no mods, great for tet's. Im your hieght, 95kg and your age. Certainly feather light compared to my 1250gs !!! Ive got to point that i need several bikes, adventure bike for travelling/commuting bmw gs, proper enduro bike for trails ktmexc450. Both bikes are road legal. I also have a road legal beta 300 evo for winter training....:) I think most important thing is to get yourself some training, if your not coming off then you are not really pushing yourself. and If you are terrified of dropping your bike on a trail, then you probably shouldn't be there....Ktm's really well !!!

both feet flat on the floor and its too tall for you, are you real? my inside leg is less than 29" and I have too manage on a GS1200 on the trail.

Ever drive it to work at the office Roman??

You should get the new KTM 890 ADV R...it's an epic piece of kit...😍😍😍

The aftermarket mufflers are cooler than the stock one. The stock one has a catalytic converter in it that gets real hot. I put a Arrow on my 2020 and it sounds good but not too loud.

Husky 401 smarpilen incoming. And a Beta 390 or 500 s.

“I love the smell of a thumper”. 🤣

The new KLX300 is also a great bike if you want something cheaper and more simple but its actually about 300lbs dry anyway..

How can you be flatfooted and moan the bike is too tall ?

Ive got a crf 300l and its about 320 pounds and makes a third of the power and it has like 11 inches of travel and im a short person at 5 foot 4 and can handle my bike goos enough. You have to get enough hours on your bike to get comfortable on it. Also i have other bikes that fill diffrent needs. Personal performance and weight is more of an issue when it comes to motorcycles because the 690 is probably one of the best 1 bikes for everything that you could choose especially up in the mountains.

Your top complaint is the weight (and the height) then you buy a Triumph Scrambler which is 130 pounds heavier. Or did I miss something?

Retune the suspension and toss a set of 17 or 19 inch wheels on it. Cool street tracker or supermoto.

Thank you for this review really good one. And Wowww the landscape and the house at the end juste wowwww. 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇

That's how I get on my Motoguzzi v85tt.

It's a gravelroad racer, not a dirtbike.

They fixed the temp problem by taking away the temp gauge!!

you should get a mighty DR. :p

Did you sell the 690 yet?

Shoot, I'm only 5'8" and I ride a Scrambler XE. Rode a KLR 650 for years as well, both bikes 500+ fully wet and I could only toe the bikes, no flat foot at all. Ride more, become a better rider and get more confident.

Good constructive comment, thanks.

I really would have thought that this bike would have been perfect for someone your size. I'm 5'5" with a 29" inseam at 147 pounds; based on what you said repeatedly throughout this video, this bike would be an absolute struggle for me.

It's just over 350lb with full tank I believe. Still, it is nothing for a bike like this. What you talking about! In context, the Honda 300 Rally is a few lb lighter, but has less than half the power. At 6,2 you really shouldn't have any problems at all. Did you wind up the pre load on the back?

Great review. Beautiful neighborhood.

Should have bought a KLR650 for about 1/5 the price of that KTM

I think you missed the mark on this review. What defines this bike is the *largest* single cylinder engine of any production motorcycle! (Shared with the Husky 701) Seat height? This bike is actually accessible compared to some actual enduro models offered by KTM and others.

I never knew if he was a Biker guy..😍

Get the 350 exc-f 😉

Owned the 1st year model. Fun bike but really not great at anything but can do it all. Off road too heavy and too powerful( 1st year was pretty twitchy with the throttle),tank not big enough,really shitty airbox design. On road....horrible seat,no wind protection,no range. As a casual double track/backroad bike that will see little pavement it can be amazing fun. But set it up for off road with good hobbies and it will go thru rear tires in 1k km(I liked to twist the throttle tho). As a hooligan bike....awesome.