It was September 19th 2020 when I bought my 2014 KTM 690 Enduro R.
I had found it in Craigslist down in the California central valley near Fresno. Tomm and I went to go look at it after I had discussed it at length with the owner and we had tentatively settled on a cash price of $6,000.
The bike visually looked ok, ran ok and so I bought it. I knew there was going to be quite a few mods to be done and a lot of what I had was going to be replaced anyways.
It had 7,000 miles on it then. Currently it has 27,500+ miles on the odo. I can honestly say that it’s been a wonderful 20,k miles and we’re not done yet!
Just between you and me (and do not tell my wife) I’ve spent a few $$ on the upgrades. Looking at my spreadsheet I’m right at an additional $5,419 in upgrades.
- Just a note: this is not everything I spent. I only listed things that I bought the first time. Things that are wear type of items like oil, brake pads, and tires are not listed multiple times.
So I am generally going to say that I am in this bike for $11,k or so. Tha’s still under the cost of a new one (current models list for $13,399). But remember also that’s for a stock 690. Mine is much much better suited for what I use it for. I don’t think I could have put 20,k miles on a bone stock 690 anyways.
Here’s a few (LOL!) posts detailing what I’ve done to the bike over the last 5 years starting with the first.
MY 2014 KTM 690 Enduro R
2014 KTM 690 Enduro R
I’ve been searching for a new lighter bike for a while now… Guess what I ended up with?
Taking inventory of the 690 Enduro
Taking a quick look and identifying everything that came on my new (used) 2014 KTM 690 Enduro
Planned Mods for the 690 Enduro
No bike is perfect, each needs to be adapted to suit the rider and the planned rides. These are some of the mods I am considering.
The Giant Loop Heat Shield
A quick review of the Giant Loop Heat Shield. It took me longer to write this than the install!
A New Battery
Digging into the nest of wires under the seat I found out I had the wrong battery. Here’s what I replaced it with.
How to change the oil on a 690 Enduro
Here’s the best and correct way to change the oil on your KTM 690 Enduro with bonus pro tips that will save you thousands!
Who the fork does this to a shock?
Pulled the shock out to replace the lowering link and found a whole lot of damage. I can’t see how anyone could do this to a shock.
Adding new grips
Like I like to say, “These are the best grips you’ve never heard of”. As the story goes, I started a few years back on these grips after a recommendation from Lyndon Poskitt. Anyone who has ridden and raced around the world probably has a pretty good idea of what works and feels good in…
HBD Ultimate Handguards
The 690 Enduro comes with hand guards. Technically speaking they are hand guards but with them being 100% plastic nobody is sure what they might be able to guard your hands against. Like Kleenex, when we talk about proper hand guards we usually say BarkBusters. That’s wrong as it’s a brand name and I’m not…
Coolant Flush
Mods are happening faster than I can document them these days so I’ll be brief Miles: 7,204Manual says capacity of 1.27 qts or 1.2 L. I went to Cycle Gear looking for water wetter to add to my 50/50 mix of coolant and came back instead with this: I had a perfectly good jug of…
Adding a Charging Port
One of the “MUST HAVE” items on the bike is a charging port. I carry a backup battery in the tank bag as a back up, but the on bike port is essential given the number of things that require a regular zap here and there. My Sena 20, the cell phone, the gps, the…
RotoPax on the MotoRacks
See what I did there? 😂 Ok, so the bike came with a set of luggage racks (yay). The bike didn’t come with the proper mounting bolts (boo). I knew I was missing some spacers but wasn’t sure how many so I stacked up a few stainless washers and bolted the racks on. That was…
Catching up on 690 Mods
Here’s a bundle of mods I’ve done to the 690 that didn’t make it into a post. Windshield, Tires, Suspension Link, Mirrors, Ipad Nav, Tank Bolts, Shock, Signals, Heaters, Wings, Tank Bag, and a Seat!
Radiator Crash Bars
You’ve got to protect your radiator on a ktm 690 Enduro R and I found a great way to do it!
