At the time (autumn 2007) I bought my XR, the only other choice for me was the BMW G650X-challenge - but that seemed a bit querky, had a limited tank range, and at the time the big Touratech tank wasn't available for it (it is now though). I also wanted to build it up as a rallye bike, and there were lots of aftermarket bits available for the XR (Acerbis tank, AQ fairing, e-start, steering damper, brakes etc etc). Of course now there is a full rallye kit for the G650X too (as Si Pavey ably demonstrated on the Transoriental this year...)

The KTM 690 Enduro was imminent, but again not available, had a limited tank range (and no aftermarket tank kit, yet...) and still questionable long-term reliability issues perhaps? Also, I just don't like the look of it, and for me that is important - for me it has to be more than a tool-to-move, I've got to want to take the bike along for the ride with me...

The XR650R is a fantastic bike - surprisingy agile in the technical stuff, and has a hardcore edge that can't fail to make you smile every time you open the throttle. It is bearable over long distance (as 18,000 miles this past year has proved - although on off-road gearing you do feel you are killing it cruising at 70mph). It is reliable, easy to work on and has plenty of aftermarket parts available for you to modifiy it to your own requirements... and as a desert race bike it is peerless of course.

The 690 on the other hand has more power, efi, factory e-start, a factory luggage/pannier rack already available, and a front tank is soon to be available (so we keep being told). If you want a bike that's ready out of the door, the 690 is perhaps a worthy successor to the XR... but it is ugly, and I just couldn't ride an orange bike!

xxx