Husqvarna 701 Supermoto, KTM 690 SMC R, SWM SM 650 R and Yamaha XT 660 X in the test

Husqvarna 701 Supermoto, KTM 690 SMC R, SWM SM 650 R and Yamaha XT 660 X in the test

Single-cylinder supermotos in comparison

The KTM 690 SMC R stormed the sales hit list in 2015. With Husqvarna 701 Supermoto and SWM SM 650 R, two newcomers are freshening up the segment that was previously only fed by the Yamaha XT 660 X – and the comparison test of the four is accompanied by a Supermoto world champion.

Adrien Chareyre’s eyes shine as if he had climbed Mount Everest. “Very good”, the Frenchman pulls out all the stops of his rudimentary knowledge of German with a mischievous expression on his face. In fact, it was his first ride on the Col de l’Espigoulier. The 30-year-old was previously unfamiliar with the 700 meter high pass northeast of Marseille, the hotspot of MOTORRAD’s winter test program. Probably also because the man from Alès has spent the past 13 years mainly on the world’s supermoto tracks. He has won four world titles during this time, was a works driver at Husqvarna and Aprilia, has been a racing retiree since October – and is now a star guest in the Supermoto comparison test of Husqvarna 701 Supermoto, KTM 690 SMC R, SWM SM 650 R and Yamaha XT 660 X.

Husqvarna 701 Supermoto, KTM 690 SMC R, SWM SM 650 R and Yamaha XT 660 X in the test

Single-cylinder supermotos in comparison

The concept of the XT 660 X (7670 euros plus 1110 euros for the Akrapovic system in the test machine) dates back to 2004 and has only been modernized with an aluminum swing arm since then. Perhaps the reluctance is only due to the KTM 690 SMC R. Because wherever niches open up, the Austrians fill the vacuum with precisely cut models. And have success with it.

Best-selling KTM, the sensational eleventh place in the 2015 registration statistics – the 690 SMC R advanced to become a phenomenon on the German motorcycle market this year. And that without a technical change. The last time it was with ABS and Ride-by-Wire was in 2014. Or, if you will, in the form of the 2015 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto. Technically, the 701 Supermoto is based on its in-house sister, only differs from it in the seat bench that extends further over the flanks, a tank that has been enlarged from twelve to 13 liters, rubber-mounted handlebar brackets and modified mappings and coordination of the spring elements. And in the price. At 9545 euros, the Husky is 350 euros more than the tariff of the KTM 690 SMC R, which is also not entirely cheap at 9195 euros.

SWM SM 650 R with Husky single

This is exactly where the SWM SM 650 R hits. SWM? A quick look back brings clarification. In February 2013 BMW sold the loss-making subsidiary to KTM as the hapless owner of Husqvarna. The Austrians closed the factory and have been using the traditional name for the model range based on KTM technology ever since. The remaining stocks of the Husqvarna machines still produced in Italy were sold off. But now they are celebrating resurrection. With money from Shineray, one of the largest Chinese motorcycle manufacturers, the former Husky chief engineer Ampelio Macchi took over the factory building and production facilities from Husqvarna as well as the rights to an old name: SWM.

In this respect, it is not difficult to trace the family tree of the SWM SM 650 R. The single was last offered in 2012, then as Husqvarna SMS 630 – and is now attacking under a new flag with a competitive price. Apart from the parts made in China (motor housing, gearbox, clutch fitting, plastic parts), the machine, which is made in Italy, costs 6740 euros.

KTM and Husky are almost exactly the same

The Peugeot driver waves us past in a friendly manner. While overtaking the right leg briefly stretched out. Thank you. Right, left, right, barely a meter leads straight ahead in the upper part of the pass. Supermoto dreamland. Anyone who doesn’t gossip with this quartet will also push Jennifer Lopez off the edge of the bed. Wide handlebars, slim waists, upright seating position – a perfect arrangement for throwing the machines from one lean angle into the next like a high-speed metronome. The two Austrians set the pace. Despite the fact that the seat of the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto is pulled a little further forward and rounded, the duo hardly differs in terms of seating comfort and comfort. Differences are generated by the handlebar mounts, which can only be adjusted on the KTM 690 SMC R and placed forward on the fork bridge on the test bike. The KTM rider involuntarily puts more pressure on the front and is rewarded with a touch of more precise steering precision and clearer feedback from the front wheel. Shades, noticeable goal. Which are nevertheless overlaid by this lightness typical of supermotos. Weighing just 156 kilograms, with a full tank, mind you, the KTM 690 SMC R tips over corners as easily as a Playmobil motorcycle.

The Husqvarna 701 Supermoto weighs two kilos more – due to the tank capacity, which has been increased by 13 liters, as well as differences in various details such as silencers or license plate holders. The weight difference cannot be felt subjectively. Probably also because the twins are almost exactly the same in their genetics despite the proclaimed differences in cushioning and rocker arm action. Which is also true for Adrien and stunt professional Jo Bauer. In parallel flight, the two KTM 690 SMC R and Husqvarna 701 Supermoto glide into the curves with whimpering rear tires. What a sight! The racers switched off ABS long ago. But they don’t even have to for these extreme deposits. Lateral drivers can deactivate the ABS control on the rear wheel with a plug from the Powerparts program (92 euros). Even highway robbers will seldom force the anti-lock device on the front wheel, which starts late in sport, into the normal range. Even if the load can be marginally compressed with the force of a single finger before every bend. Great. Especially since the spring elements keep the two speedsters well balanced in high-end stop-and-go operation and ensure peace and quiet even with hard load changes despite the ample spring travel. Fork and shock absorber are completely adjustable anyway.

