I sold my Husqvarna Norden 901 and bought this 690. I think it’s a great move! I’m 70 years old and need this lightweight quick bike. 👍🏻👍🏻

Been browsing videos for 2.5 months now and this is the most straightforward video I’ve seen.

I had my 2009 SMC for 8 years and loved it. Rode the PCH, all over the Rockies, Tail of the Dragon, Jennings GP, etc. Had to sell for a long distance move but now I'm looking at getting another 690/701 Enduro and some SM wheels for it. So freaking fun on a twisty mountain road and now I also want to get up in the mountains on forest roads and do some camping this coming summer too. Never had a problem during my ownership aside from a stripped oil drain bolt so this time, I'll set my torque wrench a few pounds less than what the manual says. Hands down the most fun motorcycle I've owned since I started riding in 2004.

Great review! Very articulate guy, obviously bright. I already bought a 690 about 45 days ago so I wasn't expecting to get much out of the video, but it was good enough that I watched it 'til the end. Interested for the in-depth review.

Just got a 2023 almost done with the break in absolutely loving it

I have the 690, a YZ450FX dual sported, and KTM 500. The 690 is everything I want my 500 to be on the road - smoother, longer range, more stable at high speed. But it's barely an offroad bike. It doesn't handle well on gravel or trails. It's just too heavy and rigid. Front end is twitchy on gravel. It makes a great backroad adventure bike where the 200 mile range gives you less worries about making a wrong turn and having to backtrack. But if I could have only one bike, it would be the 500 because it's more fun when the pavement ends.

Very good and honest review. I want to do Southern Africa with my son for about two months and I your review just confirmed what I was hoping from this bike. Thanks. 👍🏼👌

I am so glad I just got one. I was skeptical because of people saying they're too heavy for offroad, get a 500 or 450 supermoto. Hell no. The 690 is awesome offroad. I had no issues and actually prefer it over the yz450 I've gone back and forth on riding the past weekend in some hilly areas, mud etc. But then again I'm 6'1 230, and have been used to road racing 420lb bikes for years so the 690 is tiny to me lol.

This is the best quick summary of the 690 I’ve seen on YT. Even handed, sensible, no yelling/exaggerating. I own a 500 and 690 and agree with everything he said. Where the 690 runs rings around a 500 is city riding, where it’s almost impossible to find neutral on the 500. The 690 is less vibey and quieter too. Re seats, in my opinion all adv/dirt bike seats are terrible so with an improved seat a 690 is just as comfy as a T7/Tuareg and you can’t legally ride at more than 110kph/70 mph anyway.

You nailed it! This is the best summary of 690 platform for anyone considering getting this bike. 701 enduro owner here. Cheers!

awesome, finally good summary from someone who was in between T7 and this! Thank you so so much! and enjoy the unicorn!

Great review, Subbed

Great honest review, I had the dr650 before this bike, one thing I noticed is that with the 690 my off road skills got much better , it just provided the little help that I needed to gain confidence and keep going

Yep good and honest review l had an early model 690 and your pro's and cons were on the money .

Great video. One of the most informative I have seen on the 690 Enduro R. Spot on regarding tire selection for this bike. I am on my second 890R and just sold my 500 EXC-F. Keep coming back to the 690 Enduro R and debating about building it up to be my travel ADV bike to replace the 890R. I listened to an old podcast with Walter Colebatch (Sibirsky Extreme) the other day and his line of thinking is that you get the ADV bike that can do the hardest parts/bits of your trip regardless if the other 95% is easy gravel/pavement....certainly has me heading back down the 690 Enduro R rabbit hole.

Top review, thank you sir. I use to have a 2016 Duke with the older 690 engine. Loved the bike. Mine used to consume a LOT of oil though, but a that still a thing with the newer engines?

Like any dual sport, the 690 is a compromise. I have had many dual sport and adventure bikes over the years, the 690 works pretty good for what I plan to use it for. I think a lot of people have too big of an expectation for one bike to fit all their needs without considering the compromises that they will have to make. A 690 won't cruise 1000 miles as well as a GS1250 and it won't do single track as well as a 300 two stroke but could be a better choice if you had to do both of those things in a trip. Lots of choices out there, choose the one that works best for your use.

