Buying a 690 Enduro

[WindyChuffer]

Thinking of buying a 690 Enduro. New or used depending on what's available. I heard that the Enduro aspects of the 690 have been diluted over recent years. What have the changes been? What model year bike? Or doesn't it matter?

Ta

 

[Andy B]

This is the spec sheet for a 2010/11 bike with the comparison between the E and the R.

 

[mhsnowy]

After 2012 they all became R models but with the the spec as the older E models. (Black frame)
Speedo and lighting on the 2009 - 2011 R models were poor and most people found them too tall.
2013 on models have a 690cc engine. (Previous models were 654cc)
2014 on have ABS.

Other than that slightly different panel shape changes and graphics. Pretty much all parts interchangeable pre 2014.

Like most bikes' out of the box' you need to do a few mods and customisations to how you like it. Some say not essential but I would disagree if you want trouble free biking. Also depends how and what you intend to do on them.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Presume ABS is easily disabled. Does it add much weight / other hassle? Presume it relatively straightforward to remove if so inclined.

 

[mhsnowy]

Not heard of anyone removing it yet.
Adds a little weight but not sure exactly how much.
Can fit an ABS dongle that disables the rear but leaves the front active.
You can turn all off but comes back on whenever the ignition is turned off.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

From what I have read, the 2013 onwards bikes are more 'sorted' and less probelmatic

 

[mhsnowy]

From what I have read, the 2013 onwards bikes are more 'sorted' and less probelmatic

Probably 2014 on, but is that because no one is using them enough yet to see what happens?
The worse seem to be 2012 from things I've read and people I know that have had them.
Although all models seem to suffer from the same things at some time in their life.

 

[PDiddy]

The 2014 model's engine and FI is much better than on my previous 2011 model. However the front forks on the 2014 model lets the whole bike down, as they get very excited at speed over rough ground, easily addressed with some EXC forks although I've yet to find a way of mounting the speedo sensor as it's different than the 2011 model. The only road miles that I have done on both is in between green lanes. Don't be fooled by the bikes weight as it is a very capable off road tool.

 

[ButtonMoon]

The 2014 model's engine and FI is much better than on my previous 2011 model. However the front forks on the 2014 model lets the whole bike down, as they get very excited at speed over rough ground, easily addressed with some EXC forks although I've yet to find a way of mounting the speedo sensor as it's different than the 2011 model. The only road miles that I have done on both is in between green lanes. Don't be fooled by the bikes weight as it is a very capable off road tool.

What sort of weight does the older models come in at ??

 

[ButtonMoon]

Sorry, posted it, then remembered the spec was here also 138.5kg.

 

[mhsnowy]

Changing the standard exhaust tailpipe will reduce that by about 5kg.