[kittum]

690 vs 790

I am mulling over the decision between the 690 and 790. I've been a dirt rider all my riding career (10 years) with KTM 530 EXC but am excited about the forthcoming street exploration and travel. Regarding the 690, I read on this forum a ton of problems with the hydraulic clutch/slave: leaking fluid and leaving people stranded (as well as other problems). And for the life of me, I can't understand why KTM did not put the LED lights on the '17 and '18 model year 690s. The dirt bike rider in me still yearns for the thumper effect of the large single cylinder ala the 690 but at this point in the USA there are only "old new stock" 2017s and 2018s available (2019s not sold in the USA); the price is right for these "new" bikes, but I worry about them sitting around for years at a dealership, not being driven, particularly in light of seemingly many problems with the bike, as posted on this forum. I test drove the 790 and was impressed with how smooth the power delivery was, but was it TOO smooth? Not enough of a test drive to know, but I'm leaning heavily towards the 790 at this point, given the reported reliability issues with the 690. Would much rather save $5kUS and get the 690 but the 790 might be too nice, and the 690 too unreliable. Thanks for reading.

 

[kittum]

790 is excellent

One month ago I was set on the 690 Duke. Coming off a Honda VFR800, I wanted a bike a lot lighter and with less power. For the last 4 weeks I have been looking at alternatives - Yamaha MT07 (FZ07) for our North American friends, Ducati 821 Monster and even Kawasaki 650. In the end I could not get away from the KTM. I need good suspension and low weight. Today, instead of the 690 (now no longer a current model) I ordered the 790, which to all accounts is a better bike. Felt nice and light when I sat on it - no test ride as yet, seat a bit firm but otherwise I am hoping this is a good decision. I am a bit concerned about the weight - would like a bit less, but I reckon it is easier to pull pounds off the 790 than any of the others. Take delivery next week, will post again when I have given it a good ride.

You made a good decision. I took delivery a few weeks ago of a new 790 and I couldn't be happier. Already blown through the 620 mile break in period and its time to take her in for the initial service (after this service, the next one is not until 9,000 miles). I looked carefully at the 690 versus the 790. For me, it was a completely different experience between the two: the 690 felt like a slightly bigger version of my KTM 530 EXC dirt bike: engine felt the same, sound was the same, vibration was the same, etc. One ride on the 790 and it was night and day: much smoother power delivery and ride. Now that the break in period is complete, I will be able to test the limits a little bit on power, acceleration, etc. Ride is excellent, sound is excellent...it is a finely put-together bike. Goldilocks in terms of power: not too much, not too little. Brakes are very good.

All this to say: congratulations on your purchase and enjoy the ride.

Thank you.