Great video thank you

Great review

Hello! Suscriber #1000 here... Great video👍

Awesome content as always Alex. To a mere mortal like myself that is like a bucking Bull😅.

Should probably buy one

Great review , I am just on the tipping point to decide if I replace my 790R with 890 or 690 . I have tried the 690 for about 3 hours Offroad , loved it and had a better off-road experience with than the 790, much lighter, easier to control , didn’t have to take the “chicken line” at rocky climbs , the 790 is heavy to lift once you fell and it is exhausting after couple of times. however the tarmac experience really brought me down with the 690. I am not even talking long trips , but as you said over 70 mph it get Like my head is going to rip off , and I am not that tall .. 5’7” .. so the decision is tough

Nice video, very well presented. By way of background, I have a 300 XC and a Super Tenere with a '23 Husky 701 parked between them, which is basically the same bike in white plastic. I live in Colorado and this platform is the ultimate Colorado dual sport. It can rip down a paved or unpaved canyon road and it can trail ride on actual single track. In really technical situations this platform is a little much but still capable and nobody this side of Chris Birch would even think of taking a T7 or 790 type bike in the kind of Colorado mountain single track environment I am talking about. I recently rode my 701 on "difficult" mountain single track that I ride my 300 XC on, and not only didn't die, I actually had fun. Funny thing is, the next time I rode that same trail on my 300 I really hauled ass, as the bike felt so weightless. It seems the 701 is a good trainer for the "real" dirt bike - LOL A few mods that I completed that really upped my 701s game: 1) The stock fork springs are .59. I went two steps stiffer to .65, this made a huge difference and the bike feels much better balanced to it's .72 stock rear shock spring. The valving on the '19 and later bike's XPLOR suspension is very good, the shock always worked well after setting the laden sag, and the forks work great now with heftier springs in them. I weigh 215 in gear and ride at a good clip, it was pogoing badly with the OEM fork springs in whoops. Ya, I actually charge through whoops on this thing. Insane right? 2) Rottweilerized the engine with their O2 sensor delete dongle and a PC6 with their map on it, exhaling through a Yosh slip on with spark arrestor. It is the same old story - these machines come set very lean at low RPM and part throttle for emissions reasons. Correct fueling beefed up the low and and midrange big time! The engine feels "unboggable" now, lug it down to idle or just above while off road, give it the gas and it will turn the tire and spool up, this at Colorado 7,500 and up elevations. It must be nuts at sea level! Plus the big thumper sound out the Yosh is deep, smooth and meaty - braap city! 3) Lower temp 80/85C fan switch. The OEM switch doesn't turn on the fan until the water temp at the bottom of the radiator is around 210F. The fan will pretty much run all the time with the lower temp switch while off roading, but that is OK, the charging system has no issue keeping up. Between the fan running and the fueling mods the engine runs much cooler and it should last longer. 4) Puig smoked windscreen. This bolts to the stock headlight shell and makes a nice difference as it takes the wind off my torso and leaves the helmet in clean air. It only cost $90 and doesn't get in the way while riding off road. I spaced the screen out from the headlight shell a bit to give the front brake line a good routing. The 690 platform, like the DR650 and XR650L, is a true 50/50 dual sport. Most people want a bike that is more dirt or more street oriented. Being a true 50/50 bike is the 690's greatest strength, or weakness, depending on how one looks at it. I like the versatility as it makes the bike simply fun to ride. The 690 may be a "master of none" but it can do it all, and the engine is just fantastic. If not on my 701, I would be on a Honda XR650L with a big tank and lotsa mods, but no amount of work can make a 690 out of the ancient Honda. I am interested in replacing the headlight with a simple drop in LED, and would like to hear from anyone who has done this. Not looking to replace the entire assembly, just the bulb.

