Added a Seat Concepts seat, heated grips and the Peru’s rear rack - I think it makes for an excellent lightweight adventure bike. Not a traveler but makes up for it in the rough.
@carlanavlyt5696
4 жыл бұрын
Bought my ktm 690r in 2017 new. I love this bike due to the power and the sexy look of this bike.I live in wine country and the more hills I have the better!
@webmasterguru7799
4 жыл бұрын
I road mine on Fraser Island four 4 days, was a little bit worried it would be to heavy or big, but to my joy was fantastic. just an absolute joy in the soft sand. Live this bike so much. I also kitted it out with Motard wheels best of both worlds😀
@FraserSteve
4 жыл бұрын
WEBMASTER GURU Fraser island would be an awesome ride
@keithaverill1223
4 жыл бұрын
Hey Steve...greetings from Medellin Colombia. Thanks for posting. I have watched some of your other videos and you have me convinced I need a 690. Right now I am riding a 1190 and I love it but I'm looking for something lighter weight and more off road capable. I know guys take their big ADV bikes into some gnarly stuff but I have no interest in pitching my beautiful 1190 onto the rocks. The way I see the 1190 now after owning one for 1.5 years and riding it all over Colombia is it is basically a street bike that you can take on mellow dirt and gravel roads. The problem though is the weight. Traveling through remote mountains alone you start to think about what happens when the big girl falls over....I don't think I could even pick it up again with out taking all my gear off and then really struggling. So, I end up not going down a lot of trails and roads that I want to ride. So, now I'm looking at getting a slightly used 690 here in Colombia. I really liked your video you posted a few months ago about your 690 that your rode for 5 months around the world... Anyways, thanks for posting these videos.
@mathewsebastiantejadagutie318
3 жыл бұрын
Same history but from Lima - Perú, now about to upgrade to a 2017 690 from a 800GS after 3 years of use. Te lando cuando me lleve a Medellin !
@grzegorzgrotkowski6575
3 жыл бұрын
kzitem.info/news/bejne/2nqJsW1npod_f4o
@williamstones1773
4 жыл бұрын
Nice video, Thanks for the updates!
@oldman774
4 жыл бұрын
Your consumption is spot on, I get 4.5 liters per 100 kms, yours at 4.6 is just about the same
@zrig1
4 жыл бұрын
Long miles, some modifications needed .. that seat is the first thing to go ... my 19 is like a sitting on piece of lumber. Love mine.
@bradsanders6954
3 жыл бұрын
T7 guys on forums are all going on about what a great dirtbike their bikes are,and yet crashes are their main interest. Who has crashed the most,who has crashed the hardest? You aint trying if you aint crashing seems to be their gig. ...........A T7 headlight is 1200.00..........when you hit trees they break. 12 months one guy was waiting for a headlight assembly. A simple 690 seems good.
@steveo1kinevo
4 жыл бұрын
Why do they put the cables across the display?
@grzegorzgrotkowski6575
3 жыл бұрын
They add some excess as majority of riders will go for bar risers
@zrig1
3 жыл бұрын
Honestly, I think someone zip tied them in the wrong place during the assembly at the dealership. I have the 2019 and my cables don't route that way. They are out of the way of the display.
@hometownguy7184
Жыл бұрын
ive ordered a 23 model and cant wait!..fuck the nay nays!..love you australian guys!love from the USA!
@apostate4apostate494
3 жыл бұрын
Which is better on the road/highway DR650 or this KTM?
@bradsanders6954
3 жыл бұрын
Ive got 50,000 miles on my DR650,with stock gearing it likes 85mph. Runs smoother at that speed,big wide sargent seat,lowered pegs for 20 bucks,lots leg room. I can reach the ground easily........I would say for a single it is fine on street, Not one part has broken in those miles. 690 is more a dirt bike,DR is more 50/50,works fine on dirt roads,is fine on street. Granted Ive done the mods I like on mine.
