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. 👍
@blair8225
7 күн бұрын
Contemplating getting rid of my 2003 klr 650 and getting a 2023 KTM 690…
@jwruskus5900
16 күн бұрын
Blablablablablablablablablabla
@tca7421
17 күн бұрын
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?
@JohnDoe-dk8zz
17 күн бұрын
Bought a 690, your videos were pretty good advice for me. Did you stop making video ?
@friedaspyder8485
20 күн бұрын
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.
@billslicer3203
24 күн бұрын
Wow, my 23 701 gets 60 mph
@zrig1
24 күн бұрын
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.
@Newbiomass
25 күн бұрын
What size V Stream Windshield do you have?
@silverado5325
26 күн бұрын
You are one of very few, if any, on YT that has a clue about these bikes.
@Diabeekei
29 күн бұрын
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
@helvin8972
Ай бұрын
Excellent review for a new adventure rider. Thanks.
@rsaric3950
Ай бұрын
Bravo
@Nisotovski
Ай бұрын
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 🤘
@nebojsastojanovic1543
Ай бұрын
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
@user-vh6gq5jc7l
Ай бұрын
KTM!!!
@chrisibarra2575
Ай бұрын
I think I'm getting the tenere, because I already have a yz 450 and a te 300 2 smoker.
@Szlejer
Ай бұрын
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.
@nsanerydah
Ай бұрын
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.
@bfeadventures
Ай бұрын
It is definitely something to get used to, but it feels extremely well planted on the street!
@simonthomas5367
Ай бұрын
Did you ever try an Africa Twin?
@bfeadventures
Ай бұрын
I owned one and LOVED it! I also have a review on that bike on this channel!
@JohnDoe-dk8zz
Ай бұрын
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
@bfeadventures
Ай бұрын
You sure can! You just need an extra set of wheels with a street setup on them. I’d suggest warp 9 if you are looking for a good value. Swapping wheel sets and spacers is much faster than swapping tires.
@Roguetravellers2010
Ай бұрын
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
@bfeadventures
Ай бұрын
Hi, Thomas! Congrats on a killer bike! I’ll check on those settings and get back to you.
@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!
@ChadHargis
Ай бұрын
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.
@davidwhiteford4936
Ай бұрын
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!
@bfeadventures
Ай бұрын
Thank you! I'd say choose the one that fits a majority of your riding style and you cannot lose!
@aronPru2660
Ай бұрын
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.
@bfeadventures
Ай бұрын
You're welcome!
@j.w.armstrong9229
Ай бұрын
You mentioned in your video that you're using a 50/50 tire but I'm wondering which tire brand? Thx
@bfeadventures
Ай бұрын
I believe I was using a trailmax mission at that time.
@ozbulitsinces1996
2 ай бұрын
Should have had the 690 and xr650r thats what everyone wants to know
@bfeadventures
Ай бұрын
No kidding! I wish I had one to compare!
@ozbulitsinces1996
Ай бұрын
@@bfeadventures some one lend the man there xr650r for educational purposes
@MohamedQureshi
2 ай бұрын
YAMAHA SUPER TENERE OR HONDA AFRICA TWIN
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
Depends how you plan to ride it. If you are 70/30 road/dirt, I'd go AT. If you are 60/40 road/dirt or more dirt - T7
@MohamedQureshi
2 ай бұрын
@@bfeadventures Sorry for the long post. Do you prefer the Yamaha T7 or Honda Transalp 750?
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
@@MohamedQureshi Great question. I think at that point of comparison, pick your favorite brand. From the factory, the Honda is more street oriented and the Yamaha is more dirt oriented. However - everything is subtle. It does not take much to make the T7 better for the street; and it does not take much to protect the Honda off-road.
@MohamedQureshi
2 ай бұрын
@@bfeadventures As for you, you prefer which one
@bfeadventures
Ай бұрын
@@MohamedQureshi The Yamaha
@slowsteve3497
2 ай бұрын
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.
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
That's a winner right there!
@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.
@estebanod
2 ай бұрын
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
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
Haha I think the Rally kit gives that impression. As soon as you pick them off the kickstand, you will be able to tell how much bigger the T7 is!
