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690 real offroad?

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woodsguy

woodsguy

Ride Red
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Location
Huntsville
First Name
Rob
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Vaughan
Anybody ride single track on KTM 690? I know the 500 KTM or Beta will be way better, but they aren't very enjoyable on asphalt. Just wondering how serious you can get on one. This is southeast Tx, so won't be rocky hill climbs, but my park does have climbs with not much run at them. Just curious as I pipe dream on a rainy morning.
Really like to hear from someone who does it, not why I shouldn't, I know those reasons, lol. Part of the fun taking a bigger bike where it shouldn't be!------lol
Have great Memorial Day!!
 
Had a lot of great replies on this on Facebook d/s page! Thinking making trail riding challenging again instead of trail racing all the time. Maybe I'm dumb, not sure. Well i am but.... I think a lot like @Jarrett
 
I've spent time on @South Tex husky 701 and I think I could make it around emma long with it. It's a heavy dirtbike in my opinion and all the power is higher in the rev range, not much low end torque

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I've been thinking of a 690 as well other than my GSA but I fear it won't be light enough for what some people ride here or in BDRs. I'm also a noob on dirt.
 
Aspear said:
I've spent time on @South Tex husky 701 and I think I could make it around emma long with it. It's a heavy dirtbike in my opinion and all the power is higher in the rev range, not much low end torque

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Click to expand...

i think with a lower front sprocket it could handle the slow stuff. Being #230 I still lean forward on take offs to keep the front end on the ground, it’s that much power! A very underrated and over looked bike. It’s my go to bike for dirt roads and -200 mile days.
 
@Rsquared should be able to give you some good feedback.

Funny as I type this I have a dim memory of you having a 690 back in the day...am I losing my mind? I believe the 2016 and up got a steering head angle change to turn a little tighter and a small boost in performance.

I think it will go just about anywhere you want to go. You just have to ride accordingly, not as fast not as easy in the tight stuff. When the terrain opens up it should be fun. The bikes of yesteryear were heavy and had poor suspension and were ridden all over the land. I wouldn’t mind having one along with my old 525, but if I could only have one it will be the 525 for what I like to do.
 
bwdmax said:
@Rsquared should be able to give you some good feedback.
Click to expand...

I’ve gone through several motorcycles and have now owned my 690 longer than any other bike. I’ve toured with big bikes on it, gone on week long camping trips off of it, and my son actually rode it down Black Bear pass last year. For me, it’s the most versatile bike there is, and if I could only have one bike, it would be the 690.

Disclaimer: it’s not a good touring mount, nor is it a good single track bike, but it’ll sure do either...
 
I started off with only the 690 for both single track and dual sport. Until I got the lighter, more nimble 500 I thought it did very well at many of the local trails areas such as RRMT, Bridgeport, etc.. Now I feel that if you've tasted the lighter bikes you won't be satisfied with the 690 very long before you go and get another lighter bike. That said, if I had to get rid of either the 500 or the 690 I'd keep the 690.
 
I can't think of any two track I have ever seen in Texas that the 690 would not be able to handle... :shrug: For single track, it would do it, but it won't be ANYTHING like your 300! :whatever: Roger's 690 chugged up those steep rocky climbs in Colorado like a comfy mule. I did not find it any more difficult to ride than my 530 and it had a cushier seat :-P As for twisties, I have never noticed Roger dropping behind when we wicked up the pace in Arkansas, Colorado, or North Carolina :rider:
 
Subcomm just rode his all over Cloudcroft. I took a little time off my 350 to ride his. It took rim trail like a champ and was able to handle steep hills with little issue . The weight showed occasionally bit if you keep it moving it'll get there. Momentum is key.
Now I have a big taste for one too.
 

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Vinny said:
Subcomm just rode his all over Cloudcroft. I took a little time off my 350 to ride his. It took rim trail like a champ and was able to handle steep hills with little issue . The weight showed occasionally bit if you keep it moving it'll get there. Momentum is key.
Now I have a big taste for one too.
Click to expand...
I do want one with a front tire on, lol.
 
bwdmax said:
@Rsquared should be able to give you some good feedback.

Funny as I type this I have a dim memory of you having a 690 back in the day...am I losing my mind? I believe the 2016 and up got a steering head angle change to turn a little tighter and a small boost in performance.

I think it will go just about anywhere you want to go. You just have to ride accordingly, not as fast not as easy in the tight stuff. When the terrain opens up it should be fun. The bikes of yesteryear were heavy and had poor suspension and were ridden all over the land. I wouldn’t mind having one along with my old 525, but if I could only have one it will be the 525 for what I like to do.
Click to expand...
Your memory serves you well. For whatever reason never tried it on trails, duh. Loved it on 2 track and gravel. Hated it on the road. But I never learn. Don't think I gave it enough time as usual. Jarrett style.
 
Tourmeister said:
I can't think of any two track I have ever seen in Texas that the 690 would not be able to handle... :shrug: For single track, it would do it, but it won't be ANYTHING like your 300! :whatever: Roger's 690 chugged up those steep rocky climbs in Colorado like a comfy mule. I did not find it any more difficult to ride than my 530 and it had a cushier seat :-P As for twisties, I have never noticed Roger dropping behind when we wicked up the pace in Arkansas, Colorado, or North Carolina :rider:
Click to expand...
Yeah. But Roger is young, strong and a very excellent rider. What about us ageing, puny, plodders?
 
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