Ktm used to sell 640 Adventure. Not this level but it was ok for most users. Very expensive to maintain. Hope KTMs are a bit more reliable and less money burning now.
Nice bike! I took my 2013 KTM 690 from Oregon to Ushuaia Argentina in 2016 and my engine failed in Antofagasta Chile. Luckily I was aware of the weak valve train and had spare rockers with me. I’m on a 2017 now (improved motor) and it’s been solid.
Hi, your video has just confirmed my view on the best adventure bike, i will study your different specs, i surely will get back to you for some advise. Thank you for posting your video. What an amazing bike you’ve got...
I toured all over the USA on a standard one, including 7,500 miles off-road on the TAT and 8,000 odd on the road. Only mod was a small KTM 690 fairing but mounted on home made bracket about 4 inches higher than standard. No problem at all. Now got a 2021 which is a much smoother and better handling machine both on and off road.
What a weapon! I'd hate to think how much you've spent on it and i'm guessing you're not about to say! Looks awesome..love the rally look! Great job mate!
Great bike. I think even with the 790, a 690 configured like yours would be my pick. Love the idea of the 450 tank on the 690. This, to me, is the cleanest way to add range on this bike. I don't see a lot of documentation or guidance on this. Is it pretty straightforward -- get the 450 Rally tank and replace the stock rear tank (after you go with a low exhaust)?
There are a few brackets required to make everything fit, so a little bit of fabrication if you are doing it yourself. There are a few companies like KIT690 out there doing a complete package.
Great video Steve - thank you!!! I have an 1190 and love it but it is basically a street bike and too big and heavy to take offroad. Lately I've been looking at 690s....
Pull the trigger, you will be glad you did mate. I still have 1200GS and picked up a 500 EXC (modded it quite a bit), best decision I made. Ride trails confidently by yourself or with a group know you won't be a liability. The 690 is the unicorn bike and I almost think R&D isn't as aggressive with this bike because it will kill off their more lucrative models. I feel way more intimate with the terrain on a lighter bike. Sure, I have to stop more often, but my whole life is hurry up and wait...so it makes me value location and rides more.
@@FraserSteve Right, I have the line protected with a termal shield used to protect in rally cars but eventhough, in a period of time, they become fragile and cracks so I decide to remove the front conection and I was thinking in do it like you. My concern was about if it were too long making dificult to transfer
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for such a nicely made video showing and describing everything on this amazing bike. Now I know exactly what I want for Xmas. Thumbs up.
Some would say this might be a very expensive package indeed but for the same money (or most likely much more) you could buy a small sports car. I know which choice excites me the most in terms of practicality, useability and individuality.
Your bike looks much more flat front to back, more like and enduro/mx bike. Is it a fork extension kit, different forks all together, a different seat pan, or am I just way off? Lol Bike looks INCREDIBLE. I'd love a 690 if they didn't look so goofy. You made it sporty and stylish.. awesome!
Hi, thanks for sharing your tips. really good video. I currently own a husky 701 which I'm starting to prepare for a big trip. Would you be keen to share a bit more details about the tools and spares you took around with you on your round the world trip? Thanks a lot and ride safe.
Wow, you've made an incredible bike! 😍 Have you added anything special in regards to fuel filtration? I know dodgy fuel is a big issue in many places. Cheers from Canada. 🍻🇨🇦
Standard fuel system but I did use filter socks on the fuel tank fillers, which captured lots of rubbish. It makes it a bit slow to fill up but it’s worth it. I changed the inline filters every 10,000kms
The rear suspension has a heavier spring than standard and has been revalved, but isn’t any lower. it may be a visual thing as the tank is changed from the standard 12k to the larger 18l that comes on the 450 rally
Hey! I have a 2018 690 and I am traveling the world with it! over 140,000km on the last two years. Didi you ever had any fuel pump problem? Because I am running the OEM and it goes off every 30,000 km or so.
LOGAR en el mundo no issues with the fuel pumps, I did use the pre filters on the tanks so this caught some of the junk when filling in dirty conditions
It runs two fuel pumps the stock one in the rear tank and a second factory pump in the front left tank. All the tanks are linked so you only use one pump the other is a back up.
@@FraserSteve thanks for the reply Steve. Considering the fuel pump issues with these bikes I was hoping to hear yours lasted all the way around the world. Cheers.
Chris I have done nearly 70,000kms on the fuel pumps, I tend to use the rear pump 90% of the time and give the front pump a short run on every ride just to keep it ticking over.
