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5 Mar 2007
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Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: May 2001
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 349
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New KTM 690 Engine...
Just wondered if anyone on this forum has had the opportunity to ride a bike with the new KTM690 engine? I know the rumour is for the new Adventure model to be available in 2008, but I'd like to know the vibration issues have been sorted since the LC4. I'm hoping it'll be loads better because the LC4 was designed in 1984, and 20 years of engine development should have brought us along way from the old LC4 problems......
Anyway, just wondering!
Dave
p.s. how are all you KTM owners doing? Its been a while since I posted on this section having defected temprarily to a desert prepped DRz...
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5 Mar 2007
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Posts: 126
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Not yet.. But soon
I believe all the vibes are pretty much gone, as is most of the bulky engine character at low rpm, awful sound is gone.
Thing's i'm stil concerned about is fuel consumption and reliability. reliablity will be OK but if the consumption will be with the FI motor?? Hope so..
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8 Apr 2007
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 762
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Hi Dave I have been talking to a mate who is a dealer, rider and 3 times Dakar racer - he is very clued up on all things KTM. He is currently running a 690 and is willing to give me a few hours on it in a few weeks. He reckons the vibes for a single of this size are really of little consequence and certainly do not cause any discomfort even at speeds of 90 mph and that compared to the old 640 there is no similarity whatsoever. (He raced a 640 in the Dakar as well as used one as a get to work bike so knows the bike to live with).
He states its probably the best non race preped road single he has ridden pulling strong from low down and very flexible mid and top range so I suppose its looking good. I worry about FI as i aint so keen - I like carbs but may consider moving down from the 950 if its ok when i test ride it _ I will also be waiting for the Adventure version, but would not mind something lighter and simpler than my 950. Also very much depends on the costs as no doubt it will cost a few bob then getting it racked up for boxes and the like is all extra as we know. Apparently mind you there were a lot of gearbox problems on the 690 models in this years dakar so there must be some sorting do yet!.
Hope to see you around somewhere maybe at Derby all the best Jake.
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16 Apr 2007
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Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: May 2001
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 349
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Cheers for the factual info guys! Keep it coming, the thumper talk forum is just full of gosspi and hearsay....or should that be heresey...
Jake:
I'm sure we'll bump into each other somwhere...sadly it wont be at the HU meet this year, I'm taking a break!!!!
At the worst I'll see you there in 08' though...inshallah....(sp?)!!!!
Dave
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11 Jun 2007
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New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Md
Posts: 10
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I talked to the the local KTM dealer a couple weeks ago when I was picking up my DR650. My salesman was a the KTM rep for the area and was saying that the new 690 motor shares just about zip with the 640 motor and should be here in 2008. I may be trading in my DR if the bike is as reliable as he says its going to be.
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1 Jul 2007
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Seattle, Washington
Posts: 1
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Ktm 690
I've just finished riding the 690 back to back with a used 640 and there is no comparison. The 690 is truly smooth and the 63 horsies are all there. I rode a BMW 650 for five years and used to commute on a MZ 125 SM. My main long distance bike last year was a highly modified 950 Adventure with smaller wheels. My current ride is a Duc st3, and right now I am in love with the 690 and will own one on Tuesday.
Peter
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1 Jul 2007
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New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: NYC
Posts: 11
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Damn I was just starting to fall in love with my 640 enduro. Pick the bike up with 2700 mi and had to work through some problems b/c the P O had a tractor mechanic work on the bike and not a very good one at that.
At any rate this is the best bike or at least the most enjoyable bike i have ever owned.
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18 Feb 2009
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Dreaming of travelling and riding bikes in general..
Posts: 445
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690e
Firstly, hello my orange friends!
Secondly - what's the generator output W of a 690E
Thirdly - is it true the 690E needs 10w-60 fully synthetic oil?
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18 Feb 2009
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Dreaming of travelling and riding bikes in general..
Posts: 445
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690e at RTW bike
I think it's worth a go. Any news on generators etc...? I'd like to charge some batteries on route!
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18 Feb 2009
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R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
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Not many KTM 690 riders here on the HUBB, at least I haven't heard from many.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 24 Mar 2009 at 19:48.
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
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Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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