My KTM 690 Adventure

**.chris** · 22nd April 2010, 10:00

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?

**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/sh...raining-videos

**clint640** · 23rd April 2010, 11:27

Originally Posted by c.h.r.i.s

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

Originally Posted by clint640

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

**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.

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

How much for the LED blinkers

**rogerh** · 23rd April 2010, 19:16

Originally Posted by c.h.r.i.s

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

if you get my drift.

**Night Falcon** · 23rd April 2010, 22:25

Originally Posted by dino3310

that figure 8's a bloody good one

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???

**rogson** · 29th April 2010, 19:57

Originally Posted by c.h.r.i.s

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.