690 is great and . . . only choice
Not to be provocative but . . .
The Husky TE630 has been discontinued.
The Husaberg FE570 is discontinued in the US and as of 2012 end the rest of the world.
The ancient Honda XRs are ancient, heavy, air-cooled, PIA kick-starters.
The Tenere is fine if you don't mind heavy, weak power with little chops for anything beyond a smooth gravel road.
So . . . choices are not many, but there's still a great one.
The 690's shortcomings are:
a) the subframe bolts (2) which is easily remedied.
b) rather tight steering lock - not a Ducati but not a woods bike
c) narrow ratio transmission
d) it seems to encourage a "wild 14-year old" attitude its so much fun to ride
Everything needs bigger tanks for more range . . . bash plates, a better saddle.
Why do people choose motorbikes and so heavily discount the fun factor ? The 690 is FUN. My 70-year old father in law is an Iron Butt and hater of enduros. He rode one and couldn't stop grinning or talking about how much fun it was for two days !
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Orange, it's the new black.
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