Love my 690. Good job.👍👊

On the 2021 onwards 690s in the UK the "dongle" is not required as ABS automatically switches to front wheel only on mode 2. Strange that they did not do that for all markets. With the right screen you can ride a 690 all day on the road at 90 mph. Those expensive rally screens do not always work well on highway and cause buffeting, I use a home made set up based on the optional 2019 onwards Power parts screen but mounted on my own bracket 4 inches higher. Zero wind pressure and I am 6'2''and 190 lbs. A small well positioned screen can be far more effective than a large one in my extensive experience of testing/developing different screen set ups. Tires wise, the E07+ is a fantastic tire with far more off-road grip than you would imagine and you can corner it to the point of scrubbing all the hero knobs on the road. It is also smooth and quiet and lasts very well mileage wise. One of the best 50/50 tires made, more 80/80 really.

I went to a 14 tooth front sprocket, yes you lose some top end for HWY comfortability. This helped the low range for me

One thing that wasn't mentioned, is its quite a tall bike. Overall great review, I also have the rade fairing. I agree with that I wish the wind protection was a bit better. Can't win them all I suppose.

Great review, thanks!! Just one question, have you tried on the track? Because I'm trying to decide beetween this (or Husqy701) or 500EXC but I'm not sure it it still too heavy to put it on a circuit (amateur level I mean). Thanks a lot!!

Nice review I'm considering getting rid of my fully built drz400 for one of these but I might miss my old dinosaur 😢

Great video. Any way we could get a true weight on this bike? That Rade Kit, off-road tires, crash bars and hand guards I'd have to think closer to 400+.

I'm debating this being my next moto. Currently riding the Fe 501, which is pretty fantastic. I'm just wanting to do longer multi day BDR type routes. I just wonder how much better it would be.

Hey man! How did you find the fueling after the airbox fro rade? You have the exhaust as well? I think I have heard you either to remap or buy a dongle. I have the akrapovic and installed the rotweiler, I think I will buy the rade storage foam kit

Been eyeing this bike coming from a 390adv. Think it is still to much of a compromise though. Master of none. Probably going to go with the 500exc next instead even though the 690 checks alot of boxes. Great video!

An excellent, no nonsense review, so many thanks. I bought a T7 a year ago and do like it but am finding that I'm doing more off road and very little motorway riding, so it's weight is bothering me. I'm doing most long distance travel across Europe on back roads so would you think the 690 might be the way to go? There are the usual rumours about reliability. Should these be ignored?

Great review What's the go with ABS? Do you leave it on when offroad? Is it effective or does it just get in the way? I have had a Honda 300L and the abs sucked offroad. But I did feel more comfortable riding on the street with ABS compared to my fe501. I'm looking for either another 500/501 or maybe now a 690/701. I'm just torn, as I prefer the lighter offroad bike over the heavier 690 but it's the road sections that scare me the most. For me a 500 with ABS would be perfect.

Aside from the weight, one issue I seriously dislike offroad is the electronic throttle. Throttle-by-wire just doesn't have the response of a cable TB.

I am really looking forward to content on the 690 with rade garage rally tower etc. I have your bike’s identical twin. Like you I’ve had almost every bike in every class. Unlike you I’m an old duffer that rode enduros hare scrambles woods rider for years. Now I’m in my 60 s trying to figure out my twilight years of riding. I currently own a 690 rally converted heavily modded, an almost stock 2023 890r for longer trips A 300l rally Honda ( buddy bike) that I rode and modded the suspension bars tires pipe etc and I have a T7 because I like the way it looks and sounds. I have just taken the 690 on it’s maiden voyage and it is almost as much fun as my 500 excf was but a thousand times better on road. I’m short so every bike I own has seat concepts comfort low on it. I had to lower the 690 about an inch with koubalink and seat is shorter so it’s down about an inch and 1/2. I’m still on tip toes. Worth it for that suspension. The 690 is for planned BDR routes where I trailer bike. I traded an almost new Africa twin for the 890. Some say I was nuts but that 890 is incredible and almost as good offroad as the 690 ( at least on gravel roads the 690 still smokes it on single track) Thanks for channel can’t wait.

Great review but what do you think? The innovative use of the rear fuel tank as the main structural element of the subframe keeps weight low and eliminates structural complexity, but I think it seriously weakens the rear part of the structure, which may crack, especially if carrying heavy luggage, unless I'm mistaken ?

