KTM 690 Enduro R - 4 years with this wonderful machine

[sportsguy]

Messing around today I pulled together a video of the 690 Enduro R hanging out in my garage. Had it since new in 2012. Still an awesome machine, despite my lack of skill and not riding it much...

The quality of the editing is a bit poor because I was using a free version of the software I had. Upgraded now, but too late to impact this video, sadly. Still, the bike, the fun, the memories - all amazing.

The video does not show any epic feats of riding. In fact, its all pretty tame. but if you're seeking a blueprint for how to option up one of these rides, it might be useful...

 

[Bugnatr]

Wow, I skipped ahead to 4:28 and boom! Nice bike...don't ride it much, for sale?

 

[sportsguy]

Wow, I skipped ahead to 4:28 and boom! Nice bike...don't ride it much, for sale?

Yeah, that'll happen when you forget to switch riding styles. Repeat after me..."Don't corner on dirt like you're on asphalt!" ******* move on my part, but the bike was, typically, just fine.

I am prepping to sell the bike, but...I'm waffling. I keep thinking it's the right call, to sell it, then I ride the damn bike again and fall in love all over! LOL

Methinks the BMW Z4 will hit the want ads first, then we'll see about the KTM...

 

[Fred W]

Don't sell it. If you do you'll be kicking yourself later. Local FJR owner Mr Bill has one and there just is not a better true dual-sport adventure bike around for full sized American guys. I'd love to have one if I hit the Megabucks jackpot someday or something. If you can swing the ticket price, which you obviously can, it's about the best there is.

 

[Hudson]

What I want to know is who is that very handsome man riding the Husqvarna in your off-road shots.

Oh wait...it's me.

 

[Mr Bill]

Here is a New England Klr, 690r and Manstrom.

Fred and I are out of the picture. You should all be grateful for that

 

[Fred W]

Actually, Leon (the KLR650 rider) isn't all that attractive either. But don't tell him I said so.

On the other hand, those bikes are lookin' mighty fine in the Vermont country.

Wait... why is my Manstrom leaning to the right and the KLR and KTM are leaning to the left? Maybe because I'm from the "lLve Free or Die" state and they are both from Taxachusetts?

Either way, unlike some of the current nonsense going on, we were able to have a great week that ride.

 

[sportsguy]

What I want to know is who is that very handsome man riding the Husqvarna in your off-road shots.
Oh wait...it's me.

Oh, I remember than underpowered turd mover! And his bike, too.

Looked the part, and I'm sure with it's 11 horse power it could give a KLR a run for it's money. But I seem to recall the rider having a fear in his belly. The instructor kept yelling "Ball on the gas tank!" to get said rider positioned correctly on his cute lawnmower.

Overall, though, I recall them being an amicable combo. Good traveling partners, if prone to overshopping at Costco...

 

[sportsguy]

Don't sell it. If you do you'll be kicking yourself later. Local FJR owner Mr Bill has one and there just is not a better true dual-sport adventure bike around for full sized American guys. I'd love to have one if I hit the Megabucks jackpot someday or something. If you can swing the ticket price, which you obviously can, it's about the best there is.

Buy lottery tickets. I swear, if this bike hadn't blackmailed me for molesting it on our test ride, I might have walked away. But lemme just say this - ride a focused, high-end KTM and you'll be hard pressed to leave your wallet in your pocket! That wallet WILL take a beating, but so it is with so many things in life. Sigh...

 

[gixxerjasen]

2 years? My math is off.

 

[sportsguy]

2 years? My math is off.

Damn it - I knew that didn't feel right! it's MY math that's off...LOL

Should be 4 years! And only 22xx miles...sheesh...I suck...

 

[gixxerjasen]

I was all

2012

2016

2 years

Carry the one maybe?

I gotta be missing something.

 

[gixxerjasen]

Sounds to me like four years went by like it was two you were having so much fun. Maybe you should keep it.

 

[900gc]

I'd gladly park my DR650 for a while and would be more than happy to 'exercise' your K'toom for you, you know, 'kinda like a dog walking service....