690 Enduro Forum
General Category => Off Topic => Topic started by: Alabama Adventurer on February 27, 2014, 10:44:02 pm
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So here's what I've noticed so far - street-bike types seem to like the 690 and I get a lot of waves from them. On the other hand, the Harley type bikes (especially the 'Biker' types with the Jacket) seem to hate it. I even got yelled at by one to slow down (afterwards he sped away). Maybe the high and powerful 690 intimidates them, maybe it's the mirrored face shield and adventure gear, beats me, but that's what I've noticed so far - I never had a reaction while on a street bike at all ???.
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It's funny, I went to a charity ride on my WR250R and I got nothing but compliments from the Harley crowd. Perhaps it was the nature of the event. I plan on riding it again this summer, only this time I may lead the pack. ;D
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There's guys who still ride Harley's? ::)
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Colorado Rider, I think you just came across an ass, Feel piety for he has no idea how much fun it is to ride a 690.
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Must have been; hasn't happened since.
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I really think that the 690 Enduro is sometimes the SMC 690 in disguise!
Well, at least until the police are near, then it's who me? I'm just a little dirt bike; see the tires?
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Today I did an experiment and carried about 30 lbs of groceries on the bike (including a watermelon just to see if I could).
While the bike did it just fine, I did learn that it's not nearly as fun to ride that way (cornering feels really weird).
I've seen a lot of people try to turn the 690 into a full fledged adventure bike with the front tanks and all. If riding with the additional weight is any indication, this does not make the bike more fun!
I really like the light-weight hooligan nature of the bike and want to keep it that way.
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I really like the light-weight hooligan nature of the bike and want to keep it that way.
That's why I went with a Rotopax Mount and light racks. If I want to go explore, I can load the bike down with fuel and bags. But I can also take it all off at base camp and go roost around. It's this dual nature that makes it a true dual sport, IMHO.
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I tend to agree with Colarado Rider, I don't think the 690 makes a decent adventure bike. I know a lot of people who do it, but it was built to be a big thumper.
Re Rusty's comment, not sure I really agree on the dual sport side of it. I hear what your saying, that you can use it for longer runs to get to the dirt, but for me, any dual sport bike does one thing well and another thing not very well. And by that I mean not very well to the point of 'why the hell be bothered'. If the bike is in proper enduro mode, it's crap on the tar, and vice versa. The 690 is a great platform for 3 modes...street, sm, enduro. But when set up accordingly, it's good for 1 role. And that why the motor is offered in 3 frames etc.
Still, I know what you mean Rusty, and respect your POV.
True story....
Way back, my older brother had a bike known as The Razorback. It was a late 70's gsx1100 with 19' wheels and knobbies and longer forks/shocks. He used to ride this heap of **** monster in enduro's, I kid you not!
And he used to get around as well, although it once took 6 riders to drag it out of a mud hole.
But like I say, it could do it, but wtf bother!
Still each to their own, we buy our bikes, we choose to decide what to do with them. Happy riding to all.
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