KTM 690 Enduro R In-depth Review and Build out

Рет қаралды 19,812

Жыл бұрын

Check out my FULL thoughts on the 690R after many hours and miles in the saddle! Enjoy! I'll add a list of everything after I put it together!

Пікірлер: 89

@VidanoFilms 6 ай бұрын

This is probably one of the best mod reviews I’ve watched. Thank you.

@bfeadventures 6 ай бұрын

You’re welcome!

@VidanoFilms 6 ай бұрын

@@bfeadventures As a follow up I wanted to ask you about the SCOTTS OFFROAD STEERING STABILIZER/DAMPER UNIT. You mentioned that this is the first bike your hands didn’t go numb. So I’m guessing you didn’t see the need to add this mod. Correct? Any more thoughts on this would be helpful. (I saw one review from a guy who has a 2019 and added it anyway. Seems odd considering the 2019 and newer have the new engine and balancing arm, etc.)

@bfeadventures 6 ай бұрын

@@VidanoFilms the steering damper will not help with vibrations, actually. It will only help smooth out steering when hitting rough sections that cause a lot of misdirection in the front end. So, I may add it down the line. I will say though, the bike is SMOOTH for a thumper. Not as smooth as my T7, but dang good for a thumper.

@VidanoFilms 6 ай бұрын

@@bfeadventures Good distinction. Would like to hear if you ever do add it.

@personperson290 11 ай бұрын

Traded for the 690 today, your breakdown of the bike greatly helped in my decision to go for it.

@bfeadventures 11 ай бұрын

Awesome! Enjoy the ride!

@breeno59 11 ай бұрын

Big Mosko fan (run a R80 on my 890R) but for the 690 I went with the Kriega base setup for the 690. Really like em! Clears the fuel cap and very quick on/off. I uncorked mine via the Rotty Airbox + PCV w/ dual maps (Fun Map & MPG Map) and *whoa* ... so much more fun to ride... 100% agree on the ABS dongle, must-have for me as well... Great vid!

@mechcavandy986 5 ай бұрын

My GL Mohave bags don’t cover the fuel cap either. And I can carry all I need for an overnight trip on it. 👍🏻

@manu311 Жыл бұрын

Mapping 2 has Offroad ABS and less TC (and more aggressive throttle response) in EU. Got my 690R Rally build for 1 year now and absolutely love it!

@bfeadventures Жыл бұрын

Cheers! Loving mine as well!

@TommyT888 6 ай бұрын

Great video! Appreciate the time stamps (although I watched the whole thing through). I heard rumors of a redesign...so I'm waiting to see what they have in store before I pull the plug on a new one.

@ianbarriscale1632 11 ай бұрын

Good review of the bike. I have the same set up as yourself and its the perfect adventure bike for my needs where my priority is how it performs off road as against on road. Regarding the play in the rear brake pedal. Check the master cylinder hasn't slid back on the elongated bolt holes. Mine did exactly that after fitting the AXP skid plate as I found the bolt for the skid plate goes through the rear master cylinder but doesn't grip very well on the plastic skid plate. Ended up fitting a larger washer on there.

@bfeadventures 11 ай бұрын

Good to know! Thanks!

@mechcavandy986 5 ай бұрын

I’ve got a Mosko Gnome tank bag too. 👍🏻👍🏻

@barrymurphy3554 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Brother love your work from a Aussi Cheers

@bfeadventures 7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@keyboarddancers7751 11 ай бұрын

690's a real gem of a bike. Yours looks the beans. (damping)

@Navillus2273 2 ай бұрын

Just picked up a new 690 enduro r. Had a 2014 way back always loved that bike and have missed it since I sold it. Traded my T7 for the 690. T7 was a great bike. Engine and gearing was spot on for off road and the BDR's. I simply wanted a lighter bike I can use on the BDR rides, so I circled back to the KTM. Great video BTW, I will be following along.

@bfeadventures 2 ай бұрын

Thanks!!!! Enjoy the new 690!

@bh.76 Жыл бұрын

Sick bike Alex

@bfeadventures Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Brad!

@mechcavandy986 5 ай бұрын

That looks like the same carbon fiber dash I have. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@szymonchalupka 8 ай бұрын

I am doing 80% on-road but for that 20% of-road I want the bike as capable as possible so I chose 701 enduro with TKC80 front and E07 rear tyres. Cannot be happier with it. Not to mention that I love to ride twisty mountain roads on that bike.

@bfeadventures 8 ай бұрын

It’s a canyon carver for sure!

@MattPerry 6 ай бұрын

what about reliability, clutch slave cylinder water pump...

@bfeadventures 5 ай бұрын

@@MattPerry definitely areas to be aware of. I *knocks on wood* have not had those issues, but I do have a spare space cylinder just in case. Lol

@mechcavandy986 5 ай бұрын

@@MattPerrymy clutch slave cylinder went out on mine.