@grzegorzgrotkowski6575
3 жыл бұрын
Very good and complete review. Thank you Sir 🙏
@matthewhayes7765
2 жыл бұрын
Hi, serious question here. I'm really curious why you chose a 690 for a round the world versus the step-up parallel twin adv like a 790-890 or T7. I understand it's lighter, a T7 is 204kg's, wet to be fair. But to set a 690 up for long distance, you need the fairing, and extra fuel etc, baring in mind the original weights stated were dry. Aren't you nearly at the weight of a twin adv (like a T7) anyway? Which is much more suited for the long tarmac drives? No matter how much of an off roader you are, I can't help but feel there must be a hell of a lot of tarmac to cover on a RTW trip, like it or not. I love the look of a 690 or 701. Slim frame, sharper weapon. But they're so not ready for long distance out the box, by the time you've bolted everything on, all the fuel, haven't you ended up at T7 weight? Just get a T7/790, less modifications, more road power. More comfortable. I'm struggling to understand why. No offence, your 690 build was great by the way!
@FraserSteve
2 жыл бұрын
Easy one to answer the 790 came out in 2018 and I went around the world the year before in 2017. I had the 1190 Adventure R also at the time but decided that traveling on your own is was too heavy to pick up fully loaded in areas like sand dunes and extreme single tracks. My 690 is 184kgs with 33l of fuel on board, so it still has a 20kg advantage over the newer 890 and T7. If I was doing it again on my own I would probably go the KTM 890 which for most of the ride would be better except for some of the extreme off-road where the 690 shines.
@wildone2163
3 жыл бұрын
You say they changed the frame in new 690R, is handling then improved over older 690R? I remember I tested old 690R it felt more like street bike...
@FraserSteve
3 жыл бұрын
Definitely feels very different to the old model, much more like a big 500.
@glossblack1098
4 жыл бұрын
Great review Steve. You mentioned the suspension was a tad hard (I'm also 87 kg). I also noticed that on a test ride (plus hard seat). Can you adjust the front fork compression clickers to get a softer ride, or would you need to get suspension re-done to suit?
@oldman774
4 жыл бұрын
Gloss Black Yes you can adjust compression and rebound with the clickers
@FraserSteve
4 жыл бұрын
I think adjustments would get it close, after that it may need slight heavier front springs
@Wanderer1
2 жыл бұрын
Is it reliable? I'm coming from riding a Yamaha wr250r. Need it as my around the world adventure bike.. plan on doing some decent off road riding and being able to go on the highways too. Please reply as I need to decide whether to buy it or not within the next few days.
@FraserSteve
2 жыл бұрын
I rode a 2017 KTM 690 around the world and it did miss a beat, so far 65,000kms and only thing done to the motor was a timing chain at 35,000kms. I have a video about the one I ride around the world on my youtube channel
@ferkuzuel
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Steve, Do you know if your 2020 690 has the dail underneath the seat the one that you can set manually to make the bike run temporarily on low octane fuel, like the older models, I have a 2019 model but can not locate it on my bike, so I was wondering if KTM still offer that choice on the latest 690's Thanks for sharing the video 🏍️
@FraserSteve
3 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately from what I know there is no way of running the later model 690 on low octane fuel. Prior to 2017 you could buy the off-road dongle which did this but it doesn't work on later models
@ferkuzuel
3 жыл бұрын
@@FraserSteve thanks for your reply
@Davefranzin
3 жыл бұрын
Ciao Steve, Nice video, how do you think on the road (ok, off-road I know it is very very good ..) if you use it in a long transfer, is it comfortable enough, or is it very hard to drive it, tought like at hard enduro, ( vibration, hard seat...etc. ) and another one too what, have you ever gone with a passenger ? do you think a couple of hours trip can be done in two without a divorce.... ( I normally i ride motorbikes off-road, but and all the tests I've seen with the Ktm 690 so far always talk about how it goes off-road, never about how it behaves in road transfers, just to understand from a person who uses it .... )Thank you and Greetings from Northwest Italy.
