Super Enduro or 690 Enduro R (pre 2012)

[Wreford Miles]

Having missed out on another SE I'm think about a 690 Enduro R and my budgett would get me Circa 2010 version.

My desire for the SE is in part based on it being a unique beast but the chances of finding the Enduro R are much better.

Any views on which way I should go? I'm particually intrested in hose that have spent time on both.

I do have a 650XC so a concern is the 690 will not offer much more although it would seem I should expect a bike that at least feels a lot lighter and more power at the top end.

Cheers

Wreford

 

[Possu]

I swapped my SE for a 690, at 5'10" tall with a 32" inseam I found the SE too tall and too heavy for me to control when it started getting out of shape, this is despite removing 12mm of seat foam.

The 690 is about 50kg lighter than the SE with identical brakes, is far more manageable in all situations. The 690 is also a lot cheaper / easier to service.

As much as I enjoyed the wheelie potential and huge fun of the SE, I don't really miss it if I'm honest and am happy to ride the 690 anywhere, something that didn't happen with the SE.

All in all, get a 690, far more versatile IMHO.

 

[SkyGod]

Had my 690 2 weeks now and I`m besotted by it. I keep walking past the HP2 and going straight for the 690.

Spectacular bike





( Although today I did ride my mates 450 Rally that did the Dakar in 2012)

 

[Wreford Miles]

Had my 690 2 weeks now and I`m besotted by it. I keep walking past the HP2 and going straight for the 690.

You'll be wanting to sell me our HP2E then

 

[SkyGod]

I am considering it

 

[Spout]

Spectacular bike

It didn't look particularly comfy or very much at home on the M61 yesterday.

I'd hold out for an SE Wreford - especially if you're considering any distance work.

 

[Dansin]

Having missed out on another SE I'm think about a 690 Enduro R and my budgett would get me Circa 2010 version.

My desire for the SE is in part based on it being a unique beast but the chances of finding the Enduro R are much better.

Any views on which way I should go? I'm particually intrested in hose that have spent time on both.

I do have a 650XC so a concern is the 690 will not offer much more although it would seem I should expect a bike that at least feels a lot lighter and more power at the top end.

Cheers

Wreford

I'd come to the same conclusion and missed out on the same SE! Not for me but there's a 690 on eBay ending today with a fair few goodies on. Linky

 

[louisdut]

Any views on which way I should go? I'm particually intrested in hose that have spent time on both.

Completely different bikes so just depends what you want to do with it?

I’ve had my 690 just over 3 years now and use it mainly for UK trail riding with a few big bike rallies & D2D, it’s great love the bike

I use Hp2 (have rode my mates SE a bit too) for more distance work trips to Eastern Europe, Morocco etc again great bike

Work out what your going to be doing with it that’s my view

Hope that helps
Louis

 

[Wreford Miles]

What are 690's like at a fast cruise? My 650XC sits OK at real 75-80 but feels worked if you want to maintain much more than this for a long period.

I don't mind the seat comfort but I would like something that can make progress on motorways

 

[david a hall]

Wreford I have just come back from a trip to Morocco where there were 2 SE they seem to cruise at 80 no probs but lots of buffering. You are a strong lad and used to big bikes off road, im sure there isnt much you wont be able to do on the SE that you will be able to do on the 690, it will just be easier off road on the 690 and a ball ache on the road on the 690 on bigger trips. Its an age old prob.

 

[PDiddy]

The 950SE is an excellent bike both on and off the road. As Dave says it does get a bit blustery when riding at speeds over 80, and off road when things start to go wrong they go wrong very very quickly. I've been to Morocco twice on mine and did the Rydale Rally this year, it is with out a doubt a real scream to ride (either through enjoyment or fear) -

 

[rocky burns]

I had a 690e and its a fantastic machine off road, but its crap for any sort of distance. I have the 650 xchallenge now and it is so tame compared,690e. Hold out for the 950se if that was your original plan

 

[Possu]

I did a 1,500 mile tarmac only ride on the 690 this summer, cruised comfortably at 70 returning 65-70mpg with a 16t friont sprocket (15 is stock, just a 14t for the trails).

If you're looking for a high speed tourer, it's the wrong bike, an SE is better in that regard but not by much.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I had a 690e and its a fantastic machine off road, but its crap for any sort of distance. I have the 650 xchallenge now and it is so tame compared,690e. Hold out for the 950se if that was your original plan

Can you give me an insight to both bikes, because like Wreford I have a XChallenge and have fancied a 690R for a bit

 

[rocky burns]

Can you give me an insight to both bikes, because like Wreford I have a XChallenge and have fancied a 690R for a bit

The ktm 690 was a better bike in my books as it had better suspension and also the adjustable mapping.. In the off road mode it was just like my 450 exc in power delivery which is probably still a better power than the Xchallenge. In the road mode its an absolute animal, but still had controlable power. The xchallenge is a great bike but i'm short at 5/8" and 3:16ths and its very tall. It's a much more comfy ride but i have a custom seat on mine, the 690 was like sitting on a razor blade. Plus i find you have to rev the knackers of it to get it to go.

If i was to buy another from new i'd go for the KTM time and time again

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

The ktm 690 was a better bike in my books as it had better suspension and also the adjustable mapping.. In the off road mode it was just like my 450 exc in power delivery which is probably still a better power than the Xchallenge. In the road mode its an absolute animal, but still had controlable power. The xchallenge is a great bike but i'm short at 5/8" and 3:16ths and its very tall. It's a much more comfy ride but i have a custom seat on mine, the 690 was like sitting on a razor blade. Plus i find you have to rev the knackers of it to get it to go.

If i was to buy another from new i'd go for the KTM time and time again

Thanks for that

Obviously the KTM has better suspension, but I don't think the XChallenge is a bad bike either

 

[rocky burns]

Thanks for that

Obviously the KTM has better suspension, but I don't think the XChallenge is a bad bike either

Didn't been to make it sound bad.. I love mine and on the plus side not every f***error has one

 

[Arsey]

My SE has hardly been offroad (shocking, I know) but I can say what it's like at speed as I've been all over with it,including a 2000 mile 5 day trip to Scotland for the GOTC.

I've got a tiny perspex screen fitted and it will gladly cruise at 90 + all day-I actually find it more comfortable at speed than and GS/A as the air is much cleaner with far less actual buffeting !!


I've owned getting on for 50 bikes over the years and the SE is the best by far :

 

[PDiddy]

KTM 950SE in the wild ...

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lJOdg_rWMjc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[stubbie]

I've owned a 690 r for nearly 3 years rode it from mid France down to and around Morocco mostly off road and back (all road through Spain etc) 2,300 odd miles. The seat was hard to start with but it does bed in or I have got used to it. Also rode 7 days round the pyrenees both on and off road with a mate on a SE. On road the 690 kept up fine 70-80MPH, with a TKC front and a Dunlop 908 rally on the rear it was like a super moto. On the dirt the 690 was in a league of its own, I've also ridden big bike rallys on it, and trail ride at weekends all year. But the best thing is, when or where ever I ride it , it puts a massive grin on my face which I would never exchange for an extra bit of cruising speed on the road. As a single all round do anything bike the 690 R is hard to beat. Down sides - rubbish stearing lock but only a problem on tight trails, seat height (I have a 33 inside leg and it can be a pain on off cambers), it eats rear tyres but an SE will no doubt do the same, get shot of the original cat exhaust it burns you and your luggage. Both are great bikes and the SE will always be collectable-which ever you choose enjoy!