Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/748467
KLIM 2016 KTM 690 PROJECT P84 build was to take him where we wanted, how he wanted. "This project started as the ul- timate do-all backcountry bike," Pancheri said. "One capable of multiday single-track but with highway clout. It needed enough fuel capacity to ride all day yet we wanted it lighter and more maneuverable than traditional adventure bikes. This is leaning to the dirt-bike side way more than anything we see in the ad- venture market right now." This would not be so easy. Or cheap. To be at home and agile in Jeep, ATV and even tighter single-track trails, the weight of this build would need to be significantly less than the current crop of mainstream full-size ADV bikes. Sure, riders ride massive bikes in these areas. But that doesn't mean it makes the most sense for most riders. The KTM 690 Enduro looks about right on paper. It has a big single-cylinder engine that makes manageable, yet plenti- ful, power. It has dirt-bike han- dling and positioning to make you feel at home over the rough stuff. It has highway legs in the engine and transmission. But it certainly has its shortcomings in stock trim, as wind protec- tion is non-existent and 100-mile days are stretching it with stock fuel capacity, despite impres- sive mpg numbers. Comfort is certainly not king, either. Still, the 690 was the closest thing they could find. So, the building began. Much of this project's cool- factor is its rally-fighter styling and do-all functionality. The Klim crew went straight to the source here—UK-based Rally Raid. With them, they discussed what were the best parts for their needs. Rally Raid, conveniently, has them all. And while they're not a budget-minded solution, they are complete, knowledge- able and the parts are available. Before the goodies went on a few bits went in to making the bike work better. A new water temperature- sending unit was bolted up to kick the fan on at lower temps. A kickstand sensor bypass plug came aboard to stop annoying floppy-stand stalls, and a Rott- weiler air intake kit opened up the voice box of the 690 and promised to make routine dirty filter maintenance quick and easy. Other upgrades were added for functionality, as well, includ- ing a Trail Tech Voyager GPS, Wolfman Saddle Bags, Black Dog Cycle Works' footpegs, Fastway Hand Guards, a Flat- land Racing skid plate, Double Take Adventure Mirrors and a blessing of a seat from Seat Concepts. From there, Rally Raid sort of monopolized the build. Nearly everything you see on the outside of this bike's body is from the Rally Raid catalog. It transforms the 690 into a bike with legit rally looks, fuel capacity and function. Klim used two additional rally tanks (10L, 2.64 gallons total), a complete fairing kit (headlight, screen, cockpit support and hardware), radiator and tank protection, hardware galore and a rear rack from Rally Raid. Add a fresh set of Dunlop 606 meats you have yourselves a weapon!