@FraserSteve
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Davide, I have travelled around the world on a 690 Enduro in 2017. They are a great bike, they do need a few essential modifications if you are planning on really long trips especially two up. I would say that the seat is a must change, seat concepts have a fantastic option. The other for long trips maybe a lack of wind protection, so you might want to think about that, they are lots of really good options for the 690. It is a good bike for long travel and the updated motor with the second balance shaft has much less vibration than the previous model, also it has improved performance so sitting on freeway type speed is easy even two up. If you want to get carried away here is the video of my very modified 690 I rode around the world kzitem.info/news/bejne/soSa02yMsKdqrKw
@Davefranzin
3 жыл бұрын
@@FraserSteve Thanks Mate, I wrote to you on purpose because I saw that you use the motorcycle a lot ... you convinced me ... the ktm and always the ktm ..... Thanks again, if one day you get the chance try to come and visit the Italy ... believe me you will be amazed. A friendly hug.
@revoltmachine5467
4 жыл бұрын
i have a very well set up 2015 690 that i love.. do you think there is enough improvement in the 2020 to be worth the upgrade?
@FraserSteve
4 жыл бұрын
its definitely a worthwhile improvement and I think if I was looking to upgrade the 2020 model is worthwhile
@bradsanders6954
3 жыл бұрын
More horsepower for sure definitely. I rode a 2017 701 and holy moly does it run hard,same as new 690 engine.
@juniadiwardana9831
4 жыл бұрын
There is no fuel indicator on the dash?
@1dancier
4 жыл бұрын
Obviously Ktm have looked at the Drz at some stage and thought we can do better, but at 18K.
@bradsanders6954
3 жыл бұрын
An 890 is 16K out the door,a 690 is less.
@dronetoursolutions5572
3 жыл бұрын
What did you think of the quickshifter? Mine doesn't seem to work 1st to 2nd to 3rd, smooth to 4th and 5th and sometimes false neutral to 6th.
@FraserSteve
2 жыл бұрын
My model didn’t have the quick shifter, the false neutrals are caused by the mechanical shift mechanism- there are a couple of aftermarket options to fix it - although it does mean pulling the gearbox apart to fit the new internal shifter
@sqhunter65
4 жыл бұрын
Just got mine ,I'm having problems figuring out the abs, tc.
@mavrick5006
4 жыл бұрын
Look good thanks
@Ttnorth11
4 жыл бұрын
350 EXC-F for the tight stuff.
@snowball05
3 жыл бұрын
Steve, I've got a choice for you, a 2018 low km 690ER for $12K or a 2020 low km 690ER for $16K - is the 2020 worth the extra?
@FraserSteve
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Stephen - If you are planning on a lot of off-road and single track then I think the 2020 model is worth the extra cost, it's a much sharper more focused off road bike. If you are more touring and general riding then the savings on it the 2018 make it pretty hard to go past.
@grzegorzgrotkowski6575
3 жыл бұрын
Have been not asked but let me add sth. Quick shifter, cornering ABS and small but obvious changes to the engine makes it worth it. The engine in the newer one is less shaky. But old ones have better engine surface finish - I have had a leak in 2019 with 600km on it. In the newer ones you will also get traction control and engine maps available under your left thumb
@jakesanford3640
4 жыл бұрын
Steve, how do you clean your bikes? Your 690 looks fantastic in the last video tour.
@FraserSteve
4 жыл бұрын
CT18 truck wash, leave it on the bike for at least 30minutes then wash it off - its does an amazing job
@limey11
4 жыл бұрын
Steve, I was wondering why on your RTW bike you didn't have a center stand ? I am thinking about getting a 690 for long trips (gnarly stuff). Is the ground clearance the issue ? Also, how many punctures did you have on your trip ? Did you have HD tubes ? I dislike fixing flats (especially rears) in middle of nowhere but it needs to be done. And anything to make it a bit easier, hence the center stand question. Thanks.
