Author Topic: So Many Bikes - So Little Time - A Tale of the Greatness of the 690e  (Read 831 times)

Bartlioni

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Now I'm jealous of the places you western-fried guys get to ride out to.  And 11000 miles on a 690 this year?  I'm impressed and I only weigh 195.  I hope you've at least got the PHDS on your bar.  It made a big difference on vibration on my 690.  But for me I need three bikes for different mission parameters.  Consider the following applications:

1.  Harley - Chick magnet for dirty old single guys like me.  Also suitable for full uniform events such as rides, bike night, and first dates.  Also a very passible touring bike with the 103ci counterbalanced engine.  And  yes, with enough liquid inspiration I've taken scooter off-road many times.  The only catch:  Never drop the Harley.  If it looks like you're gonna fall over then throw your body under it cuz those repair parts are very pricey.

2.  690e - My general purpose hooligan bike suitable for chasing deer, terrorizing the neighborhood, eating up some dirt, flying across open fields, jumping over anything up to and including school buses, and running from the cops.

3.  1290 Super Adventure - Long distance touring in supreme comfort with all the techno-junk yo' mind can imagine.  Nice fast top end although they crippled it with 160hp while the super duke gets 180hp with the same motor.  That's only 10hp more than the 1190 and so I may wind up with the little one when it comes time to dole out the money.  If I ever do make it out to SD from Alabamy, then it will be this bike that takes me there.

Be well - And remember:  I'm out there!
- Bartlioni

 "Bwaaaaaaa.  Get that little Pointy-Head!"

3Rrr

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Bartlioni

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Progressive Handlebar Damping System - Rubber padded handlebar clamps that dampen vibration as long as you order the green elastomer inserts.  It only comes with yellow ones which are too stiff to be very effective.  Check it out on KTM-Parts.  KTM PHDS.
- Bartlioni

 "Bwaaaaaaa.  Get that little Pointy-Head!"

Rockitboy

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Im looking at getting the Rox anti vibe handlebar risers. Anyone know if you need extensions for the 2" rise? But no my miles were all with stock bars & yes my fingers still tingle..  LOL never drop the Harley!


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Bartlioni

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Correction:  Never drop the Harley ma'an.
- Bartlioni

 "Bwaaaaaaa.  Get that little Pointy-Head!"

Rockitboy

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 Do the KTM PHDS give a rise or just dampen? I dont get it.. Ma'an?
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Bartlioni

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Looky here ma'an,

The KTM PHDS will give you about a half-inch of rise if you want it.  It comes with two sets of screws.  One set for with the riser inserts and one set for without.  I went this route because next spring I'm going to put a KTM steering damper on 690 and that will raise the bar about another inch.  You have to spend an extra 50 bucks for adapters to use the PHDS with this steering damper, but it says KTM on it and doesn't look like a retrofit like the Scotts damper does; being all gold colored and shxt.  But the Scotts damper can be had with anti-vibration clamps and is actually a fancier unit.  I just like keeping my shxt lookin' clean.  Your mileage may vary of course.
- Bartlioni

 "Bwaaaaaaa.  Get that little Pointy-Head!"

SDMF_Reaps

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Brian,

I have a set of 2" rox risers on my bike.  The only thing I had to do was re route my clutch line.  With the addition of the rally raid tanks I gained enough length on the line I don't think it would have been necessary. 

I believe anything more than 2" and you'd have to get a new clutch line, the rest are gravy.

Edit: BTW I took a ride to the Whitestone Battlefield in stock form and it required me to have fuel at home to ensure I could make it back to Aberdeen the following Monday.
« Last Edit: October 09, 2014, 07:35:05 pm by SDMF_Reaps »

Bartlioni

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Brian,

I've been studying on this carefully, and quite frankly, 10798 miles on a 690e in a single season?  With no handlebar vibration damper no less?  I gotta hand it to you dude.  I nearly choked on my coffee when I read it.  That's the stuff legends are made of.  Rock on!

 ;D
- Bartlioni

 "Bwaaaaaaa.  Get that little Pointy-Head!"

Rockitboy

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Bartlioni, hey thanks man. I never planned on so many miles but just ride whenever I can. My 690 is so much fun I cant help myself! I hope to get in a few more rides this year before we get snow but its already dropping below freezing in the mornings so time is running out. Definitely getting bar dampeners for next year!
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Bartlioni

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No problem.  I've been thinking about suggesting to Rusty (our administrator / facilitator) that we consider setting up some kind of awards section on the blog, where we establish various categories and let everybody vote on it at the end of the year.  It would be a blast at Christmas to see which of our scroungy asses got various recognition.  Stuff like:  Most dedicated, most impressive duck-up, coolest mod, best hooligan, so forth and so on.  I think this would help strengthen our bond as members on this site as well as reward the truly cool with recognition.  What do you guys think?
- Bartlioni

 "Bwaaaaaaa.  Get that little Pointy-Head!"

Rockitboy

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Sounds like fun!
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Bartlioni

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I'm liking it more and more all the time.  Rusty is good at coming up with ideas that could be used as categories.  I emailed him to see what he thinks.
- Bartlioni

 "Bwaaaaaaa.  Get that little Pointy-Head!"

Rusty Shovel

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I'm liking it more and more all the time.  Rusty is good at coming up with ideas that could be used as categories.  I emailed him to see what he thinks.

I like it!  I'm gonna be on the road for the next 7 days (driving from Kennebunk, ME to Houston, TX), so I may not be able to get right on this.  I'm gonna start a new board in Discussions entitled "Awards."  Take a look and make suggestions.
D==[#)
2014 KTM 690 Enduro R