Unicorn for sure! There’s so much that is so cool about this bike. Would you mind sharing what you have into this build? I’m a R1200GS Rallye owner, 6’2” and north of 100kgs., looking for something lighter and properly sprung, yet more capable and easier to pick up. Any advice would be appreciated.
The total costs ran to around $35000 Aussie dollars, or to put it in context about $5000 (Aussie dollars) more that the current BMW1250 rally a friend just bought. It took me around the world and didn't miss a beat. I was happy to spend the money and get a unique toy that could do tackle everything I wanted to on the around the world ride.
It took me nine months, most border crossing were fairly straightforward- Russia to Estonia was interesting and Tanzania to Malawi was very challenging. You need to ensure you allow hours to get through some of the border crossings. I had a carnet for the bike which is a must in Africa I would do it all again in a heart beat 😀
Wow that's utterly brilliant Steve :) stunning bit of kit I've been looking for my perfect idea of a Adventure bike had the 1200GSA TE which was a total nightmare off road. Been having a bit of a look at the CB500X, Himalayan from a budget point of view but I'm really liking the Husky an the 690. I'm probably only split about 70/30 road an on road at the moment though :) Hoping to do my dream trip to Iceland an Norway with my dad an me both on bikes.
The fit up is pretty straight forward, once you get the main brackets alignment correct on the headstock everything else starts to fall into place. I am sure whichever kit you go with will have pretty good instructions You will love the finished bike, it is so much fun to ride
The seat is supplied with the Kit from KIT 690 - they have assigned Badass as the part number - if you contact Jon at Kit690 he might be abled to help. I added the seat concepts seat cover but the base is all KIT 690.
Congratulations on your RWT ride and thanks for sharing your build details. How much did you lower the bike? What was your requirement (flat foot both sides, balls of the feet etc) Your inseam including boots? Cheers
This is a great bike. Unfortunately, I didn't see this video till after I bought my kit from Perfect Fairings. Not a bad kit. Similar to the Kit690. I've had some issues with installation. However, all in all, a good kit. I really like this look. I wonder if you could give me some info on where you get this seat. I did get a seat concepts seat for mine, but It doesn't fill in and come down the sides like yours does. Plus it looks like yours has a special cut up near the handlebars. Also can you give any information on that handlebar control that allows control of the settings of the bike. Thanks! Excellent bike.
The seat was from Jon at KIT 690, I did change the foam and cover to a seat concepts for more comfort. The switch is a trip master switch - it is available from KTM as a genuine part. The part number is 69011971000 and lots of other suppliers sell it - link below www.gear4motorcycles.co.uk/products/ktm-trip-master-switch-690-duker-12-15/
@@FraserSteve thanks for that. I found one and ordered after you gave me the part number. It also looks like you installed a shift extension. Can you give me some info on that.
The tanks are a KTM part number for the 450 Rally, which you can buy through a KTM dealer. You need special brackets to fit the tanks to the 690. I got my kit including the tanks and all brackets from KIT690 kit690.com
Steve, the left hand grip KTM tripmaster is a great idea, but the KTM catalogue does not list it for the 2018 690 Enduro R. (Part 690.11.971.000). How did you connect it? Any issues?
At the time Hard Kits were producing the older version with the full fibreglass front fairing etc, I preferred the more factory look with the clear screen. Not long after I went with KIT690 they upgraded their kits to a similar version to KIT 690 - the do seem to build good quality gear.
The bike never missed a beat, serviced every 5,000km and replaced the timing chain at 30,000kms. It has now done 70,000kms and is still on the original piston and rings, the head has never been off. Super reliable toy.
If I was solo like the last trip then yes still the 690 - it’s too hard to pick up the bigger bikes especially crossing the Kalahari desert dropping them in the dunes is hard work on your own when it’s fully loaded. If I had another rider with me I would go with the 890 in a heart beat, much better for 85% of the time and it eats the miles
Hi Steve, great video, and thank you for sharing. I'm building a Kit 690 bike as well. And if you don't mind me asking I have a question about the radiator guard. What is the radiator guard you are using on your bike can you share the details? Thanks
Hi Steve I am looking at doing this to my 690 but with the perfect fairings company in grease . have you heard any bout them or their product. interesting you are in australia as you do not see many of these around. I live just south of Sydney and I done the Simpson a few years ago and you see so many different set up. thanks Rik
So I'm watching the video, and one of the things that strikes me as odd is why you have to bring so many tools and spare parts with you. As a Honda guy, we really don't have to bring those things with us everyday.
