690 or 640 Enduro

[karlp]

Been thinking for quite a while about getting one of the above but undecided.

I have a new GS1200LC for touring and a KTM 250 EXC.

i do quite a lot of road touring but would like to do some more off road orientated touring i.e. catch a boat to Spain and just see where it takes me.

I can afford a new 690 but I am also quite capable of building a bike from a box of bits if needed and have done in the past even rebuilding wiring looms.

My preference is to buy an older 640 strip the whole thing down and rebuild changing or adding bits as I feel like.

Any advice on the best model year to get as a base unit.

All advice appreciated.

 

[Timolgra]

Go for the latest 640 you can find with most things sorted out.
You'll need and fcr carb conversion to make one really fly so why not look for a 625.

 

[karlp]

Thanks

Will the 625 be suitable for soft luggage or is it a ruck sack job

 

[Timolgra]

Thanks

Will the 625 be suitable for soft luggage or is it a ruck sack job

Just noticed which GS you have which probably explains this question

 

[karlp]

Just noticed which GS you have which probably explains this question

So it a hold the spare set of underpants between your teeth job. A bit like the 250 EXC-F.

No problem with that just didn't want to be trying to fit a bag on a bike which probably has no rear subframe.

 

[earthmover]

Hi Karl,
The 640 has a rear subframe, but it isn't the strongest in the world. Mine needed rewelding, and if I was going to put any weight on it I'd probably have beefed it up. Touratech do a pannier frame for the 690 though, which takes the weight down to the footpegs, looks very strong. Bet it isn't cheap though!
Good luck deciding.
Mark

 

[Timolgra]

Hi Karl,
The 640 has a rear subframe, but it isn't the strongest in the world. Mine needed rewelding, and if I was going to put any weight on it I'd probably have beefed it up. Touratech do a pannier frame for the 690 though, which takes the weight down to the footpegs, looks very strong. Bet it isn't cheap though!
Good luck deciding.
Mark

I use the pannier frames on the 640 as well to support the sub frame, but you're right carrying a lot of weight on rough trails needs something

Same for the 690 as the sub frame is the fuel tank

 

[Madmountainman]

Tim, i know you're in Maroc at the mo, but have similar questions burning about the 640/690. Being a rather tall bugger, i'm going to be looking for a second bike, for solo riding, and want something that can do distance, off road, camp gear etc… In essence, everything my 1150 does but a bit lighter. I've sat on a 640 and 690 and prefer the more laid out position of the 690. If i could get one, i reckon a standard - non race spec - 690 Rallye with indicators would be a perfect bike…. or do i look for a 2nd hand Moorespeed or HPN airhead????
Your thoughts and prose would be appreciated.

 

[karlp]

Well decision time.

Decided on a new KTM 690 and about to press the button.

But I have one niggling question that keeps getting in my head.

Am I too old for this and living in fantasy land. I am 58.

I get almost anywhere in the end just a little slower.

What I really like to do is get a map, GPS - decide I want to go and hey ho.

Ultimate aim is Morocco probably with ABW

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Well decision time.

Decided on a new KTM 690 and about to press the button.

But I have one niggling question that keeps getting in my head.

Am I too old for this and living in fantasy land. I am 58.

I get almost anywhere in the end just a little slower.

What I really like to do is get a map, GPS - decide I want to go and hey ho.

Ultimate aim is Morocco probably with ABW

If the bike is shipped down, you don't such a powerful & heavy bike?

In the UK, a 690 is a heavyweight handful, especially on the muddy trails you have down in your part of the world - not so much here where we have rocky & open trails

 

[Greg Masters]

But I have one niggling question that keeps getting in my head.

Am I too old for this and living in fantasy land. I am 58.

I get almost anywhere in the end just a little slower.

About the same as Timolgra.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

About the same as Timolgra.

Ahh, but he's a riding marvel .....................maybe karl isn't

 

[Greg Masters]

Ahh, but he's a riding marvel ...

You're so right - I remember the day he was given a riding lesson.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

You're so right - I remember the day he was given a riding lesson.

He's a quick learner

 

[karlp]

Ahh, but he's a riding marvel .....................maybe karl isn't

I am not an off road marvel

On road ok

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I am not an off road marvel

On road ok

That is a quandry, light is best then

 

[Crapaud]

I've owned a 640 KTM. A bought it as a lighter alternative to my GS. However, I still found it too big for proper off-roading so I then bought a KTM300 EXC which is fantastic.

The 640 vibrated more than anything in the Ann Summers catalogue. After a hour of riding it, I used to have pins and needles in my arms. The dealer said "They all do that Sir". I rode a 690 Enduro and that was significantly nicer all round.

If I was you Karl, I'd consider the KTM 350.

 

[karlp]

I am not looking to do true hardcore off roading.

I am looking for something that will be suitable for more long distance riding but capable of dirt lanes if needed.

I have had a 350 EXC-F but that is too dirt / mud focussed for me and i have just sold a 250 EXC-F

Bikes that come to mind are XT660R, GS650, KTM 690

 

[grez]

I did 2 weeks in Morocco with ABW on a KTM 450 exc. All I carried was a few tools and a spare tube as the luggage is in the back up truck. Mind you I did spend 99% of the time standing up due to the steel beam (otherwise known as a seat) fitted.

Also did 2 weeks there on a Husky 630 - lot more comfortable right up to the point I fell off and broke my wrist.

Doing it again in a few weeks on the HUSKY - will be 51 when we go (not sure if that is age or IQ), think I would have learnt by now.

 

[Dazlove]

690 Enduro R

Karlp

I made similar decisions last year.

I ride in the Pyrenees a couple of times a year and had a 530 EXC, which was absolutely brilliant.

Trouble was, other than the use in Spain, it hardly ever left the garage as, one, riding 'off road' or green lanes here is becoming increasingly difficult, two, if I used it to go visit someone or down the shops etc you couldn't leave it anywhere as very easy to steal and three, if you were to do any miles it was always needing a service or oil change.

Another major point was that using the 530 abroad was fine if you have a mate with van. It is not the sort of bike you could sensibly ride out there.

Last September I bought a new 690 Enduro R and, at the moment, this works perfectly for me.

I have done a few of the Rally Raid upgrades ie stronger tank pivots and redesigned lower tank mount, plus up rated rear spring.

Took it to Spain in October (in a van) and whilst a little concerned over the weight, it performed admirably, tackling some very gnarly tracks.

Back in the UK, I have found myself using it more than the 530 as it is less hardcore, and very pleasant to blat about on.

I am now looking at luggage options as the next step would be to ride out to Spain on the 690, set up camp then be able to blat up and down the mountains.

Hopes this helps

Best regards

Dazlove