Jimmy - 530 EXC/690 Enduro?  September 14, 2010 08:03 PM
On adventurebiker.com, I've seen a gent who has kitted-out his 530 EXC for long DS riding. He claims he is "pushing his bike to its limits," however, it works well for him. My impression is that for what he's doing, DS adventure riding (300 mile tours) with some trails thrown in for good measure, he should go for the 690 Enduro. The reason I'm analyzing is because I'm thinking seriously of a purchase soon of either the 530 or 690 for DS riding around Montana (where I live) and the Rocky MTN west. Am I missing anything? Opinions?

The Pork-Chop Express - Great bike, but.......  April 30, 2010 10:16 PM
I hear what you guys are saying but you can search the net and find that ANY bike can have problems, even the ones from the Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki and the DR650 which to me doesn't even seem like it's in the same performance class as the KTM. You will also find people that are willing to defend their bikes to the death and tell you how reliable they are (again this goes for every manufacturer). To be honest, having ridden the KTM and the KLR 650 I can't imagine anyone wanting to put 30,000 street miles on these types of bikes. I know guys do it all the time and love these machines but IMHO they are a serious compromise on the street. I guess if you live near public offroad riding land and don't feel like trailering a dedicated dirtbike to your favorite riding area then they are a viable option but other than that I simply don't see the appeal.

Chezwik - KTM vs. DR650 reliability  April 30, 2010 09:06 AM
"Why do you think the 690 Enduro will need major repairs at 10,000 miles?" Well, because information regarding KTM's reliability is available to anyone who cares to take the time to research it. That info will help you determine KTM in general has a far less than stellar reputation for reliability on their impressively performing machines. This I also know by my own experience as well, having owned several; 950Adventure, 520EXC, 525MXC, and now actually considering the 690 Enduro. KTM reliability means it can get you through a race or two, or though your current d/s or road trip IF you prepare by proactively replacing or pre-repairing any notoriously problematic issues awaiting occurrence. Time-consuming upkeep. 950's have water pump, clutch slave, fuel pump issues aplenty (replace the water pump every 10k as a maintenance item!, clutch slave melts at high temps, fuel pump contacts corrode...). During ownership, the bike has had 5 recalls! Thrilling bike to ride yes, but my trust is limited with it on long hauls. For solo trips, I default to a 1150GS. 690's documented troubles so far include fuel pump, electrical, starting, FI, water in oil... the list goes on. The new 5XX engine series have water-in-oil issues big time, and have demonstrated to be even LESS reliable than their RFS predecessors. And my 520EXC blew blue (oil burning) after only 200 running hours (yes, oil changes after EVERY ride, never abused...). And KTM are such a$$holes when it comes to upholding their warranties and recalls - arrogant dicks won't ever admit there's a problem. Don't get wrong; I love my KTMs and think they're great, but not AS reliable as a DR650 my any stretch. As for the little DR650, yep it's lower tech, but trusty and reliable. You can upgrade the DR650 to an impressive level of performance via a few engine and suspension mods, but it'll cost a couple grand or so to get all the way there. Well worth it.

Jack - Great bike, but...  April 22, 2010 12:25 AM
It just will NOT stack up against a DR650 in the pavement-pounding- reliability sector... You'll be lucky to get 10,000 trouble free miles out of this bike before it will need major repairs! With a DR650, you can easily get 30,000+ miles without any major maintenance. Granted, the DR650 is an effin cow compared to this bike, and as such the KTM (as you would think) does make an awesome dual sport, but still...

The Pork-Chop Express - 690R  April 17, 2010 06:40 AM
I had the opportunity to test ride the 690 Enduro at a KTM demo event a short time ago. I thought it had great power for a single cylinder and it felt extremely light. The problem for me was the test ride was street only riding at a brisk pace on a very twisty road and I just couldn't get comfortable with the concept of taking semi-aggressive lean angles with a bike that had knobbies on it. I know the review says this thing is great on the street but I'm not sure I agree. Maybe it's just my inexperience with riding knobbies on asphalt. I'm sure the 690 would make a monster offroad bike though. If I lived a short distance from good offroad riding areas I'd definitely consider the bike though.