@marcochavanne 4 ай бұрын

@@MattPerrywhen people talk about reliable dual sports they tend to think about bikes like the CRF250L, DRZ400, and KLR650. My DRZ400E had the bottom end let go at 45mph. Was just cruising down the loop and the rod ended up wiping the entire case, piston, jug, valves, head. Etc. My buddy has a 2024 KLR650 sitting at a dealership waiting on parts. Fuel pump failed at around 3,000 miles despite it not falling into the VIN range for the fuel pump recall. All bikes can have problems. I only get concerned when the failures are inconsistent so they are harder to remedy with preventative maintenance.

@owengeorge2760 9 ай бұрын

Could you by chance update your description with a parts list? Great video overall! Fixing to buy my first 690!

@bfeadventures 9 ай бұрын

Yep! I’ll compile a list!

@tizzin8r 10 ай бұрын

Angle your shifter lever down a little 👌

@HowToGetMoreMetal 4 ай бұрын

You slide the rear brake reservoir on the mount

@lincolnbachman5546 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the good information. I’ve been thinking about getting one. Do you think the new 2019 motor with balancer is a big difference than the older version. Worth getting the new one?

@bfeadventures Жыл бұрын

If you have the budget - definitely. The older models are great, but this version is exemplary!

@Michalich100500 7 ай бұрын

Nice truth review! Fully agree with you. Thanks, man! Did you remove the SAS/canister? What kit did you use?

@bfeadventures 7 ай бұрын

Sure did! Rottweiler

@krazed0451 Жыл бұрын

Word of advice for anyone considering Steg Pegz, if you're someone like me that likes to let the bike move around under you a lot, avoid them!

@volkerrath8409 2 ай бұрын

Steg pegs don’t limit me at all but having them on a steep long rocky climb is gold

@krazed0451 2 ай бұрын

@@volkerrath8409 That's part of where I couldn't stand them, I'm happy they work for you though 😁

@volkerrath8409 2 ай бұрын

⁠maybe it has something to do with my age 😂

@lexintexan 10 ай бұрын

I am looking to get into more adventure type riding. I am an ex motocross / enduro guy, who wants to do mostly Colorado jeep trails and roads, and dirt roads with a tiny bit of mellow singletrack. Would you suggest the africa twin or the 690?

@bfeadventures 10 ай бұрын

Based on your description, it sounds like you will be about 80% off-road? If that is the case, definitely 690. I loved my Africa twin, but I have ridden Colorado and would prefer the 690 in any part of Colorado besides the southern portion that is long and flat. Lol

@timsalabimbombassa 7 ай бұрын

It would be interesting to know what you did exactly to dial in the suspension. I know it’s personal, but it’s handy to have a starting point that gives a clue to where the problem lies. Otherwise very useful and complete review.

@bfeadventures 7 ай бұрын

For me - I just had to turn up the rebound in the front and rear. I also increased compression on the front. If you want specifics. I can count the clocks tomorrow. I have long forgotten what they were.

@timsalabimbombassa 7 ай бұрын

the hint is already useful to find a direction. thnx!@@bfeadventures

@mechcavandy986 5 ай бұрын

I just went by the owner’s manual. However, I’d like to have a pro help me measure the sag and put the finishing touch to it.

@InTransit8911 2 ай бұрын

How do you feel this compares to a crf450L/RL with the intention of building it out into something for camping and BDRs, while still using for daily commuting?

@bfeadventures 2 ай бұрын

The power is more broad, definitely heavier when standing still, gearbox is better, longer legs, better daily, longer service intervals, not "Honda reliability" but pretty good.

@johnbaker5263 11 ай бұрын

Can you tell me what settings you have on your front forks after your suspension buddy adjusted them? I’ve got a Gas Gas ES700, which is essentially the same bike, and I find the forks over sprung and crude in action. Fitted a lighter spring on the rear and that has let the rear end actually work as it should.

@bfeadventures 11 ай бұрын

I honestly don't know off the top of my head, but I'll check next time I'm in the garage. I know I turned the rebound up in the rear significantly and it really help settle it down.

@johnbaker5263 11 ай бұрын

@@bfeadventures cheers for the reply

@EricBanner571 10 ай бұрын

Gas Gas 700 is sprung differently to the KTM. If you weigh under 75 KG, you will need lighter springs. I'm 85 KG and it's a little stiff for me. I've also tuned the valving to the comfort setting which is listed on the underside of your seat.

@briannn7751 Жыл бұрын

Hi Alex - I have an identical 690 build. I originally switched to Motoz Desert HT 90/100 front, and I'm not in love with the offroad cornering. It seems that tire doesn't have a great lug on the outside to hook up when the bike is leaned over. Maybe its the weight of the bike compared to my 500, but I would like to improve it. I'd love a great tire that will do aggressive tech and fast rocky dirt, and I could careless about street ability (I'll suffer and be careful) or tire wear. Could you please recommend a tire and size for me to try??? Thanks!!!

