[Duked690]

As you've seen on here, i have owned 2 x 690s, a 2012 and a 2016....I then went to a 790, yes smooth, yes refined, yes power, yes electronics...

But for me it was lacking in soul and character, it was/is too Japanese for me. When i think of a KTM it has to give 'something' that other bikes cannot give, sometimes it came in the form of a 990 Superduke which gave fun, power, instanity.... Or the 950 which gave the riding position and the excitement of a powerful grunty Supermoto. The 690s give fun, lightness, agility in the most powerful single cylinder bike on the market.

That's why i now own a 690 again

 

[Duked690]

Weeksy's summary is spot on. I have a 2017 690 - love it. Road the 790 this weekend. Fast, smooth, comfy, great handling and clinical. The Duke 690 has way more dirt bike/motard in its soul. The 100cc difference and extra piston have made the 790 much more like the 1290 than I thought possible. I did like the bike and would buy it before the street triple based on comfort and mid range power. Front brakes and good, but not like the setup on the Street RS, and the clutch very grabby. If you think the 690 is crude (common comment I get from fellow riders) you may not have dirt in your blood - the 790 will likely be your bike.