I’m mega heat-intolerant (genetic crap), but the design of the 901 traps heat for sure.
You know that a moto disco thread has reached max saturation when flowers become the analogy to human heat tolerances. Nothing wrong with flowers, though. 
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Ian Schoenleber is the Big Rock Moto journalist that does, what I consider to be, a great job in his reviews (even though he has a very unique and slightly annoying personality). He recently pre-reviewed the ‘26 690 in a short snip on fb. His full rview is forthcoming. In short, he reports that the KTM has greatly upped the ADVness of the 690 while maintaining the confidence to turn left off of the secure in my knowledge that I’m safe here and onto a skinnier, steeper, don’t know what I’m actually getting myself into type trail. I think that is really the essence of what I’m looking for; If there’s security on longer stretches at higher speeds AND confidence that I can still scramble, then nirvana has been achieved. Maybe the 890 R / 901 just got a little less dissonance in my cognition of what it is that makes the most sense? Test ride …gotta test ride.
Ian’s notes:
One trait of the KTM 690 Enduro R versus most ADV bikes I test, is that it is much more likely I’ll explore just about any crazy trail I can find. On a heavier multi-cylinder ADV bike, especially when riding alone as I usually do, I typically won’t explore as much. The 690 is that one bike that can do just about everything - BUT, it’s not great in any certain area, and has some serious design compromises.
Some test notes so far:
Engine - the new engine makes much more power/torque at low to mid RPMs, and fueling seems great so far. Vibration is fairly well controlled too, it is definitely smoother than the 2019-2025 bikes.
The new tech - TFT dash, slip adjuster etc. - works great, and the bike remembers ALL your settings when turned off and on (two huge thumbs up)
The seat is better than before
I notice a lot of heat on the back of my legs at low speeds off road. Like, a LOT. Maybe due to Euro5+ compliance?
The tall gearing makes slow speed technical off road a major challenge. (just as always with this platform)
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Food for thought:
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Totally concur with your assessment of Ian (Big Rock Moto), and got to meet him in person at Dusty Lizard last year down in Silverton and he is just as “odd” in person!!! Love his reviews though.
Rock on!!
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That was a really entertaining video! I see that the fuel placement in the 701 / 690 creates a need to shift the body forward from a more natural / neutral stance.
When it’s riding time again you’re more than welcome to take the Norden out for a spin, @Shifty .
That’s mighty generous of you. Thank you.
If you don’t ride the 701/690 enduro at the limit with a nearly full tank then the imbalance that Adam is bothered by is not as much of an issue. And with a rally tower and front tanks mounted the weight distribution is more “normal” but that requires significant modification and expense. Spy photos of a factory built adventure model of the 690 are around on the internet.
That might be pretty ideal, but who knows when it will be available. Not announced as a 26 model in the US.
I still lament Husky stopping production on the 701LR…
And yes, I can’t sling my bike around like Riemann, so I’ve never even considered where the gas is. 
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If you always ride like you are trying to podium at Finke then I guess weight distribution/chassis balance is a bigger issue. I’d guess most 690 owners are more concerned about there being gas in the tank rather than where the tank is mounted.
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a 690/701 Adventure R is the dream. Honestly, the new 390 Adventure R platform is so much better, that I hope it puts other mfg’s on notice to get into a comfortable 300lb weight class ADV. Heavy enough for stability on highway, comfortable, and still 100lbs under what most middle weights are.
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Again, BCADV Bike Slut Day at IMI, catered by Hooters
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Hey Shifty, I can relate to the “63 year old brain and body. Add another 180 lbs and I’m probably at a 5 tops”. I’m pushing 62 and not a huge technical rider but really try to have the skill to get through shit because I often end up riding by myself. So though I may not set out for something or may even be trying to avoid it, I find myself in it and have to deal with it.
Having said that, I’m no “ripper”. I’m a “survivor”. I’m usually mid-pack in a group ride. Because of this, almost any bike I buy will have more performance than I do. So getting something I can ride and put away without doing shit to, is more important to me. Hence, I have two Hondas.
I’ve got a CRF300L (I’m also only 5’6”) which I can tractor through anything and ride the smaller bike terrain. It also fits in my van when I roadtrip. It’s still heavy compared to most bikes, but lighter than my AT. My AT is awesome for covering 75% road miles and still getting into some 4-5 offroad stuff (I’m willing to drop it all the time though). It also hauls a lot of shit if I want to go wingfoiling. I can load it up with board, foil and gear and go. For me, having two ends of the size spectrum is much better than trying to get that bike in the middle/upper middle range and not really being able to do either of those two things as well. More advanced riders can do amazing things on their 800 cc range, but as a short, old average rider, I don’t think I’d be that much better in the crud on one, so I might as well go big and enjoy it more when I do longer stuff.
I’m in Candelas so if you’re on the “East end of Coal Creek” we’re probably neighbors! I’m happy to meet up for rides and let you try anything out if you’d like. Enjoy whatever you end up choosing to buy!
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Hey @daver - Thanks for the insight and encouragement! I’m also in the “Windelas” habitat, near Maverick Park. We definitely should coordinate rides. If you happen to be an ABasin skier, then perhaps that would be a thing to coordinate as well. nicholastesi@yahoo.com
Apparently, this is KTM’s 690 Rally with the rear tank joined by two front tanks and a transparent front cowl.
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Spy photo?
These photos surfaced around 8-9 months ago in Europe, but it was not officially released at EICMA 25, so it may not be around till 27 or so.
Yamaha says the T7 World Raid is coming to the US this year. I’d like to demo one when they do. Maybe Yamaha will have some at the Overland Expo this year.
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