@FraserSteve
4 жыл бұрын
50,000kms later a not one flat which is pretty incredible given some of the tracks. Check out this link which is a great light weight and easy option instead of a centre stand, I carried something similar. I ran super heavy duty tubes and ran 30psi most of the time, I would rather sacrifice a bit of traction that fix flats. rideexpeditions.com/adventure-bike-hack-making-a-portable-trail-stand-on-the-cheap/
@bradsanders6954
3 жыл бұрын
@@FraserSteve Wow. 30 psi is well beyond squrrly on gravel and dirt. I would run the bike tubeless and use sealant,the good latex sealant.
@toddbenfield6546
2 жыл бұрын
@@bradsanders6954 how’s it held up after 50,000 K? Engine rebuild yet? Got a 2018, and using my for dual sport riding, and Adventure riding! What else can you ask for? Capable of single track riding also with the right tires! Might be a little heavy in very tight sections where you have to wrestle it around, but that’s it👍
@bigdh2os814
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great vid! Wondering how it feels at 70 MPH on highway? Thank you & Subscribed. :)
@FraserSteve
2 жыл бұрын
The bike is nice and stable at speed, but there is a fair amount of wind buffeting- if you were doing a lot of highway riding a screen would be a must for me.
@bobclapper2672
3 жыл бұрын
Hey Steve , I’m wanting to get back to off road riding. I’m undecided on this 690 or the 890. My dealer don’t have either in stock , will be getting both in a few weeks . I’m 5ft 9 . Is that 2021 690 have a shorter seat height ? Which would you recommend ? The dealer thinks I should get the 890.
@FraserSteve
3 жыл бұрын
Bob, I think it depends on what sort of riding you are planning on doing. If it’s fire trails, gravel tracks etc then the 890 is the way to go, but if you like riding single track in the back country I would go for the 690. There is a big weight difference, the 690 is a more focused off-road bike where as the 890 is a much better adventure tourer. If you are Chris Birch or Toby Price who make the 890 look like a 2 stroke 300 in all the promo clips then you can ride anything anywhere, for the rest of the mere mortals the 890 is a heavy bike in the really rough stuff. Both are fantastic bikes it’s simply where you plan on riding most of the time.
@bobclapper2672
3 жыл бұрын
@@FraserSteve Thanks Steve , I think I’ll go with the 690
@FraserSteve
3 жыл бұрын
@@bobclapper2672 Great choice, I rode a 690 Enduro around the world in 2017 - it was fantastic, it didn't miss a beat. I covered over 45,000kms in nine months including crossing the Kalahari Desert in Namibia, the road of bones in Siberia and even covered some super technical alpine stuff fully loaded - the bike coped with everything I could throw at it - Enjoy your new toy.
@bradsanders6954
3 жыл бұрын
Reaching the ground,is a trick on a 690, And the seat is thin and hard already. Its hard to lower the 690 any further than about an inch. The seat needs to be thicker with more padding but the bike is already too tall for some people
@benjaminfrankliniii9857
2 жыл бұрын
Why do so many people say don't buy ktm?
@robsonenduro3316
4 жыл бұрын
how is handling comparing to 500 exc-f? I have also 500-exc.
@FraserSteve
4 жыл бұрын
Robson Enduro it’s not a 500, it is heavier so if single track is your taste then the 500 is superior. If however you need to cover some miles to get to that favorite riding spot or you want the longer service intervals it’s a super competent bike that can cover all terrain just not as agile as the 500 in the technical stuff
@robsonenduro3316
4 жыл бұрын
@@FraserSteve when you not racing service interval of 500 exc-f is not that bad at all, I do mine every 1800 km or so and no problems at 340 hours. One guy even rode round the world on 500 exc :)
@jordanJohnn
3 жыл бұрын
@@robsonenduro3316 when do you plan on doing a top end mate?
@robsonenduro3316
3 жыл бұрын
@@jordanJohnn unless it starts to smoke as hell or loosing power then not earlier then I get to 500 hours. As for now bike is running great.
