Very nice! Interested to hear your review on the 690R once you've been back at it for a bit. I did a little touring about on my 950 a few years ago in your area. You've got a lot of nice stuff available to you up there!
First impressions:
Previous DS was a KLR650 so this 690 is just like the KLR grew a little, got stronger and refined.
Love the brakes can't say it enough very smooth and predictable.
The 690 definitely likes/needs to be ridden at a higher RPM IMO, unlike the KLR that would almost idle chug away in most gears the 690 likes to be 3000+ RPM. I found slow speed crawls easier on KLR. Both bikes on the tall side and at 6' with 33" inseam I can barely flatfoot at a stop.
The clutch on the 690 is smoother obviously but I find the pull on lever to be heavier with the shorty lever. Never had any issues overheating yet. The 690 likes to run hot seems it is always 8/10 or higher on the temp gauge.
The 690 isn't that heavy easily picked up.
The suspension is also very good, I was able to double (myself 210lbs passenger 230lbs) without issue and chug it up and down a steep mountain access road to the radio/hydro towers. The power is definitely there to haul.
Many complained about vibration but really it isnt that bad... my old 07 GSXR 750 had more vibration and buzz and I find it to be less than the KLR.
The bench seat is ok, not too stiff for me but it is far from plush.
Having ABS is new for me and I haven't yet had need of it or even used it. I turn it off usually. I was tempted to try it out on gravel but not feeling brave or stupid enough yet.
Highway travel on it isnt intimidating and it can keep up to traffic and pass if need be not wound out and sucking oil like the KLR
Three tanks of high-test through it now and super happy with the bike. Looking for paniers now.
