FE/FC FE501S vs KTM 690R

[bhuizer]

Looking for opinions on these two bikes. Possibly adding another bike to the fleet and I'm curious which bike would be better for 50/50 highway/dirt. I do not ride much single track, but would want it to be capable. Looking for a bike that is comfortable at 65 mph on the asphalt, but is still nimble enough to ride almost anywhere. I know that the power to weight ratio is nearly equal on these two bikes, but would be interested to hear some feedback from those who have ridden both.

 

[reveille]

If you want 50/50 then the 690 gets the nod without a doubt. My 501 will do street but it doesn't like it much.

 

[r6jon]

Same boat here. Subscribed.

 

[bikesparky]

Couldn't agree more. About 50km street is as far I like to go on it. Rather ride it 250km off road, they are really not designed for street riding.

 

[octagon pilot]

If you want to do that much road, 690R. Easy choice

And if you're not compelled in the direction of the 501 by just comparing the spec sheets, you'd probably better off with the 690. It is a very capable bike that can excel in a wide variety of terrain, and I recently rode a 690 up Lockhart basin, which I'd call moderately technical. It did fine, but the clearance isn't great so it drug the belly a bit, and I felt the weight.

I've also spent some time on a 500exc in similar stuff.
In true technical off-road terrain there is hardly any overlap between capabilities of the 690 and a FE501/500exc.

Either are great bikes

Should be picking up my 501 next week!

 

[duggoey]

The 690 is as close to a do it all bike that I know of. It is very capable on and off road and cruises well at hifh speeds, not a long range bike though without mods. No lack of power! The hard part with the bike is the tyres. 50/50s give up a lot on both surfaces and it eats them up.

Ive got 18000km on mine. The valves are all in spec, uses no oil and is very reliable. It is also up for sale by the way as there is alot of overlap with the other bikes.

 

[ktm4jim]

I own a 13 690R and love it. For your 50/50 it is the best bike going. Mine is set up more for the off-road side, Here's my two cents worth. I would advise a better skid plate that will cover the rear master cylinder. I have the Adventure Spec skid plate and case savers and they are great. Second purchase the Rally Raid billet rear brake lever. Get a set of heavy duty tubes and some rim locks. Seat Concepts is the seat I run, because the stock seat is brutal and lastly I run a set of Dunlop Rally 908DD tires.

I will be purchasing a 2015 FE501 green sticker bike within the week if OCKTM can find me one; so then I will have tons of questions too.

 

[reveille]

How many miles do you have on the 690 now? I'm curious how they handle high mileage and longevity. I would like to replace my heavy Super Tenere with something lighter that can handle long mileage days and still be manageable off road. The long maintenance intervals of the Super Tenere are awesome though.

 

[decooney]

Recently sold my 2014 KTM 690 Enduro (great bike) and replaced it with a 2015 Husqvarna 501S instead, keeping my 2014 Yamaha Super Tenere ES for longer adv rides.

Interesting how these three bikes (Husky 501S, KTM 690, Super Tenere) attract some riders in common for whatever reasons...

To OP: While the 690 was a great dual sport if you like less technical dirt, and it did extremely well on paved roads and milder off road dual sport day rides, it was a much less manageable compromise for me in more technical off road dirt, mud, or any tight single track technical situations for my 5'10" 200lb size. I no longer look at it as a 50/50 use question. I now look at it like this after owning both. For 70% paved road use, go for the 690 enduro but don't expect it to ride like a 500/501 off road once you get to the dirt, and vice-versa for the 501 compared to the 690 on road. Horsepower to weight ratio may be similar, but these two bikes ride and handle completely different on/off road.

 

[JonXX]

Get a red TE610. Problem solved.

Or

Wait for the 701...The white 690.

 

[decooney]

Dry weight:

Husky TE610 308 lbs

'14 KTM 690 306 lbs

'15 Husky 501S 250 lbs


IMO: While I preferred riding a heavier TE610 and my former KTM 690E on longer road stretches, and the simple comfort either bike offers on longer trips and paved roads,
there is NO comparison to the Husqvarna FE 501S when you start riding any type of real dirt, double track, single track, or more technical stuff.
The handling, reduced risk, reduced effort, and fun factor goes way up when riding the 501S when you get to the dirt trails. It's a dirt vs. road decision, I think.
When manufactures start making lighter weight and more nimble 650s/690s in the next few years, this comparison will be much more interesting.
And, if you take a 500/501 and put a larger fuel tank on it, add a wider seat concepts comfort seat, nice 50/50 tires, the gap closes even more.

 

[firecrotch]

How many miles do you have on the 690 now? I'm curious how they handle high mileage and longevity. I would like to replace my heavy Super Tenere with something lighter that can handle long mileage days and still be manageable off road. The long maintenance intervals of the Super Tenere are awesome though.

I see people over at advrider getting over 100k on their 690's no problem.