I use the Touratech rear rack it is really nice quality- you need to drill 4 holes in the rear fender to access the 4 bolts in the tank, to be able to bolt it up - it is fairly straightforward. It lines up perfectly with the 18l tank
I think if I was traveling solo I would still go on the 690, if I had another person with me it would be the 790. The weight is the main issue for me when I am travelling alone, after picking a bike up a few times in a day in the desert 40 kgs make a difference.
hey steve , im looking for a adventure machine , I'm 5'7 and had my heart set on a t7 but now thinking of one of these but i also wont to 2 up pillion sometimes we are both light weight individuals 70 and 51kg respectively , we travel light also what would your take be ?
I think for two up the T7 might be the way to go plus the seat height would be lower on the T7. The only downside is it’s heavier if you are doing any hard core off road tracks.
hey Steve, Love the bike it looks fantastic. I was wondering your thoughts on the rally fairing protection vs stock I am currently looking at the upgrade, its hard to find a review of the actual tower
It makes a huge difference, most of the wind goes just over my head and you are not getting hit in the chest with it - I did 50,000kms on it around the world and its the first thing I would add to any bike now - I am 5'10" I think if you were much over 6 foot then you may get some wind buffeting around your helmet peak.
Btw, do you have fuel indicator for 3 tanks? Since it installed manual selector for front & rear tanks, in your trip which one you prefer to use first to maintain balance of the bike?
Hi, recently got a bike with KIT690 and was wondering about the seat, as I got the seat that comes with the kit with suede kind of material that soaks water as well. Was thinking about changing the seat and seeing you have Seat Concepts started to wonder what seat pan would fit with the KIT690, any ideas?
The seat pan is specifically made for the kit690 by Jon at kit690 - it comes with the full kit. I had the suede for a while it looks great but it loves soaking up the rain.
You have to add a small section of extra material in the middle v section of the seat, I had a local trimmer do it when the cover arrived from Seat concepts
Hi The front indicators are made by Bark Buster barkbusters.net/products/accessories-spare-parts/4921-led-001/ The rear tail tidy is the original that I have cut shorter and added the LED indicators which are from Siccas racing they are a KTM flat mount indicator www.cyclebuy.com/shopping/sicass/turn_signals.htm#LED_Turn_Signals - Hope that helps
Why would u bother going up from 13 to 18 litres at the back... A d all that expense and messing about moving the exhaust... When ur doing 2 x 7.5L tanks on the front... It would still give u 28L without doing the back....
Sam the main reason for fitting the 18l tank was fuel range in Syberia and parts of Africa. I only really needed it once crossing the Kalahari desert. Even if you stick with the standard tank once you fit the front tanks you have to change to a low exhaust, so the exhaust is a cost regardless of which tank you fit. If I was building another bike I would have to really debate if the extra 5l is worth the cost of the tank.
@@ROIBR I dropped the bike a few times, one was a high side at speed the tanks were perfect but did bend the rally tower, which was pretty straight forward to realign. The tanks are the factory 450 rally tanks, so they will take a lot of abuse without any issues.
@@FraserSteve Thnx Steve aprreciate it! Was the Seat still around 910 after the kit was installed? ive went to the Homepage and it said the seat is a bit lower. Its also angled. I was just wondering for a short rider like me with 1,69cm XD haha
@@ROIBR I has the seat concepts foam and cover fitted to the kit 690 seat for a bit more comfort which made it slightly higher than the one with the kit.
around 4l is normal but in more technical or deep sand like the Kalahari desert it drops to around 6l per 100kms. So I just picked an average. for the video. I have done 800kms on gravel road sitting around 100kph
@@FraserSteve Oh, ok. Thanks for your answer. To be honest, I was already assuming this, but I thought i'd better ask before I get to a false conclusion. May I ask another question: Is there any practical advantage of having a low running exhaust towards the standard configuration? I've heard things like "having a low exhaust is always good" a lot, but I can't find an answer why that's the case. Reason for my questions is, that Im planning to get a bike for a trip through asia (and maybe further) and I already ogle with a 690 and a similar setup like yours. But probably without the extra rear fuel tank. (I'm quite tall and heavy, so I thought it would be not bad, not putting to much weight on the rear. Also, if I ever need extra fuel range, I could throw a fuel bladder on it temporarily.)
@@walther2492 the only reason I can see for running a low exhaust on the 690 is to allow for the larger rear tank, which does away with the cut out for the high exhaust to allow for the extra fuel capacity.
@@FraserSteve I see, so there are no other pros or cons besides that? I was just wondering, because, like I said, i heard that a couple of times. But maybe this was because of that same reason. Thanks again! And all the best to you.