Aye up!

I think I've decided to get a 690 next year to replace my ageing Harley Davidson MT350. It's about 90% what I am looking for, and the missing 10% is due to the limited hard luggage options. Other than that, it looks pretty good straight out of the crate. Not even bothered about the small fuel capacity - just needs an exhaust...

Currently I only have two bikes: a 1997 Harley Davidson MT350e, and a 2010 Triumph Tiger SE

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6cgutrwh5tku05e/P1010014.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/l0teqch4mobbx63/2014-06-13%2006.34.45.jpg?dl=0

Looking forward to learning a bit more about the 690's before I hand over all my money  :-)

Dirk -

If you want to put up a few more photos of that Harley - I'm very sure folks would appreciate your time.  That is a very interesting ride.

Welcome - I've really enjoyed the 690.

RR

That Harley is an interesting bike.  Are you sure it's a 1997 production?  I don't recall HD making any dirt bikes in 1997.

Yes, they made them from 93 to 97, and it replaced the Armstrong MT500 which was made in Bolton, Lancashire.
General info cut & paste:-
"ex British Army  Enduro / General Purpose Bikes manufactured and into service 1994/95/96/97, these machines are renown for their strength, reliability and durability, the engine is the "BOMB" proof 350cc Rotax 4 stroke motor whilst the forks are Marzzockie, Rear shocks are Onlins, Brakes and Hubs are Gremeca, the rims are top quality Alloys, and there is also a carry rack fitted for your convenience. Parts are readily available from a number of u/k suppliers and there is also a very good owners club available on the net with any information you require readily available on there.These machines are suitable for a variety of uses including Green laning, Trail riding, General commuting or simply as winter hack. The gear box is a 5 speed l/h change and an electric start and kick start are also fitted. and should give a long reliable service whilst returning around 75mpg."

If you want to put up a few more photos of that Harley - I'm very sure folks would appreciate your time.  That is a very interesting ride.

Thanks, here are a couple more...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/n9l4vhaky73uvj7/2015-02-21%2011.48.29.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/opfyyx4klhq2ttm/2015-02-21%2011.48.17.jpg?dl=0

Why not look at Mosko Moto luggage?   I'm looking at the Reckless 80L system - currently out of stock as they are redesigning it to fit the 690's a little better (fit the fuel filler cap)
http://moskomoto.com/ 

Thanks, I had a quick look, but they only do soft luggage - I'm looking for a hard luggage solution. Nice products though  :-)

Touratech pannier racks. Most hard aluminum boxes can be adapted ...done

Go with the Wings exhaust!

Go with the Wings exhaust!

Am I right in thinking the cat is located in the oem end can?
If so, there is no real point replacing the full system if the aim is to decat and reduce weight - any aftermarket can will achieve this with the oem header right?
Had a look at the Wings, and was surprised to find it was made in Europe, so works out well pricewise in the UK :-)

Yes, the cat is located in the stock muffler.  If you go with a full system you may consider the FMF Power-Bomb header with an FMF muffler.  If you intend on installing Rally Raid or Safari fuel tanks up front, stay with the stock header.  The Power-Bomb header is not compatible with them.

Good info PP, thanks. I'll probably stay with a stock header - I think the biggest difference to engine performance will be ditching the cat in the muffler. Swapping the header I imagine will be much less rewarding given it's a single.