I ride primarily east coast tight woods 100% off road GNCC not alot of space for this 690 to open it up except maybe an occasioanl fire road to blast down. I would never get into the meat of that power except maybe on the street and thats a whole diff thing i'm just not into. Ktm is by far the better enduro bike tho and love mine. The 690 is so tempting and looks like a load of fun and they nailed the look of this year too with all that orange. I could make an excuse to grab one. I just don't have a serious use for it and can't justify it. Now a 350 excf might be in my future tho just enough of power and torgue lightweight has the lights I want just going to strip off the emissions and street stuff and turn it into another closed course machine like my 250.

Had a T7, it has a excellent motor, very tractable, the problemnis overall weight and where it is, up high. 690 feels light in comparison. The 500 was a consideration but the oil change interval was the deal breaker, i commute on my 690. I have 300 for the gnarly stuff. How is the Rade tower for wind protection? Its pricey, makes the bike look like a real rally bike though, very tempted.

Greetings from IA. Love the content. I've got an Africa Twin for long road rides and gravel. Can't decide between a KTM 690 Enduro R or CRF 450 RL with GET ECU for: OHV park- 45 min ride, gravel rides with dual sport club or loading in truck to go do CO, UT BDR, etc. What do you recommend?? BTW, I'm 55 yo former dirt biker, been out of the game for 15 yrs due to kids.

it should be mentioned that even a fully upgraded dr650/xr650l would come up short vs this bike in some performance areas.. gearing on the 690/701 is still a little wonky, would love a lower 1st and taller 6th

I found the offroad TC was good enough that I left it on instead of going fully manual. Fuel economy varies between low 40's (at high speeds) and 60mpg (low speed). Cruise control is available aftermarket. Gearing I agree on... you can fix it but it's expensive (change to wide ratio gearbox). IMO the 690/701 is ideal for TAT/BDR use if you like to ride hard and have the money to build it (I spent $20k but it let me run the TAT in 19 days averaging 42mph). It's not great for hard offroad (where bikes like the 350 or 500 exc are MUCH better choices) and it's not great for long pavement runs (where the heavyweight ADV bikes are more comfortable). BUT - for blasting along on seasonal and fire roads it's fantastic... so for dirt focused ADV imo it's the best bike available. I guess the seat comfort is something that's user dependent... I rode 10-15 hour days for weeks at a time and found the SC comfort seat to be perfectly comfortable after some adjustment period... and I'm old (56).

Hello Excellent video full of very useful information I am about to buy my KTM 690 Enduro but I have not taken the step due to the information that exists regarding overheating. Have you had any problems with the temperature of the motorcycle? Greetings from Colombia

Either ktm or aftermarket should make a complete adventure model or kit with everything adv bikes have standard. LR tanks or integrated rally fairing, subframe luggage solution, stiffer rear shock and/or spring. buying that off ktm showroom as a complete 690 adventure would be perfect.

You can fit SM wheels on the Enduro or have a set of "mostly tar" 18/21 wheels, two bikes in one ;-)

Great review. But I would say there isn't another bike in this class at all.

I got a KTM 300exc and a 450xcw. Then bought a 790 adv. s model. I tipped over on in on my 1st. 2 trips on it. Both times had to get help to turn it around and to get my leg out from under it. 500 lbs bike has no right to be on the trail by itself. Thought about the 690 enduro but still 100 lbs. heavier than the 500exc-f. I ended up going with the 500exc-f. I was scared of the big bikes, I'm now 64. I grew up with tall bikes that is not an issue.

Im comsidering one of these or the Norden 901 as a daily driven commuter and moto camping bike. May occassionally hit some single track until I get a dedicated trail bike to pair with it. Would you still suggest the Husky 701/KTM 690 Enduro R if you are putting down 10,000-12,000 miles of pavement a year?

How much weight is added with all the unicorn mods? (Fairing, tank) +edit+ I did a CRF450L unicorn build and just couldn't get over riding that thing on the road. You say 2hours, I say more like one :) It was amazing on gravel/dirt/jeep/forest service roads but getting there was a chore.

I have 21 701, love tge bike. When I'm hooning the gas mileage is 130miles, if I adv ride and ride responsibly I have gone over 200miles on a tank, could probably push 220.

