My KTM 690 Adventure [Archive]

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Night Falcon

14th March 2010, 21:24

Hi Folks,

Welcome to my KTM 690 adventure thread!

Strictly speaking its not qiute an adventure bike yet but but over the next month I hope to add a number of goodies which will transform the not so humble 690 Enduro into an even less humble 690 adventure.

My shopping list includes the following:

Rally Fairing
New Exhaust
Low front fender
Linkage Lowerer
GPS (Zumo 550)
Foot Peg upgrade
Seat upgrade
Bar Riser 65mm
Scott Oiler
Headlight protector
Panier Racks
Pelican hard cases
Safari Tank

I hope you enjoy the ride.

First couple of days work photo's :

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00029.jpg

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00030.jpg

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00031.jpg

young1

14th March 2010, 21:29

This will be very interesting.

How much does the new linkage lower the bike?

pampa

14th March 2010, 21:29

Nice one, I'll keep an eye

my 2 cents, Add decent tyres

Night Falcon

14th March 2010, 21:42

Thanks lads, any tips will be welocmed!!

The linkage lowerer replaces the std prolever suspension likage. You can get 2 sizes...lower 1inch or 1 5/8". I ordered the 1 /58 from the states but of course they sent the 1inch one....dang nabit! I could send it back but have decided to suck it up and fit it. I really only wanted it for tricky slow speed riding to give me that little extra bit of leg stretch! I don't plan to be doing any hard enduro rides on her but the extra inch will be handy.

ducatijim

15th March 2010, 07:30

That looks like a bloody expensive way to spend ones evenings - Sky would be cheaper to stay amused!

.chris

15th March 2010, 08:09

Great project bike, I was considering doing the same, but I do a bit of trail riding and wanted to keep the 690 as trailesq as possible.

What are your plans for the seat? I got a corbin for mine, it is rock hard but heaps wider than the stock one, so that at least feels better for the longer days on the bike.

I also got the 20mm KTM bar risers, but wished I had got something higher more adjustable, I am thinking of getting some Rox Risers.
http://www.roxspeedfx.com/subcatpage/268//InstalledDualSportRisers.jpg

Crisis management

15th March 2010, 08:39

This should be interesting...couple of questions, why the lowering links (the 690 isn't tall) and why the low front guard? This is coming from someone who threw away the low front guard on the 640 Adventure and uses all the suspension movement available.

Night Falcon

15th March 2010, 11:45

Night Falcon

15th March 2010, 11:51

Hi the lowering link is simple to drop the height down to my previous bike height (990 adventure) which I found suited me. The low fender is cos i just like it better that way and is abit more aero dynamic for road use....which i will be doing alot of. I have a nice new orange one arriving from austria hopefully in next couple of weeks! I need to make some brackets to get it to fit but should be no problem.

Bass

15th March 2010, 13:00

.chris

15th March 2010, 13:40

Hi Chris, I have looked at the rox risers and may get them but am also looking at custom made set from Aussie which give 50mm rise. I will be putting on some Klm on the 690 before i decide. Its always difficult to know what size rise to get.

I have am working with a local vehicle upolsterer who has lots of experience with modifying bike seats....and is a lot cheaper than an imported new one. He is going to do his magic on the foam this week which i can then look at and tweak prior to new cover being fitted. Hopefully will have it back by the end of the week. I'm looking at a 2 colour option just to be differnent!

Who are the people doing the work on the seat? I would like to get some adjustments done to my corbin (they made it too long and I can't open the gas cap without releasing the seat)

Where abouts are you located?
If you are localish I would be happy to let you try the corbin as it may be a good guide for the work on your seat, and I would be interested to see if it would fit under the Safari tank.

dino3310

15th March 2010, 17:26

excuse my ignorance but wouldnt it be easier to get a 690adventurer than modifying the enduro

junkmanjoe

15th March 2010, 17:29

excuse my ignorance but wouldnt it be easier to get a 690adventurer than modifying the enduro

Oh you dumb arse.....wheres the fun in doing that..... shezzzz wayne................:shutup:

JMJ

Eddieb

15th March 2010, 17:40

excuse my ignorance but wouldnt it be easier to get a 690adventurer than modifying the enduro

If KTM made one then it would be easier, but they don't so it isn't.

junkmanjoe

15th March 2010, 17:54

make it look like this one...

http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=193345&d=1220746734

Nice, very nice..

JMJ

.chris

15th March 2010, 17:54

excuse my ignorance but wouldnt it be easier to get a 690adventurer than modifying the enduro

For the same reason you did not buy a 2010 XR650R :P

The enduro ticks quite a few of the right boxes for an adventure bike.
I think if they had made the tank just a big larger (up to 18l at least)
Added a bit more structure to the rear subframe/tank setup (for luggage and extra fuel weight)
Decent front faring to keep the wind off
A wider more comfortable seat they would have a pretty decent 690ADV.
The 5000km service is not too bad, easy enough to do the 5000km ones yourself, the 10,000 need a dealer.

Night Falcon

15th March 2010, 18:23

Warewolf posted some data a few weeks back, when we were discussing the effect of suspension adjustments. The graphs he posted also had a second curve set which showed the effect of adding a 2" lowering link. (I haven't been able to figure out how to copy it into this post)

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/118483-Anyone-stuck-an-aftermarket-shock-in-a-DR650/page2

post number 26

Basically, it kinda screwed up the rising rate action of the rear linkage, especially near full compression.
Nothing is free it seems.
Personally, I think I would rather have the handling and put up with the height, but hey, a 1" link may not make that much difference.

All very interesting stuff!! I have done plenty of track and trail work over the years so I know all about bottoming out rear and front shocks. Shock absorbsion is a factor of weight and momentum and as i don't plan to be doing anything that will overly stress the suspenders the reduced absorbtion should not be a problem. I guess if it does become an issue I can always re-fit the stock link....as you rightly point out, the 1inch link may not be too detrimental...I guess I'll find out though!!

Night Falcon

15th March 2010, 18:32

Who are the people doing the work on the seat? I would like to get some adjustments done to my corbin (they made it too long and I can't open the gas cap without releasing the seat)

Where abouts are you located?
If you are localish I would be happy to let you try the corbin as it may be a good guide for the work on your seat, and I would be interested to see if it would fit under the Safari tank.

Charmin motor trimers in Napier...you can check out their web just google them. You probably have someone in your area who could do the mods for you...it must be a pain in the azzzzzzz takin the seat off every time you gas up!

dino3310

15th March 2010, 18:59

For the same reason you did not buy a 2010 XR650R :P
.

cause i was broke.

R they hard to get or really expensive.

Padmei

15th March 2010, 20:21

.chris

15th March 2010, 20:33

Noticed on Umopoms one yesterday that there's nothing to grab hold of to lift the rear end if it gets stuck. Anyways around that? (apart from not getting stuck - sorry someone would have stated the obvious)

They do come with hand rails on the back if you want them fitted, or like mine has a rear rack which can be used as a getting unstuck handle.

R they hard to get or really expensive.
Dino, they never made them. There is no such model as a 690 Adventure, the 640 Adventure was the last LC4 Adventure they made.

warewolf

15th March 2010, 20:44

I watch with interest. :yes:

This should be interesting...couple of questions, why the lowering links (the 690 isn't tall) and why the low front guard? This is coming from someone who threw away the low front guard on the 640 Adventure and uses all the suspension movement available.What he said. Many people with low-guard Adventures retrofit the Enduro high guard, but each to his own. Watch you don't run out of clearance at full compression; you have to have travel + the thickness of the guard + the gap between tyre and guard. DAMHIK. And you probably won't be able to drop the triples 1" down the forks to maintain geometry to match the lowering links.

All very interesting stuff!! I have done plenty of track and trail work over the years so I know all about bottoming out rear and front shocks. Shock absorbsion is a factor of weight and momentum and as i don't plan to be doing anything that will overly stress the suspenders the reduced absorbtion should not be a problem. I guess if it does become an issue I can always re-fit the stock link....as you rightly point out, the 1inch link may not be too detrimental...I guess I'll find out though!!It's not just _at_ full compression that is a problem, but every bump you hit, and _getting_ to full compression. The shock's damping is designed for the travel based on the standard links - change the linkage geometry and it all turns to shit, IMHO. I was using 1 1/8" links, and the performance was abysmal. Choppy, horrible, under-sprung and and poorly-damped ride, all from changing the linkage. And don't forget, the linkage doesn't change the travel, so check that you have 1" extra clearance to the undertail at full compression vs the standard link.

In summary: lowering links as a cure are far worse than duck's disease itself.

This is the chart:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/warewolf885/mc/bikes/ktm/lc4/loweringLinkLeverage.jpg
The 2" links' difference is shown with the blue line starting at only -100mm. It's line should extend to the 200mm point, but unfortunately with very little provocation it slams into the undertail at 150mm.

But hey, you've bought 'em, give it a whirl, report back here :D

PS Reading the Koubalink site, you're a braver man than me:

We have also shortened the the "KTM8" link slightly so as not to allow the tire to bottom on the fuel tank as easily. The tire still may touch if bottomed very hard and/or are running the large knobby tires with this "KTM8-2" link.Note that per the chart, lowering links make bottoming very hard a reality.

Woody2

15th March 2010, 21:14

For the same reason you did not buy a 2010 XR650R :P

The enduro ticks quite a few of the right boxes for an adventure bike.
I think if they had made the tank just a big larger (up to 18l at least)
Added a bit more structure to the rear subframe/tank setup (for luggage and extra fuel weight)
Decent front faring to keep the wind off
A wider more comfortable seat they would have a pretty decent 690ADV.
The 5000km service is not too bad, easy enough to do the 5000km ones yourself, the 10,000 need a dealer.

I brought the aftermarket KTM screen for mine, helps keep the wind at bay. I may at some stage buy the touratech luggage rack which has the pillion pegs as well. Looks way stronger than the factory rack. Haven't worked out what do to regarding the seat yet!

Bass

16th March 2010, 10:31

I watch with interest. :yes:

PS Reading the Koubalink site, you're a braver man than me:
Note that per the chart, lowering links make bottoming very hard a reality.

That's pretty much what I thought, but I didn't want to kill the man's enthusiasm and he might still get lucky.

I've always thought the DR system of having a second set of holes in the bottom clevis for lowering, was a good idea as it doesn't change the geometry much. Pity it's a crap shock in the first place.

Night Falcon

16th March 2010, 11:10

That's pretty much what I thought, but I didn't want to kill the man's enthusiasm and he might still get lucky.

I've always thought the DR system of having a second set of holes in the bottom clevis for lowering, was a good idea as it doesn't change the geometry much. Pity it's a crap shock in the first place.

Thanks for your comments...I have sent a copy of your thoughts to the technician at Koobalink for thier comments. I donot intend to compromise on safety/handling to the extent you have described. We will see what they have to say...meanwhile back to build.

Checked out the seat adjustments this morning and it looks great. The Guys at Charmins really no their stuff. I should have the seat back tommorow so if i get time will put shom pictures up for you. I am also making some brackets that will allow me to mount a couple of top box options; one for touring and a smaller one for round town.

Cheers, Night Falcon

Bass

16th March 2010, 14:10

Thanks for your comments...I have sent a copy of your thoughts to the technician at Koobalink for thier comments. I donot intend to compromise on safety/handling to the extent you have described. We will see what they have to say...