Vanasche Gas Filler Neck, Pivot Pegz, Wings Silent Kit
Three more mods for the 690. We’re getting there. Vanasche Gas Filler Neck I chose this one over the other option (CJ Designs) for the simple reason this one has a cable that ties the cap to the filler neck. They both do exactly the same thing in the same way. There’s two reasons you…
Continue Reading Vanasche Gas Filler Neck, Pivot Pegz, Wings Silent Kit
Molecule Skid Plate and CNC Brake Lever
Molecule Motorsports / Vanasche UHMW Skid Plate After riding Adalto’s Honda 450 in Moab, I was struck by how much quieter his bike was. The little pings and big dings of rocks hitting my KTM PowerParts Aluminum skid plate didn’t happen on his bike. He had a new styled “rubber” skid plate that wrapped around…
RIDE BDR
I’m one of those guys that likes personalized plates. Heck this website is named after the plate for my 950. So when I got the 690 I was naturally looking for something that would go along with AUFROAD. I tried to substitute the letter O for the number 0 but DMV won’t allow that. (see…
Winter Mod Project(s)
“While you’re in there…” is a disease. It’s something I fight all the time. It recently attacked my 690. It all started one day when I went to replace the blown LED headlight. I had ordered a new one from Cyclops and was ready to put it in. To do so means that you need…
I’m done with Tool Tubes!
My friend Tomm’s motto is to always ride with someone who’s carrying tools. That would be me. For my bikes I have a nicely assembled tool kit. I also accumulated a nice tire changing set of tools too. It seemed to me that the two were always going to be separate. You either needed one…
My New Minimalist Toolkit
With the recent loss of all of my tools, it was time to rebuild. Here’s how I managed to go minimal.
I’m going to ride LA B 2 V!
There, I said it. Now, I’m going to have to do it, right? Back in the 60s or so there was this very popular desert race called Barstow to Vegas or simply B2V. In the mid 80’s Ernie and I were looking for something a little different to do other than road racing – we…
What if… a BDR thought
So I am committed to doing the AMA District 37 Dual Sport ride LA Barstow to Vegas over Thanksgiving Weekend. The other day I was thinking… The Southern California BDR starts in Yuma, Az. I’ll be in Vegas at the end of the dual sport ride.I wonder how far it is to Yuma from there?…
Pre LAB2V and BDR Prep Part 1
Part 1 of my BDR Prep. This post I’ll cover just the tires, wheel bearings, chain, sprockets and a few other small things. There’s so much more for next post!
a Tale of Two Spark Plugs
Who would have guessed the ordeal I was going to have replacing 2 little spark plugs in a mass produced bike. No I didn’t cross thread it!
Pre LAB2V and BDR Prep Part 2
Part 2 of my mega prep on the KTM 690 to get it ready for LAB2V and then the CABDR. In this one I cover the graphics, radiator, brakes and a few peripherals.
Adding a Rekluse Manual Clutch
Installing a Rekluse clutch is easy, until it isn’t. Here’s my tale of woe on replacing the stock unit in my 690 to a Rekluse Manual Clutch.
The Story of 702
What’s with this number I keep seeing pop up everywhere, you ask? Here’s the story behind #702 and why it’s so important to me.
ADV to the rescue!
It’s the last item I needed to sort out and if you’re trying to ride in the dark, it’s the most important. Here’s the answer – a Motominded / Baja Designs headlight! Let there be light!
LAB2V Day 0, 2022
With a nagging overheating issue, I make my way down to the start of LAB2V in Palmdale.
LAB2V Day 1, 2022
A blow by blow look at my Day 1 of the 39th annual L.A. to Barstow to Vegas Dual Sport ride put on by AMA District 37.
LAB2V Day 2, 2022
Day 2 of LAB2V and I head out alone. I ride some of the Hard route and had a great surprise at the finish.
LAB2V 2022, The Day(s) After
It the Day after LAB2V and while everyone else is heading home, I’m slabbing it down to Yuma to meet up with Mike and start the CABDR!
Day 1 CA BDR
It’s Day one of the CA BDR which means we have to navigate the tough Indian Pass Rd but there was a few other things that gave us a tough time instead.
Day 2 CA BDR
Day 2 of our CA BDR Trip and we finish up what we have left of Section 2 and then all of Section 3 into Primm, NV for a shower and bed.
DAY 3 CA BDR
It’s Day 3 on the CA BDR as we make our way from Primm, NV to Furnace Creek in Death Valley. This day included a few closures and hence a few audibles.
DAY 4 CA BDR
It’s a total scratch for us doing Section 5 as pretty much everything we want to do in Death Valley is closed. But we skirt the issue (and park boundary) and make our way up and over Cerro Gordo into Lone Pine.
