Finally pulled the trigger!

[Paul_E_D]

Well, after a year and a half without owning a bike for the pavement, I've finally re-entered the fray.

What bike motivates a retired roadracer turned motocross junkie to part with some hard earned money you ask???

Look no further than KTMs newest model... The 690SMC







It only took a ten mile test ride to convince me that this is the bike I'd pull out of the garage to ride everyday. It's LIGHT at 305 lbs, and it carries that weight lower than most any other tall dualsport thanks to the underseat tank that doubles as the rear subframe.

The motor is a suprise. It's quite revvy. Docile below 5K, then a stump pulling KTM race motor above that mark. It's a big single, so it has vibes, but there are a few really smooth zones. 5K being one of them. This makes highway work quite doable.

The chasis is interesting as well. It's got almost 11 inches of travel, but it's actually quite firmly sprung and damped. I'm actually gonna soften off the stock settings. It has plenty of trail, making it the most stable motard I've ridden, but it turns so well it felt like cheating on Rt. 116 today.

The radial mount brake up front are potent. Overkill even. And the slipper clutch is nice to have, although if it kicked in, I didn't feel it. There's still a fair bit of engine braking on high rev downshifts.

Anyway, I'm stoked!!!

[Ryno]

wow, that's a beaut.
Congrats man, looks fun

[akira700]

Cool Paul! You bringing that thing to the track soon?
Looks like fun!

[Evil_Weasel]

oooh, nice. my license gets scared just looking at that bike.

[Paul_E_D]

This thing is a riot at speeds below 75, so at least my infractions will be within the realm of legal speeds (for some road somewhere, if not the one I'm on!)

It will see the track, but I can't make the next trackdays... the real world is calling and it's time for me to respond.

[OreoGaborio]

Holy crap man, NICE SCORE!!! Congrats!

can't wait to see it

[CEO]

AWESOME!!! Sweet score, Paul.

Always loved the looks of those

[GixerJockey]

I think I hate you!


Damn, that thing is sweet Paul...

[s a x m a n]

Congrats on a the new ride paul!

Let me know when you want to meet up for a ride!

[Pittenger5]

I hate you

http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...eam-green.html

But nice choice in a bike hahah!

[TTD]

Nice purchase! I was just up there Monday sitting on those...

Is there any option for luggage for that bike? Put a tail box on that and you got yourself a nice daily driver.

[R7]

VERY cool bike Paul, congrats and good luck with it

[ChR1s]

Nice purchase! I was just up there Monday sitting on those...

Is there any option for luggage for that bike? Put a tail box on that and you got yourself a nice daily driver.

Fuel fill is in the tail section, so luggage options may require some inginuity. But luggage has no place there to begin with!

Nice wheels, Paul. I too looked both the 690E and 690SMC over. So much for them being pre-sold. Do check the fasteners over, as our 690SM and 990A both had some loose/missing.

[Paul_E_D]

Nice purchase! I was just up there Monday sitting on those...

Is there any option for luggage for that bike? Put a tail box on that and you got yourself a nice daily driver.

You sat on my bike!? Dude, it's spoiled now...

Tony, Get the Enduro! I rode it this morning. It's geared quite a bit lower than the SMC, so it's much more woodsable. I actually dirt roaded it and took it over an obstacle or two. It's and adventure bike for sure.

It accessories haven't even come out yet, but KTM is like Ducati. Huge into accessories, so they will come. I'm definitely going to hook up a tailbag of some sort and use it as a daily rider.

The seat may be the only thing that needs improvement for adv riding. I'm thinking I'll send mine to Sargeant this winter for some gel or better foam.

[ChR1s]

re: 690E
They've got some Adventure parts/kits in the works for the Enduro. I'm interested to see what they've come up with for additional fuel capacity. My plan is to hold out for now, and see if the 690Adv model makes it here soon enough. One issue with these bikes for off-road is the narrow steering lock. No big deal in most situtions, but something to be aware of.

Paul, have you messed with the power settings yet?

[Paul_E_D]

No, I've put 78 miles on it, and gotten soaked!

I'll do the 1st/2nd power mod soon and try the different maps. I have no idea what Jerry did to prep it for me. He's out of town.

Paul

P.S. I jumped the Enduro. It is very stiff and could handle a fair bit of air before bottoming! One rear blinker fell off! Reminds me of the old days on the XL80.

[ChR1s]

Here's all the luggage you need:

[Paul_E_D]

btw guys, thanks for all the love... and hate.

[Daytona440]

Congrats Paul! Sweet ride!

[Pittenger5]

btw guys, thanks for all the love... and hate.

Im just jealous cause I havent gotten mine yet haha

[seth399]

congrats, that thing is beautiful

[Cyclenutz]

That bike just screams "fun" ..

[breakdirt916]

nice bike!

[nt650hawk]

Looks like a blast. Have fun.

[TTD]

While backpacks are OK... I'm loving the tail cases for daily use.

I don't even know it's there when it's on, and makes running into stores, etc so much nicer since it's lockable.

Pops off in two seconds with the same key that locks it when the bike is going to be used for serious off road.

In the first photo below, you see the original "storage/tool" bin that came with the bike... and the new SHAD box. When the box is removes, that little plate under it is all you see.