Good call but remember that they have a vested interest.
Let me say that it's a great project you have taken on and I think there are many out here looking to see how it turns out. However, I think that is all the more reason that we should help you succeed if we have anything useful to add.

Everything that follows should be tempered by the thought that it is a 1" link that you have and that the data that Colin posted is for a 2" link. We also need to remember that changing the link is not a major and so neither is changing it back.
Having said that, the chart that Colin posted shows a linkage multiplication factor for a standard link that goes from about 0.6 to about 4.2.
In contrast, with the link fitted, it goes from about 0.6 to around 1.7.
That's a big change. It would lead to an undersprung and underdamped situation especially nearing full compression.
However, because of the longer link, the apparent axle weight comes down and so the change in the load on the spring and damper is not as pronounced as it might at first appear
Consequently, you may still be in with a 1" link and so the "suck it and see" policy is still a sensible one.

ducatijim

16th March 2010, 17:31

I think I'll just crawl back under me rock.............................................. ..

warewolf

16th March 2010, 18:00

I have sent a copy of your thoughts to the technician at Koobalink for thier comments.They might point you back to their FAQs, esp. point 7(?).

Regardless of any theoretical hows whys & wherefores, I rode the 1 1/8" links and learnt first hand they were best avoided. Give them a go, but maybe after you are settled in with the bike, put the originals back on for a while to compare.

Dr Robert also has some thoughts on the matter, but he also has a vested interest. However, I agree wholeheartedly with him: it is better to pay for the shock to be modified (which will probably work better than OEM anyway) than it is to pay for lowering links that ruin the suspension action.

Righto, back to the shed and on with it Mr Falcon :sunny:

dino3310

16th March 2010, 18:43

They do come with hand rails on the back if you want them fitted, or like mine has a rear rack which can be used as a getting unstuck handle.

Dino, they never made them. There is no such model as a 690 Adventure, the 640 Adventure was the last LC4 Adventure they made.

bugga thats a shame, nice bike too.. cheers for clearing that up for me

Night Falcon

16th March 2010, 19:45

Comments from the man himself.....Norm Kouba.

Dear Night Falcon,
We had some problems with the first link we built for the 690's that lowered the rear a full two inches, non-aggressive lighter riders liked them fine, but the more aggressive riders or ones that wanted to ride double were bottoming the tire into the underside of the tank. Since then we have started building the 1" and 1 5/8" links and have not had the problem with the tire rubbing the tank. Not to say that if a rider bottoms the rear hard enough that you cannot put a rubber mark on the underside of the tank but that is pretty much the case with most bikes as the neoprene stop on the shock makes up for the different riders and allows for a 3-4 inch fender clearance when it hits the stop. To be sure on how much clearance you have, one can remove the spring from the rear shock, reinstall the shock on the bike and raise the rear wheel until the weight of the bike is resting on the neoprene shock stop. You'll find that with the stock link you will have 3-4" clearance to the fender. The longer links are cutting into that clearance margin but should not be a concern especially with the 1" lowering links. If you cycle the shock thru its stroke with both the stock link and KoubaLink you will find you have slightly more travel with the longer links than with the stock links. All motorcycle mfgs that I am aware of advertise the total travel as if that neoprene shock stop is removed, thus showing approx 2-4" more travel than they actually have. I'm not sure what bike is referenced below but it looks similar to the charts for the Suzuki DR or DRZ. If that is the case, we recommended a heavier rear spring for those to make up for the added leverage of the longer links. You should not need a heavier rear spring on the 690 with the longer links unless you are carrying a lot of weight or are super aggressive. Thanks for your inquiry and please let us know if we can help with anything.
Norm

warewolf

16th March 2010, 21:36

Sorry but I'm skeptical of how "most" translates to "KTM 690 Enduro" specifically. It certainly don't translate to "640 Adventure" which would be a closer match than most jap stuff, 'cos there is ZERO clearance front & rear as standard. Pull the forks through the triples or fit lowering links and you're eating into your travel. There is no 3-4" (75-100mm!!) travel buffer on these bikes... there's not even a 3/4" buffer, if that's what he really meant. You can push it through the full stroke, neoprene bumper included.

He's being a little disingenuous. The neoprene bump stop is there to help avoid harsh bottoming at full compression. The first thing that gets taken out of play by changing the travel vs the undertail is the bump stop - allowing the suspension to hit harder when it does bottom, and we know it bottoms easier.

As I said before, you really need to check the clearance on your bike in order to make an informed decision. Or to avoid over-thinking it, suck it and see!

But if you are going to buy lowering links (dubious outcome) and then buy a heavier spring (further dubious outcome) why not just pay to have the shock tuned to have less travel in the first place (positive outcome)??

Sorry to sound like a stuck record but these things are over-hyped as a magic bullet bolt-on solution, such that people are quite happy to part with their cash for them without really investigating the negatives and/or alternatives. Friends don't let friends do lowering links! :lol:

Night Falcon

17th March 2010, 07:35

[QUOTE=warewolf;1129686145]Sorry but I'm skeptical of how "most" translates to "KTM 690 Enduro" specifically. It certainly don't translate to "640 Adventure" which would be
But if you are going to buy lowering links (dubious outcome) and then buy a heavier spring (further dubious outcome) why not just pay to have the shock tuned to have less travel in the first place (positive outcome)??

I have to admit to being a little naive on the whole linkage vrs suspension tuning deal. Silly me just looked at the shiny linkage and well...you know...it looked soooo cool. Your sagely comments are appriciated but as the horse has bolted, so to speak , I will have to leave it to the sinence of SIAS (suck it an see) to decide the final out come....I will of course let you know how it fares....you can be assured if it aint up to my exacting standards it will be comming off!

Bass

17th March 2010, 08:00

I will have to leave it to the sinence of SIAS (suck it an see) to decide the final out come....I will of course let you know how it fares....you can be assured if it aint up to my exacting standards it will be comming off!

Best of luck. Hope it works out for you.
Thanks for posting Mr Kouba's reply. I was really interested to see that he completely ignored the "loss of rising rate effect". I think that this may be key and that you will find that your rear suspension bottoms out much more easily than you want, exactly as Colin described.
Could be wrong though, so as I said, best of luck.

CrazyFrog

17th March 2010, 13:30

Here's one modded 690 you can aspire to achieving.....:love:

There ya go, the bar has just been raised!

topo

17th March 2010, 13:53

Or this one since you already have the tank.
http://www.albertodottori.net/images/ktm%20690%20r%202.jpg

What "rally" style fairing were you planning on using?

Night Falcon

17th March 2010, 16:51

I have ruled out both Meeca systems and Alberto's fairings as Waaaaay to expensive. I have found a company in Aussie which make similar product for about half the cost. Spoke to them yesterday infact...it will be in the post this week. I will show you pictures when it arrives.

topo

17th March 2010, 16:58

Don at CPW in WA?

Night Falcon

17th March 2010, 17:06

Collected the finished seat thismorning...I'm rapt with how it turned out. Heres some pictures as promosed.

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00033.jpg

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00034.jpg

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00035.jpg

Woody2

17th March 2010, 17:23

Looks good, How's the comfort factor compared to stock?

Night Falcon

17th March 2010, 20:31

Its a lot more comfy than the stock. I'm taking it out for a wee 2 day ride over the weekend so that will be a good test!

Night Falcon

18th March 2010, 11:23

Completed manufacture of my Top Case brackets last night. I cut them out from 12mm aluminium plate and shaped them using my own not yet patented bending equipment (vice, large crescent, sledge hammer). Finally after much painstaking aligning and realigning they are ready for testing. I have ordered slightly longer countersunk bolts to fit them which should arrive today so hopefully I will have a top case fitted for the weekend adventure....I hate wearing back packs!! If they work out ok they will be off to the powder coaters next week. Pics below for your amusement.
cheers N.F. :shifty:

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00038.jpg

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00039.jpg

clint640

18th March 2010, 12:17

.chris

18th March 2010, 12:27

Looking good. Trying to fit things up to the different angles on a bike is always a bit of work, but with basic tools, some time & a few scraps of alloy ya can make some very cool bike bling. I'd be inclined to integrate some sort of carrier into the rack, having somewhere to bungy on a rainsuit or spare jersey can be handy when you're not using the luggage. A few bits of stainless rod set acrossways into holes along the inside edges of the rails would be one tidy way of doing that.

Cheers
Clint

I agree, having some basic storage on the back is super handy.
I went with a B&B rear rack (http://www.bboffroad.com.au/ktm__6902.htm) without the vertical bar. Was about $220 nzd landed at my door.

The bonus for me is it works great with the luggage on top, but also works great just to strap stuff for the day trip.

Night Falcon

23rd March 2010, 17:53

Well after 1022.71 klms of over 2days with just under half that distance on gravel roads of varying condition I'm ready for my first appraisal of the KTM 690 enduro (partly adventurised).

I was joined on the trip by my good mate Jimbo on his trusty KTM950 ADV which I believe is the bench mark for adventure bikes in NZ conditions. The route was Hastings to Lake Waikeri (via back roads from Raupunga), then on to Opotiki and stop for the night. Then back to Hastings via the Motu, Matawai to Wairoa (via Koranga Valley) and on to Hastings.

So here’s how she went:

Comfort: Seat rating 4/5
The new seat was fantastic! Although I did fit my trusty sheep skin (which I all ways fit for long rides) nevertheless, the rework of the seat exceeded my expectations....not perfect but quite acceptable. I did have a sore hiney for the last leg of the trip from Wairoa to Hastings but put that down to lack of saddle time over the last 12months.

Power: 4.99999/5
Now my last bike was a 990 adventure so in comparison the power was down a bit on the 690. However, the LC4 engine in my view is as close to perfection as you can reasonable ask! There is torque everywhere! With no front faring (yet) anything over 110kph was a little drafty but there was nothing on the road in front of us that with a flick of the wrist wasn't left in the dust....including the 950 on some of the more tight corners!

The FMF exhaust and remap of the engine really makes this engine dance! and I only had it set on the "all purpose" map setting.

Suspension: 5/5
I decided not to fit the 1" lowering link for this trip....partly because I hadn't really put the 690 through its paces, and partly because I wanted to be able to have some comparison between the stock settings for when I chuck it on. But what can I say? The stock WP springs were "sublime". I set the front forks to 15/15(Compression & Rebound) with the rear set at 14/14 due to the extra weight of the pannier.

GPS: 4.5/5
The Garmin Zumo 550 is a great piece of Kit. Once you get used to operating it you can go down tracks you might otherwise have avoided due to fuel or time worries. The Zumo gives both distance and estimated time to arrival and has a nifty fuel function/guage that is very handy for keeping an I on your gas levels.

Safari Tank: 6/5
Nothing need be said about the Safari Tank except go buy one!!

Rear Pannier Rack: 5/5
Manufactured by Night Falcon Industries, these racks are simple, strong, and light weight. I bolted the base plate off my Sanremo top case (45L) straight on to the brackets…no worries.

I herd it said that the 690 enduro with a few modifications could be the perfect adventure bike….for my money it sure looks like it!!

Cheers
NF

blackdog

23rd March 2010, 18:07

keep it up matey, am looking forward to the finished product.....

dino3310

23rd March 2010, 18:11

cool write up.
How was the fuel consumption?