Day 5 CA BDR
It’s Day 5 for us on the BDR and we’re trying to salvage whatever we can of Section 7 and 8. The weather cooperates for a while, but it’s my bike that makes us turn around
CA BDR: The RECAP
It’s the Bee Line home where I pause and reflect on what it was, what it could have been and what’s next
Fixing What Broke / and Updates
So I got home from the CABDR, took a little time to reflect in THE RECAP, and now it’s time to fix what I broke. Luckily, and amazingly it’s not much. The first thing I did was take the bike down to the local car wash and give it a good spray. MOSKO MOTO I…
Updates on Mosko Moto
As big of a fan as I am, Mosko Moto let me down and can’t fix my straps so I’m looking for ways to fix it, or replace the bags – any ideas?
Gear Position O-Ring Leak FIXED
Fixing the minor oil leak was easy, finding the part a little harder – but it’s fixed now and no leaks – also clean oil!
Adding a Ruby R7 Headlight
With MotoMinded out of the picture, it was up to me to create what I needed to mount a Ruby R7 and use it as a headlight on the 690 – here’s what I did.
Replacing / Upgrading My Side Stand Foot
I’ve gone through a few side stand feet and it was time to replace my Tusk as it was a rattly piece of clack. I also need a taller stand. Having a little extra HDPE, I adapted part of the old and made it all better!
Update #2 on my Mosko Moto Reckless 80
The final chapter on my fixing a torn strap on my Mosko Moto Reckless 80 luggage. It’s been a full 3 months in the process but I’m ready to go camping again!
Adding a Garmin Zumo XT: FAIL
With the decision to go with a Garmin Zumo XT, the next items is to find a way to securely mount it. My first idea went down in flames.
Adding a Garmin Zumo XT: Attempt #2
It took a few tries but I think I have the mount where I like it, and structurally strong enough to last. Here’s what I did.
Adding a Centech AP-1 Auxiliary Fuse Panel to my 690
Explain a Fuse Block to me like I was a 3rd grader! I added a Centech Fuse Block to the bike and now run all my accessories through it
Continue Reading Adding a Centech AP-1 Auxiliary Fuse Panel to my 690
GPS Mount on the 690: Option 3
When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. A reader, much smarter than I, posed an alternate solution to my Gammin GPS Mount. Check it out!
Adding a Rottweiler Performance Intake System to my 690
I blame Tomm for everything I can. In this case he challenged my manhood and put the idea into my head. So now I have a Rottweiler Intake and soon I’ll have a little more storage too!
Continue Reading Adding a Rottweiler Performance Intake System to my 690
The Mosko Moto Reckless 80 Franken-Fix
After both Mosko Moto and a local Shoe Tailor let me down it was up to me to fix my torn strap on my Reckless 80s. Here’s my barbaric fix.
The Father’s Day Lost Coast Ride
4 days of great riding, a few horrible cocktails, and some great fun roads I had not been on. I like the Lost Coast a lot!
Setting My Rear Sag
I set my rear sag. That’s not something I’ll probably be saying again anytime soon, but for today, it’s true. I set my rear sag.
Replacing the Shock Lower Bearing
Luckily, when I found a little play in my 2014 KTM 690Enduro’s Swing Arm, it was a simple fix and only the lower shock bearings. Here’s how.
Unfollow Me
You shouldn’t trust me and you certainly shouldn’t do what I do. To be perfectly safe, you should just unfollow me right now. Here’s why.
New Helmet, New Paint, Who Dis?
It took a while but I finally got around to painting my new helmet. It’s now a 3 year old Bell MX-9 that just came out of the box. Here’s that story on that!
Follow Me
I may have fixed the things my faulty brain caused before. Maybe – the jacket on the freeway, the oil leak and putting the front tire on backwards – keyword: Maybe
LAB2V 2023
A very long summary of our LA to Barstow to Vegas adventure for 2023. It didn’t turn out like we had planned but nothing rarely does.
Oberon Clutch Slave Cylinder
Trying to get a better clutch release and fix an oil leak, I replaced the stock clutch slave with an Oberon. I also found out that the aftermarket levers on the bike had a bunch of play.
ASV Clutch Lever for the 690
Just a quick update on my clutch lever – installing ASV! They are high quality, smooth operation, expensive but I would say totally worth it. Nice Job ASV!
Installing Twinpegs on a KTM 690
Installing Twin Pegs on your KTM 690 Enduro, Husky 701, or even your Gas Gas 700 ES is super easy. Here’s what you need to know, and the one super important thing to check for!
