2018 KTM 690 Enduro R Review : Searching for Unicorns 

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People seem to underappreciate the value of Ian's insight. You deserve a much greater following mate!

Been watching 690 reviews all day, this is the best video of them all, well done. The screen comments and photos had be chuckling.

I love it when someone(you) makes a good quality, great length video, that is all about the bike and rider experience. Not when it’s a video full of special effects, crazy music and hi look at me being cool on the bike stuff. I really appreciate your review, thank you.

26 minutes well spent here , clear and complete review

My thoughts exactly. Thank you for saying the seat isn’t that bad. Put on a 16T and it’s super smooth at 70. Get Kev’s O2 controller. Doesn’t affect mileage too much and makes it pull smoother and better.

Another excellent review! It seems like addressing the issues on this bike to make it near perfect are just a few minor things (vibration, gearing)... These have been complaints on earlier 690s so I wonder why KTM hasn't fixed it? Companies could definitely do a better job listening to riders.

This is a great review. I was worried when you started with an outline that it would be a long -winded rant but this was concise and informative. Good review

I bought a 690 Duke last spring and I can’t praise that little bike enough. the LC4 engine is absolutely brilliant if you’re primarily sticking to street use. Over the years I’ve learned that power to weight ratio is the key measurement for a bikes “fun factor” and no other brand does that better than KTM. I recently got an itch to explore dirt riding more and while I think the 690 enduro is perfectly capable, it’s still probably a bit too heavy to be considered as a pure off road only machine. But for a rider who is 50/50 street/dirt riding, the enduro can’t be matched in my book

Awesome review! My ‘16 690R has 24k miles. Oil changes religiously every 4K miles & change inline fuel filter. Fuel light comes on...I fill it. NO MAJOR PROBLEMS!

Thank you for this. I am planning on buying a 2014 690R and every other "review" I watched was garbage. You really delve into the stuff a prospective owner is interested in.

I own a 2014 690 and pretty much agree with everything you mentioned. I also changed the thermostat in the radiator so the fan comes on earlier when the engine starts getting hot. If you ride slow single track it’s an upgrade worth doing.

Great review! I have been going back and forth between a CRF450L and this bike. Owned Hondas my whole life but this bike looks amazing and even though its slightly heavier than the CRF450L. I love the 6000 mile oil change and suspension is probably slightly better than the Honda.

I was an off road and motocross guy most of my life (I'm 57). I got my first plated bike in 2008, a KTM 530exc. What a great bike, once I put a J.D jetting kit in and just a couple of mods. In 2015 I got a Tiger 800 xcx, it's just a bit too at times. Still have it and it is a great dirt road bike and has been on a few long distance camping trips in the mountains. I was seriously looking at the 690 when I got the Triumph. Last year I retired and was able to get a good deal on a 2018 KTM 690r. Every bike has little things that need to be changed. Overall, I have really enjoyed this bike so far. Pulls like a tractor and accelerates like a Porsche. A very good and detailed review, great job and thank you. God speed ✌

So that’s probably the best review of a motorcycle that I’ve seen. I’m an old guy (72) and this is probably more bike than I need. I’ve actually been considering the new 390 Adventure but have been shying away from it because of reliability issues overall that I have been hearing about KTM. You have restored my faith in KTM and I thank you for that. Having said all that I will be giving this one a hard look. Thanks.

Thanks Ian for taking the time to share this review - I appreciate you

Thank you for this review. It was the deciding factor that pushed me to purchase my 2018. 1 year, 7000miles, and god knows how much money in mods, and I can say I made the right choice. Thanks!

Awesome review! I rode a 690(without the R) from north of sweden to belgium and back. 5000kms with a few 800km days. The seat is fine, if anyone thinks its to hard, it probably because youre as is to soft :P

Thank you so much for your excellent review. For me the 690 is my unicorn as I'm not doing long adventure rides involving highway. I have a 20/20 I feel like the gear ratio is adequate but as you mentioned a little taller on the 6th gear wouldn't be bad. For my body position the seat is very comfortable for me I also have soft bag set up. Totally love the all day power, brake, and handling. Thanks again for taking the time to review the bike

I am holding out for the 2019. I HAVE HAD A KLR 650 (hated it ) currently ride a DRZ . Like it a lot but ! I THINK THE 2019 690 IS THE CLOSEST THING TO A UNICORN I'LL FIND .