Night Falcon

23rd March 2010, 18:37

cool write up.
How was the fuel consumption?

Fuel consumption was oustanding! I averaged 21.1 Klms per litre which on both tanks 26 ltrs (12ltr stock and 14ltr safari) gave me a range of 548.6klm.

Compared to Jimbo's 9fiddy of about 14-15 klm per ltr on 22lt tank is about 319klm.

junkmanjoe

23rd March 2010, 18:45

once you have loaded up the new bike, with all the new goodies, full of fuel and luggage,
how would you compare the weight and handling to the 990.

JMJ

dino3310

23rd March 2010, 18:49

Fuel consumption was oustanding! I averaged 21.1 Klms per litre which on both tanks 26 ltrs (12ltr stock and 14ltr safari) gave me a range of 548.6klm.

Compared to Jimbo's 9fiddy of about 14-15 klm per ltr on 22lt tank is about 319klm.

wow thats pretty awesome bro...

now where can i scrape up 15k to get me one :whistle:

Night Falcon

23rd March 2010, 19:11

once you have loaded up the new bike, with all the new goodies,, how would you compare the weight and handling to the 990.

JMJ

Hey Joe...why does that expresion remind me of the sixties?....the reason I embarked on this project was I needed a lighter more agile bike.

So far the 690 has met both these criteria exceptionally. The best comparison I can give is, it feels like half the bike with most of the usable power still available. The handling is light and nimble...these things can turn on a dime! Plus you have a factory slipper clutch that enables you drop her down into any gear without locking up the rear.

Probably the most noticable thing compared to the 990 or Jimbos 950 is the addtional engine breaking. Jim made several comments to me about how late i was breaking into corners compared to how i used to on the 990 (and he was on the 950). For gravel riding this is a HUGE advantage.

When I was looking around I compiled a list of specs from other bikes and put them on a spreadsheet. I have attached a copy below(my first attachmnet hope it works) The numbers (although claimed) speak for themselves. I estimate the completed 690 Adventure will be some 70kgs lighter than the 990 with an almost identical power to weight ratio.

201619

Padmei

23rd March 2010, 19:37

what setting do you have it set on?

warewolf

23rd March 2010, 20:34

Glad to hear you are happy with it! :scooter:

Probably the most noticable thing compared to the 990 or Jimbos 950 is the addtional engine breaking. Jim made several comments to me about how late i was breaking into corners compared to how i used to on the 990 (and he was on the 950). For gravel riding this is a HUGE advantage.No doubt the 70kg less weight helps with the late braking thing, and the flickability.

When I was looking around I compiled a list of specs from other bikes and put them on a spreadsheet. I have attached a copy below(my first attachmnet hope it works) The numbers (although claimed) speak for themselves. I estimate the completed 690 Adventure will be some 70kgs lighter than the 990 with an almost identical power to weight ratio.KTM normally quotes half-dry not dry weights. The 640A comes in pretty much the same as the DR650 dry, and 176kg gross. This also applies to the 690E and 530EXC, so their gross weight is only the extra 737g/L of fuel.

I felt the same thing with the 950 when I was shopping for my 640. Sure the big mutha had more grunt outright, but for solo running the performance felt fairly similar. However the 640 is ~50 kg lighter which counts when you are chucking it around for any length of time, and/or picking it up off the ground. And the bigger bike costs more to buy and run.

what setting do you have it set on?KTMs go to 11.

NordieBoy

23rd March 2010, 20:43

201619

The KW readings are at the crank?

I thought the stock 690 was strangled off the bottom.
The exhaust and re-map changes this?

Woody2

23rd March 2010, 20:47

KTMs go to 11.[/QUOTE]

From what I understand settings from3-11 there isn't a lot of difference. Between settings 1,2 & 3 it's night and day. In the weekend Oscar was surprised at the change from 2 -3.
DW.

Padmei

24th March 2010, 06:56

OK I thought the first 3 settings were all that were used?

Woody2

24th March 2010, 07:05

OK I thought the first 3 settings were all that were used?

That's right, because of the lack of difference in the settings 3 & upwards

Night Falcon

24th March 2010, 07:19

I used setting 3 because it was the best for all surfaces (general setting). also cos I was tooo lazy to lift the seat every time I wanted to change it. On that subject....does anyone have any info on extending the stock cable (two wires) so that the control dial can be relocated on my yet to be built dashboard? I already know about the Leo Vince switch for the handle bars but am not interested in it...or the $172.00 they want for it.

The chaps at Triple X Moto Sales in Aukland have a nice map they can install called the "open race map". Once the open map is installed there is no need for a switch as the map removes the restrictor in 1st and 2nd gear. Only a few KTM dealers have access to it but might be worth a road trip one day??

Night Falcon

24th March 2010, 07:30

The product of nothing to do one afternoon. Below is a mock-up drawing of what My dash might look like.

Here's a question for you....What would you put on/leave off your dashboard?

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DashBd3.jpg

clint640

24th March 2010, 08:18

The product of nothing to do one afternoon. Below is a mock-up drawing of what My dash might look like.

Here's a question for you....What would you put on/leave off your dashboard

Have you got hot grips? A spot for the switch/controller if you put some on in future is one thing to think about. Also a way to mount up a lunchbox route sheet holder.
Dunno about the 690 but I would expect it is the same as the 640 & has pretty light wiring. I've run a fused heavier feed up from the battery to feed the hot grips & headlight/spotlight via relays. If I was building a dash setup I would try & fit in a block of fused relays for the gadgets, ideally easily accessable under a cover or something.

Cheers
Clint

Night Falcon

26th March 2010, 14:42

At last the long awaited Front Fairing has arrived.

I must say that I am impressed with the quality and although the colour on the photo's dosn't show it...it matches the KTM orange perfectly.

First thing I'll be doing is cutting out a cardboard template for the dash before cutting out the 1.6mm Aluminium sheet. I hope to fit the speedo, GPS, ignition switch and a 12v adapt into the dash to start with.

I have "losely" figured out how I will mount the fairing to the bike (without any welding). The after market nave tower wasn't quite what I wanted (plus I was too tight to fork out another $400.00 Aussie for it) because it is really made for hardcore enduro set ups whereas my needs are a bit more sedate on the adventure.

Anywayzz I'd better get cracking....I got a busy weekend ahead of me!!

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC08761.jpg

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC08760.jpg

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC08759.jpg

junkmanjoe

26th March 2010, 15:01

this going to be one sick ride when your dun.....wana swap...:shifty:

dino3310

26th March 2010, 16:50

this going to be one sick ride when your dun.....wana swap...:shifty:

yeah ok mate im keen

topo

26th March 2010, 19:54

How you going to mount the fairing without the nav tower? After putting a rally fairing on my 640e I can tell you that you'll need some fairly sturdy mounts. Especially if you fill up the dash with GPS,speedo and all the other rubbish that seems to get stuck up front, not to mention the lights,fuses and relays - all starts to add up after a while.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn175/topo-t-south/ktm%20build/PC120006.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn175/topo-t-south/ktm%20build/PC120003.jpg

Night Falcon

26th March 2010, 21:04

[QUOTE=topo;1129697952]How you going to mount the fairing without the nav tower? After putting a rally fairing on my 640e I can tell you that you'll need some fairly sturdy mounts. Especially if you fill up the dash with GPS,speedo and all the other rubbish that seems to get stuck up front, not to mention the lights,fuses and relays - all starts to add up after a while.

I do intend using a nav tower...just not their one. I will post some pics when shes all done :-)

Night Falcon

27th March 2010, 17:39

Good days progress on the nav tower. I choose to clamp and bolt rather than weld...something didn't feel right about takin to my new shiny bike with a welder.
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC08762.jpg

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC08763.jpg

Of course nothing always goes quite to plan...turned out the fairing was for an 08 model which has differnet light.

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC08765.jpg

A bit of careful setting out and cutting and problem fixed!

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC08766.jpg

support brackets for head light made and fitted.
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC08767.jpg

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC08768.jpg

dino3310

27th March 2010, 18:16

looking hot mate

Night Falcon

29th March 2010, 21:50

Nav tower is almost completed, just a few more brackets to make and shes all done.

I decided to replace the stock indicators with the funky "clear" lense ones off the 990 Adventure so have ordered some today. Great news form KTM...my new lower mudgard is in the country (along with some other bits I've been waiting for) so should have them this week.

I will be taking a break over Easter to spend some time with my wife and family (KTM widows) so will catch up next week. In the mean time have a fantassssstic break and keep the rubber side pointing down!

A sneeak Peak at the fairing (taped)

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00050.jpg.

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00049.jpg

junkmanjoe

30th March 2010, 13:34

:yes:Sweeeeeeeet.............:drool:

Night Falcon

6th April 2010, 18:51

Managed to get a few bits and peices done over the break.

Nav tower completed.

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00054.jpg

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00056.jpg

Dash Board Started...couple of switches left to mount.
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00062.jpg

Front Mudgard fitted
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00063.jpg

Fairing completed...just waiten for new indicators to arrive.

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00064.jpg

Also fitted 30mm Bar risers as thats all I needed and rubber inserts on foot pegs to absorb some of the vibes.

I have started mounting the rear pelican panniers so will get some shots when they are done.

Cheers
NF

Crisis management

6th April 2010, 19:27

Here's a thread on a 690 set up for round the world travel, may have some interesting bits in it for you.......

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=566295

Iain

clint640

7th April 2010, 10:11

Also fitted 30mm Bar risers as thats all I needed and rubber inserts on foot pegs to absorb some of the vibes.

I have started mounting the rear pelican panniers so will get some shots when they are done.

Cheers
NF

Looking good, although I think you could do with a better camera do do it justice.

Watch those rubber footpeg inserts if you are ever going on a muddy ride - they get dangerously slippery. Just take a ride on a 640 then the 690's vibes won't seem like an issue at all!

Cheers
Clint

Box'a'bits

7th April 2010, 19:39

Which vibes Clint? :innocent: You must of got a friday bike....I'm sure mine doesn't vibrate at all....

junkmanjoe

7th April 2010, 19:55

which vibes clint? :innocent: You must of got a friday bike....i'm sure mine doesn't vibrate at all....

much......vvvvvvvvvvvvviiiiiiiibbbbbbbbbeeeeeessss ssss......

dino3310

8th April 2010, 21:08

faaark you can keep the KTMs at this price, beaut machine but :shit::gob:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes//auction-282743371.htm

NordieBoy

8th April 2010, 21:28

faaark you can keep the KTMs at this price, beaut machine but :shit::gob:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes//auction-282743371.htm

I'd swap it for the DR and not even feel guilty.

.chris

8th April 2010, 21:35

I'd swap it for the DR and not even feel guilty.

I would swap my 690e with 20,000 on the clock for that 2010 690R, I would feel guilty for about .1 seconds.

Night Falcon

9th April 2010, 16:56

First test ride with the new fairing fitted...certainly noticed the lack of wind trying to push you off the back end!

Took her for a good run over road, gravel, and even did Ocean Beach at high tide...makes you wonder how those Dakar lads ever get through those miles of san dunes...high speed is the only way fun but scary!