If a pack Mule and a tractor had a love child, it would be a KTM 690. Never giving mine up.

1st world problems for sure. Ive got 18,500 miles on my 890R. Love it, its like a magic bike, but in no way feels like a dirtbike to me. Ive ridden 2 strokes all my life and 470+lbs ready to ride is not a dirtbike. But I ride it on all kinds of dirt roads and it will take a wallop and like it, it likes to be pushed harder. On the street for me its an all day 500 mile bike, cruise control is very slick. Such a fun bike on tight backroads. I have serious wheelie issues so the wheelie control button stays on. It wheelies in 3rd at 65mph easy. But I want a 690, always have. Ive put 50,000 miles on my DR and when I get on it now, its like going back to 1985. Done with it. The hunt is pretty much on for a good 690, as new as I can find.

One important thing i want to say about the bike is it isnt tall, my r6 sat higher. I have a stock 2017 690 and it blew my mind when i went to get on it for the first time and i could confidently get both feet down (im just over 6 foot)

I can’t decide if I should buy the KTM 690 enduro or SMC. All the reviews I’ve read online say that the enduro is the better choice but you just messed my head up when you said “if you’re going to put street tires on the enduro then you might as well buy the SMC” because tbh that’s what I was thinking about doing. I wanted a powerful bike that I could do both on and off-road riding with but I will definitely be on the road more often. What should I do? Btw this is only the second bike I’ve ever owned. The first was a crf150r so this is a big jump for me but I have ridden bigger bikes before without a problem. I just haven’t ridden in about 5 years. Was also looking into the Honda CRF450RL. Money isn’t the issue. I just want a great bike. Open to any advice or suggestions on any other bikes I should check out.

Never owned a KTM before, how is this 690 reliability? Any problems should I be aware before I pull that trigger?

Hi man i don't know what bike I should choose between the KTM 690 enduro r (2014) or the BMW F800 gs (2012) I'm a student that rides about 5 000 miles a year on paved roads but also does off road tours twice a year and go ride off road when i get a chance What bike do you think i should get

have you ever had the chance to use it with a passenger? Would be it ok? If i bought it as a dual and everyday bike it could happen to have a passenger for a small trip on weekends

I put a deposit on a 690 enduro and then changed my mind and got 500 EXC. Overall I don't regret as I'm only an hour away from the trails and I do pretty gnalry tracks / enduro. The 690 would have felt too heavy I think. 690 defo more comfy on the highway but the 500 is ok cruising at 70 mph. Not more than 2 hours though for sure 😅

I had a $70K KIT690RFR custom build love my 180Hp @180Kg wet 1290 super enduro custom build lot better & again no ABS/TCS BS plug the ABS , use custom HEL Performance brake lines to old school , relocate the rear brake switch to the rear brake MC Extend the brake switch loom to plug back in the main loom at front were was plugged in , use the KTM dongle set, = no ABS TCS crap back to bare seat pants

I've got a built '17 690 that I love. I'd like to ride one with the newer motor just to feel the difference but I don't feel that mine vibrates all that much. One thing you didn't bring up is seat height, the 690 seat height is on the taller side. Don't think you've got the maintenance intervals correct, my manual says valve checks at 10k km/6k miles. I do an oil change every few thousand miles on mine. Otherwise totally agree with your assessments...

The ktm 690 it worth buying amazing bike super fast you won't be disappointed I have a supermoto and it's badass bike

yes ... valves adjustment at 10k km :)

Does it have rim locks? Tubed or tubeless tires? Thanks.

Are you sure it switches ABS off to the front? I don't think so.

Hi. What would you take for the Trans American Trail? 690 or T7?

