[smellmyface686]

Searched not only the forum, but Google as well and couldn't really find a good comparison for the two bikes except "the 690 is newer, therefore better". Has anyone ridden/owned both of these bikes? Trying to take out a loan soon and I think I’ve narrowed my choices down to the two KTM bikes. I've heard the 625s shake you half to death, but there still seems to be a devout following of 625 riders out there. I know the 690 has some better features as well (slipper clutch stock?, gear driven balance shaft, EPT) but what I really want to know about is reliability and aftermarket part availability. Which one is going to hold up better in the long run, especially with a bunch of aftermarket goodies? What are some of your opinions?

 

[smellmyface686]

the 690s will obviously not have many aftermarket options ( especially the SMRs ) since they are a newer model.

Yeah i figured as much, but as long as i can snag an exhaust, K&N filter, front sprocket, Pro-tec lid (i think KTM has a similar one as well) and a dampener i'd be happy. Jet kit shouldn't be a problem, but finding graphics, plastics, seats etc might be a pain but i'm not pressed. The more research i do, the more i'm leaning to the 690. Looks like alot of parts could be interchangeable between the Duke and other KTMs as well, at least i hope so because the front fender is, for lack of a better word, oo:...

 

[smellmyface686]

No jet kit - FI for the 690 :arsenal

edit: and the front fender actually helps a lot - i hit a sludge pit on mine, and it kept some really nasty funk from getting everywhere :lol:

Yea i just found out the its FI, so sick! The site i was looking at told me it was carbed for some reason. The 690sm fender looks fine to me, i thought they all had the spy vs. spy thing going on. I definitely think i've found the bike for me. Last FI bike i had was actually a quad, Yamaha Raptor 700, and it made me never want to go back to carbs again. The 625 is carbed though, correct?