One we problem I have noticed is some "clouding" at the corners of the speedo. I have read about this so got on to KTM straight away. The nice guys at KTM have agreed to replace it under warranty....they didn't say if the new ones have been modified to stop the problem (plastic spacers wearing out under vibration...yes they doooo vibrate) so I will have to keep an eye on it.

Heres some better photos taken after Id washed all the sand out of it.

dino3310

9th April 2010, 17:02

Pretty friggin awesome looking machine mate, job well done

.chris

11th April 2010, 08:21

[QUOTE=Night Falcon;1129712783]
One we problem I have noticed is some "clouding" at the corners of the speedo. I have read about this so got on to KTM straight away. The nice guys at KTM have agreed to replace it under warranty....they didn't say if the new ones have been modified to stop the problem (plastic spacers wearing out under vibration...yes they doooo vibrate) so I will have to keep an eye on it.

I also had the same problem with my speedo, it was replaced under warranty at about 3000km, got a brand new one with 0km on the clock, which has become a bit annoying with servicing having to work out when things should be done, but at least I can read my odo.

I have the same power outlet you have mounted, I am yet to mount mine, so far i just goes via cable into my tank pack and lives in there. but I really should mount it somewhere.

Night Falcon

12th April 2010, 09:58

I also had the same problem with my speedo, it was replaced under warranty at about 3000km, got a brand new one with 0km on the clock, which has become a bit annoying with servicing having to work out when things should be done, but at least I can read my odo.

Hey Chris....how may Klms have you done on the new speedo....I assume it isn't clouding up like the last one? I expect KTM have got ithe problem sorted with thier supplier at least you'd hope so?

Night Falcon

12th April 2010, 10:19

Further testing over the weekend (lot more gravel,sand & road) with a couple of things to report.
1. I need to stiffen up the GPS mount suppot a bit as it tends to vibrate abit on hard rutty tracks. No problem though I have already designed the mk 2 bracket!

2. My experiment with relocating the mapping control seems to have been successful. I tested the 3 main settings with the repositioned control dial and it seemed to work just fine.

I found setting 3 was still the best for all purpose terrain...but am interested in what others think of the various settings?

Heres a picture of the relocated control....I have made a temporay 'housing' for it out of an old film container (which works perfectly) until i can make or find a better solution.

.chris

12th April 2010, 12:23

Hey Chris....how may Klms have you done on the new speedo....I assume it isn't clouding up like the last one? I expect KTM have got ithe problem sorted with thier supplier at least you'd hope so?

I have done about 15,000km since I put the new speedo on, and no fogging at all, has been perfect since day one. I think it is just a 2009 speedo which had that particular issue fixed, I would not worry about it happening after the replacment, its one they have got sorted properly.

re: the EFI profile switch.
I run mine on 3 most of the time, for mud/rough hard offroad I often switch to 1.
But I do love having the option, as it does dramatically change out the bike feels.

Night Falcon

12th April 2010, 18:04

Dose anyone know if it is possible to adjust the fuel reserve level/warning light setting?

Currently the light comes on when the stock tank fuel level is at 2 litres remaining when in fact there is about 8 ltrs of fuel available (because of the safari tank).

Its not a big deal except my brain has become programmed to react to the yellow mind controll device.....it wants me to refuel every time i look at it..... I've tried ignoring it but its like its willing me to obey :devil2: any thoughts would be appriciated!! ::shifty:

.chris

19th April 2010, 19:01

Night Falcon

21st April 2010, 09:41

Where are the updates?

The bike is looking great.

Are you sure you do not need a extra comfy corbin seat for your bike? I am selling mine (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=285002204&ed=true), it turns out it suits my touring fine, but no so great for the more trail type riding I do.

Hey bro...I see your Corbo on TM, nice lookin seat, wouldn't imagine youll have any trouble selling it. More updates are comming as soon as KTM get their act togehter and send me some more farkles Ive been waiting on for 6+ weeks :gob: .

Added to that poor o'll Night Falcon has bin suffeerin from the dreaded "Man" flue for the last week. As you can imagine all available resources have had to be channelled into sleeping, moaning, poohing, poohing, moaning and whinging. All this effort seems to have paid off though cos I'm starting to feel like pond scum; a big improvement on the last 7 days!

Whatch this space!:yes:

.chris

21st April 2010, 11:27

Hey bro...I see your Corbo on TM, nice lookin seat, wouldn't imagine youll have any trouble selling it. More updates are comming as soon as KTM get their act togehter and send me some more farkles Ive been waiting on for 6+ weeks :gob: .

Yeah, no doubt it will sell, but I am starting to have 2nd thoughts on selling it, went out for a hour on the bike with the stock seat, and boy I am going to miss it.
But to replace the corbin I might get one of the new ktm ergo seats for the 690, as that might just be the inbetween seat that I need (the corbin is a bit wide at the back and not so great for in the real rough stuff)

Hope you get well soon, would hate to see progress stop on the bike.

Do you plan to do anything with your air filter? I just replaced mine and it made a huge difference even tho my old one seemed quite clean.

Night Falcon

21st April 2010, 11:43

Yeah, no doubt it will sell, but I am starting to have 2nd throughts on selling it, went out for a hour on the bike with the stock seat, and boy I am going to miss it.
But to replace the corbin I might get one of the new ktm ergo seats for the 690, as that might just be the inbetween seat that I need (the corbin is a bit wide at the back and not so great for in the real rough stuff)

Hope you get well soon, would hate to see progress stop on the bike.

Do you plan to do anything with your air filter? I just replaced mine and it made a huge difference even tho my old one seemed quite clean.

Those new seats seem to be getting good reviews so be good to hear what your thoughts are if you end up with one.

Don't like paper filters however effective they are...toooo vulnerable to deterioration in my view. have you got any pics of your new filter be keen on any details you have. I imagine if you are noticing more power then you are getting more air through the new foam (presumabley) filter to the engine. dose this increase the likelyhood of fine particles i.e sand, getting into the engine as well? Do you oil it?

NordieBoy

21st April 2010, 17:26

Yeah, no doubt it will sell, but I am starting to have 2nd throughts on selling it, went out for a hour on the bike with the stock seat, and boy I am going to miss it.

Have you thought of getting the Corbin re-shaped locally?

.chris

21st April 2010, 17:45

Have you thought of getting the Corbin re-shaped locally?

I did think of that, but I think I shall more likely get the stock seat reshaped (if the ergo one does not do the job) as it seemd a waste to do that to a perfectly engineered touring seat.

NordieBoy

21st April 2010, 18:56

I did think of that, but I think I shall more likely get the stock seat reshaped (if the ergo one does not do the job) as it seemd a waste to do that to a perfectly engineered touring seat.

I've done it to the perfectly engineered touring seat and am going to do it to the stocker too.

.chris

22nd April 2010, 10:00

Night Falcon

22nd April 2010, 18:11

I've read alot about the importantance of continual self improvement in ones riding skills. As the benefactor of a number of surgical scars from various expiditions to the "Butcher Shop" I have reached the conclusion that you can never be too careful!

To this end I decided some "extramural" riding education would be a good investment. The DVD series "Dual Sport Riding Techniques" has been on my shopping list for a while now and after reading many reviews and comataries from fellow motorcycling enthuisists about how good the 2 DVD set is, I decided to bite the bullet (and hopefully less of the "dust") and fork out for the set.

So guess what turned up in the mail from uncle Sam today?

All thats left now is to park up and check them out....and yes you can expect a full review!

dino3310

22nd April 2010, 19:19

There where some copies floating around on here bout 5months ago.....
good vids mate great tips and techniques
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/116616-ADV-rider-training-videos

clint640

23rd April 2010, 11:27

Just got a quote from a ktm dealer, the ergo seat is over $500, so bugger that, I shall try and get my seat re-packed.
So that means I am going to keep the corbin (sorry watchers, no corbin bargains for you this week).

Bugger. I paid $240 for the comfort seat for the 640, & felt ripped off cos they had just gone up from $180! It looks like KTM have decided that the logistics of accessories supply are made so much easier if they just price things so high that no one actually buys them.

Clint

.chris

23rd April 2010, 13:12

Bugger. I paid $240 for the comfort seat for the 640, & felt ripped off cos they had just gone up from $180! It looks like KTM have decided that the logistics of accessories supply are made so much easier if they just price things so high that no one actually buys them.

Clint

Yeah it really is bollocks, they are $200 USD (in the USA) which equates to about $280 nzd, surely shipping can't be that much.
Might look at importing one I think. Would prefer to buy local, but that markup is just silly.

dino3310

23rd April 2010, 13:32

yeah i get all my honda stuff from the states, same product yet nearly half the price:weird:

Night Falcon

23rd April 2010, 18:26

While we're on the subject of bling....the postie droped off some more stuff for the 690 today so it looks like a few bit more quality time in the shed over the weekend.

I am also fitting the lowering link this weekend so will keep you posted on the reuslts.

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00083.jpg

One last thing...The Dual Sport DVD's are really good value especdially the Advanced one. I will be trying out a few of their suggestions for sure! Even after 30yrs riding bikes theres always something you can learn!!

dino3310

23rd April 2010, 19:05

that figure 8's a bloody good one:Punk:

How much for the LED blinkers

rogerh

23rd April 2010, 19:16

Yeah it really is bollocks, they are $200 USD (in the USA) which equates to about $280 nzd, surely shipping can't be that much.
Might look at importing one I think. Would prefer to buy local, but that markup is just silly.

Yep, I get that problem. We import a lot for work, and you would be surprised what freight can add up to. Volumetric freight is a killer. My solution so far is to freight things in suitcases. The baggage allowance back from the US is great! If you can wait until late Oct or Nov, I may be able to help out :blip: if you get my drift.

Night Falcon

23rd April 2010, 22:25

that figure 8's a bloody good one:Punk:

How much for the LED blinkers

Hey Dino......They blinkers are stock 990 Adv and cost $30.00 each....which aint a bad price for a genuine KTM part. Oh and by the way they arn't LED's , just orange bulbs.

The fig 8 is brilliant and I also like the tips on rear breaking to load the front wheel on dirt corners for more grip. I use my back break a lot so probably have been doing it anyway but am keen to practice it now I understand the theory.....I love riding motorbikes!!!

Night Falcon

25th April 2010, 18:00

Didn't get as much done on the 690 as I'd hoped...forgot I had to go to a wedding...doh!

Anyway the weding was lovely and I did manage to get the 990 indicators on (front only) and the head light protector.

I decided I didn't want the HL protector to be permanently fixed so I nutted out a way of mounting it which allows me to remove it easily i.e. no bolts to undo. Came up with a rubber grommet and friction system which works exceptionally well if I do say so myself. (sorry the photo quality is a bit stink)

This will allow me to remove the screen for night riding as the protector does obsure the headight beam a bit.

Finnally.. went for a wee spin this arvo to try out some of the DSR DVD tips which was alot of fun....did I mention I love riding my 690!!

Night Falcon

27th April 2010, 12:25

Finally fitted the Lowering link last night. Fitting was straight forward; worst part was removing the stock link which had become a bit tight due to lack of lubrication.

There is no grease nipple on the stock link and I was suprised to see how little grease was left on the roller bearings....makes you want to check the stearing head, swing arm etc a bit more regularly!

The lowering link might not be your cup of tea but it is well made (better than the stock one) and easy to maintain with the grease nipple at the bottom. Although only 1inch difference you can easily notice the extra leg room with both feet being able to be planted flat on the ground with a bit extra clearance to spare. This will be handy for slow riding over slippery rocks at the beach and as well as negotiating tight rutted single tracks...roll on winter!

