KTM 690 or Husky 650 Terra ??

[Dalmatino]

"Not sure on the Terra, the motors have a good rep but they sure pack a lot of pork according to the specs, a good deal heavier than a DR."

Yes this is the disapointing part and one that doesnt make much sense. Technology of decades later you think making it lighter than the DR would be no isue. This bike should be no more than 350lds soaking wet.

Other thing re KTM...I dont understand why they dont make an adventure model based on the 690 platform. I thaught for sure they would have one out within a year or two after they came out. It's been now, what 4 years and nothing yet.

I think I will hold of till spring and test ride both bikes. This might be the smartest move.

[Dazed Productions]

I have been asking myself this question too recently (my 690 was nicked in summer). I am not sure I can bring myself to do another 6-month build of a 690 and I never gelled with the 690 as I did with my 525. I have actually started looking at the BMX X country instead. It has the same engine as the husky but is a lighter bike. Downside is 17/19 wheels but they can always be re-laced. For me, I think either the Terra or the x will be a bit of work if I do try and do a carb conversion on them (as I did with my 690). I recon its a custom inlet, tank and air box as a minimum.

[TheMuffinMan]

I test rode a 650 Dakar about a year ago and considered getting a 650 Terra last month. The 650 engine was a bit of a snooze for me honestly. Not that it's a bad thing it just didn't have much power. It was exceptionally smooth though for a single and the fueling was spot on.

My 690's engine does vibrate a bit at speed, tons of power (about the same power to weight ratio as my old 950 adventure), but the bike definitely needs work to be made long distance worthy. It's vastly more expensive then the Terra though, but the extra cost buys things that are not easily modified or fixed on the Terra: the engine and overall weight.

I love my choice, but in my opinion they are two bikes at vastly different price points and it's difficult to compare them due to that.

[Dalmatino]

What about the electrical power output on either bike? Like to run Heated grips, decent light and posibly at least one suply for electric clothing. Is there upgrades for the 690 since it's been out for a while?

[Phreaky Phil]

Originally Posted by Dalmatino

What about the electrical power output on either bike? Like to run Heated grips, decent light and posibly at least one suply for electric clothing. Is there upgrades for the 690 since it's been out for a while?

The husky Terra has a 400 watt output. Plenty of spare there for some electric goodies. Not sure about the KTM

[modeselector]

Originally Posted by Phreaky Phil

The husky Terra has a 400 watt output. Plenty of spare there for some electric goodies. Not sure about the KTM

The Terra's 400 has plenty where the KTM is around 230. That said, the 690 has no problem heating my jacket, running GPS, heated grips on high with power to spare for Vision-X LED aux lights - can't immagine I need to run any additional power than that.

[Ol'NumNuts]

What about the Farkles and Mods?

Sure the ktm has been around for a while but somehow I see the Terra as more of a 'blank page' to tweak to my hearts content...

Farkles are still slim pickings but that's changing daily...

With the Terra I've got $2-3k to tweak the bike into something that almost perfectly suits my preferences. Frankly at my age I'm looking for a bit more comfort and flexibility rather tan pure off road performance which I don't think the Terra will ever match the Ktm regardless of how much you spent on it.
Whereas with the Ktm you've already heavily weighted your choice towards a more off road bias- so what are you gonna do?
Make it even more off road superior or 'dumb it down' to a more street friendly choice?

Nah, the Terra wins hands down for me....

[modeselector]

Originally Posted by Ol'NumNuts

With the Terra I've got $2-3k to tweak the bike into something that almost perfectly suits my preferences. Frankly at my age I'm looking for a bit more comfort and flexibility rather tan pure off road performance which I don't think the Terra will ever match the Ktm regardless of how much you spent on it.
Whereas with the Ktm you've already heavily weighted your choice towards a more off road bias- so what are you gonna do?
Make it even more off road superior or 'dumb it down' to a more street friendly choice?

I do like to occasionally jump on the wife's 650 for a spin - fantastic motor and have not had a single issue with it.

The 690 handles the road remarkably well and the overall components are much better out of the box. For anyone coming from the dirt world like a CRF-X, TE, EXC etc.the KTM would be a better choice when the speed picks up or the terrain gets difficult~and of course the weight difference.

If coming from a KLR, DR, GS or street world-IMO the Terra fits that audience well. The Terra should make a very good long distance touring bike with good gravel and some 2-track capabilities.

[Pantah]

Originally Posted by Ol'NumNuts

What about the Farkles and Mods?

Sure the ktm has been around for a while but somehow I see the Terra as more of a 'blank page' to tweak to my hearts content...


Whereas with the Ktm you've already heavily weighted your choice towards a more off road bias- so what are you gonna do?
Make it even more off road superior or 'dumb it down' to a more street friendly choice?

