KTM 690 Enduro 09 20000km report/review

[JoeMember]

Just thought I’d do a factual report on the 690 after living with it for 2 years, 20000km.
This is just my thoughts but I think it would help others thinking of buying .http://www.obtrailriders.com/media/kunena/emoticons/cool.png

Engine.
The one thing that is annoying is the fact that the bike has a snatchy throttle at low revs ie 2500-3750.
It helped when you put the EFI setting in “2” power setting as its smoother. After about 6000km or so I stopped noticing this, so I either got used to it or it’s not there anymore?
It’s got ample power but only revs to 8000rpm, so those of us used to EXC may find yourself hitting the limiter if you’re not careful. Loaded with full adventure gear it’s still OK & cruises at the speed limit + even on the sandy outback roads.
The seat is a bit hard on your arse but I put a sheepskin on it & It’s ok.
Vibration Is Ok.

Suspension.
Still running the stock suspension. I have the preload wound up to 3/4 on the rear & this seems ok even when loaded. I’m big boy so I don’t jump the thing when loaded!

Accessories.
First thing you must do is change the air filter to a foam type & put some foam tape around the lid to seal the airbox from dust. The paper air filter does not filter dust period!
Safari fuel tank .
This gave me 26 ltrs or a fuel range between 400-500 km depending on terrain & load .
Scotts Steering Dampener.
Put this on from new so can’t really comment. But it seems to work well on
sand or high speed sandy roads. High speed as in 100-120k not flying by any means.
KTM Heated Grips.
Nice & cosy on those cold days. KTM grips are a hard grip so if you want a soft grip get the element type that goes under the normal grips.
KTM Screen.
Seems to work ok without getting in the way in tight trails
KTM Panniers Aluminum.
These are Ok until you drop the bike hard! Plenty of room but more suited to touring dirt roads than trails. Or maybe some that doesn’t fall!
KTM Pannier Bars.
Not really strong enough . I modified mine with RHS & a aluminum rack. Held all my stuff & 16ltrs fuel over the French line & Hay river track in the Simpson desert even after a few heavy falls without bending. Also helps support the plastic rear subframe.
Wolfman Saddle Bags.
A bit on the small side however waterproof & can handle being whipped with branches for a few hundred kays . Can fit 2 x 4lt plastic Jerry cans in each side a have a bit left over.

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Tyres.
This is personal preference.
I use Bridgestone Dessert ED77 front & ED78 rear with Heavy Duty Tubes .
I get 4000-7000km from the front & 2000-5000km from the rear depending on terrain.
OK on the tar but great in the dirt or sand.

Servicing.
Oil.
Change every 2500km, can go to 5000km as per manual. Uses Moterx 10-50 or 10-60. Is a bit pricing but cheaper than a rebuild. 2 oil Filters changed every time.
Airfilter.
cleaned as needed
Chain & Sprockets.
Xring chains ,steel front with Aluminum/steel rear. These last about 8000-10000km before needing replacing . I replace the lot.
Wheel Bearings.
Before any Large outback ride.
Brakes.
Only use sintered pads front & rear. have used 2 front sets & 4 rear in 20k
Suspension.
Have just changed the bearings in the linkage & bottom of the rear shock
Left fork weeps slightly so may need a seal soon.
Engine.
So far valves all ok.

Summery.

Would I buy one again……Maybe….I expected a bit more power from the 650cc,its not slow but comes on about 4750 & then sings till 8000rpm, just needs that bit more top end over rev.
Handling is great, a bit soft but that’s how I like it. More suited to rough dirt trails & roads than tar. Overall a good bike & not that expensive to keep going.

Tryhard

[Dwayne OMember]

Good review Joe

I too am still running standard suspension setup and find it ok for me. Will do it probably later on when a rebuild is required but if it aint broke why fix it :laugh:

My `10 model is up to similar k`s as yours, just not as hard as yours has been used and I am pretty damn happy still with it`s service so far.
No real signs of the much written about snags.

Here`s to another 20,000k :woohoo:
Cheers

[Gavin BrownMember]

That Bike has seen some country side.

Snow

Rainforrest


Can Can

River Cruises

High Country

Low Country

[BrettMember]

Thanks for the review I have been interested how these go I’m impressed

[Dwayne OMember]

Interesting that my 2010 is scheduled for Oil change intervals of 7,500k…
Wonder why the E & R are different, only real differences were the suspension setup, seat height and headlight assembly I thought :whistle:

I change it usually on or just before 5,000 with filters and screens, so really I find the Motorex not too badly priced for that . Plus the Suttos discount makes it even better

Best thing I have done to mine is adding the MSC damper and riser setup and MKIII Pivot Pegs I think.
And run the foam filter setup with couple of extra holes in the airbox snorkel with Pool Filter skin over the top
Still monitoring the Tankbolts and all good so far (but will upgrade one day)
I haven`t bothered with a custom seat, I find it fine for a one dayer and add the Airhawk for a longer day or multi day rides.
Leaning the same way with extra fuel capacity,,, Can`t really justify the expense for a massive ugly tank when the fuel bladder gets me where I want to go. (No Simpson Crossings for me) :laugh:

[Brendon CarreMember]

Great review Joe, looks like you have had a very adventurous 20,000 k’s and hopefully many more to come.

[JoeMember]

EAGLE`02 wrote:

Interesting that my 2010 is scheduled for Oil change intervals of 7,500k…
Wonder why the E & R are different, only real differences were the suspension setup, seat height and headlight assembly I thought :whistle:

I change it usually on or just before 5,000 with filters and screens, so really I find the Motorex not too badly priced for that . Plus the Suttos discount makes it even better

Best thing I have done to mine is adding the MSC damper and riser setup and MKIII Pivot Pegs I think.
And run the foam filter setup with couple of extra holes in the airbox snorkel with Pool Filter skin over the top
Still monitoring the Tankbolts and all good so far (but will upgrade one day)
I haven`t bothered with a custom seat, I find it fine for a one dayer and add the Airhawk for a longer day or multi day rides.
Leaning the same way with extra fuel capacity,,, Can`t really justify the expense for a massive ugly tank when the fuel bladder gets me where I want to go. (No Simpson Crossings for me) :laugh:

Your right Eagle 7500k service, my bad

the good thing about the ugly tank is that the weight is forward, when loaded with all the gear.
No doubting its a ugly tank!

[JoeMember]

boulder wrote:

Great review Joe, looks like you have had a very adventurous 20,000 k’s and hopefully many more to come.

Would have joined in on the 2 day nav ride with you guys, but have other commitments on those days :angry:

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