For my riding style (slow and steady) I can't imagine the less travell being a problem especilally as it will be minimal with only 1inch difference...but we will see!

To other news:
I have made a final decision on a system for mounting the Pelican cases to my pannier frame which I will be making a start on this weekend.

The pelican top case is great especially with the foam infill which can be plucked out to any shape. So far have my toolo kit and visor cleaner nicely stowed. Next will be a space for spare tubes, tire irons and o2 bottles.

Work to do also includes making a silencer for the FMF as its a bit over the top sound wise. Every animal within shouting distance tends to head for the hills when we roll by which might be a bit prohibiting when seeking permission to explore private farm land.

One last thing will be fitting an ignition switch on the dash board which will be controlled by the main ignition. This will allow the key to be left in the "on" position without draining the battery when stopping to take in the sights....the main reason for this is the key is quite awrkward to get at with gloves on and the safari tank fitted.

Could it be that I'm reaching the end of my project???:blink:

rogson

29th April 2010, 19:57

Just got a quote from a ktm dealer, the ergo seat is over $500, so bugger that, I shall try and get my seat re-packed.
So that means I am going to keep the corbin (sorry watchers, no corbin bargains for you this week).

Can anyone recommend anyone around the AK region who goes good seats?

Try Onehunga Auto & Marine Upholstery 636 4737. I've had a couple of seats done by him - not cheap but high quality.

.chris

1st May 2010, 07:50

Try Onehunga Auto & Marine Upholstery 636 4737. I've had a couple of seats done by him - not cheap but high quality.

Thanks Roger, will get in touch with them.

Eddieb

1st May 2010, 08:11

Or Macdonald Motor Trimmers in Tauranga. My old G/S had a seat done by them and it was great.

umopom

1st May 2010, 09:50

Hi Night Falcon
Once you have watched them would you hire them out? May be a way of recovering some of your investment!!
Cheers
JC

.chris

1st May 2010, 09:53

Or Macdonald Motor Trimmers in Tauranga. My old G/S had a seat done by them and it was great.

I had a look at their site a while back, pretty expensive ($500 nzd) for a seat customisation, seems to make the ergo seat seem like a not such a bad deal. But I imagine a custom one would probably be better.
But tricky to get it right with a custom as I am not 100% sure what I want from this seat, and after last weekend on the corbin, I think I might just keep the corbin for longerish trips and the stock for the trail ride days.
I probably have a reasonable compromise with both of them, just need to harden up a bit.

umopom

1st May 2010, 10:01

dino3310

1st May 2010, 14:45

hey chris what about some kinda cusion like thingyme jig like those small air/gel seat add ons just something small for a comfy spot then slide it to the rear out of the way for offroad.
i put a cushion from the couch on for a laugh and f#ck me it was really comfy, looked really dumb but my butt was comfy.

clint640

3rd May 2010, 08:38

I had a look at their site a while back, pretty expensive ($500 nzd) for a seat customisation, seems to make the ergo seat seem like a not such a bad deal. But I imagine a custom one would probably be better.
But tricky to get it right with a custom as I am not 100% sure what I want from this seat,.

You'd probably find other upholsterers would do it quite a bit cheaper, but may not have the experience in getting the shape & foam density right. To get the shape etc right I'd take off the cover & rebuild the foam part to your liking, then duct tape some plastic over it & go for a long ride, modify & test again as necessary until the shape & foam type are just right, then get a cover made for it.

The very first adventure ride I went on was with a couple of mates on their barely legal trailbikes - Mike had a rubbish bag with some foam in it duct taped to the seat of his 300EXC which looked pretty rangi but apparently worked well - but not that well obviously cos he went out & bought a 650 Dakar for the next ride!

Cheers
Clint

GPS MAN

6th May 2010, 03:48

make it look like this one...

http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=193345&d=1220746734

Nice, very nice..

JMJ

I have a friend in the States with a Factory KTM 690 Rally bike..it is awsome... He rode the PD in 2007!!! and plans to ride it again in 2012!!!!

rosscoact

16th May 2010, 08:50

Hi,

your pics have disappeared just as I was using them for my build. I dont know anything about photobucket, any ideas?

ross

rosscoact

16th May 2010, 08:51

I have a friend in the States with a Factory KTM 690 Rally bike..it is awsome... He rode the PD in 2007!!! and plans to ride it again in 2012!!!!

Won't that be a bit difficult with the 450 rule?

Night Falcon

16th May 2010, 22:19

Hi,

your pics have disappeared just as I was using them for my build. I dont know anything about photobucket, any ideas?

ross

Hi Rosscoat.
Sorry about that...my pictures were deleted because they were not the right size??? or something like that. I was told in via strongly worded email not to download any more or I would be retrenched...retarded.....retracted.....or someting horribly sounding like that???

As I don't have any clues on how to resize them I was forced to delete them. Ive been using the same system on other sites with no problems. Apparently my L-Plate status was the only thing that saved my thread from total deletion.

The idea of the tread was to maybe help others who were contemplating adventurizing their 690's simply as a bit of payback for all the help I'd received from this and other sites....but alas in doing so I inadvertanly breach the "size" rules and my thread (which I was very PASSIONATE about) has been desimated as a result.

I will eventually get over it......eventually...... I suppose.....in the mean time if you have any queries you can leave a message in my mail box and I will be happy to pass on any help I can.

Cheers

Night Falcon :bye:
PS: I'm not blaming anyone its my own fault for not obeying/understaning the rules....but i'm still a bit gutted all the same.....see you when I graduate photoshop school.:scooter:

warewolf

17th May 2010, 08:08

marks

17th May 2010, 08:19

Yes, heartbreaking. Go post this thread on another site you are happy with

Its what all the cool people do..... (http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=65) :)

Night Falcon

17th May 2010, 12:34

Yes, heartbreaking. Go post this thread on another site you are happy with (I'm sure rossco and myself could suggest one of our common preference), then put a link to it in your first post in this thread.

btw it is not you that should be retrenched...retarded...retracted....or something horribly sounding like that!!!

JMJ and gpsman are probably not far from feeling the wrath of the mods, either.

Sagely advice ..it will take some work but I'm not affraid of that by golly!
I have a couple of weeks to myself coming up (more leg surgery....dont ask!) which will be perfect! ADVrider here I come!....I'm all excited again!!:Punk:

richyrich

17th May 2010, 19:32

Hi Chris
I have come to like the stock seat and after more use you can understand why it is the shape it is - it works off road - on longer trips it is a pain in the ass but I have decided to live with it.
Cheers
JC
+1,i don't mind the seat and i've done a couple of 600-1000 km days,just took a little longer to harden up to it

junkmanjoe

17th May 2010, 20:15

got any update pics of you machine..

JMJ

rosscoact

17th May 2010, 21:27

rosscoact

17th May 2010, 21:30

LOL, my site contributions are not enough to PM, seems like there are lots of rules here

junkmanjoe

17th May 2010, 21:37

JMJ and gpsman are probably not far from feeling the wrath of the mods, either.

ive been a good boy for quite a while now...no red rap so far...
box of roses chocs go a long way..

now some new photos of your bike please..

JMJ

warewolf

17th May 2010, 22:10

LOL, my site contributions are not enough to PMNightFalcon could PM you though.

warewolf

17th May 2010, 22:16

ive been a good boy for quite a while now...no red rap so far...
box of roses chocs go a long way..yeah but you did post a pic which gpsman quoted...

now some new photos of your bike please..With 12L enduro tank, seat & shrouds (bolts straight on):
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/warewolf885/public/20100129TekapoTamer/th_20100131_0078-2.jpg (http://s116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/warewolf885/public/20100129TekapoTamer/20100131_0078-2.jpg)

PS Everybody seems to be busy adventurising their enduros, but since I started with a factory-built adventure bike, I'm busy enduroising it!! :laugh:

Oscar

17th May 2010, 22:50

LOL, my site contributions are not enough to PM, seems like there are lots of rules here

What are doing here Rossco, didya get kicked out of ADVRider?

Night Falcon

18th May 2010, 08:17

now some new photos of your bike please..

JMJ

Got lots of shots which are all exceptional (has there ever been a bad shot of KTM?.....I don't think so!) but not sure how to post them with out awakining the "Cracken" :gob: (aka the mods...yeah yeah yeah yeah...sorry could'nt resist that).

Night Falcon

18th May 2010, 08:20

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/warewolf885/public/20100129TekapoTamer/th_20100131_0078-2.jpg (http://s116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/warewolf885/public/20100129TekapoTamer/20100131_0078-2.jpg)

PS Everybody seems to be busy adventurising their enduros, but since I started with a factory-built adventure bike, I'm busy enduroising it!! :laugh:[/QUOTE]

stupid KTM ending production of 640 Adventure!!:angry:

rosscoact

18th May 2010, 09:19

What are doing here Rossco, didya get kicked out of ADVRider?

Gday Oscar. They haven't kicked me off yet. Nightfalcon did something with his fairing that I'm trying to do but because I'm such a numpty I need to see the pics, twice, well three times

Oscar

18th May 2010, 09:50

Gday Oscar. They haven't kicked me off yet. Nightfalcon did something with his fairing that I'm trying to do but because I'm such a numpty I need to see the pics, twice, well three times

I didn't know you had a 690, how do you like it?

rosscoact

18th May 2010, 10:13

I didn't know you had a 690, how do you like it?

I love it. Heaps of grunt, reliable as anything, feels lighter than it is and makes me a better rider i.e. point it at something and go. There seems to be a few people in the states that have had problems with the fuel system, either the pump or FI but I haven't so cannot comment.

I'm taking it on a 10000k desert trip on August so I'm stripping and loctiting this weekend. With the no subframe it's interesting tryiing to get 30 litres of fuel on the back. Other than that I reckon she'll be fine.

Oscar

18th May 2010, 10:31

I love it. Heaps of grunt, reliable as anything, feels lighter than it is and makes me a better rider i.e. point it at something and go. There seems to be a few people in the states that have had problems with the fuel system, either the pump or FI but I haven't so cannot comment.

I'm taking it on a 10000k desert trip on August so I'm stripping and loctiting this weekend. With the no subframe it's interesting tryiing to get 30 litres of fuel on the back. Other than that I reckon she'll be fine.

I got a chance to ride one back to back with my 625 a while ago.
When I finally got the chip on the right setting I was well impressed.
It was like the SXC, but 10% betterer...

Night Falcon

18th May 2010, 11:43

Hey lads....I'm back in business...ye har....you can find me under my other alter ego on the link below. I will still be lurking on this site cos well......you fullas is cool....and its a great KIWI site. Hope to one day catch up with some or all of you on the trails soon

The Night Falcon.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=580492

Taz

21st May 2010, 08:27

ADV rider is the better place for ADV stuff as kb sometimes sucks arse.

bart

21st May 2010, 21:45

ADV rider is the better place for ADV stuff as kb sometimes sucks arse.

Hahaha...........sometimes.............

