2019 KTM 690 SMC R

KTM 690 SMC R in the driving report

Comeback of the popular fun bike

Good news for all KTM sumo fans: KTM presented the 690 SMC R for the 2019 model year at EICMA. Now we could drive the supermoto in Portugal.

Well finally. Supermoto fans can breathe easy. They were well served by the Austrians with the SMC 690 until 2016. Sumo also shone in the ranking of new registrations in 2015 and 2016. In both years it was KTM’s bestseller in Germany. But that ended in 2017. Because the new, magnificent single with Euro 4 homologation was previously only available in the KTM Duke / R and the Husqvarna 701 installed.

But now the KTM 690 SMC R has been equipped with the latest generation of the LC4 engine. it develops 74 hp and provides a maximum torque of 73.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm. This makes it the currently strongest series-produced single.

Assistance systems, chassis, price

The new KTM 690 SMC R is equipped as standard with cornering ABS, traction control that regulates lean angle, engine drag torque control, the Street and Sport driving modes and a quickshifter. When the ABS hits the "Supermoto fashion" allows rear wheel drifts without the rider losing confidence in the front wheel.

The steel tubular space frame is new, the plastic tank is self-supporting and 1.5 liters more voluminous than its predecessor, the chassis has been completely redesigned: at the rear a WP spring strut with Pro-Lever deflection springs, at the front it is the WP USD APEX with 48 mm diameter. At the front 215 mm and at the rear 240 mm of travel are provided.

The new KTM 690 SMC-R is available at prices starting at 10,799 euros.

First ride with the new supermoto

KTM

The driving behavior is neutral, it is never overhanded or even wobbly. The revised chassis responds well. The new Bridgestone S21 tire harmonises beautifully with the KTM.

In Portugal we had the first opportunity to ride the new KTM. The new engine turns up to almost 9,000 without giving up. The Euro 4 unit is not only stronger than its predecessor from the middle, but also shines above all with a decidedly wider usable speed range. Vibrations? Never present to speak of, the second balancer shaft does its job excellently. Zack – and the excellent quickshifter takes you to the next gear. An exercise that, by the way, always succeeds in a creamy way, even at low speeds, at part load and with the blipper.

The driving behavior is neutral, it is never overhanded or even wobbly. The revised chassis responds well. The new Bridgestone S21 tire harmonizes beautifully with the KTM. Also masters moisture, and thus everyday life. The adjustable traction control stays on the safe side in street mode, in sport mode it leaves the reins longer and allows creamy acceleration wheelies. In Supermoto mode, the system is only active at the front and, in cooperation with the flawless, hydraulically operated anti-hopping clutch, allows beautiful brake slides. That’s exactly how you want traction control! The ABS cornering also regulates with eerie security.

Technical specifications:

Engine: single cylinder 4-stroke engine
Displacement: 690 cm³
Bore / stroke: 105/80 mm
Torque: 73.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Compression: 12.7: 1
Transmission: 6 gears
Forced lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Liquid cooling
Slipper clutch, hydraulically operated
Traction control: MTC (2 modes, can be switched off)
Steel space frame
Self-supporting plastic tank
Handlebar: aluminum, butted, Ø 28/22 mm
Front suspension: WP USD APEX 48 mm
Rear suspension: WP shock absorber with Pro-Lever deflection
Suspension travel front / rear: 215/240 mm
Front brake: four-piston brake, floating, brake disc Ø 300 mm
Rear brake: single-piston brake, floating, brake disc Ø 240 mm
Bosch cornering ABS with supermoto mode that can be switched off
Spoked wheels with aluminum tubeless rims 3.50 × 17"; 5.00 × 17"
Tires: 120/70 ZR 17; 160/60 ZR 17
Chain: X-ring 5/8 × 1/4"
Steering head angle: 63.6 °
Trail: 107.7 mm
Wheelbase: 1,470 mm
Ground clearance: 238 mm
Seat height: 890 mm
Tank: approx. 13.5 liters
Weight: approx. 147 kg (without fuel)

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