Thoughts on KTM 690 SM? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Thoughts on KTM 690 SM?

Should I sell the WR?

  • Hell yes! Give into lust

    Votes: 15 78.9%

  • Hell no! The WR is the perfect city bike

    Votes: 4 21.1%
  • Total voters
    19
DDean

DDean

Well-known member
Site Supporter
Im mostly thinking out loud, but despite how well my WR250X is working for me, Im lusting for a KTM 690 SM or a 690 Duke (2008-2010).

I am looking for a city bike - 100% on the road with 80% of that riding on city streets and 20% on the Gardiner/DVP. I would love to get it on a track, but ONLY to learn how to ride a bike properly and safely, not with any aspirations of being a regular track-rat. Id love to do longer trips but it wont fit my lifestyle and except for 30 minutes here and there, if Im on the bike, its because I have to go somewhere. My ability to "go for a ride" is almost zero. I have cars that I use when the bike wont work because of weather or if I need a trunk or to drive one of my kids around.

Honestly, I find the 250 sufficiently fast in the city and its super fun. But I still lust for those KTMs.

Im a beginner - although I rode through the winter (when the streets were clear) I only got my M2 in Nov 2013. I am one-with-machines (and bicycles) so Im pretty comfortable ripping around on this little bike already. Im no hooligan - I stick to the roads and obey laws (for the most part).

Maintenance and reliability are very important to me, as is having a cool bike. The WR is cool, but I think that the KTMs are way cooler. I expect to do most of my own maintenance work as I do as much as I can on my cars.

Yay or Nay to selling this perfect little WR for a KTM that will really provide no realizable benefit for my use?

Is a KTM 690 too much for a new rider? Should I wait until Ive been on the road a year or is it an easy enough bike to ride?

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!
 
I would put more seat time in on the WR, but the KTM is a great bike.

Realistically you don't need the extra power for the type of riding you'll be doing, but if you want the 690 go for it. I think it's an awesome bike and I hope to own one at some point.
 
having ridden a dirt bikes for a long time from different manufacturers ktms have always had their special place in my heart. Really nice bikes and very powerful and versatile and always pack that "badass" image about them. the only problem with the brand vs your yamaha is that if you need to order original parts is the wait can sometimes be painful. Get the KTM dude you won't regret it.

HOOLLLAAAA
 
I'm just going to put this here
690smc_2010.jpg


Should make the decision easier.
 
FACK!

You guys are not following my plan. You are supposed to come on and say "stick with the WR until this fall or next spring and then make the move once you have more experience"

N3MAN started with that but then made a full 180 and threw gas on the fire. Then more of you piled on and before we know it there's porn all over the screen.

I want one more than ever now!

And youre voting to get the KTM too.....

I came here looking for support to hold off and this is what I get...sheesh!

;)
 
Answer 1:
Keep the WR250. It's been good to you and does everything you need. Because you will also be taking your bike to the track to learn, just another reason to stick with the 250. If you have limited budget, and other commitments and maybe future investments/expenses, stick with the 250.

Answer 2:
If you have the money and want to spend it, get the 690. I'm assuming it'll cost you money to upgrade from the 250 to the 690. I also assume you'll be paying more insurance. Does this leave enough money for track riding, gear and lessons? If you got deep pockets, go for the 690.

To me, what this boils down to is money.
 
DDean said:
You guys are not following my plan. You are supposed to come on and say "stick with the WR until this fall or next spring and then make the move once you have more experience"
Click to expand...

LOL - you know what you should do, just by saying this. If you need to be talked out of this, I think you should give your parents a call. I'm sure they'll give you advice :)
 
N3WMAN said:
I'm just going to put this here
690smc_2010.jpg


Should make the decision easier.
Click to expand...

I bought my SMC a couple of years ago and it's easily been one of my favourite bikes for it's all around versatility. It's also fairly light. You can accessorize it, as it shares the same platform with the Enduro, and go touring or strip it down and take it to the track. With it's 10" travel, it makes the bumps and pot holes in the city easier to manage.
Valve clearance adjustment is fairly straightforward, it's a single. Other than one issue I had when I was in Utah with the bike, it's been trouble free for me.
I bought some 17" knobbies as I want to do more off pavement stuff.
SMC's maybe hard to come by, but you can always get the Enduro and put on some 17" wheels, easier to go this route than going from SM to Enduro.


My SMC in it's current form.

gpsmount3.jpg
 
This is the one I was thinking - http://www.kijiji.ca/v-sport-bikes/...ion/576853882?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Now you're making me want to get a 2013 Enduro R and throw SM wheels on it.

I come here to be talked down and you're talking me up!

The only hurdle right now is that insurance on a 690 is $1000 more than my WR. That is madness. Insurance on the 2007 690 is more than my 911 if you can believe it.
 
Just slap a turbo on the wr250x. And enjoy the cheap insurance and awesome mileage.

But if you do want too sell I'll be interested in buying the wr. Miss mine. :(


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
The power of the WR is not an issue - its probably the perfect bike for my use. This is purely I lust for the KTM sickness.

I will see what happens. I wont rush anything but if I find the right bike, Ill make the move.

In the meantime Im going to busy learning how not to run out of road exiting a turn!
 
I'm gonna buy a KTM 690 next season, sell two of my bikes so I can afford a fresh one... The black one Newman posted is making me drool

as for your question(I voted KTM before reading your post), I would say stay with the WR. It's cheap, reliable and does what you need.
 
Last edited:
Ahh crap! Oh well hell, you better jump on it. It got all the right farkles, good price. Yep, you better nail that one down quick.
I mean, keep the wr, enjoy it...


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