Good review! Love my 2014 690! Did most of what you have done plus aftermarket exhaust, radiator guard, seat concept seat, removed emissions, changed gearing, off road lights, aftermarket fuel cap, heated grips, and hand guards. Oh yea, twin air filter. Great OBDR bike!

The review is spot on, actually. The 2019 690 Adventure seems to address many of the issues over the previous models, such as front wheel only abs, rubber mounted handlebars, slightly larger tank and an upgraded, hopefully smoother engine. With all the new gimmicks like the quickshifter and traction control, I fear that the price will be even more than the Husky. Let's wait and see if it comes closer to being a unicorn both in terms of price and features. I got the 2018 model for 8000 EUR, and I wouldn't like to go much further than that.

Man you're such a unique and interesting reviewer and you do know what you're talking about. You offer a realistic perspective on everything one would like to know and you have the added humor here and there to keep it entertaining. You seem to have stopped making videos and that saddens me a lot. We're all missing out. I'd love to see you review every bike you have experience with if possible. Especially the dualsports. I hope you do make a comeback. Either way, thanks for the content. Cheers!

Bought an 18 last week. Breaking her in easy and making my parts list to make her into a BDR slayer. Perfect bike for that type of ridding...IMHO.

Thank you man.. very well done I agree on everything you said, also a 690 owner and ripper for almost 2 years now.. I swapped out the exhaust I went with Ti Akropovic for a 701 very expensive but so light and great sound also changed too a Uni foam filter and added a filter skin for extra insurance

I believe that the KTM 690 Enduro R is the absolute best and truly is the unicorn. Amazing power, very capable and reliable and will take whatever you can throw at it with ease

Another great review, and beautiful bike! If money were no object, this would probably be the perfect bike for me. But, it’s about 2 CRF 250’s more than I can afford right now, lol. ( Before I get slammed in the comments, I’ll edit this and add that I live in Thailand. This bike here costs double because of import duties - so it’s a 20k bike here).

Love this review, as I enjoy all of your extremely detailed and as honest as possible assessment of all the choices we have out there. I find this year that this review is still relevant as you can find some used KTM 690 Enduro r for sale, with the lack of new bikes available it looks like a great option for me. One thing. I am 6' tall w/32 inch inseam. it still feels damn tall! Thanks.

This guy just follows the masses. What ever bike is hot at the moment is what he recommends. Just get what works for you and go ride.

I bought a 2014 690r with 3500 miles from a dealer. Bike was in excellent condition, dry miles I would say. Unfortunately on one of the first outings the engine broke one of the camshaft rocker arms. These rocker arms have needle roller bearings which dropped down into the engine. Luckily the dealer fixed it under warranty as the engine needed stripped. I did a bit of research and found out that this is a common fault in this model, KTM have now modified the rocker arms so it should not happen again. It usually happens around 20k miles mine just went early. Always something you could ask about if you are considering buying one of these bikes.

Listening to you list your bikes was like reading the name chapters in the Old Testament. Thanks for the comparison with the drz. I hated mine because of general lack of power and it was missing a gear. I think I’m sold. KTM should give you commission.

Thank you for an excellent, comprehensive review. Answers most of the concerns and queries a prospective owner could want to know.

The added pictures had me cracking up 😂, like how this video was done. Good job dude

I subscribed because of the considerable amount of knowledge provided by your video.

Currently have 2016 KLR650. Handles good offroad price is perfect but 80mph on hwy even with 16 tooth sprocket the bike is screaming. Starting to accept the fact im going to have to buy a dedicated street bike and dirt bike

Thank you for starting off with what will be covered. Nothing worse than watching a review for 20 minutes and not getting everything you thought.

Great review Ian. You answered a lot of my questions - this bike is on my short list for a lightweight adventure bike. Thank you.

Reading through the comments all I can say is you can't make everyone happy and most riders have a favorite brand or model. I'm 69 years old been riding various road bikes all my life. Motorcycles are a complicated mix of compromises. What do you want to do with the bike dictates the purchase and mods? I was intrigued about riding BDR routes so I bought my first knobby shod bike, a used DRZ400S. Got it outfitted for adventure/trails in the dirty bits. Total cost 4K. Yeah, it did the off-road stuff pretty well and I recommend them still. But when it came to the highway bits loaded with 40-50 pounds of camping gear for a 2 week trip it needed more engine. I bought a used 2013 690 in late 2013 and that took care of that engine power issue. Not having a sub-frame is nothing to worry about. Just as with the DRZ I bought racks from Tourtech to carry my large Wolfman luggage. The bike came with a Wings exhaust. A Seat Concepts seat and lowered Superplush suspension rounded out the package. That's really all I needed. I ride trails and FS roads on it everywhere in the Sierra National Forest.