@estebanod
2 ай бұрын
@@bfeadventures ohhh I see, then it's a good thing because I'm considering the 690/701 and I'm not very tall! (And I meant "if the T7 is smaller than I expected" lol..)
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
@@estebanod The T7 is ACTUALLY shorter, but is much heavier and feels much bigger.
@elektroinstal
4 күн бұрын
Size difference is enormous. I own 690. 10x better choice for offroad and shorter distances.
@Jamie-zt2gz
2 ай бұрын
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.
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
We love the AT as well!
@CCitis
2 ай бұрын
Looking to close on a 2010 GSA… going backwards, I have a 2017 RS… back to the roomier GS for me.
@loganvazquez1436
2 ай бұрын
Thanks for this in depth explanation. helpful information.
@lanceharris669
2 ай бұрын
Just add a set of supermoto wheels and you have a proper dual sport bike.
@fcalin21
2 ай бұрын
Tuareg 660 is the best and if you have a tight budget, buy a CFMoto 450MT.
@mehdimirzaiedamabi1349
2 ай бұрын
Best Review! So many non-worthy ones out there.
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@mikegunn3152
2 ай бұрын
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 😊
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
I like that assessment!
@fransoi28
2 ай бұрын
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!!
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
What kind of track? Motocross - too heavy. Enduro - too big. Supermoto - yes. Could you use it for any of those? Probably, but there are dedicated bikes to those tracks that would walk all over it.
@chrishague8063
2 ай бұрын
You don’t make any sense the bike is under powered but in the same sentence it’s a hand full! I have a 2019 atas it’s a the best bike out there for on and off road adventures
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
ON road - it's underpowered compared to most bikes of similar size. Off road, it's a handful. I agree - it's an incredible bike. "Best" really depends on how the rider uses it, in my opinion.
@JoshSinnott97
2 ай бұрын
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
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
I'd vote WR250R above all else in that category. Better suspension, better build quality, and bulletproof engine like the rest.
@luisbush4915
2 ай бұрын
Love mine too is a great bike and super reliable
@luisbush4915
2 ай бұрын
sorry ninety five
@luisbush4915
2 ай бұрын
Is actually 94 hp Ive got one...
@1wheeldrive751
2 ай бұрын
I’ve got a 2017 Africa Twin CRF1000 (non-DCT). It is very close to a T7. About 40 lbs heavier but 30 HP more. Looked up upgrading my AT to T7 but it just didn’t make sense as I have the Honda kitted out for me perfectly and would have to start all over with a new Tenere. I recently bought a Husky FE501E and put a dual sport kit on it. It was an awesome dual sport bike, but I’m not really an awesome dual sport rider anymore at 66 y/o. So I sold the FE and bought a lightly used Husky 701E, which is very close to the same as the 690 with white plastic. The 701 is so much more up my alley, I love it. Takes very little to make the bike Adventure ride ready. Still love and ride my Africa Twin, especially for long days in the saddle with more pavement in the itinerary, but the Husky is the beast that makes your heart beat faster.
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
You said it PERFECTLY!
@thejourneyretold
2 ай бұрын
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)
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
You're telling ME! haha Well, I'd say the 690 is about as close as you're going to get to what you are asking. I LOVE the T7, but when I'm choosing for a weekend rip, I'll pick my 690 over my T7 almost every time.
@thejourneyretold
2 ай бұрын
@@bfeadventuresbiggest challenge I come to is how will I ACTUALLY use it. Feel like it will ACTUALLY be used as a run around bike and spend most of its time on the street around town and what not. To the point where I’ve considered a YZ450 and just super moto the thing. But I think the off road exploration will be super fun and want something that can do both. Just need to figure out what % will be on road vs off road. If I’m honest with myself I bet it will be 70-80% of the miles ON road.
@motorbike650
2 ай бұрын
In my opinion it looks so good...
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
Agreed!
@Nexus-6
2 ай бұрын
The KTM 690 is the most powerful (HP) single cylinder motorcycle engine in the world. 😃
@bfeadventures
2 ай бұрын
It feels like it! haha
@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.
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