Night Falcon

22nd May 2010, 17:11

Just got back from 4hr ride to Whangaehu and back via poriri aromawana black head beaches, gravel & seal to parongahu and whangaehu beach and back! Fantastic riden....days like today are custom made for riiden an adventurised ktm 690....man I love my bike! There were even grey seals on the beaches who undoubtably were there to catch a glimsp of a KTM riding by on the beach...popping the odd wheelie, drifting in the sand, doing the odd donut...magic!!

Night Falcon

4th June 2010, 08:54

Just dropped in to say hi to ya'll :Punk:. The weather is fine over here in ADVrider land, with lots of interest in the build. Its bin an exciting project thats for sure....even more exciting is the riding...see ya on the trails :scooter:

Heres a shot of the completed project for ya office wall.

Love ya work
Night Falcon

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC08811.jpg

junkmanjoe

4th June 2010, 17:13

dino3310

4th June 2010, 17:18

you have done a top job there mate..
well done looks great.
totally agree

now i just got to get my new boxes fitted and we be looking kinda the same..

JMJ

except jmj yours be half a metre Wider:shit:

Night Falcon

4th June 2010, 17:31

you have done a top job there mate..
sexy looking bike.

your side boxes look the trick, what are they or brand name.
neat little orange top box as well..

maybe one day ill get to ride in your shadow...

well done looks great.
now i just got to get my new boxes fitted and we be looking kinda the same..

JMJ

Thanks Joe...The boxes are pelican cases from a company call Safety & Rescue....google them for their products.....they are excellent and tough as goats gonads!! I got some pics on the ADV site but heres a shot of my mods

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC08812.jpg

We will definately get together for a fang some time....you in Wairarapa aint ya? I'm in Hawkes Bay. Would be great for a guided tour of some of your favourite spots one weekend!

Oh an 950's never ride in any ones shadow...dust maybe....but never shadows!!

junkmanjoe

4th June 2010, 17:54

oh i thought you where higher up the island...

well hell yer you only a few hrs away,, bet you know a few good coast roads out kidnappers way..

so best we sort something out one these weekends..

my boxes are a little closer, poped in to today, latches have been fitted, and tie rails on top have been done, my mate has started a new boat so i have to fit in between that new job.
so couple more weeks we should have some pics up..

JMJ.

Night Falcon

4th June 2010, 18:31

I think I've covered every gravel road and and most sealed roads round here....theres some fantastic spots in the bay that you can really appriciate on a bike......the annie, gwavas, and the myrid of gravel up in the Kawekas....beaches galore...by the beard of zeus its an adventure riders paradise I tell yas!

(here goes the hedge prunin for another weekend...have KTM hire a gardner!)

junkmanjoe

4th June 2010, 18:41

be cool if you could come down take you out ot ngawi past the old rock wall,
or another great day ride here is the ocean beach run..

im sure keen to come up have a look around one weekend.

JMJ

Night Falcon

4th June 2010, 19:01

Oh yeah love to show ya the local sites....my mate Jimmy's always up for a good fling around the hills....keep in touch mate well sort it some time soon.
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/09summertrip.jpg

junkmanjoe

4th June 2010, 19:40

been there... taged your tag..

http://public.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pWvniucRG3gmNhoeK3b1nLqqugxyxTvVLjygUUFaC9uIZOvV MYg8XQy4MI3m0ZmR2JFHXrRcIz8cW3dlXOFptzw/DSCF3816.JPG

next tag..:eek:....:p

JMJ

Night Falcon

4th June 2010, 20:01

slip sliddein at secret beach location somewhere in hawkes bay...tag that in ya pipe an smoke it!

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC04474.jpg

and I'll get in trouble for post to larger pics again!

Eddieb

4th June 2010, 20:02

been there... taged your tag..

http://public.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pWvniucRG3gmNhoeK3b1nLqqugxyxTvVLjygUUFaC9uIZOvV MYg8XQy4MI3m0ZmR2JFHXrRcIz8cW3dlXOFptzw/DSCF3816.JPG

next tag..:eek:....:p

JMJ

And you thought I was strange pulling up there for a pic Joe.

junkmanjoe

4th June 2010, 20:24

okies...tomorrow ill head out to a secret beach location, and rip it up a little,,,,,,

yea ture eddie,, pitty you didnt have your black 950, just about be a pure match foto....

oh well we just have to go back..

JMJ

GPS MAN

6th June 2010, 17:35

Good looking bike!

Would have been my choice...but, couldn't spare the coin...UGH!!

I'm in the bay if you are looking for someone to ride with.................

junkmanjoe

6th June 2010, 17:40

we did get on the beach, and i did a few donuts in front of eddies camera, but i guess we have to wait to see how it turns out.
so heres a pic to say i was there..

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4RTcX8Awjo/TAo9uKRnplI/AAAAAAAAHyA/qV8lZ2dWrmk/s912/IMG_0175.JPG

GPS MAN,
im keen to do a bit of exploring in your area, maybe one weekend when the sun decides to shine again, ill come up for a play..

JMJ

dino3310

6th June 2010, 18:06

so whos the indicator :doh:

junkmanjoe

6th June 2010, 18:30

yea not sure when eddie was planing to turn in to the sea....

JMJ

Night Falcon

7th June 2010, 21:45

Nice beach shot Joe...I also managed a ride on the weekend before the weather turned to custard...top of the Gwava's looking toward Napier Taupo Highway

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/63990.jpg

GPS Man: Would be great to catch up with you for a fang some time, I will be out of action for a few months...more leg surgery in a few weeks .....but hope to keep intouch through this forum. Spring should be good!!!!

Night Falcon

16th June 2010, 18:38

Greetings

apparently i was the lucky winner of a BRM T shirt for star letter of the month.....cool i need a new shirt.

Night Falcon

4th July 2010, 18:21

Another ride...another Hill...above Herbertville beach.

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/6901.jpg
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/herbertville.jpg

junkmanjoe

4th July 2010, 18:43

great weather today.. i also when to a beach..

JMJ

Night Falcon

8th July 2010, 09:25

I've long since lost any evidence of ownership of any of the following...but managed to find these photos a few years back on the net

CR 250..mate this rocked in its day....broke several ribs and my 1st concussion on it!!...:doctor:
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/CR125m1974.jpg

A bike that needs no introduction...out climbed several billy goats on it....:rockon:
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/2501972kawka.jpg

K3 XL350...Free at last! My first bike capable of some serious distance..we were to discover many things together including the stink cam chain tensioner design. But what the heck...freedom always comes at a cost!! :drool:
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/XL350-77K3.jpg

Night Falcon

27th July 2010, 15:12

.chris

27th July 2010, 16:26

My current scorpion At's are a great all-round tire but they don't roost enough gravel! I am hoping some of you might like to point in the right dircetion for a good longerlasting rear knobby for my 690?

It has to be able to cut some mustard on the road as I gennerally have to cover a bit of black-top to get to the brown-top so don't want to get a tire thats too soft.

cheers

Pretty limited on options in the 140/80 18 size.
Apparently you can run 130/80's no problem, but I never have.

I have run on the rear;
Sahara 3 - 11,000km, not a bad tire, terrible in mud.
TKC 80 - about 8,000km, pretty good, first half of the tire wears out real quick.
Karoo 2 - 2nd hand one,have done about 2,000km so far, estimate you would get about 5-7000km out of one.

The karoo 2 has been my fav out of the tires so far, being the most agressive by a fair bit suits me. You can't seem to be able to get them in NZ (no one imports the 140/80 18 size), but you can buy online from the US and get them landed for about $260 nzd (assumed no import tax attached).

Night Falcon

27th July 2010, 16:38

Pretty limited on options in the 140/80 18 size.
Apparently you can run 130/80's no problem, but I never have.

I have run on the rear;
Sahara 3 - 1100km, not a bad tire, terrible in mud.
TKC 80 - about 8000km, pretty good, first half of the tire wears out real quick.
Karoo 2 - 2nd hand one,have done about 2000km so far, estimate you would get about 5-7000km out of one.

The karoo 2 has been my fav out of the tires so far, being the most agressive by a fair bit suits me. You can't seem to be able to get them in NZ (no one imports the 140/80 18 size), but you can buy online from the US and get them landed for about $260 nzd (assumed no import tax attached).

$260.00 is not bad and even 5k from a nobbly is pretty good...i will google/check it out. TKC's seem to be easiset to get...has anyone had one of those heidenau's from the ktm dealer in new plymouth?

dino3310

27th July 2010, 17:07

has anyone had one of those heidenau's from the ktm dealer in new plymouth?

NZKTM had some on the BIG

isnt there a E09 or T63 in 140 i think anthrax got one on his 525

warewolf

27th July 2010, 17:10

Don't be shy of the 130/80, they can be sharper handling than the 140. I haven't run a 140 on the 640A for a couple of years now, but I would as a mostly-road tyre (eg Scorpion A/T) for the extra contact patch and taller gearing.

Mitas E-07 is a popular all-rounder tyre, similar tread pattern to Sahara 3 but less sticky/sports compound.

Next stage chunkier, I would suggest Michelin T63 which possibly edges out the Mitas E-09 in the handling stakes. Wild price variances; I got my T63 for heaps cheaper than the E-09, others find the other way round.

Any of the above are readily available locally for a lot less than $260. The T63 did everything I asked of it for $3.39/100km. In comparison the TKC80 was $5.30/100km, did nothing better and some things worse.

Night Falcon

27th July 2010, 17:45

Any of the above are readily available locally for a lot less than $260. The T63 did everything I asked of it for $3.39/100km. In comparison the TKC80 was $5.30/100km, did nothing better and some things worse.

now thats talking my language....very interesting. Think i need to do another spread sheet with some comparos...or has someone already done that??

dino3310

27th July 2010, 17:56

E09 and T63 both under $200, i look at cycletreads website to compare and email lms imports for the mitas prices

Night Falcon

27th July 2010, 18:21

dunlop 908RR looks very nice...i'm talking "Big Butt Ugly" nice. also has good reviews except for the cost...anyone have any idea where to get one ant the cost??

yafeetup

27th July 2010, 19:44

how big is the gap between the seat and the tank cause dose'nt the tank sit over the seat. Still struggle to understand the thinking behind making them so race orientated, with an engine like that all they needed to do was put it either in a 640 adventure or a 625 sxc format.if they ever do what a toy

Taz

27th July 2010, 20:31

isnt there a E09 or T63 in 140 i think anthrax got one on his 525

Yeah but that's a 140/80x17 E09 on my motard rim. They must do a 140/80x18 E09?

umopom

27th July 2010, 21:54

dunlop 908RR looks very nice...i'm talking "Big Butt Ugly" nice. also has good reviews except for the cost...anyone have any idea where to get one ant the cost??

Hi Night Falcon
I am running one on my 690 - only done about 1000kms but so far so good - reasonably quiet on road with usual level of grip for this sort of tyre - off road works well particularly at 18 - 20 psi - imported mine from the states at NZ$270 delivered - have since increased shipping so now nearer $330. Am expecting it to wear well which will help to offset the cost a bit.
Cheers
JC

cooneyr

27th July 2010, 21:54

Yeah but that's a 140/80x17 E09 on my motard rim. They must do a 140/80x18 E09?

Unfortunatly the E07 is the only one that comes in 140/80-18 cause I'd have a E09 on the 950 now if they existed. 150/70-18 E-10 due out later this year. Mitchy Desert (harder compound T63) is another one but my experience is that not a great tyre for NZ. D606 comes in 120/90-18. This probably wont be too far off the 130/80-18 and may infact be bigger. Pirelli MT21 comes in 140/80-18.