@bfeadventures Жыл бұрын

Hey! I really do like the MT21 on the front on mine - but once it loses its leading edge, it will still drift in cornering more than you'd like. I think it may be due to both the weight and the rake of the 690

@briannn7751 Жыл бұрын

@@bfeadventures Thanks - I've never tried the MT21, but I think I will. Do you run the 90/90? Thank you again.

@bfeadventures Жыл бұрын

@@briannn7751 yep! 90/90

@StansE250 3 ай бұрын

Do you have an opinion on why DS riders ‘always’ opt for pod-style dampers (e.g. Scotts), when deciding to add one, as opposed to the linear style frequently OE on sportbikes ? T Y

@bfeadventures 3 ай бұрын

I would say mainly due to the space saving. Also, the linear style can catch on things when crashing off-road.

@mechcavandy986 5 ай бұрын

I’d like to know more about the ABS dongle.

@bfeadventures 5 ай бұрын

Rottweiler makes it - it’s the “bad fuel dongle” I believe

@JohnDoe-dk8zz Ай бұрын

Hi, I weight about 250lbs , 5'10 ( altho im trying to lose weight ) , should i be ok to ride the 690 ? I would probably ask my dealer to tune the suspension for an heavy rider. Let me know your opinion on that.

@bfeadventures Ай бұрын

The motor will EASILY run you around. It has middleweight ADV bike power. You will definitely feel it in the suspension. That's an easy fix though!

@jeffreyrstapler 5 ай бұрын

How would the 2024 KTM 890 Adventure R Rally compare to your bike?

@bfeadventures 5 ай бұрын

Without riding the new rally yet, I can only compare on stats and my experience with the ‘21 890 ADVR. The 690 is much lighter, more nimble, and will naturally be better in technical stuff. The 890 is a much better road bike in every way. For sub 2 hour rides and woods, I’d take the 690 every time. For anything farther or with lots of pavement, I’d choose the 890.

@customjrod Жыл бұрын

I had the 2016 version of this bike and it vibrated badly. Is this ballanced engine any better.

@krazed0451 Жыл бұрын

It's better, but it's still a big single.

@bfeadventures Жыл бұрын

Definitely better. It does t seem to bother me at all. My old 625 would shake your fillings out. It is smoother than my XR650L

@flipped68 11 ай бұрын

Ok cool, I sadly sold my XR650L for a CRF450L and make a light adventure bike. Being a hefty fella a slight more beefy machine with more leg room and a bike that can handle some on road legs. I’ll keep this bike in mind.

@StansE250 5 ай бұрын

If it could use more ground clearance, and travel, how would that best be accomplished ?

@bfeadventures 5 ай бұрын

It honestly wouldn’t be realistic. The bike is already REALLY tall.

@PetterIvarsson 5 ай бұрын

Its the third time I watched this video now 😂. I am searching a lot about this motor and vibrations and it seems to be like this, please correct me if I am wrong: before 2008: horrible, 2008-2011:ok, 2012-2018: pretty much, 2019 and onwards: really smooth. Am I correct?

@bfeadventures 5 ай бұрын

That is correct. Haha

@jimkelly4366 9 ай бұрын

What tires are you running ?

@bfeadventures 9 ай бұрын

MT21 up front and a Tusk DSport on the rear. The MT21 is a great tire! The Dsport is better than expected. It's not exceptional, but for the price and the way the 690 eats tires, I'll keep using them!

@chesterpophamproductions2879 4 ай бұрын

When you are discussing parts like the stake pegs you cut away to riding so we did not see what you were even talking about? You did that a few times. It would be nice to know what you were pointing to and discussing. We know you love riding the 699, but when discussing add-ons please remember when you cut away to riding we have no idea what you were talking about. Thank you,

@bfeadventures 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the feedback! I'll work on moving the footage around.

@Navillus2273 2 ай бұрын

Just look them up and then you will know.

@panagiotisterpandrouzachar7754 8 ай бұрын

What about the seat?

@bfeadventures 7 ай бұрын

Seat Concepts - love it!

@jeffreyrstapler 5 ай бұрын

How much better is this model over a 2017 ?

@bfeadventures 5 ай бұрын

Depends what you are looking to achieve. The motor is smoother and more powerful on the newer bike. The ride modes and traction control are nice, but not necessary. If you have no budget, I’d get the newer gen. If you are budget minded, the previous gen is still a great bike with MOST of the same characteristics. I can’t put my finger on it (could just be in my head), but I like the ergos more on this bike. They could be the same, but they sure feel different. Lol

@mechcavandy986 5 ай бұрын

Your dash is carbon fiber, a lot like mine. But I think mine is older.