I have been thinking about changing over to a ktm 690 690 sm-r they are a cracking looking bike with all the trick bits very tempting. My mate bought one and said best bike he had ever had. I have got to admit it looks good but bloody expensive! on paper it should absolutely hammer the xt.

Yesterday we swapped bikes for a short ride a blast up the motorway included and I have got to admit it is good. The seat height is very similar to the tenere with the x being lower.

But hand on heart there is no way I will be changing from the xt. Don't know if it is because I am used to my bike or what. I just prefer the xt this is my own personal opinion. The xt continues to grow on me and the best thing is the price especially on used bikes, low mileage, late reg options even from a dealer can be picked up 4k.

I know the xt has not changed for years but the old saying is correct (If it is not broke do not fix it) final word xt is a cracking bike.

I admit the KTM's do look good, but I also know they are very service demanding, frequent oil changes and lots of wear and tear because of all the light weight tricky components. Sure the XTX is no match for the agility and performance of the KTM but if regularly serviced and XT will out live the KTM and members of this forum have huge mileage on these bikes completely trouble free and have been running them for up to 8 or 9 years no problem, like our friend Badga who has been commuting every day on his black xtx since 2004. errr... that's 11 years!!

I agree CaptMoto there is no way I will changing as you have said these xt bikes prove themselves over and over again. My xt is in really good nick but if it ever gives up which wont be for a long time yet I fully intend going straight out to get another.
Steve

I agonised over a 690r having ridden another version they are light weight and fast but blimey there's a price to pay that's for sure and I'll never forget the one I rode blew up two weeks later it's just not something your going to get with an XT.

What really did it for me was the riding position,I could put up with the cost and hassle and there's lots of both but blimey what an awkward bike to sit on,I've never encountered a 690 on the road and while mine still needs to go on a diet it will make for an interesting comparison as mine is a fair way from stock and runs well.

XT is a sIug over the KTM.

Your right but for anyone with thoughts of buying one caviar taste is never a good thing if you only have fish and chip finance,one of the many great abilities that a katoom has is the one to burn you to the ground financially.

Look on eBay you can buy anything for an XT look on the same for KTM!! It'll be a trip to the dealer and take your own Vaseline.