Upgrading KTM 690 Rocker Arms and Shafts
One of the known weaknesses in the 690 is failed rocker arms. Here’s how to replace them and adjust the valves at the same time.
New (proper) Fork Springs and Seals
Just the first in a series of projects on the 690 is to upgrade the fork springs. While I was in there I did the seals too.
New (proper) Shock Spring
Upgrading my shock spring to the correct weight based on my fully loaded bike and my fully loaded me.
The Taco Moto 3,000 Hour Fuel Pump
Replacing my old fuel pump and filter with the best one on the market – the TacoMoto 3,k hour fuel pump!
Just part of the reason I am not running Safari Tanks
Beside a Rocky Mountain ATV break down, there’s a few other reasons why I decided to go with my current set up for the Nor Cal BDR.
Continue Reading Just part of the reason I am not running Safari Tanks
Studs > Bolts for the Rear Rack
One of the more challenging tasks I’ve had was putting the rear rack and assorted attachments back together. Swapping the bolts for studs made it so much easier.
New Pump, No Pressure, What Did I Do?
Warning: This post contains three kinky pictures. I installed a new fuel pump but the bike wouldn’t start. It had to be one of three things. Well, really, it was me. Just me.
My Pre Nor Cal BDR Settings
Just a quick post to document the various suspension settings I am going to start the Nor Cal BDR with.
PRE LAB2V Prep
The bikes had a few issues to address before LAB2V this year and I could not believe the condition of my water pump!
The Mosko Moto Gnoblin
When I had to replace a few straps on my Mosko Moto Recless 80, the smart choice was adding a Gnoblin – and oh so easy!
Motion Pro BeadPro Bead Breakers
Somewhere on a dusty trail in Death Valley is my old set of Motion Pro Levers. Had to buy new ones and here’s how I improved the mounting of them
TacoMoto Fuel Pump Issues
The Taco Moto 3,k Fuel Pump is the best – but that doesn’t mean something can’t go wrong. Here’s what happened to mine.
The Atlas Throttle Lock
I’ve long wanted to give the Atlas Throttle Lock a try. It’s a quality product and works great! But here’s why I took it off.
Safari Tank Adapter Plate O-Ring
Another piece of the Safari Tank puzzle has been solved. I found the right o-ring for the adapter plate!
New DID Chain, JT Countershaft and Dirt Tricks Sprocket
After limping 200 miles home on a badly worn sprocket it was time to refresh the chain and sprockets.
Continue Reading New DID Chain, JT Countershaft and Dirt Tricks Sprocket
Flatland Racing Disk Guard
Gearing added 10% more torque to my bike so Charles made sure to take 10% of my new wheelie ability away.
Installing an XTRIG
An XTRIG on your shock body will give you the ability to pin point your sag settings in just a few minutes. They aren’t cheap but they are worth it.
Checking and Replacing a Stator on a KTM 690
When my KTM 690 died it was likely either the Stator or the Voltage Regulator Rectifier – here’s how to test them both and how to replace your Stator.
Continue Reading Checking and Replacing a Stator on a KTM 690
How to Diagnose Fuel Issues on a KTM 690 (INTERACTIVE)
A complete and systematic way to diagnose fuel issues on a KTM 690 or similar bike with simple tools and logical steps.
Continue Reading How to Diagnose Fuel Issues on a KTM 690 (INTERACTIVE)
ASV Brake Lever for the 690
Adding one of the best brake levers you can buy to a KTM 690 Enduro is simple but there’s a few things to make sure you do it right
CLICK Suspension
Everyone should have a “wine guy”, a “fish guy” and if you’re a moto guy you need to have a “suspension guy”. I found mine!
HOW TO: Bracket Your Clickers
Suspension is all about the feels. Here’s how to better dial in the right “feels” even if you are like me, and are comfortably numb.
He's an avid hockey fan, rides a mountain bike, sometimes rides a road bike, has a few motorcycles (he had a really fast one, had a big cool orange one, rode a really slow one, and is currently building a perfect "BDR Weapon"). If that isn't enough, he makes cheese and sourdough bread, loves strong beer and good red wine, and poorly plays the Mandolin.
- HOW TO: Bracket Your Clickers - January 14, 2026
- CLICK Suspension - January 12, 2026
- How to put the Lost Coast BDRx on Your Garmin - December 17, 2025