I wandered into this old thread as a local dealer has a couple leftover 2017 690s for $7999. Tempting price, but I think I'm just going to stick with my nicely modded 530 EXC (now a 570) and wait to see whether the upcoming 790 Adventure gives me wood.
Cernics in Johnstown, PA. I have no idea if they add another $1000 in fees or some BS like that, but $7999 is listed on their web site. As you say, SMOKIN' deal. https://www.cernics.com/inventory/2017-ktm-690-enduro-r-johnstown-pa-15904-2278964i
They must have sold their leftover 17’s because that’s a dead link. But even if they added another $1000 for BS and you got OTD for $9000 that was still an awesome deal!!!
I just stumbled across this thread, and yes the last post was 11 months ago I'm aware. While shopping for a 2019 690 Enduro, it has become clear they sell so well, that already there are zero left to buy in all of BC Canada. I have called every dealership to ask.
Alright I've come across this thread more than once and the possibility of me getting a 690 has resurfaced. This bike has been on my list for a while and I have found a 2014 that was been well-farkled from what I can tell. Anything specific to the 2014 year I should be looking for? This would be the Enduro, not the Enduro R. Just curious what to look for.
Rockers arms should have a casting mark of '15 or higher. If not, replace. Search the thread for more info.
As mentioned before, that bike has an issue with the rockers. They were improved a bit but are still prone to fail. I wouldn’t let that be a deal breaker though. Just learn how to adjust your valves and with that knowledge you can certainly replace rockers without a problem. If you use the bike as a dual sport your good. If you use the bike for world travel carry spare rockers and know how to replace them.
KNOWN ISSUES FOR 2019 MODELS? This thread started in 2017, I am told the 690R had a radical makeover for 2019 and a few guys asked what is different now. I don't know how many of the original issues have changed... But I did a quick google around and apparently there were recalls on the 2019 model for cam sprocket bolts needing Loctite and problems with the traction control. A few owners reported issues with the rev limiter coming in too early and engine light problems (sometimes with the engine stalling too) - one owner was given a new bike when KTM couldn't resolve the problem. There are other isolated cases of various problems with electronics, probably not surprising with a revamped model. Prematurely leaking countershaft seals is still an issue for some 2019 models, it can occur as early as the first ride or two. Reviews suggest that the stock engine now runs much more smoothly than the older ones did, which is great news if true!
Hmm.. Legs on this thread! My buddy just sold his 2009 690. Had maybe 2200 miles on it. He never gelled with it. Exc guy. I told him keep it for our longer dual sport rides, but he said no, those go to his exc450 2008. Not dependable enough for him. He has a exc350 for the ugly stuff and I a 500exc 2018. He had a couple in the field failures, electrical and coolant on the 690. I enjoyed riding that 690. When we went on long rides justifying it, most of the crew took their xr650r's. I still love my xr650r, and think it's the better bike for the niche the 690 is used for. Comfy all day rideable with seat concepts, reworked home doable suspension, good ol'reliable carb, run 15/45 gearing..I've got over 37k miles on it, no top end rebuild.. beat it like a rented mule! One in our crew has almost 80k miles! Not opened yet. Super tough. Sad the 690 can't beat this dinosaur for comfort, reliability and performance, after 12 years of production.
Sold my 690 today. 25k km and never let me down. Bike has a total 47k on it and running perfect. Great bike with lots of awesome memories. Loving my 500 now
Many of us can't understand Honda not bringing this bike back, with enough revisions to meet emission laws and bring it up to date. I suspect many of us who want power similar to the 690 but with reliability and light weight would be demanding Honda dealers take our money.
The weights of the two bikes are so similar. I'm pretty sure an updated 650r would be just as heavy or heavier than a 690. I've owned both bikes and the 690 was the better bike for me
Yeah, Barry.. it's strange Honda doesn't pick up on that. Tough bikes. The KTM is a decent bike. That one's also confusing. They've made that model for 12 years? If the roller bearings go out early, why not update 'em? Or redesign the head? (Same issues with the sxc/LC4 previous) Water pumps fail? Get a better seal like...Honda! Wire harness rubbing against frame? Put it in a plastic sheath and make wires a little longer so as not be stretched. Fuel injection system, pump unreliable? Buy another..Other manufacturers figured this out. Not hard to do. For lack of desire and a little bit of money, a good product is kept from greatness. Very shortsighted.
My biggest gripe is fuel capacity and that it is at the rear, which also impacts on how you load luggage etc.
On another thread a 701 owner suspects the rocker bearing may have been fixed in the big 2019 revamp as he hasn't heard of cases since then... but of course maybe they just haven't cropped up enough yet to be noticeable online. But it is sad to see certain issues like the countershaft seal leaks and clutch slave cylinder fails still happening after all these years... and some of the those leaks are being reported within the first three rides!