Discussions and Questions - KTM 690 Enduro KTM 690 Enduro
What’s the difference between the Husqvarna 701 Enduro and the KTM 690 Enduro R?
16 January 2025 05:53
Essentially, they're the same bike with different plastics. I've ridden both, and I cannot tell much difference in performance. At the end of the day, it’s all about what look you like and whether the dealer support is good in your area.
Is the KTM 690 Enduro R a good long-distance highway bike?
16 January 2025 05:53
People overstate how bad it is on the highway, I think. It's not the most comfortable, but it's definitely enough to cruise comfortably at 75 to 80 mph all day. It’s not a bad idea, but when off the main roads, just enjoy the versatility it offers and just take more frequent breaks.
Is the KTM 690 Enduro R a good bet for long-term ownership?
16 January 2025 05:53
I've driven 20,000 miles, and mine's been rock solid. To stay on top of oil changes and valve checks is the key. It's not a Japanese bike and not as low maintenance as one, but it's not the unreliable monster they make it out to be.
Is the KTM 690 Enduro R too much bike for beginner off-road riders?
16 January 2025 05:53
It is the rider’s maturity and self-awareness. If you can avoid the temptation to go balls out and concentrate on getting the technique down, the 690 really can be a great learning platform. You have power when you need it, but it's not out of control.
Is the KTM 690 Enduro R truly a do-it-all bike?
16 January 2025 05:53
It's the closest thing to a true do-it-all bike out there, I'd say. It's got enough power for highways, it's light enough for trails, and it's comfortable enough for all-day rides. All you have to do is to just adjust your expectations a little.
How much did you gain compared to the KTM maintenance costs and intervals?
16 January 2025 05:42
For me, it's not worth it. But I’d rather have a bike that I can thrash and not worry about the expensive services. The 690 is great, but the maintenance schedule (you really have to ride the heck out of them to go 7k miles between services) is a bit much for a dual sport in my opinion.
Is the KTM 690 too powerful to ride technically off-road?
16 January 2025 05:42
Surprisingly to me, the 690 has been surprisingly capable in technical terrain. Good throttle control and the right tires are the key. It's not as much bike as most people would need to use off-road, but it's not unusable by any means.
I rode the KTM 690 Enduro in comparison to its adventure bike siblings in terms of long distance touring, and the results were… unexpected.
16 January 2025 05:42
I've been on tour on both a 690 and 1190 Adventure. The 690 is possible, but you'll need to stop for fuel more often, and it's definitely more tiring on long stretches of highway. That really depends on what your priorities are.
Does the KTM 690 Enduro really live up to its 'do it all' moniker?
16 January 2025 05:42
That depends on what you mean by “do it all.” For me, it's perfect. On multi-day trips, I can use it, hit some trails on the weekend, and commute during the week. Is it the best at everything? No. It's good at all but most things, so I don't need another bike.
Compared to Japanese dual sports, how reliable is the KTM 690 Enduro?
16 January 2025 05:42
The reliability issues are exaggerated by people. It does need more maintenance than a Japanese bike, but it’s not like it’s constantly breaking down. As long as you follow the service schedule, you’ll be fine. It does require an extra bit of work, but the performance makes up for it.
Ask a Question