.chris

27th July 2010, 22:06

I think the next tire for me to try will probably be the T63 130/80 18, mainly cause they are cheap, and most people rate them pretty well.

I would love to get my hands on a Mitchilen Baja 140/80, but they seem to not exist anymore.
I rode an XChallenge with one on a while back, and I liked the look of it, seemd to have very deep knobs compared to most tires (DS tires that is) and was a pretty firm compound.

But I thiink a set of MT90's will be more likely with all the road/gravel based riding I shall be doing this year (summer I mean, too damn cold at the moment)

Night Falcon

28th July 2010, 11:26

Attached is copy of KTM tire recommendations for most of their product range. The 690 enduro is not listed amongst them so I assume it is the same as the 640 A.

How come the front tire is rated at 212kg (code 54) loads and the rear 290kg (Code 65)....shouldn't they be rated the same?

Oscar

28th July 2010, 11:36

Crisis management

28th July 2010, 12:00

Thanks for the tyre chart as well.....I use a T64 on the rear of the 640, wears as well as the TKC80 and lots cheaper, better off road grip and not quite as much confidence on road (the TKC gives more feedback on seal). Pirelli MT21 for the front.

warewolf

28th July 2010, 13:02

How come the front tire is rated at 212kg (code 54) loads and the rear 290kg (Code 65)....shouldn't they be rated the same?I'd imagine the difference in rating matches the weight bias on the bike front to rear.Wot 'e said, plus the rears are physically much bigger and therefore stronger.

sAsLEX

29th July 2010, 18:23

Does anyone know of a distributor in NZ for the Rox risers?

Night Falcon

16th August 2010, 18:46

Hard to believe but its comming upto a month since I my last ride :gob: I think I've watched LWD, LWR, RTDakar, Dual Sport Riding Techniques 1 & 2 almost 50 times each....and to think only 8 weeks to go till riding time :blink:

All this time to think has given me a fantastic Idea....why don't one of you lot produce a TV series call "Top Gear: Mototrcycle" and pay me to star in it??? I'd be clarkson just need 2 more to be May and the weee man...whose in???:shifty:

sAsLEX

16th August 2010, 19:33

Night Falcon

11th September 2010, 18:32

I've got 2 offical KB freinds now;great. :yes: So seeing I'm so popoular heres an update of my progress....

There are lots of pictures of motorcycles on the internet....I know because I've looked at most of them over the last weee while :mellow:. Not long to go now though. I plan to ease back into the saddle with some local riding then maybe do some explorining around the Wairarapa seeing its close by. Are there any adventure tour gides down that way with say...a 950 KTM that can show me the good riding action ??:scooter

Strated the 690 the other day....(hadn't done it for a while....cant bear to hear the motor running without me riding it)...thought I might have a flat battery by now, but no worries she roared into life in seconds....made my heart skip a beat.

Waihou Thumper

11th September 2010, 19:23

Please don't get too emotional....haha!
Nice to hear the vibes and the number plate shaking aye!
:yes:

junkmanjoe

11th September 2010, 21:16

[QUOTE=Night Falcon. I plan to ease back into the saddle with some local riding then maybe do some explorining around the Wairarapa seeing its close by. Are there any adventure tour gides down that way with say...a 950 KTM that can show me the good riding action ??::scooter:

.[/QUOTE]

well there are two of us down here now...one silver and one black...so i guess we could let another KTM on our territory...maybe........:sunny:

Night Falcon

12th September 2010, 18:06

well there are two of us down here now...one silver and one black...so i guess we could let another KTM on our territory...maybe........:sunny:

actually theres two of us:yes:theres a silver 9fiddy that all ways accompanies the 690....a bit like batman & robin...tonto and lone ranger ...were inseperable :kick:

junkmanjoe

12th September 2010, 20:00

Hmmm sounds a little gay................................BUTthats ok...:scooter:

sounds like we need to go and play.................takapari road...one sunny day.. hows that sound thats about the middle for all off us..

JMJ

Night Falcon

12th September 2010, 22:09

sounds like a plan! Will be lookin forward to it, will pm ya when I'm sorted.

sounds like we need to go and play.................takapari road...one sunny day.. hows that sound thats about the middle for all off us

JMJ

Night Falcon

16th September 2010, 19:03

Dropped off the rear wheel to get the TKC fitted today. While I was at it removed the Kouba link and refittted the standard link for a bit more travel seeing a bit more agressive tire will no doubt get me into more trouble!

I have to say the TKC looks like a great tire can't wait to get her on the 690.

I have a mate who is a sign writer so am gonna get a custom desigh done for the bike and maybe helmet...dose anyone know of any cool designs I can get some ideas from??

junkmanjoe

16th September 2010, 19:47

hi there.. what size and what was the price for the tkc..

my 950 has killed my back tire... why do they do that....:woohoo:

JMJ

Night Falcon

16th September 2010, 20:14

140/80/18 $240.00 fitted

junkmanjoe

16th September 2010, 20:41

oh from which shop...thats not a bad price..

Night Falcon

17th September 2010, 08:48

Hastings Honda...but you can buy the tire for $222.00 + freight about $8.00 on line from red baron in wellington (www.tssredbaron.com) on line store under Dual Sport Adventure tires

Night Falcon

17th September 2010, 17:07

Heres what all the fuss has been about!

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/2.jpg

.chris

17th September 2010, 17:18

Heres what all the fuss has been about!

After you have given her a few km's do not panic if the TCK appears half worn, they seem to wear the first half real quick, but then slow down from there.

Is that a MT90 beside it?

Night Falcon

17th September 2010, 18:28

After you have given her a few km's do not panic if the TCK appears half worn, they seem to wear the first half real quick, but then slow down from there.

Is that a MT90 beside it?

yup....its done about 3500 klm...pretty good tire but dosn't hook up to well on soft sand or real loose gravel and forget anything wet. or grassy

umopom

20th September 2010, 13:59

Thought I would share a few tweaks that have improved my 690 (for me)

14 tooth front sprocket has improved the bike off road heaps - top speed down to 140 but not an issue - KTM part #58033029014

Mapping switch on the bars - KTM Twins do a switch that picks up the three power settings and gives you access without removing the seat - 15 mins to fit and just plug and play.

Fork vents allow you to vent the forks without the need for a screwdriver and keeps the front end nice and plush.

On tyres - I have nearly come to the end of my Dunlop 908RR, it has done about 3000kms and has another 1000-1500 left. So wearing well but I won't be fitting another - price is an issue and doesn't give more kms/$ but the real issue is flexibility, the tyre is very stiff (let all the air out and it still holds the bike up!) and when nearing the end of its life handling is getting less predictable in the corners - Mich T63 next.

Cheers
JC

.chris

20th September 2010, 15:20

Eddieb

20th September 2010, 15:29

Oscar

20th September 2010, 15:45

Taz

20th September 2010, 16:20

525 manual recommends doing it a lot more regularly than that. If it's not done regularly on the 525 the air pressure can build up to the point the seal weep.

Eddieb

20th September 2010, 16:38

Do you just undo the screw and do it up again, no compressing the forks or anything?

Oscar

20th September 2010, 16:55

Do you just undo the screw and do it up again, no compressing the forks or anything?

You're just releasing the air that's pressurised in the fork.
If you compress the forks, you'd probably get 5w in the boat race.

Eddieb

20th September 2010, 17:28

If you compress the forks, you'd probably get 5w in the boat race.

That might be an improvement.

Night Falcon

20th September 2010, 19:28

CrazyFrog

20th September 2010, 19:35

I regularly open the air bleeder on the forks but have never felt/herd and air pressure release? ...maybe I'm missing something?

You can hear the bleeders releasing built up pressure, but not if you've got your helmet on.
Just a bit of a FSSSSST for a second and that's it.

Night Falcon

20th September 2010, 20:45

You can hear the bleeders releasing built up pressure, but not if you've got your helmet on.
Just a bit of a FSSSSST for a second and that's it.

even with both my hearing aids on full noise Ive never herd the FSSSSST..... maybe I aint riding her hard enough?? note to self...ride harder and faster :niceone:

Eddieb

20th September 2010, 21:19

I did one of mine tonight, the other I need to rotate the fork round to get at the screw.

No fsssst for me either, I must also ride like a nana.

blacksheep

21st September 2010, 18:12

you need to take the weight off the front end when bleeding air out of forks:niceone:

umopom

21st September 2010, 19:53

A question about the bleed valves on your forks, how often do you need to bleed them? I have not touched the shocks on my bike at all yet (other than minor adjustments/setting back to stock), just wondering what the bleeding does for you? And should I be doing it?

Hi Chris
Opinions vary on how often to bleed the air out of the top of the forks - however the one thing all agree upon is that it needs to be done to help the seals last. The advantage of the push and release vents is that it is so easy to do that it can be done in 15 secs before, during and after a ride - take the weight off the front end let the forks extend and push - much easier than a screwdriver.
Cheers
JC

Taz

21st September 2010, 19:59

690 front wheels don't touch the ground :eek: < That was a pic of me after wheelying Johns one :lol:

umopom

21st September 2010, 20:04

.chris

21st September 2010, 20:47

Interesting article on mapping - I have got into the habit of winding the throttle from zero to full and back before most rides and can recommend the 15 minute idle routine, it made my bike markedly smoother without any loss of performance.
Cheers
JC

http://www.monomaniacs.nl/tnt/KTM-690/Stalling-and-throttle-issues

I read the 15 min idle one is a myth and can only be done by dealers, as you need to reset the ECU before you run it.

I tried it once, seemd to make no difference to me. But then again the bike was running fine before it.

But I do the trottle sensor reset quite often too. that sometimes makes a difference to idle speeds.

Crisis management

22nd September 2010, 13:19

The advantage of the push and release vents is that it is so easy to do that it can be done in 15 secs before, during and after a ride

The disadvantage is that they can also suck dust in when the fork extends & creates a vacuum, admitedly it is one of those hotly contested debates in dirt bike forums. Me, I just unscrew the bleeds once a month as part of a routine maintenance, don't expect huge amounts of air, even on the 200 after a reasonable ride it only puffs for a second.

dino3310

22nd September 2010, 15:44

hey that 15 minute idol thing is crap, i tried it last night and it didnt do anything

.chris

22nd September 2010, 16:26

hey that 15 minute idol thing is crap, i tried it last night and it didnt do anything

For a XR you have to do the 88mph speed test in which you will be able to time-travel back and change your machine to be a efi fuel injected, only then can you run the 15 min idle reset (after you take it to your honda dealer for a ecu reset of course) :bleh:

Crisis management

23rd September 2010, 09:05

For a XR you have to do the 88mph speed test in which you will be able to time-travel back and change your machine to be a efi fuel injected, only then can you run the 15 min idle reset (after you take it to your honda dealer for a ecu reset of course) :bleh:

Try and keep up Chris, he's talking about New Zealand Idol, he had his shot last night, didn't you see it, country yodelling I think it was? :innocent:

Eddieb

23rd September 2010, 09:57

you need to take the weight off the front end when bleeding air out of forks:niceone:

I dug into my 950 manual out last night and that says to put the bike on the side stand when bleeding the air from the forks.

