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Seat Concepts ’ replacement saddle is wider in the back and has more supportive foam .
PowerParts accessory catalog is a CNC-machined aluminum handlebar mount with vibration-damping elastomer inserts . The PHDS took only a few minutes to install , and it has reduced vibration in the grips by about half — the buzz isn ’ t gone , but it no longer causes fatigue and hand tingling , especially at the end of a long day . We ’ ve only tried the standard inserts , but softer and harder inserts are also available .
Next we found a replacement for the KTM ’ s brick of a seat . Like a dirt bike , the 690 Enduro R has a long , narrow saddle that extends from just a few inches behind the headstock to far back on the tail section . Caldwell , Idaho-based Seat Concepts makes high-quality replacement seats for a wide range of motorcycles . Its seat for the 690 Enduro R ($ 294.99 ) is wider in the back and has thicker , more supportive foam without increasing seat height . We chose one with a gripper top , faux carbon-fiber sides and orange stitching , making it a perfect match for the KTM , and we ’ ve done a 300-mile day without complaint . A one-inch-taller version is available for the same price , and if you want to get fancy , one with a suede cover will set you back $ 399.99 .
Our third objective was to extend the KTM ’ s range . We ’ ve been averaging 43 mpg from the 3.17-gallon underseat tank , good for 136 miles , but when really hammering it