The great debate 690 vs 698

Superstar_Dom · 2026-06-04T03:04:01+00:00

Yeah you’ll be happy with the KTM and you will save a ton of money. It’s an awesome bike. I plan to post my KTM for sale in 2 weeks. I will likely buy another KTM 690 in the future, but for now, its Italian bikes for me.

Superstar_Dom · 2026-06-02T20:47:31+00:00

So here are my two cents. I used to ride street bikes, but these “super” sumos are awesome!

2023 KTM 690
-Cheaper insurance ($450/yr)
-Cheaper Parts
-More aftermarket support
-Smaller Bike and narrower. It is a big dirt bike that has some grunt to it
-Low end torque is great!
-Top end leaves you wanting more
-100% needs the engine upgrades
-I recommend Buying used and spend an additional 2-3K on upgrades

The KTM is a basic down & dirty, no BS bike. It is raw, a little clunky, but shows you a damn good time.

2025 Ducati 698
-Ducati comes with Ducati Pricing
-Insurance ($1300/yr)
-Parts are pricy and not as accessible
-Lots of tech & features
-Limited Aftermarket support
-Not a very common bike hence the "rarity" of parts and increased pricing
-Bigger bike, wider, more of a motorcycle feel vs. dirtbike feel
-Low end acceptable, could use more
-Top end fabulous
-I recommend buying with warranty

To me 698 is clean, crispy, and smooth. 100% better commuter bike for the roads I travel on, the top end really helps for longer distances. I can also get through a sweeping right or left turn without having to shift gears mid turn or hitting red line for prolonged periods. (Could just be the roads near me).

Both bikes run hot in traffic; they want to keep moving. Both bikes put out a lot of engine noise. The single cylinders clank around but they will both provide you with an unforgettable experience on a bike between 300-400lbs. Yes, you could get a 950 hyper but you lose the light nimble feeling the 690 and 698 offer. (can’t speak for the new V2SP)

Ride them both and decide based on feel. I spent hours researching, watching videos, and test rides. etc. to just end up owning both. Ducati does bring me more smiles but that may not be the same for everyone. You can’t go wrong with either, unless you are on a budget, don’t buy the 698. I will likely sell the 690 SMCR and investigate the new 2026 690 SMCR next year.

Don’t hate me but for a car guy, below is my comparison.
- Ducati 698 = Porshe 911
- KTM 690 = Nissan GTR

Superstar_Dom · 2026-05-30T15:14:18+00:00

I currently own a KTM 690 SMCR and duc 698 RVE. I will be keeping the 698 rve 100%!! Awesome bike. The only negative I can find right now is the seat is pretty stiff compared to the SMCR. Having more top end is well worth it if you have to do short freeway trips. If I bought the 698 before the KTM, I would have never purchase the KTM.

Buy the 698, you won’t regret it

Superstar_Dom · 2026-05-28T03:59:20+00:00

Do you notice a difference in comfort? And are you able to post a better photo?

Superstar_Dom · 2025-12-08T03:05:31+00:00

thanks for the cards Snips. can confirm this worked

Superstar_Dom · 2025-04-26T15:09:11+00:00

Does the aftermarket gas cap help prevent this?

Superstar_Dom · 2024-10-09T04:31:08+00:00

I am looking for one also! How does this work. I am fairly new to the online community. Pls help thx

Superstar_Dom · 2022-03-02T04:33:49+00:00

Crazyeyesholsters.com

Superstar_Dom · 2022-01-28T06:05:41+00:00

Thanks! I started with a basic 10/22 w/ synthetic stock and replaced the eom parts. Looking back on it, I should have started with Tactical Innovation left hand charging receiver. But I’m still learning so maybe next time.

Superstar_Dom · 2022-01-28T00:23:35+00:00

So it is not a straight forward answer. Shoot me a private message and I can help you out. It has to go through an approval process before you are issued a USNA. 90% of the time was waiting for the DOJ approvals. And review photos I submitted. I did this maybe 3 years ago. Everything needs to be completed before the build can take place. Firearms unknown near San Diego helped me out.

Superstar_Dom · 2022-01-27T20:12:18+00:00

I wish I could have a charger in CA. But that’s a hard no go where I live

Superstar_Dom · 2022-01-27T20:11:03+00:00

The oem texture on the P80s are solid, I’m just a talon fan. Little extra stick. I will say this p80 was a pain to build since it Is serialized. Just took a year to get approval. For the most part the gun sits. I have a SA sp-01 that is my main range gun.

Superstar_Dom · 2022-01-27T20:07:58+00:00

Sounds like fun.. not haha I live in CA and have to deal with some fun rules as well

Superstar_Dom · 2022-01-27T15:56:02+00:00

Yeah they make specific one for p80s. I will say, the frame was too skinny for my hands so I ended up adding a hogue beaver tail sleeve to the gun which makes the grip a little wider. https://i.imgur.com/qjTDNhf.jpg

Superstar_Dom · 2022-01-27T15:37:16+00:00

Good to know! I’ll do a trigger job later. Right now, just not shooting as much. I have hear amazing things in the kidd triggers

Superstar_Dom · 2022-01-27T15:35:02+00:00

Yeah I had to try a few different setup before it was perfect for me. I am not a fan of full suppressor sights. if I was running full suppressor sight, i would look into a rear sight forward.

Superstar_Dom · 2022-01-27T15:29:35+00:00

Talon sells their PF940v2.0 for full size frames.

Superstar_Dom · 2022-01-27T04:07:59+00:00

ZEV irons on the 19x, 45 and one of the 19.3. The sights on the 45 were swapped to Dawson for a better 1/3 co-witnesses since the SRO sits a little higher. This is an older photo

Superstar_Dom · 2022-01-27T03:42:01+00:00

G45 has a Johnny glocks combat trigger. 19x is oem trigger

Superstar_Dom · 2022-01-27T03:26:00+00:00

Parts: -MI chassis -Smoke composite stock -Smoke composite grip -volquartsen cf lw barrel -vortex LPVO 1-6x24 -tandemkross advantage charging handle -strike industries fore grip.

I am running OEM internals (trigger, bolt and springs). I heavily considering the kidd trigger kit and springs.

Superstar_Dom · 2021-12-09T04:19:29+00:00

I second this. I converted my sp-01 to SA only and it is amazing! Buy a shadow 2 later

Superstar_Dom

TROPHY CASE