New and improved KTM690 WUNDERFEST

[cbevans]

2011 690 enduro- does anyone have a similar issue or a fix? About 2/3rds of the time when starting, the first try just boggs the starter motor. When I try the second time, starts fine. It's as if the compression release doesn't open. Does the compression release require maintenance?

[wiswoodsguy]

My 09 does it once in awhile too and if you read back several pages, there are others with the same issue.

[Barman]

Originally Posted by cbevans

2011 690 enduro- does anyone have a similar issue or a fix? About 2/3rds of the time when starting, the first try just boggs the starter motor. When I try the second time, starts fine. It's as if the compression release doesn't open. Does the compression release require maintenance?

As stated, it's normal. The compression release needs to be bumped into the correct position occasionally. When it stops working altogether then worry.

[Albie]

Originally Posted by CordR

I know the tire posts can get a little, well, tired, but I'm curious if anyone tried Kenda 270's on their 690.

When I purchased my bike last fall, the previous owner had recently put a new set on. I've really only had one solid full dirt day since then and they seemed ok enough.

My issue is my basis for comparison....my previous bike was more street oriented and I'd use the 80/20 tires in the dirt. Clearly, most options are better than that.

One of the things I dislike the most is that the tire is not very confidence inspiring in the corners (street or dirt) because of the shape/placement of the most outside treads. It just doesn't feel like you can plant it in a corner.



I know there's a lot of fans here of the MotoZ, but it seems to have a similar pattern.

How does the MotoZ grip pavement? Can you lean it over in a corner with confidence?

Anyone riding what they feel is a good compromise where you can do offroad and still hug the tarmac? Mefo's?

Yes, like everyone else, I'm looking for the one tire that does it all that doesn't exist.

Thanks in advance.

C

I've run a lot of different tires on the 690, even non DOT MX tires and honestly, they all have worked fine on pavement for me. I never stress about tossing the bike into corners. Have you done anything with the suspension? Because that probably has more to do with the handling then what tire you're using.

[Roadracer_Al]

Originally Posted by CordR

One of the things I dislike the most is that the tire is not very confidence inspiring in the corners (street or dirt) because of the shape/placement of the most outside treads. It just doesn't feel like you can plant it in a corner.

I've found that the Pirelli AT90 Scorpion is extremely good on the street. Lots of grip, easily the best asphalt grip I've experienced with a dual-sport tire, and they slide very predictably on pavement. It's about a 80/20 tire, however. That Kenda you show is more like a 60/40. Unfortunately, the Scorpions don't do well in mud. Let me rephrase that.... they don't work at all in mud.

But, I did the easy route on the Sheetiron DS ride on them last year with zero drama.

[CordR]

Originally Posted by Albie

I've run a lot of different tires on the 690, even non DOT MX tires and honestly, they all have worked fine on pavement for me. I never stress about tossing the bike into corners. Have you done anything with the suspension? Because that probably has more to do with the handling then what tire you're using.

Fair point. Mine is an 08 E, so already lower than the R, but the previous owner had the bike lowered further as he's vertically challenged.

The work was done by a suspension specialty shop in our area, so the work is probably good, but it's still been on my list of things to do to get the bike set to my height and ergs.

C

[CordR]

Originally Posted by Roadracer_Al

I've found that the Pirelli AT90 Scorpion is extremely good on the street. Lots of grip, easily the best asphalt grip I've experienced with a dual-sport tire, and they slide very predictably on pavement. It's about a 80/20 tire, however. That Kenda you show is more like a 60/40. Unfortunately, the Scorpions don't do well in mud. Let me rephrase that.... they don't work at all in mud.

But, I did the easy route on the Sheetiron DS ride on them last year with zero drama.

Thanks, Al. This is what I was considering putting on at the end of next fall when I won't be doing as much offroad but need to navigate slippery tarmac.

For now I'll probably err on the side of more dirt/mud traction....especially as we had a pretty wet winter and the mud will be in spots for quite a while.


C

[ohauitirod]

Originally Posted by cbevans

2011 690 enduro- does anyone have a similar issue or a fix? About 2/3rds of the time when starting, the first try just boggs the starter motor. When I try the second time, starts fine. It's as if the compression release doesn't open. Does the compression release require maintenance?

Had my 690E 3 years done it from new , nothing to worry about

[cbevans]

Originally Posted by ohauitirod

Had my 690E 3 years done it from new , nothing to worry about

Thanks. Didn't know if this was normal. Love the bike so far.

[jared1843]

Thought I'd just share this with you fellers. I'm in Moab and over the past two days the 690 has eaten both blinkers, my license plate and I've manager to destroy a mirror and the breakaway piece of my clutch leaver! Love it!!!

I think a rock got my plate. The blinkers just couldn't take the abuse. I'll post up some YouTube videos at some point.






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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?cayc42

[Albie]

Originally Posted by jared1843

Thought I'd just share this with you fellers. I'm in Moab and over the past two days the 690 has eaten both blinkers, my license plate and I've manager to destroy a mirror and the breakaway piece of my clutch leaver! Love it!!!

I think a rock got my plate. The blinkers just couldn't take the abuse. I'll post up some YouTube videos at some point.






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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?cayc42

Hell, I lost a blinker the first day I owned mine.

[BK.RD.RNR]

Originally Posted by CordR

How does the MotoZ grip pavement? Can you lean it over in a corner with confidence?

C

Side by side in the same lane with another rider on a 990 ADV with MT 90s, through a 30mph hairpin left at about 60mph.. I would not have pulled the move myself, but we were riding spiritedly, and the friend who came in on the outside is an Expert MX racer, so I must have looked stable enough through the earlier corners for him to feel ok about risking it with a gaurdrail only a couple of feet from the white line.

It was pretty neat seeing the side of his helmet, as well as his bars/speedo etc. out of my peripheal vision. He could have lifted his elbow, and touched my knee with it mid-corner.

So yes, I think they are pretty good on the pavement too. I am reffering to the H/T tire, not the I/T... That is a different animal.

[BK.RD.RNR]

Originally Posted by jared1843

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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?cayc42

Could it be sound waves from that loud exhaust weakening the materials?

[Seth S]

rear blinkers and tail lights have always been an issue on my trail bikes. i have had good luck with the led tail lights and the blinkers that paul at hdb supplies.

[cpg7562]

Any other 690 guys headed to the overland expo in a couple weeks? Me and my Mrs's are headed out there.