Oscar

23rd September 2010, 09:58

I dug into my 950 manual out last night and that says to put the bike on the side stand when bleeding the air from the forks.

You read the manual?

What are you?
Some sort of commie pinko agitator??!!!

Eddieb

23rd September 2010, 10:20

You read the manual?

What are you?
Some sort of commie pinko agitator??!!!

Nah to many big words, I just looked at the pictures.

Night Falcon

23rd September 2010, 12:51

You read the manual?

What are you?
Some sort of commie pinko agitator??!!!

awwww hawww arrrrh haaaa haaaa :lol::lol::lol: I got my manual on disk....that way knowone can catch me reading it on the sly :shifty:....not that I ever need to refere to it of course....I'm a real bloke like use fullas.

Night Falcon

25th September 2010, 09:19

well....am just off on my 2nd ride pre "its ok to ride ya bike now" from the quack:nono: thats so when he says its ok to ride I'll know he's tellin the truth. see yas when I get back!

blacksheep

25th September 2010, 11:13

sorry folks i stand corrected,i have now read my manual lol,put bike on sidestand when bleeding the bleedings forks:doh:

blacksheep

25th September 2010, 15:35

made some pannier racks out of stainless,makes carrying gear so much easier:niceone:219528219529219530

Night Falcon

25th September 2010, 17:37

made some pannier racks out of stainless,makes carrying gear so much easier

Cool azz...you clever boy!!:Punk:

NordieBoy

25th September 2010, 17:54

You could get a tow hitch on that...

Night Falcon

25th September 2010, 17:56

Well I got back in one peice from my unsanctioned ride!!! It was a classic too. Saw my mate drop his 950 in the sea and bend his break leaver, did some lame wheelies and flicked some sand around, gave the TKC rear a good thrashing so see how it copped with road seal...verdict...pretty good only one slip on shiney bit of road :eek:, and finnally parked up under a tree while waiting for James to bring me some more gas:doh::Oops: all in all an excellent 5hr fang!!:bleh:

NordieBoy

25th September 2010, 18:06

Praying won't help that brake...

Night Falcon

26th September 2010, 16:12

I was woundering why I ran out of fuel yesterday when by my calculations I had about 100klm of fuel left?? well i figured it out....the fuel tap which connects to the rear tank is poked which means when filled to the top it casues the rear tank to overflow until it levels with the height of the front tank. (you sposed to turn the tap off till youve done 100klm) so Ive been loosing gas :gob:

Does anyone know where I can get my hands on one of these in a hurry???

Eddieb

26th September 2010, 16:24

Eddieb

26th September 2010, 17:13

I did one of mine tonight, the other I need to rotate the fork round to get at the screw.

No fsssst for me either, I must also ride like a nana.

I rotated the other fork leg today so I could open the screw to breathe the fork, lots of pssssffftt, I was surprised by how much actually there must have been a fair bit of pressure in there.

Waihou Thumper

26th September 2010, 17:37

It looks the same as fitted to the factory 950 Adventure tanks so maybe KTM?

Definitely KTM, I had these on the 640 Adventure....
I would give Safari Tanks a call and speak to Sally...
She is very helpful.

 [I]Safari Fuel Tanks
[I]R & V Aqualine Industries
1933 Carboor Everton Road
Carboor VIC 3678
AUSTRALIA
PH. +61 3 5729 5556
FAX +61 3 5729 5559
EMAIL enquiries@rvaqualine.com.au (aqualine@netc.net.au)

NordieBoy

26th September 2010, 17:40

I pump my Works Performance XR shocks up to about 250psi.

Night Falcon

26th September 2010, 18:11

It looks the same as fitted to the factory 950 Adventure tanks so maybe KTM?

Thanks Eddieb ....have emailed my inside men at KTM...the down side will be if it comes through KTM it will be cheaper to buy a new tank!:facepalm:

[I][COLOR=darkorange]Definitely KTM, I had these on the 640 Adventure....
I would give Safari Tanks a call and speak to Sally...
She is very helpful.

Thanks for that have just sent of an email!

I pump my Works Performance XR shocks up to about 250psi.

250psi...that seems a bit explosive??

Night Falcon

26th September 2010, 18:20

on another note...can ayone shed any light on how to install a quiet insert into an FMF powercore 4 muffler??? unless there is some surgery required...which I'm reluctant to do until I'm sure thats whats required.....I'm thinking they sent the wrong insert??

blacksheep

26th September 2010, 20:30

the fmf exhaust is noisy isnt it!,would be very interested in possible silencing options too.what options have you come up with so far?

blacksheep

26th September 2010, 20:32

You could get a tow hitch on that...

has been crash tested too:innocent:

NordieBoy

26th September 2010, 21:23

250psi...that seems a bit explosive??

Once it's emulsified it's only about 180psi.

Mono rear shocks get about 150psi of nitrogen.

Night Falcon

27th September 2010, 07:06

the fmf exhaust is noisy isnt it!,would be very interested in possible silencing options too.what options have you come up with so far?

the FMF silencer is supposed to drop the noise to 94db....if youve got the right one of course??

blacksheep

30th September 2010, 18:02

cooneyr

30th September 2010, 20:19

made some pannier racks out of stainless,makes carrying gear so much easier:niceone:219528219529219530

Thats a mighty fine rack you've got yourself there. :msn-wink: Very nice work on the fabrication. I've bodged up a couple of racks in my time but nothing as pretty as that. You should spin out a few more and sell them.

Night Falcon

30th September 2010, 21:33

cut a section of ally tube ,put a gradual bend in it left it about 300 mm long and incorporated it into the spark arrestor end of the fmf and gave a huge difference to the sound ,still nice but has taken away the scary noise sound that makes cows roll off down hills:facepalm:took about 20 minutes:sunny:dont need ear plugs anymore.............well as much:innocent:

cycle treads who i ordered the part through have gone strangely silent over the last week...sent them 2 emails with no reply...funny that! I did try making one, wasn't that impressed but looks like I might have to have another go.

Heading down to Junkmajoe's turf over the weekend and didn't want the locals think Thor the god of thunder had arrived to smite them...oh well i did try :innocent:

NordieBoy

1st October 2010, 06:24

the FMF silencer is supposed to drop the noise to 94db....

At idle or revving?

Eddieb

1st October 2010, 06:30

....but has taken away the scary noise sound that makes cows roll off down hills:facepalm:took about 20 minutes:sunny:dont need ear plugs anymore

Thats the sole reason I took my FMF's off the 950, the volume was ridiculous. I felt embaressed riding throught town and I couldn't even pop down to the local shops without earplugs.

Night Falcon

1st October 2010, 06:32

At idle or revving?

dunno to be honest...gut feeling is idle? at present its not to bad at idle but once you give her the berries she starts to crack a bit of a note :gob: I know cows and sheep think its a bit loud as well.:corn:

NordieBoy

1st October 2010, 06:42

My little SuperTrapp is loud but only measures 92dB at 1500rpm.
The GSXR600 pipe is 85dB at 1500rpm.

blacksheep

1st October 2010, 19:40

Thats a mighty fine rack you've got yourself there. :msn-wink: Very nice work on the fabrication. I've bodged up a couple of racks in my time but nothing as pretty as that. You should spin out a few more and sell them.

cheers...........$180 worth of stainless steel and nearly 2 days to make,lot harder than i thought it would be!would have to charge about $400 to make it worthwhile,would rather be riding the bike anyday:innocent:

Night Falcon

5th October 2010, 08:48

had a phone call from Cycletreads today...out of the blue....they have sourced the correct silencer and are sending it down...WELL DONE Cycletreads the sheep and cows will love you for it.:violin:

in the mean while....JMJ's tour of the eastside over the weekend was awsome. Plus discovered Route 52 from masterton to herbertville on the way home...no gravel but twisty, bike leanin, wrist turnin fun all the way home!!:corn:
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC00090.jpg

Taz

5th October 2010, 09:13

That is good news. But...... Didn't your bike come from the factory with a nice quiet legal muffler?

Did route 52 on the grand challenge one year in the dark and wet. Was a hoot!

Night Falcon

5th October 2010, 17:28

That is good news. But...... Didn't your bike come from the factory with a nice quiet legal muffler?

the stock muffler weighs a little under 9 tons and has an operating tempreture the equivalent of nuclar fission!

Whilst it dose meet euro 3 emmision standards in many owners opinions (the ones that count) the high heat generated to quell the co2 (and other harmful environmental gasses) compromises safety in the event of a crash. Added to this is the potential for burns from inadvertant contact with the exposed stainless muffler, which incidentally maintains its burn tempreture to skin for at least 5-10mins after the engine has stopped.

For these reasons most owners chose to replace them...and at some cost I might add by golly....plus the aftermarkets look better and give the engine more power and some say fuel economy, plus the less weight is also a bonus.

I could go on about the co2 "rought" arguement which argues that the world is C02 neautral (you cant add more carbon dioxide in to the atmosphere from burning fosel fuels as at some point they absoerbed carbon from the atmosphere in order to grow and thus when they breakdown the carbon immitted is equal to the sum of the carbon absorbed thus the ying and yang is retored...... grasshopper) but thats a story for another time.

hope this answerrs your question:corn:

junkmanjoe

5th October 2010, 19:13

wow your phone takes wicked photos........

JMJ

.chris

5th October 2010, 21:13

the stock muffler weighs a little under 9 tons and has an operating tempreture the equivalent of nuclar fission!

Whilst it dose meet euro 3 emmision standards in many owners opinions (the ones that count) the high heat generated to quell the co2 (and other harmful environmental gasses) compromises safety in the event of a crash. Added to this is the potential for burns from inadvertant contact with the exposed stainless muffler, which incidentally maintains its burn tempreture to skin for at least 5-10mins after the engine has stopped.

For these reasons most owners chose to replace them...and at some cost I might add by golly....plus the aftermarkets look better and give the engine more power and some say fuel economy, plus the less weight is also a bonus.

I could go on about the co2 "rought" arguement which argues that the world is C02 neautral (you cant add more carbon dioxide in to the atmosphere from burning fosel fuels as at some point they absoerbed carbon from the atmosphere in order to grow and thus when they breakdown the carbon immitted is equal to the sum of the carbon absorbed thus the ying and yang is retored...... grasshopper) but thats a story for another time.

hope this answerrs your question:corn:

I am keeping my stock exhaust because it is better for the environment and my wallet. :love:

Taz

6th October 2010, 16:24

I am keeping my stock exhaust because it is better for the environment and my wallet. :love:

And it sounds so nice and inoffensive.

Night Falcon

17th October 2010, 17:27

:facepalm: got my new silencer insert the other day and thought... "great looks like the right one this time"....famous last words :violin: not gonna bother the importer again I'm just gonne attack it with a hammer..it won't look nice but will be lots of fun bashing it up!!

on a more exciting note...I herd my first fissssssst from the bleed screw on the forks the other day...it was after riding hardout with JMJ in wairorappa...hurray I'm no longer a girly rider :whocares:

junkmanjoe

17th October 2010, 18:52

i only took you on the easy stuff...............:scooter:

when you coming back for the nasty stuff.......:devil2:

JMJ

dmc

17th October 2010, 20:34

And it sounds so nice and inoffensive.

Depends on what you call inoffensive, I thought the factory pipe was offensive in making the engine sound like a lawnmower.