Where im from, Australia, you can't exceed 660cc in your first 2 years of riding a bike. After that 2 years you can sit a test to upgrade your license. This bike ticks all of the boxes but i can't legally ride it yet I looked into the crf300L but a lot of owners are having issues with foot peg welds snapping, the engine cutting out on take off or down shifting from 3rd to 2nd. I've looked at it in person and it just looks like a cheap bike. The drz isnt meant to be good at 60mph otherwise that would be a strong contender. They don't sell the dr650 here anymore due to emission laws and used ones are as much as a new bike I can't get the klx300 here otherwise id probably choose that as the klx models i have to choose from are the 230s or the 250. The build quality looks much better on them than the Honda but im struggling to find aftermarket parts for it Are there any other bikes you can recommend me looking into? The wr250r is something im watching the used market closely for but id rather buy it new if possible. Enduro bikes look good but don't know if the maintenance of them would get old quick aha

you forgot to mention awesome quickshifter up/down on 2019+ models. Also suspension is better. Otherwise agree with everything =)

I have a 1250gsa and debating a 690 enduro

If you started on a crf250l...then a 690 enduro r is the only logical upgrade.

You don't need ABS dongle on a new model - in mode 2 it's disabled on the rear.

Are those special KTM PowerParts sneakers? Are they needed to reach the ground with both feet?😁😄😆

What rally kit is that?

what do you think about KTM 390?

my ass hurts after 20 min on my 501 def need that seat 🤣

have you ever had troubles with reliability on this bike?

Had a '22 690R and whilst ultimately it wasnt for me, the one thing i couldnt stand was the TC when I used Mode 2 in offroad situations. Every time the motor is switched off (say you stop to check directions, stall in technical terrain, or drop the bike, etc) the TC turns back on. To turn it off you need to travel for several metres whilst holding down the TC button for 5 secs. Far from ideal if you take off in technical terrain

Basically you're telling me I need to buy a K-Mart Trail Machine... (KTM)... MEGA Yamaha dude and my perfect bike is a KTM... Why couldn't you just lie about it?!?!?! lol jk - thank you for doing such great reviews - like real world opinions. The specs on the brochures dont matter as much as the real world feel! THANK YOU! :) I just worry about the Tenere 700 being too dang heavy. I'm used to racing YZ250's and love how nimble and flickable they are, and basically I want a YZ250 with a 75-80hp engine, able to cruise at 70-80 on the freeway with a rally faring kit - is that too much to ask?! lol (its not possible I know I know)

690 vs pr7 opinions?

Can you get me your build sheet for that 690?

The only bike that i regret selling 😢

Headlight 500 Footpags 120 Air filter 40-200 Exhaust 500-1500 Castum tuning ECU 500 Rear top case holder 200 AL engine cover 200 Rubber protection Left and right engine cover 120 I'm thinking 😂

Everyone seems to be convinced that this KTM is in every way better than Honda CRF250L/CRF300L. Is it? Let's assume Honda with already upgraded suspension, because otherwise things are obvious. I own CRF250L and need upgrade - but I'm not sure if KTM isn't just a little too much for me. I rented and loved T7 power offroad, but could not keep it straight on sand and had to use both legs to keep it from falling - scarry heavy monster, not for me. KTM weights same as Honda, but is a lot higher...

Sounds like you need a bigger rear sprocket

It is an everyday bike.

Great info. Volume to low.

Also I beleive with the gas tank being at the rear, it would not be convenient to carry stuff on a rear rack.

10,000 mile bike. Wanna buy mine?

Il take my blue bike wr 450 over it any time.

no

If you want to Ride Offroad….skip it. It’s great on the road but not very good Offroad. I have owned one for a while and just traded it. Get a 500 if you want both…far more capable in the dirt. I have owned 122 bikes…45 were KTMs …so I have had most models… still have a dozen.

Never buy indochina machine! When Ktm brings back in house motors then. Their asking price will be closer to logic

I'm amazed how so many so- called in- depth review never rate the suspension and chassis qualities offroad, what is essential if riding at pace offrad, like all these "rally" kits suggest. Which makes me think the 690 is not reasonably good offroad, just better than a steel pig like Africa Twin etc

Worst bike I ever owned, throttle position sensor faults constantly, get any japanese equivalent. Amen.

What about reliability? Any issues yet? I always hear about KTM busting down - over and over. Just check KZfaq. If you were way off road -- 300 miles from the next safety location and no cellular -- for months -- would you trust the reliability? Also, I are really torn between 890 and 690. Weight is huge for sure, but seat height is huge difference too for flat foot at 5'9" -- and ability to haul in comfort storage. I come from a massive F850GSA -- king of reliability and comfort -- but sadly, it comes at the price of weight...