I’ve been looking at a used 2017 with 30,000 miles on it. Did mileage concern you at all when purchasing used?

Thank you. Good work

Would you suggest a small ADV or a small dual sport for a first bike? I was thinking Honda CRF 300L because I like the idea of being able to explore, go anywhere and know the bike can do it esp. at slower speeds, but I will likely be on roads more often. I do want to learn both styles of riding though, and one bike is ideal. A lot of people seem to say the 300L or the KLX's are the perfect first bikes, but Honda reliability is hard to say no to. Without any riding experience, the ADV bikes seem way to street biased and heavier (KTM 390 ADV, BMW 310 GS, etc.), and I know more weight is not fun off road. Doing all my research I'm so surprised to see people with even 700cc bikes off road loaded with like 100 pounds of crap.. That seems like it would be a nightmare to manage/work when riding, not to mention pick up if you drop it. Also, unrelated question, but I've heard people say things about KTMs and them being quirky or difficult mechanically to maintain. Is that actually a thing and if so why?

The 690 and T7 are two different categories of bikes, so you can’t really declare one is better thank the other overall. BUT you can evaluate them in different categories of riding. Obviously the T7 is generally better on the street and the 690 is better in the dirt.

I was on the fence to buy this model for 10 years but height of bike stopped me over and over. I ended up with a KLX300. Although fun its just not enough power on road to satisfy me

I’m looking to upgrade from my Kim duke 390 to include more gravel and dirt in my road trips. I’m looking at a 2012 990 adventure. The only thing turning me off the 690 enduro is the luggage rack options for soft luggage. Is this really an issue....i

Very good video mate.

Great video! I built a killer Husky 501 for BDR's but my arthritic hands just can't handle the vibes at 65-70 MPH when I am doing road work. How are the vibes on your hands on your 690 at 65-70 MPH?

What centimeter that KTM windscreen from bottom of that lamp to the top?

I hated my super tenere so much. Awful off-road and insane wind buffet on road no matter what windshield I used.

KTMs just don't like going slow❤

This is exactly the conundrum I have recently dealt with. I am planning an off road trip from the west coast of Australia to see the Finke Desert race next year and as I already have the T7 the 690 was the alternate choice for the 1100+ km of dirt to be crossed. Fortunately a friend is a Yamaha/KTM dealer and has offered me the chance to extensively road test the 690, so my mind is not set on either yet but you have certainly assisted with this review. 👍

Contemplating getting rid of my 2003 klr 650 and getting a 2023 KTM 690…

Blablablablablablablablablabla

I’m 6’5 220lbs. Looking at Honda. I’m liking the xr650l, I know it’s big but I am too. It’d be my first and forever, thoughts?

Bought a 690, your videos were pretty good advice for me. Did you stop making video ?

The front fender heights sure standout. I wonder how much that affects the wind buffeting? I'm on a WR250R, and considering a 701. Also went to look at a NC750X, but the salesman said they didn't get any this year. I had a 390 adventure that some riders should consider too. Nice big tank, modern features.

Wow, my 23 701 gets 60 mph

I moved from an XR650L to my 690. Based on new pricing spend the extra and get the 690. Don't get me wrong I loved my Honda, but it is very dated tech. By the time you spend the cash on suspension work,you may as well have gone with a 690.

What size V Stream Windshield do you have?

You are one of very few, if any, on YT that has a clue about these bikes.

Hey brother, looking into purchasing one of these beasts as my adv/ more off road based bike on the stable. I found a 2015 690 enduro r with 7k miles for 6k OTD from a dealer in Nashville. In your opinion, is that worth the price, or would you recommend the newer ones? I do plan also on purchasing a set of 17s so I can do a pseudo SM mode haha

Excellent review for a new adventure rider. Thanks.