...tackled quite the list - I also have had many bikes, 24 and counting so far. I did have a KLR650 and managed about 55mpg on that regularly - appreciated so much the ending sentiments - my feelings exactly - do what you love to do! Thanks for sharing and hinting at your passion to ride!

the new 019 has fixed alot of the issues , wide ratio box ,duel balance shafts ,better exc xplor suspension , more fuel range ,abs selectable front rear ,going to to be the bike , think i order one

I bought a left over 2017 and put the 1 inch lowering link on it. Why mess with converting a WR or something else into a enduro like this when you can get the whole package with this KTM. Sure its high priced but your getting the best bike in this class.. I get looks from everyone going down the road on this thing. THEN when you see a road off to the side you no longer wonder where it goes because on this bike you just hop the curb and go explore.

Good review. Is they say, as all NEED at least 3 bikes! One for dirt, one for on road distance, one for in between. I’m considering a 690 but have also been looking at the 701. There are some awesome deals on new 690’s right now and agree the 701 doesn’t seem worth the extra 2k+. Thx for the thoughtful content. Every word was valuable.

Best review ever! im looking for owner experiences, but all I find is "first impresions", your video has a lot of value, thank you very much.

Regards from S Africa. Thanks for a great, comprehensive review. I ride KLR650 and really enjoy it for its simplicity and robustness. (The weight is however a challenge). Ride Safe and enjoy your KTM. Regards Clive

Issues. Ive got my DR650 with 51,000 hard trouble free miles, many mods works great..............then Ive got a 21 890R that really works Great! Love it. Kinda big in the dirt at times, centerstand, racks, 500lbs.................There's a nearly new 21 690 for sale 3.5 hours from here. I kinda need it. Badly.

Awesome video Ian! The extra text and graphics were a nice touch 😉

Thank you! This seems to be the only honest review of the bike out on youtube atm.

Wow.... Great work my friend. I bought an 18 in August. I'm finally getting used to the extra weight after selling my '13 EXC 500. To tell you the truth, I was regretting selling my 500 until I went on a true 150 mile dual sport ride and finally "bonded" with the 690. We have very similar resumes especially in bike ownership. I agree, no unicorn, but I'm looking forward to dirt oriented adventure rides as you suggested toward's the end of your video. If you're in Nor Cal, let's ride!

Excellent, excellent review. I learned a lot about KTM. I can see why people love them and why some riders swear by them. Thank you.

Appreciate the thorough review. I do have to mention that you live in a beautiful place. I love that view.

The engine on the Husky is so much improved over the KTM that it is no brainer, go Husky...or the new 2019 KTM 690..that will be the next level Husky

That is what a review should be ! Very thorough, you pretty much covered all bases . I had a 2015 KTM 350 EXC-F , I bought it as my learning bike ( as I’m a novice) rode it for a little while and just sold it last fall in anticipation of finding something a little more versatile for better all around use . Like you said , the EXC’s are very dedicated to strictly off road , and with that being said , that 350 was THE PERFECT 👌 off rode bike .... however, a lot of vibration and just not something you want to ride on the highway with , even though it was 100% street legal and I did it a couple of times . Not exactly a commuter. I’ve been eagerly anticipating the new 790 Adventure R , it really looks like a great all around bike , but again a bit more dedicated to more highway use I would think , it just seems that it would not be as nimble and manageable off road especially on tight technical work as this 690 enduro R ? If I had to make a choice .... for one bike to do it all , I think I would lean more towards this 690 Enduro R than the new sought after 790 Adventure R . 🤔 I know this video was made before the 790 Adventure R was being manufactured, however, what are your thoughts about the two if you could make your one choice today ?

nice review, ive had the '16 for 3 years now and i plan on just fortifiying it with guards and riding it into the ground. i ride from my city to the mountains (3 hour ride) and it makes er there and back with no issues at 17,000kms no issues with vibrations, my klr was 10x worse, and i love the seat actually!