Nah, the Terra wins hands down for me....

Yeah, I dumbed mine down to make it more comfortable for touring.

Damper - $600
Seat- $300
Lowering Link- $150
Cut Sidestand- $40
Luggage and racks- $700
Screen- $75
Power outlets- $100
Total to dumb down- $1965

Not complaining, though. My objective was to exchange my 950 twin for something I can ride the same way, yet be able to pick it up out of the mud by myself. So far I've picked the 690 up no problem twice!

[Dalmatino]

Originally Posted by Pantah

Yeah, I dumbed mine down to make it more comfortable for touring.

Damper - $600
Seat- $300
Lowering Link- $150
Cut Sidestand- $40
Luggage and racks- $700
Screen- $75
Power outlets- $100
Total to dumb down- $1965

Not complaining, though. My objective was to exchange my 950 twin for something I can ride the same way, yet be able to pick it up out of the mud by myself. So far I've picked the 690 up no problem twice!

The only extra thing I see that you may not need for touring on the Terra is the stering damper.
The diff is in the price but than you get lot more in KTm...
Man this is going to be a hard decision..Logic for my needs says Terra but the performance Junkie in me wnts KTM....Man a Test ride is going to be a must...

[Pantah]

Originally Posted by Dalmatino

The only extra thing I see that you may not need for touring on the Terra is the stering damper.
The diff is in the price but than you get lot more in KTm...
Man this is going to be a hard decision..Logic for my needs says Terra but the performance Junkie in me wnts KTM....Man a Test ride is going to be a must...

You bet it will be! I just got back from a little ride. Mild out today at 45. Didn't even need the heat. All I can say is, Dang I love this 690! It is almost totally smooth now. Probably get a little smoother after 4k miles. It runs so well! Seems to have perfect fueling to me. Idle is rock steady, no flat spots anywhere, just a rush of power like no single I've ever ridden. I think it is quite a bit quicker than my old Ducati 750 Monster.

The mods I did are perfect for an old fart like me. Set up like a KLR, but 100lbs lighter with near twice the power and it's friendly power too. Low enough to have no issues in parking lots and so handy in the city. Jeepers, what a motorcycle. She's so hot...

[Dalmatino]

Originally Posted by Pantah

You bet it will be! I just got back from a little ride. Mild out today at 45. Didn't even need the heat. All I can say is, Dang I love this 690! It is almost totally smooth now. Probably get a little smoother after 4k miles. It runs so well! Seems to have perfect fueling to me. Idle is rock steady, no flat spots anywhere, just a rush of power like no single I've ever ridden. I think it is quite a bit quicker than my old Ducati 750 Monster.

The mods I did are perfect for an old fart like me. Set up like a KLR, but 100lbs lighter with near twice the power and it's friendly power too. Low enough to have no issues in parking lots and so handy in the city. Jeepers, what a motorcycle. She's so hot...

Looks mighty nice

[pfy50]

If Y'all want a little more info on the Husky Terra check Big Dog's page out he has one done up for touring already http://www.bigdogadventures.com/1HuskyTR650.htm

[B1]

dalmatino, see if you can get a test ride on the 690 (and ideally on the terra too). from what you say i think you'd be far better off with the terra. but guys seem to love or hate the 690... unfortunately i was in the latter group and sold mine after two months. but i can see if spend some money on them they can be comfortable bikes to ride.

it's a pity the terra wasn't a lighter bike but for the riding you describe it shouldn't matter, and actually make it more comfortable on road trips anyway.

[Wallachian Spikes]

Originally Posted by Dalmatino

"Not sure on the Terra, the motors have a good rep but they sure pack a lot of pork according to the specs, a good deal heavier than a DR."

Yes this is the disapointing part and one that doesnt make much sense. Technology of decades later you think making it lighter than the DR would be no isue. This bike should be no more than 350lds soaking wet.

Other thing re KTM...I dont understand why they dont make an adventure model based on the 690 platform. I thaught for sure they would have one out within a year or two after they came out. It's been now, what 4 years and nothing yet.

I think I will hold of till spring and test ride both bikes. This might be the smartest move.

The Terra was designed with the KLR 650 in it's sights, NOT the KTM 690. The Terra is still a bit lighter than a second gen KLR & on paper it seems like it will be far better than the KLR. The Terra is probably going to be hard to beat as a "street oriented" dual sport that can still get you deep into the woods.

Personally (you may disagree) I consider the KLR a better street bike (not by much) than the DR 650 & the DR a better dirt bike (not by much) than the KLR. I'd love to see a hard core comparison in cycle world or motorcyclist magazine putting the KLR, DR, Terra & the 690 through a 1,000 mile test in all aspects of terain.