KTM 690 RALLY Spied Testing In The Wild | Is KTM too late?

#chroniclesofsolid #advnews

Welcome back to an ADV NEWS flash update. KTM has been caught out testing the KTM 690 Rally. Based heavily off the 690 Enduro R with a few key details like dual front tanks and a rally fairing. What will the bike specs be? why has it taken KTM so long to get this into production and is it too little to late for KTM?

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[nickabrahall]

The 690/701 with screen and long range tanks is the Swiss Army knife for Oz.

[iadventures]

The thing that needs to change is the gearbox. The ratios are not right for off-road. It’s a road gearbox. Nova created one that is spot one.
Love your vids Solid

[coreyjdl]

Too late for what? Not for me. A big single adventure bike is exactly what I've been wanting.

[leooneill]

30 seconds in and you hit the nail on the head, just how long had it taken to listen to potential customers on their unicorn bike.
Thanks.

[easysteve]

hey Solid, good video, as i ride a 690 im very pleased to hear you say what you did, the 690 is a great bike sure its not perfect buy its does surprise me how well it deals with most types of riding . for me at this time im happy to stay riding it . its nice to see you still get behind KTM too . keep up the good work . Chears Steve /Geraldton

[ktmkevin]

Price is going to be determining the success of this one but I predict KTM will take a LOT of money out of the pockets from aftermarket rally kit manufacturers like Rally Raid, Aurora and Rade Garage. Took them long enough though...

[skiphalbakken]

It’s sad that they start giving people what they want when they’re in the worst financial position ever. Now, if only Yamaha could shave about 50-60 pounds off the T7. Thats 22.6796-27.2155 kg. for you guys in Australia 😂. Cheers from the 🇺🇸mate. Great video Solid!

[garydossett]

Hopefully they add a decent display. It’s criminal the bike was $14k and only had a basic dirt bike display.

[shanebrown]

I went with the 690 about a year and half ago because I can really afford only one bike at the moment. I didn’t want a heavy pig… wanted something light with power that can do it all. Found a good deal on a 2021 and best choice I’ve make. Previous owner already put a couple grand into it and I’ve been slowly building it up. One of the last things on the list which I’ll be ordering very soon will be the rage garage rally tower. All I got to say if your on the fence about one…. Get it, you won’t be disappointed!!

[georgemorissette]

IMO it will definitely be a worthwhile bike. I have quite a few bikes . One being a 701 with Rally tower. It’s a great light weight ADV and pretty damn good dual sport . Compare horsepower per weight, add in it has much better suspension than anything else in its class . The engine is reliable. In my household we have 2 690 Dukes, 701 SM, and 701 Enduro. No issues with any and the maintenance is super easy with pretty long intervals.

[Weltbummler]

Did they increase the gear spread and remove the dang rear gas cap? Cause those are the two main things holding this back from being adv-conversion ready.

[steveh]

They made an AJP PR7. (I know, it’s not without issues, like dealer network in many places)

[robertvanryn]

I hope KTM can survive financially to have this overdue gem hit the market. Even better would be a Husqvarna Norden styled 701 (I prefer round headlight styling). Please include dirt ABS & simple cruise control and that’s all to keep price down. Hopefully this will goad Ducati to do the same to their 698 single. As a 2018 Husky 701 Supermoto & Suzuki DR650 adv moded owner, it would be nice to have both in one bike!

[ramonbostic]

I don't think it's ever a bad time to build a factory rally (style) bike! I would say that it will be priced similarly to the 701LR.

[davidcutube]

This bike also needs the option at least of a lower and reasonably comfy seat. The Enduro R is 36". The "ADV" version should be 34" at most, 32-33 would make it accessible to a much larger segment of the market. Most of us do not need that much suspension travel on a Dual Sport - ADV hybridish bike. Maybe optional shorter springs with cheap spacers could be a factory or dealer installed option? Being able to get my feet down flat inspires my confidence when approaching challenging terrain or paddling around parking spots loaded down with luggage.

Everyone I have spoken to that has actually ridden the bike has absolutely gushed over it, especially that motor. Keep our hopes up!

[brendenvosper]

Knowing the size of my Omega kit 701 tanks, the tanks on the 690 rally would be around 4 litres each side.

The bit you can’t tell is the airbox set up. Would still be the high middle I’d expect. Normally where a Rade tank goes.

The elephant in the room is the gear ratios. The common spec engine with the duke means woeful trail gear ratios. 1st gear way to high and too close spaced with too low overall. 1st is nearly where second should be!

I have a nova gearbox in my 701 and while expensive is also brilliant, different bike.

[mrlemonadesandwich]

It is the bike that so many of us have been begging KTM to make since the 640 Adventure was discontinued in 2007, but i reckon your price prediction of $23999 is bang on and will be a huge barrier to many.

[Kelly-oqnh]

Engine is fine. Transmission is horrible. They would be wise to change the gearing ratios.

[SSC]

Love my 701 but, they could stand to space 5th and 6th out a bit more.

[jjjjrrr]

It does not make sense to compare wet weights simply because it penalizes (skews perception) the bike that carries more fuel which is a bonus, not a handicap. The range on this 690 will take it way beyond any other adventure bike that isn't a full blown rally bike and that will be quite unique, if they did not screw up the dry weight.