dual sport comparison

[mslow]

i had a 690smc, loved it. i was faster on that then my gsxr600 on the patriot course at VIR.
690 with street and dirt set-up is just too damn perfect.

[wsmc831]

Agreed, pretty damn nice setup for many types of riding.

OP, know it is much easier to go from 690 enduro and add 17inch rims than to go from SMC to a 21/18 setup.

[TheMuffinMan]

I don't think the bikes can be compared because they are in different classes. The Terra weighs about 85-90 lbs more than the 690, has shorter travel suspension (7.5" vs 9.84"), a lower seat height 34.4 vs 35.83 and identical service intervals (10,000 KM). The weight alone is not something that really can be changed very much and was the selling point for me on the 690.

The 690 also costs 32% more ($3,300) then the Terra which is a completely different price point.



For what the OP said he's looking to use the bike for I'd say the Terra will suffice. Of course if money is no object then I'd say the 690 all the way....

[Myfuture_yourdebt]

I'd concur with the above...the 690R Enduro and Terra aren't exactly competitors. It seems like the Terra is for people who want what they wish they got with a KLR (very much a compromise bike in all respects)...whereas the 690R is for people who want a compromise in ability but no compromise in performance.

[TheMuffinMan]

Originally Posted by Myfuture_yourdebt

I'd concur with the above...the 690R Enduro and Terra aren't exactly competitors. It seems like the Terra is for people who want what they wish they got with a KLR (very much a compromise bike in all respects)...whereas the 690R is for people who want a compromise in ability but no compromise in performance.

Pretty much, however keep in mind I've seen people do gnarlier stuff on a KLR then some people do on their 450's/500's so it's all about how much ability, skill, and desire you have.


In thinking about this since my last post I've decided that my best advice is to test ride each. Perhaps bribe a couple local inmates to come over to your place and then test ride their bikes for some beer. Nothing helps make up someone's mind better then seat time. 's what I did before deciding to sell my 950 and get a 690.

[Valimagdon]

Husqvarna SM610 or TE610. I had a TE610, and it was a crazy fast and light machine. AH-mazing. Plus they'll be cheaper since they'll be used.

[Myfuture_yourdebt]

Originally Posted by TheMuffinMan

Pretty much, however keep in mind I've seen people do gnarlier stuff on a KLR then some people do on their 450's/500's so it's all about how much ability, skill, and desire you have.

I know, I did Rampart's Devil's Slide uphill on my KLR and only needed my riding partners' help once. Then a year later I tried the same on my WR450 and there was a fallen tree at the top of the worst hill climb that I couldn't get around because the whole area was just so damn loose, more so than when I was there last on the KLR. I had to turn around, and that made my KLR laugh at my WR when we got home. Then the WR pointed at me and I just went Ability is 90% rider, 10% vehicle.

[pingvin]

Last plan now for 690 is getting a 19" rim laced to a hub I've already got and together with the 17" rear wheel I've also already got (3 in fact). Then it's REALLY a dual sport bike. Also lowers bike a bit the ER is very tall...

Planning for 2 week trip to North Cape in July, doing coastal road up and through Finland and Sweden with lots of gravel back...but no technical stuff. So wasn't sure if should use 17"/17" or 21"/18" till saw thread on this forum with 19"/17" conversions. Could probably manage fine with 17"/17" and dual sport tyres but hoping next summer to do some more technical roads in alps so will test if 19"/17" works fine.

Still some issues to figure out though, what tyres do i use, more knobbly for best grip on gravel or more road biased for better tarmac grip. The other is do i use my ER or SMC forks (probably will use my ER forks).