2010 KTM 690 vs. BMW F800GS Adventure - MotoUSA

[howardmillichap]

Since middle weight adventure bikes like the BM and the Tiger800s are selling really well, KTM are really missing a trick by not adventurizing the 690. 

[timevans]

My 2010 F800GS far exceeded my expectations for some serious trail/backroad riding through the Gifford Pinchot National forest near Mt. St. Helens in Washington totally stock with street tires. I can't imagine a better bike to ride 50 miles on road carving pavement to get to those rough roads. The engine is sooo smoooth, sounds great, and lasts like a Timex. I'm big and tall, but 85 horses makes this seriously fast, hit 125 with lots of throttle left. My only complaint is the seat, or I only have a 100 mile ass. Throw it around and it's the only bike you'll ever need.

[MadOgre]

The KLR is a nice machine. I agree. But once I threw my leg over a KTM, there is no going back. The KLR feels tired and sluggish by comparison. Sometimes, it's worth spending a little extra money on the machine. The KLR though does have the larger fuel tank, which is something the KTM really needs.

[MadbencoFS]

I like em both. But for someone like me who wants a street legal dirt bike, the KTM is perfect! The BMW will be nicer on longer trips but that's not what I plan to do. I just want to ride from my home to the local trail, ride, then ride it home. :).

[elliottg]

So it's like:

Get the KTM if you don't mind hopping off a few times a day for a rest because it's not comfy.
Get the BMW if you don't mind hopping off a few times a day for a rest because you're about to pick it up, again...

[ukasznaeczny]

If 2010 BMW F800GS weight 152kg (wet) like KTM, the winner will be obvious. It's 55kg difference! My vote goes to KTM 690.

[WarBeardMotoVlogs]

I have a 2003 F650GS Dakar. I've been thinking of switching to the 690 R.
I tend to do more off roading than on. With coming in at 320lb that's about 100lb LIGHTER!
To me it looks like a winning battle for the 690R.

P.S. If I do get the 690 I would fix all the discrepancies such as fuel and lights. Add a Safari Tank and HID lights... ect.

[codAnubis]

4:10 wtf, the ktm have the exhaust on the right side? O.o what have you done with the camera..

[dbauernf]

+1 for the 690 with the 640 Adventure styling. Everyone wants that..

[MadOgre]

Yup. Mine does. Great bike. It's a favorite.

[HamAround]

The bmw seems great for my type of riding. I love to trail ride but to get their requires 50 miles of highway to get to them. This is where my current dual sport (wr250r) is lacking, in highway and long distance comfort

[claytonbalzan]

I dont think these bike are meant for the same purpose...am I so wrong?

[Dazza-uc]

I wish KTM would make a 690 ADV .I own a KTM 640 ADV.I love the 500KM between refills.

[steinert]

@stokos2005 no problem. exact this it is. you are completely right :-)

[ThurGoes]

i find on the 690 the gas cap positioning a bit stupid. I was looking into buying one, but 'cause i had to take off the luggage to be able to refuel made me look towards other manufacturers. For me, that would be the only downside on the KTM.

[richardsimpson]

Very informative...and all these years later the penny still hasn't dropped and KTM still doesn't do an 'Adventure' bodykit on the 690.

[Dinkymod]

How the hell do you get your truck in the middle of that river!? Wtf.

[banman]

I had the 640 enduro, back than at 1999-2002 and i've ride the 800 of a friend ricently.
Never riden a 690 but i like it very much.
I thing that they are very different bikes with the 21'' front as the only common.
The 800 needs a very good rider to get into serius dirt. I believe that it's a better Transalp 650.
The 690 can teach the beginer (not of course the racing demands).
Anyway. Very nice presentation guys. Thumb up from me.
Greetings from Greece.

[peterswanson]

Great video...was kind of disappointed that they didn't create a stand out verdict but I guess I understand what the point of their conclusion was...oh, and best part of the video was the truck taking a swim. LOL

[MrDieseltwitch]

Great review. Good to see open minded reviews