Why I sold my 2018 KTM 690 Enduro (thoughts on the 2019 model)

Why I sold my 2018 KTM 690 Enduro. It just fell too in between a dirtbike and a streetbike for me. Not as light as a dirtbike, but not good enough on the street to be an ADV bike. Maybe the 2019 model is different?

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[steelmilkjug]

I think the title of this video should be "Why I'm not a Dual-Sport rider"... it describes every DualSport I know.... 690's, DR650, KLR650, DRZ400,

[franksmith]

Just sold my 790 std and am planning on a 690. 790 is capable Adventure bike but not a dirt bike. Now you’re telling me 690 isn’t either? 500exc is great in dirt but 690 runs away on twisty roads. That’s why I like 690. My expectations in dirt are not as high as yours I think.

[zrig]

Have the 2019 and I have none of these troubles. Longest day trip so far was around 600Km .... Yes the seat sucks, new one on the way.

[youtubeaccount]

So the enduro bike isn’t good for prolonged highway use. It doesn’t have good wind protection. It isn’t geared well for highway use.
Sounds like you didn’t buy the type of bike you wanted.

[FlyingMonkeyAdventureRiders]

Very informative. Great job on the videos. I look forward to your “Why I Sold my R1200GS” video. 😂

[pinkiewerewolf]

Your reasons were some of my concerns, along with KTM's refusal to honor electrical issues in warranty, were why I just went with a 2018 KLR 650. OK, they heavily discounted the KLR to move it as it was a last year bike and the dealership was closing.
I think Yamaha has come close to the kind of bike I'd like to go with my Harley and ZZR1200 in the garage but the T-7 still isn't for sale in the US.

[MrBeracah]

Ian if the 690 wasn’t the unicorn bike, from your experience and having rode so many bikes, what would you say is the closest to the unicorn bike?

[ronsexton]

Recently in one of your other videos you mentioned you did a DR650 build (picture looked nice). Do you have any videos and if you do, could you post them? Also maybe just give your thoughts on that bike/build? Thanks, I enjoy your channel.

[AdventuristNW]

I just sold my 790Adv/R because it was too street-oriented. I am probably going to get a 2020 690 Enduro R

[braaap]

I put the Nomad ADV tower and windscreen and Rade Garage axillary fuel tank along with other modifications and love my 2014. I think it is the best all in one bike out there. 2020 would be better, but not enough to switch after the investment I have made.

[Jalatan]

I have a 701 2020 with the aurora lite kit and I have to say it addresses the wind & vibration issues you mentioned. If you want more range you can also add LR tanks or go with a full kit, or add a rottweiler tank under the seat. I think, comparing to the T7 and the 790, which are much less capable off-road, in total the 2020 701 / 2019 690 is the closest thing to a unicorn out there.

[grzegorzgrotkowski]

3:46 „little too big and heavy” - ? - really, sayin’ this standing next to a cow? C’mon man!
You have been honest with us so far. And that was why I subbed to your channel myself.
Like your new bimmer? Go ahead and record a content on how good the bimmer is. It is good honestly. But 690 is not far behind in it’s own field.
Recording sth’ like this you are loosing your credibility.

[dronetoursolutions]

What did you think about the seat height?

[MUDSUX]

Regarding the vibrations in the handle bars have you tried Highway Dirtbike’s handguards? I put those on under “some” tension and it got rid of a lot of the vibrations.

[chasp_]

The gear ratios are baffling, there is a SUPER expensive gear replacement kit that makes it how it should be but you shouldn’t be having to buy a 3K gear set on a 10+ bike

[firstamendmenttshirt]

I still do not get this vibration thing. Me no vibration 2018 690 Enduro going.

[fawaz]

I had a r1200gs for 2 years and i loved that bike, then i bought wr450f and since then never rode my big adventure bike not because I don’t like anymore but I’m having more fun with the wr, i ride it 90% of the time off-road and the rest in small pavement sections, after selling the r1200gs do i miss it ? Yes but I’m having more fun now and that what’s important.

[onewheelisbetterthan]

The ktm 690 has been my all around hands down favorite motorcycle ever. I honestly thought the bike rode pretty smooth and I feel like motorcycles with windshields that dont go over 150mph is pussy shit. It's the perfect bike if you like to hoon

[mikef]

I've been watching a lot of videos I've been watching about the 690 since I picked one up myself and I've noticed that in those videos the complaints are mostly about what the bike isn't more so than what it is. It seems that everyone tries to turn the 690 into a long haul adventure bike or cross country touring bike? I was looking for a bike that I could get back into the trails with when I bought mine. A bike that I didn't have to trailer there but could ride there instead. I was originally looking for an XR650L but wasn't able to find one in any dealerships near me then I found the KTM. More power, better suspension and fuel injected! I was sold. Added taller risers, changed to a foam air filter, slipped on a yoshimura r77 and a rottweiler fueling dongle and the bike runs, sounds great. When I started looking for a bike to use for trail riding I wasn't even considering the 690 but I'm very happy that I wound up with it. For me it's exactly what I was looking for. Brings back memories of blasting around the woods when I was a kid. I catch myself smiling every time I ride it lol

[hughess]

Dude, it's a dirt focused dual sport. I have a Multistrada so know about big 1200cc all road bikes and a 690R will kill all of those tanks once the pavement ends.