@syedmasudulislam8391
3 жыл бұрын
Is this bike street legal in Australia???
@FraserSteve
3 жыл бұрын
Yes it is road legal in Australia
@johnscott9829
9 ай бұрын
How many K's/miles do you think this engine will go? I have a 2021 enduro r and love it but concerned it will burn it up doing longer touring. thx
@FraserSteve
9 ай бұрын
I have a 2016 KTM690R that I have ridden around the world on in 2017 and it has 70,000kms on it. The motor is still original piston, the head has never been off and the only the timing chain was replaced at around 35,000 kim’s. I still regularly ride it most weeks and have just returned from a 10 day ride and it never misses a beat. It is not using any oil and makes great power so no plans on new piston and rings until at least 100,000kms.
@johnscott9829
9 ай бұрын
Thanks Steve for the reply@@FraserSteve
@chrisblanchard4938
4 жыл бұрын
Just curious how much vibration you feel in the foot pegs and the handle bars when on the road. My 2020 500 exc-f vibrates when up around 50 + miles per hr.
@oldman774
4 жыл бұрын
Chris Blanchard Vibration is not an issue on paved roads at all
@fcalin21
3 жыл бұрын
Any oil leaks or other problems ?
@Navaho66
3 жыл бұрын
The seat is horrible but the rest of the bike is great. Just put the first 50 miles on mine. It's going to be a good bike for gravel roads and pavement. Anything tighter than jeep roads, and I'd rather be on a 500.
@afandou1966
3 жыл бұрын
3:44 "The lighter bikes walk around a lot" Exactly.
@bradsanders6954
3 жыл бұрын
I wonder,has anyone put 40,000 miles on one of these bikes?
@FraserSteve
3 жыл бұрын
I have more than that on mine, here is the link to the 690 I rode around the world, still going strong on the original piston and rings, gearbox is untouched. kzitem.info/news/bejne/soSa02yMsKdqrKw
@bradsanders6954
3 жыл бұрын
@@FraserSteve I like your videos lots,great stuff and great rides you've done............... I dont exactly know why,but Ive heard the stories of over heating/blown head gaskets/oil burning/electrical issues of various sorts.................. 3 friends that basically bought 690's and even a 17 701 have all had some of these issues. So 3 out of 3. This is just a fluke or ? I like the 2021 690 a lot and am looking at one at local shop.....if I had thought these things were totally reliable I would have had one long ago. Ive had KTM dirtbikes since 1978, mostly 2 strokes.
@thomasobrien1351
2 жыл бұрын
Hey Steve, what's your take on 690 vs T7 as a world cruiser
@FraserSteve
2 жыл бұрын
I rode the 690 around the world and it did a great job and I still love riding it. On non technical gravel road and tracks the T7 is going to be a more comfortable ride, twin cylinder equals a nicer ride. Once the going get tough the 690 will cope much better, part of that depends on how good a rider you are obviously. I think for 80% of my RTW the T7 or KTM 890 would have been a more suitable bike, but for the 20% of really technical I was grateful for the 690's ability. If I was doing the ride with another rider I would be tempted to choose one of the bigger bikes, as you get some help picking it up. The T7 and 890 would be at least 50kgs heavier than the 690 so something to consider.
@FraserSteve
2 жыл бұрын
This is the 690 I rode around the world. kzitem.info/news/bejne/soSa02yMsKdqrKw
@hehboklyngdoh276
4 жыл бұрын
👍👏😊nicely
@RJ-su8wk
4 жыл бұрын
Really?! You’d take a 690 around the world again over a 790, or a 1290? Really?!
@FraserSteve
4 жыл бұрын
If I was ridding the same technical single track stuff I did last time on my own, then I think I would go with the 690 again. If I was sticking to forrest tracks or just dirt roads then definitely the 790 would be the choice - I do own a 1290 Adventure R which I love but I wouldn't like to drop it in the sand dunes of Namibia fully loaded and try to pick it up on my own.
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