If it had the button, I'd own one. Came real close to buying one then realized I'd probably get tired of kicking it like my friend warned. I looked up the XT660. 454 lbs? Is that a misprint
And a wider range trans with a highly overdriven 6th gear with 50 state plateability it would be a good alternative.
I went into Malcolm Smith a couple of weeks ago. They have a couple of the new Aprillia's on the floor. I know zilch about them, but boy do they look nice. I decided it was a good idea to leave the store immediately than to look at them anymore...
The KTM 690 is not as trail orientated as the 610/630. It is better on the tarmac though. Husky is aiming at 15 to 20% bitumen and the balance off road. The KTM is closer to 50/50. A recent review in Aust. on the 630 had it all over the 690 in the handling, tracking and suspension aspects off road but the motor was noticably softer. That said they did imply the motor was good, just not as much grunt as the 690 (what would you expect).
Mine just seems to get better, (08 7500 miles). I was in the woods yesterday trying to connect up some roads in the forest for a local dual sport run. These roads are water barred from one end to the other, and pretty grown up with grass and weeds, washed out on the hills. Found the connection and turned back to ride back thru and really kept it hammered, and again was amazed how well this bike handles. The bike flies well (no huge air) no quirks, plenty of power. Broke my first plastic on the right side, slid thru a downed tree top.(pine straw is slick) Love this bike. Only problem I've had is the blinkers. Something in the switch. Big jolt, they quit, hit another, they go back to working. No biggie.
