That nagging 690 or GS feeling...

[Boner]

So, I've got £6k in the bank and need a new bike in July... I'm pretty much sold on a GS1200, as I want to do some holiday touring once or twice a year... But then the bloody KTM 690 smc keeps me awake at night thinking what a laugh it would be!
I know they're two very different bikes, and I love them both. I know the 690 can do luggage, and would be way more fun most of the time... But would I regret owning one and not the GS for the occasional longer trip?

I know there's never a right answer to these things, but what's your opinion?

Cheers Boner.

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

I'd love a 690 Enduro but I'm a bloody dwarf

 

[Majesty]

I'd love a 690 Enduro but I'm a bloody dwarf

I've got a professionally lowered one coming up for sale very soon.

PM me your e mail address if you would like more details

 

[peepingtom]

How about a 990 duke or adventure instead and you get the best of both worlds .Fun to ride but still very distance capable?

 

[Trekker3]

690 SMC was a one trick pony for me, 690 Enduro R is a superb bike that is great fun on and off road.

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

I've got a professionally lowered one coming up for sale very soon.

PM me your e mail address if you would like more details

My EXC wouldn't like it

 

[peebeee]

Bought my 690 duke two weeks ago and I still can't wipe the stupid grin off mi face, just a matter of time before the first NIP.

 

[Boner]

Think I'm just going to go and have a test ride on one to either get it out my system, or make me put down my cash there and then...

 

[Boner]

I've been reading quite a few reliability issues with the 690s... Faulty wiring looms, fuel pump issues etc etc. These appear to be on 08-11 bikes.. Any major issues with later bikes (13-present)?
I've had a KTM before (380 2T supermoto) which cost me a fortune in part and labour, I pushed the bloody thing further than I ever rode it... But when it was going, it was the best bike I've ever ridden!!!
Can't afford / don't want to go back to major relibility issues... Just want a bike I can enjoy riding and commuting on!
That and I lurve a Supermoto!!!

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Rockers and cam followers are supposed to wear on 690's, bit of an achilles heel some might say

I don't know if it's all solved on the post 2014 bikes, the full 690cc bkes

 

[Dansin]

Rockers and cam followers are supposed to wear on 690's, bit of an achilles heel some might say

I don't know if it's all solved on the post 2014 bikes, the full 690cc bkes

The latest castings have apparently fixed the issue that some of the earlier bikes had. They're stamped 15 on the underside. Inlet and exhaust are about sixty quid each.