Very informative video! Like you mentioned I’m between a KTM 500 exc and a 690 enduro R. This has helped but still hasn’t made my mind up. Thanks!

Good job with videos. I can tell you put a lot into them. Really appreciate your insight.

A (seriously) great comprehensive review Ian. Thanks.

Good review Ian, underpinned by your diverse bike ownership background. I had a 2011 for 3 yrs then sold it (regrettably) 5 yrs ago. Looking for one again now as a sweet spot between my 300 & 990. I'm open to the 701 but the price difference is significant and with that money I can do some mods on a 690. After much agonizing between 690 vs 500 (incl watching your comparison video), I decided on the 690 as the 500 is too close to my 300.

Think the windshield looks better the way you did it for sure.

When I first saw that this video was 26 minutes I thought what could you talk about for that length of time to keep me interested. It didn't seem that long and if someone did lose interest they could stare at the view behind you for awile. Good review and loved the still photos. Nice job.

Great review. One of the best I've seen. 👍👍

Great job on the review... very thorough and well thought out... and the screen comments and pis had me laughing... Thanks - liked and subscribed

Had my 690 enduro r abs for 2.5 years. Do yourself a favor, move your vapor valve (twist it). From the factory the wires butt up against the frame (aaaand will eventually rub through and cause a fault code)

Excellent review! Thanks for the time. Still looking for the unicorn. Can’t wait to see the 790 adventure R.

I've got 5K miles on my 18 690..It's a great bike.The 19 is almost perfect, but I'm eyeing that 790. This bike is fine on the freeway once you go to a 50/50 tire...

Excellent review. New 2019 has some changes and you seem to know this bike well. A review of those differences would be nice. New 790 coming as well. Maybe 690 vs 790 adventure. Your knowledge base would be appreciated. Good job, thanks.

Excellent review! Appreciate your experience and knowledge on the topic!

All I want is a bike along the lines of a 640 adventure, but with a modern v-twin or parallel twin engine. Light weight. Quality build. That would be an ideal one up, dare I say Unicorn bike in my book

Great review, Ian, thanks for making it. Wonder where the Yamaha T7 will fall in the comparison mix?

Allll depends on what you want to do XR 400!!

10:10 bolts holding side fairing are going straight thru radiator if you drop it. Easy fix - replace them with zip ties.

Great Job on the review. Now i want to see some GoPro on it. I was looking at that bike last year but it was too rich for me. I found a great used 2010 Tiger 1050. My first non-dirtbike. Whole new class of fun. I saw you had one. I got it late in the season so not much riding yet. I can't wait for the weather to break in Michigan. I especially liked the ending.

I own a 2013, first year of the true 690 ( like yours). I priced out the differences between the kawi 650 the honda 650 and the ktm. By the time you upgrade suspension, engine, and everything else your only 1500, 2000$ less than the ktm. Get the ktm! For upgrades check out ktm twins and rally raid. For bags mosko moto has a big soft bag setup that has a cut out for the fuel cap-and they are tough bags.

690 is a very niche bike. It does Forest Roads perfectly. Offroad its good , not great. Street its good, not great. Too many compromises. This is why you need more than one bike.

Great Review, I'm coming for DRZ400 (modified). There are now racks for the 690 but no sub frame sucks! As for the extra power, there is definitely some extra fun factor there! I see your value point but you still need to modify! Buy good used DRZ modify and your 1/2 price. No one yet has done that magic bike (yet). If it was I'd jump on it even at 10 grand. Till then, continuing to sit on the DRZ. One day that magic 50/50 bike will come!

Dude you are hilarious, love the humor.

Quite thorough but I disagree with you on the DRZ400 comment. Owned one for 2 weeks and immediately sold it. Worst bike I've ever owned hands down. Absolute pig. The Dr650 on the other hand was probably one of my faves just because of its torque. It was like a freight train wheelie monster. Terrible suspension and heavy but a blast to beat around. Thanks for the in depth review of the 690 as I've been considering one myself.