Bravo

Nice video 👌 Am looking to the KTM siblin the 690 SM. I have yamaha yz450f but i will lile to sell that bike cz i dont have time to ride it but i need a fun city bike. So i was ti king to go Yamaha MT09 or the KTM 690 SM cz it way lighter. I have Versys for loger touring rides so i tink the 690 sm will be a best choise. I will like to find a test ride firs but even if i dont i know how it will feel. I love the wheelies in my yz450f i can do 4th gear clutch up and not blow the engine reving it to the moon. Hope the 690 can do 3th gear easy. Great video again. Ride safe All the best from Europe 🤘

Do you think this would be an okay motorcycle for a beginner? I’d like to buy one but I’m afraid it could be too much for me

KTM!!!

I think I'm getting the tenere, because I already have a yz 450 and a te 300 2 smoker.

Until something more lighter and capable comes up, the 690/701 is very hard to beat... And is pretty reliable for a KTM, these bikes are around for 10+ years. My 2021 SM is a daily all year commuter and track bike in the season. I'd be hard pressed to buy anything heavier than this.

Interesting discussion about the telelever front suspension. Coming from sport bikes, wouldn’t that feel unnatural while out on a track? I expect the front to dive and have to gently apply throttle, to not upset the chassis and let the bike dig in as we power out through corner. Just grabbed a ‘24 Super Tenere ES and would love to get it out for a track day. Thanks for the video, the action shots and the discussion. Keep up the great work.

Did you ever try an Africa Twin?

Hey man, If i get this bike, can i have a spare set of tires only for pavement riding ? , like if i were to go on a ride with friends that don't do offroad. Thank you, your videos are very informative

Aloha from Hawaii, I bought a 2020 690 built out nearly identical to your set up in this video. I remember you mentioned in an early video you had a friend that helped you dial in the suspension settings a little different from the KTM recommended settings and it rode a lot better. If you don't mind sharing what settings you have it at now across the board that would be helpful. I will be riding the east coast BDR's and then the TAT on it and would like a baseline to start with. It's got 1700 miles on it all street and original owner did not have any mosko's on it like I do now. Mahalo's Thomas

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.

Don't have a GS anymore (I owned an 1150 years ago), but I have a 2013 R1200 R. I absolutely LOVE it. It currently has 28,000 miles on it and runs like new. Very easy to work on and maintain yourself.

Outstanding review. I used to race desert, and some MX on a YZ250. Owned a KLR 650 which was great on the street, but felt like a tractor off road. Now, at 65 I'm equally pulled in both directions. Tough decision!

The more you know about something, the easier and straightforward it becomes. Whether it be issues or not. Your video helps a lot in that regard . Thank you.

You mentioned in your video that you're using a 50/50 tire but I'm wondering which tire brand? Thx

Should have had the 690 and xr650r thats what everyone wants to know

YAMAHA SUPER TENERE OR HONDA AFRICA TWIN

I just bought a 2018 r1200gs with 5600 miles. Bike is like new. I love it! Paid 12.5. Best riding bike I’ve owned.

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?

I don't know if the 690 is bigger than what I expected or if the T7 is bigger than what I expected, but I definitely did not expect them to look so close in size

No didn't buy it after a 2hr ride on it 1190 that is it was super hot and was on its 3rd starter motor ended up buying a 2016 africa twin with 44k ks on it had it 10mnths now done 25k ks no issues and amazing in the mountains as well as daily commute to work at 60klm round trip daily.

Looking to close on a 2010 GSA… going backwards, I have a 2017 RS… back to the roomier GS for me.

Thanks for this in depth explanation. helpful information.

Just add a set of supermoto wheels and you have a proper dual sport bike.

Tuareg 660 is the best and if you have a tight budget, buy a CFMoto 450MT.

Best Review! So many non-worthy ones out there.

I own both bike's. 2019 Ktm 690 Enduro R and 2023 Honda XR650L. The Honda is way more leisure riding. Definitely more fun on mild terrain and casual jonts. The KTM is more aggressive and requires a little more attention to ride. I find myself on the Honda more often when riding alone. The KTM I ride when I am with a group or when I am in need of a rush. 0to60 KTM all the way. Casual relaxing Honda hands down. My opinion 😊