New and improved KTM690 WUNDERFEST

[MrHix]

Originally Posted by daveburton

Chaps,

Not sure if this is the right place but I'm looking for constructive opinion on the right bike for a LDT adventure bike. I've asked the question in a few places as I'm trying to get the right answer and it doesn't get better than here for advice.

I am thinking,

690 enduro R 2013
70mm lowering kit (appreciate any info on how best to achieve this and keep 21")
Big Safari tank.
Protection equipment, skid plate, bars, head light, what else.
Fairing or screen, which is better
luggage racks
bag type, hard or soft, I;m told HT are good.
Is the standard seat ok for touring
I want to retain the ability to ride 2 up sometimes if possible
main stand

what else

One BIG concern I have is that there are many cases of reliability issues. Would the Rotax based bikes be a better choice. I like the power but I think the comment I've seen ref pushing an interesting bike v riding a boring one.

I don't want to build a bike only to find I need to change it due to continued reliability issues.

All views or comments very much appreciated.

Cheers dave

Dave,

I did the following to my 12:

1 1/2" (38mm) lowering & revalve by Superplush suspension (I'm 5'8" with 32" (812mm) inseam, 150 lbs)
1" removed from sidestand (local shop)
Seat Concepts seat cover & foam
Flatland skidplate
Moose Racing Hybrid footpegs

I am very happy with all these mods. No reliability issues, but only 1600 miles (2500 km).

Have Fun,

MrHix

[lightfighter]

I hadn't looked at those measurements and wouldn't doubt their accuracy but what may be more important is that you will be putting you're wheel into the gas tank on every little rut. Kouba makes a 1 5/8 inch lowering link, add a 17 inch rim, and you would probably be as low as this bike should go.

[daveburton]

Thanks, I hadn't thought of the rim. That should give me about 12 to 14mm I think and also give a similar amount of additional clearance. With the Links at 41mm would be 53 without touching the shock.

Does the 18" rear wheel make a big difference to off road, gravel road riding compared to the 17".

What do you think of progressive springs (hyperpro) to allow more initial sag, I used them on my GSA and they work very well on that.

As reference, an XT 660 has 210 clearance stock which is why I think the 70mm affect on ground clearance (which would be 210) would be good for what I want to do.

Any idea how much I could drop the triple clamps before running into clearance issues at the front.

What about a shorter shock, any recommendation for the best replacement shock, Hyperpro, Wilbers, Ohlins etc. Could I get the original shock modified.

Whatever i end up doing it needs to be reliable for the intended use.

thanks dave

[thorinoakenshield]

Originally Posted by daveburton

Does the 18" rear wheel make a big difference to off road, gravel road riding compared to the 17".
You will get a better selection of offroad tires with the 18" wheel.
What do you think of progressive springs (hyperpro) to allow more initial sag, I used them on my GSA and they work very well on that.
Some people love them. I hate them. I'd worry about bottoming out with luggage and the shorter clearance.

thanks dave

Originally Posted by daveburton

Chaps,

Is the standard seat ok for touring
Of course not.

I want to retain the ability to ride 2 up sometimes if possible
I hope you signed a pre-nup.....

One BIG concern I have is that there are many cases of reliability issues. Would the Rotax based bikes be a better choice. I like the power but I think the comment I've seen ref pushing an interesting bike v riding a boring one.

The BMW rotax bikes are soley the F-bikes, correct?
Those bikes are hardly boring! (Former f800gs owner here).
You should ask yourself: should those bikes be better for your type of riding?

Also, 5'8" 30" inseam...the bike fits just fine.

Some links to help you get started:
wiki
http://ktm690.info/index.php/Main_Page
n00b questions
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=766514
luggage
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=365169

[MrHix]

OK,

I'm not sure I'm getting the gist of the lowering needs and results. Having spacers put into the suspension and getting shorter fork springs (KTM shock will work with 1 1/2" lowering with no shortening of the spring) will give you the same clearance on the fenders as stock, you just lose travel: My bike was lowered 1 1/2" and now has about 8 1/2" travel.

Don't lowering links change the position of the swingarm in relation to the shock so that having a lower seat height, you will have just about the same travel which can cause tiretus flameitus (Latin for burning tire)?

MrHix

[Raceforever]

[GezwindeSpoed]

Nice, but why?

[MeinMotorrad]

Originally Posted by GezwindeSpoed

Nice, but why?

Kind of my thoughts too. Do you get any advantages with this set up? Looks like you might cook your foot

[Roadracer_Al]

If I weren't lazy, I'd show you pictures of the doG damn holes in my @*(*#king Aerostitch suit. That's why. What idiot thought it was a good idea to put the exhaust pipe outside the frame right next to the riders leg?

[MeinMotorrad]

I wonder how common this problem is

Luckily I've never had any issues with the exhaust, never even felt any heat on my leg either (but I don't do too much standing on the pegs [yet]- is this when you got your suit burned?)

[AdventureLeo]

Hey guys,

I am getting my KTM 690 ready for a 3 year worldtrip. Scince I prefer to keep on riding instead of reading all your 500 pages , is there a kind of "You have to get this done before you go?" thread somewhere.

Attached you will find a picture of the bike how it is setup now. (Wintersetup). Most likely I will install the EVO2 tanks from RallyRaid.
So if you know some urgent things to change let me know. I am riding the KTM for more then 20000 Kilometer. No so far. Just standard maintenance.

Thanks

[yuu]

Change the fuel filter and send the injector off for a pro clean before you go. And have some extra fuel filters - the 690 gums them up quickly.

Check this for other bits
http://ktm690.info/index.php/Main_Page

[Owlseye]

"How common is this problem/"
Well, common enough that there exists a small industry to remove the catalytic converters on a whole lotta 690's. A niche industry to replace melted left signal lights. A line-up at the check out to buy new pants, straps, dry bags, wolfman soft bags, sleeping bags, and various sundry items and tools that have dropped out of said various bags over parts of B.C., Montana, Idaho and Alberta.
My solution wasn't so cool as to re-route the exhaust- I just followed the herd and replaced the can. But this system looks pretty neat, I must say. If I had skill, talent, or imagination, I'd like to think I'd have thought of it myself.

[AdventureLeo]

Thx - I will check this side out.

[Dotbond]

Originally Posted by MeinMotorrad

I wonder how common this problem is

Yep, got a burn hole in the left leg of my $400 Revit pants. Not happy about that. Dumb Austrians.