I have a 2014. I have the ‘Fast / Slow’ switch on my bars, and I keep the under-seat switch set on the fastest map. I only use the low power switch in the rain. I still get between 50 and 55 mpg. The Seat Concepts seat is great and not expensive. It helps a lot. I put on Roxx Rubber Mount Risers, which are more comfortable standing up or sitting down. I also mounted the pannier mounts and have Pelican Cases on mine. I don’t have a steering dampener. I would tour on the highway, one-up, if I had a easily removable 12” windshield. Pretty good video. Rear wheel hp on mine is 49.

Awesome review. My riding buddy just got one of these and I had a short ride on it. Comparing it to my dr650 (has some power mods) it handles a lot better, feels more nimble, but like you said the gear ratios are super short so it really does need to rev up to get to hwy speeds, whereas my dr650 just puts along. The problem with the dr650 is that like ng 1st gear which drives me crazy. I'd they just made first gear shorter it would be perfect for me. I suspect I'll end up with a 690 in th future but I hope they change the gear ratio at some point.

first, thanks for the time invested on such a quality review. I'm honestly interested in your opinion. i'm looking to trade in my Ducati Scrambler for something with some real offroad capabilities. I've been torn between the 690 and Africa Twin, and I wonder which would you recommend? My heart is in the dirt and all my big plans are for fire road/double track adventures, however the reality is my riding is closer to 70/30 road:dirt. I really don't ever ride 2-up and never plan to carry much extra gear. I appreciate your perspective.

Great video thanks for your content. I loved it and is def help me with better insight on what to get 👍

Nice review! In the future, it would help the audio if you had a lavalier mic on your shirt- you can either record to a portable recorder like a Zoom H1 or send a signal wirelessly to your camera via a Rode wireless mic setup. I had a 2012 690 and loved it but had to sell it when I moved overseas.

Excellent wrap up found it very helpful, currently riding a DRZ400E which is my light adventure bike. But I'm looking to update to the KTM 690' I've ridden a few off road and found them to be great. Love the look of the rally fairing too.

You put a lot of work in that review! Nice job I agree 690 is bad ass !

There's a wide ratio gear box available for it, but it's a bit expensive. Lyndon poskitt makes it.

150,000 mi??!!! So about 1,000 on each bike? 😂😂 Seriously though, I appreciate that (because it multiplies the wisdom & experience behind your insight IMHO) and your efforts into all your videos just trying to save us time & money by avoiding buying the wrong bike. Cheers man, & seriously, from a fellow lifelong rider, thank you brother. 🤘

Great review! I've been eyeing that bike. Right now I have a WR250R for dual sporting and a VStrom 650 for road adventures. I think this bike would bridge the gap! Thanks for the info.

That thing weighs 330 lbs wet weight. You better carry a tow strap, then when your computer's break, you can get pulled out of the Bush. Great info and video.. Thanks for sharing all that.

excellent review, just what I was looking to learn. thanks

Just bought a brand new 2018 yesterday!!!

Nicely done. I should have never sold my 690!

Great thorough review! I have 16' and I would highly recommend a radiator brace. I have the flatland and Im pretty happy with the fit. peace

Very good review, you make great video . Thank you for you r work. 🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅

Best review I’ve seen, thanks

Any adv bike I look up this guy has had it, cool channel!

Excellent review. I'm looking into trading my Africa Twin in for a 690. There's some great deals now on the 690. Problem is, I'll be taking a big hit on the Honda. Paid around $12K + tax + all the extras, brings me close to $15K. Had the bike only a year and several months, put 15k miles on it, and I can only get around $8K for it. Funny how a bike that the whole Adv world waited so long for and was so excited about, is now a nothing-burger. By the way, what octane fuel required in the 690? Thanks.

I am going with a 790R for my go to bike, but I have several others to fill the gaps.

Nice to see an experienced rider give his thoughts on this Katoom. I've been curious about this bike for years. I'm also looking at the new 790A. The revised 690 Duke motor with the double balancers is overdue and makes me think its lower weight might make more sense than the heavier 790. Of course it depends on the type of riding you do the most of. Looking forward to your impressions on the new 690 and 790. Many thanks.

Great video. Very informative. Looking at picking up a 2018 one owner with 1350 miles. Also have a 2013 KTM 500 EXC.

That is a ridiculous amount of motorcycles .....I'm jealous LoL

Waiting to see if Honda does a re-do of the Dominator like they did the A/T (which I currently ride). That bike might get as near the Unicorn status as any. Have to wait and see. That KTM 690 is a sick bike man...enjoy the toy!