Putting the KTM 690 Enduro R though its paces with a cross country adventure | MCN Eps 3 

Agree. The updated dual balancer single has plenty of low end and a truly strong and smooth top end, feeling like a twin as the revs rise. This engine, especially with the easy mods you mentioned, is truly one of the great internal combustion creations ever sold to the public for it's intended use. The direct right hand to rear tire feeling of a high performance large capacity 4 stroke single is just fantastic.

Everyone craps on about looking for the unicorn bike. It’s the 690/701/ES700. It’s been there all the time…

@@martyn_g I am lucky enough to live in Colorado, my 701 sees hardpack graded mountain dirt roads, paved canyons and true sometimes single track and semi gnarly and rocky off road all in one cool loop right out of my garage. The bike is a blast to ride in each environment. I can't think of another machine with such broad capabilities. Plus it sounds totally badass with a can on it, deep and smooth - best thumper sound ever. Other bikes are more street and dirt biased, but in my case I wanted a high performance truly 50/50 dual sport bike and this platform is it - I have no interest in turning my 701 into an "ADV bike" as that would bias it towards the street. My 701 rides don't involve taking much with me, just a small tool roll. No tent or camping, just 150 to 250 mile explorations to all the coolest high country places in CO that I can find. I also have a big ADV for taking the kitchen sink with me, but that bike never sees more than pavement and graded dirt roads. My 701 sees stuff while off road that less experienced riders on pure dirt bikes would find challenging and yet in tight paved canyon roads it is an absolute weapon. I put a small Puig screen on my bike and a tail rack, but no rally towers, no bags, nothing else extra - I wanna keep it light.

Seems good in theory, what about reliability issues? Or is that just a meme at this point?

@@Krith220 The basic 690 engine has been out now for quite awhile. I trust it, especially after doing a few mods including a lower temp fan switch to keep it running cooler. Like very KTM 4 stroke I've owned, the valves bed in and tighten up early on, so doing that initial service is critical. After that they hold their adjustment as well as any if the air filter is maintained. My 701 was true to form, at the 600 mile service the exhausts just inside the tight end of the spec and the intakes right at it. I did the work myself, swapped shims and bumped the clearance to the looser end of the spec and anticipate I won't have to worry about them again for a long time. I also don't worry about the fuel injection system, I have older KTM dirt bikes that have been reliable. I suppose the ABS, traction control or quick shifter could present potential issues, to be honest I would happily buy a lower cost version of the bike without those features, but alas they don't come that way. Anyway, so far so fun with my 701! 😎

Glad you liked it!

i hear ya brother

Doing it yourself is the only way you will get a lightweight trail machine. The makers clearly have NO intention of producing a single cylinder bike ever again and in a few years KTM will stop this model, leaving it to micro firms like AJP. The current offerings of 200 kg converted road bikes leaves masses of riders world wide completely unenthused.

@@MrEtnorb Agreed on building it yourself. Hopefully Yamaha makes a production dual sport based off Fantic's XEF Rally. If none of the major manufacturers step up they leave the door open for bikes like the Kove Rally to step in and take sales.

Nordkapp would be great! Upgrade the seat and do as much TET as possible each way👍

@@ktmtravels3727 would it struggle on long road stretches? I'm trying to imagine it with a 14.5stone rider and kit...

I'm 12.5 stone and I've done 500 road miles in a day with luggage. It's great fun but I try to avoid motorways etc. whenever possible.

@@ktmtravels3727 cheers for that. I prefer A roads, so a purchase could be on the cards very soon.😊

The T7 gets good reviews, and is probably better road-wise, but the weight is the issue for me. I'm really happy with my 690, and I can pick it up with luggage mounted. Enjoy your bike👍

You will not regret it!

@@markymark272 just be sure to upgrade the clutch slave cylinder before first ride

@@Bow-to-the-absurd Only if pre 2021.

Seat Concepts is the usual upgrade👍

Thanks, glad you like it!

Wales..

No green screen. Just a wonderful Welsh sunset 👍🏻

I have the same bike and am also 1m90cm, I had a few adventure bikes and a few dual sport, but the sitting position of the 690 has been one of the best in relation to sitting ergonomic, the distance between the seat and the foot pegs is very generous, if you were to carry 70 liter's of luggage or less it should be fine

Fuel range depends on speed… On tarmac at 70mph range with Luggage is in the 150mile region give or take 10. On dirt roads at lower speed (45’ish mph ave) range can hit 200 miles). I carry an extra gallon of fuel when touring.

Haven’t calculated it exactly yet but I would expect in excess of 150 miles. Not planning to upgrade as never far from a fuel station in the UK! I’ve added the under seat storage instead and carry a litre of petrol for my stove and emergencies!

Adding a cylinder adds 50 kg.