Measured against this sporty setup, even the comfort is okay, it can be endured well on bumpy slopes on the narrow back. However, the more comfortable damping adjustment announced in the Husqvarna data sheet and the consequences of a longer lever (MOTORCYCLE measure 4 mm) that was not communicated more precisely have no effect on the sag measurements or on the slopes. So be it. The vote is okay. At least the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto stands out from the KTM 690 SMC R in another respect. The modified radiator trim allows a significantly larger steering angle, reducing the annoying turning circle of the KTM by an impressive 1.5 meters.

SWM SM 650 R tilts even more effortlessly in an inclined position

The SWM SM 650 R also exudes a sporty spirit. The slim bench and the narrow knees are an impressive reminder of the Italian’s off-road origins. And with 161 kilos, the mature lady still presents herself in a bikini figure. But where the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto and KTM 690 SMC R poke through the hairpin bends like a separating disc, the SWM leaves its tracks almost provocatively neutrally. Shifting body weight forward, sliding back and forth on the seat – none of this is necessary. The SWM SM 650 R literally hugs the asphalt, finds its ideal line calmly as if by itself and thus brings peace to the corner. Adrien, who has meanwhile switched from the new Husqvarna to the SWM, is very touched. “I know the feeling,” is how the Gaul describes his dejà vu experience with amusement. Between 2007 and 2009 he won his first three world titles on Husqvarna and now feels like he’s on a journey through time. Ergonomics, feel and driving experience are strikingly reminiscent of the machines built in Varese back then.

Which has its positive sides. The SWM tilts even more casually than the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto and KTM 690 SMC R with the 150 mm rear tire, and it can be straightened up even more effortlessly. Hard to believe. The SWM driver only has to stick to himself on battered asphalt. In contrast to the comfortable Sachs shock absorber, the Marzocchi fork is stucky, in this situation it may even suffer for the spring travel that is 40 to 250 millimeters longer than the enduro version and chatters on hard waves to the outside of the curve. And the SWM driver also has to calculate reserves before the hairpin bend. Not only because the Brembo system does not delay as pointedly as with the Husky / KTM duo and requires more manual strength, but because ABS is not yet an issue at SWM. If you can forgive the lack of an anti-lock device in the hardenduro version, that seriously scratches the image of a decidedly sporty supermoto bike. Not to mention the safety gain, especially when riding the last groove.

Supermoto feeling in wellness packaging

Incidentally, this also applies to the Yamaha XT 660 X. Even with her, ABS remains a nil. Strange, because the XT actually doesn’t want to know anything about stress. Not from the Supermoto Esprit either. Comfortable like on a travel enduro, it resides on the wide bench seat, the towering tank cemented the driving position. The wild supermoto airs of the rest of the trio bounce off the 181 kilos of the XT without leaving any residue. You have to understand them, relax and enjoy their benefits. Bumpy asphalt? So what. As in the Bermuda triangle, waves, edges and potholes disappear in the softly tuned conventional fork and the shock absorber, which can only be adjusted in the spring base. There is something. The other side of the coin: species-appropriate Supermoto appearances bring the XT to its limit. At accelerated speed, it unwillingly pumps itself through the spring travel, and on top of that, it lacks a defined pressure point of the front brake. Perhaps that is precisely why the following applies: If you run the XT produced in France by MBK and take it with you, you will still find the dashing line, enjoy the Supermoto feeling in a wellness package.

We have long since screwed our way down to the valley station in Gemenos. Adrien has already set the indicator. Turn around? No sir. First chug through the town. And don’t forget to shift down. The fat singles don’t like slowing down too much. Above all not the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto and KTM 690 SMC R’s largest pots with 690 cm³ displacement. Less than 3000 turns, their masses hack into the chain. The SWM SM 650 R benefits from its slightly smaller stew at 600 cm³ and throbbing much more smoothly. The Yamaha XT 660 X makes for fine lady. Large flywheel mass and low compression skilfully smooth out the appearance of the 660, once again separating the XT from the rest of the trio.

67 HP in the data sheet, 71 HP on the test bench

For which the sign at the exit of the town acts like a license. Finally speed and tension on the chain again. You can feel: This is exactly what Supermoto bikes are designed for. Especially the Austrian riot duo. As if someone had blown a touch of laughing gas into the air filter box, the two singles compete, literally whipping their way through the speed ladder, delivering even more than they promised. The data sheet declares 67 hp, while Husqvarna 701 Supermoto and KTM 690 SMC R put 71 hp on the role of the MOTORCYCLE test bench. On top of that, served fine. Thanks to ride-by-wire, the single cylinders respond very cleanly, and are lively on the gas. Sure, from 6000 tours it rattles in the engine room, the stews emphatically remind you to shift up. But gladly, if only the fingertip and tip of the toe are enough, everything slips and slips as light as a feather.

Everything would be perfect if it wasn’t for this LC4 engine – equipped with a balancer shaft and short stroke – that shines in the recently introduced Duke with less vibration, livelier and even more powerful 75 hp. It would have fitted nicely into the chassis of the KTM 690 SMC R..

SWM – bassy, ​​sonorous and never too loud

Speculations aside, because the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto should again differ from the KTM 690 SMC R. This time with a smoother mapping. And if you pay attention, you will notice that the Husqvarna actually responds more gently at the bottom of the rev range, and lets the engine run more smoothly. But again the difference remains marginal. Incidentally, as are the perceived differences between the vibration-damping Husky handlebar, which is mounted in rubber blocks, and the rigidly screwed counterpart in the KTM. Back to the mapping. Of the three driving modes, which can be adjusted via an extremely clumsy rotary knob under the seat, you can save yourself the restrained rain setting and choose between the standard and the ultimately hardly more aggressive sport setting depending on your taste.

The SWM pilot doesn’t need to worry about that. The combination of Mikuni injection and Italian Athena software, one setup is enough to properly feed the dohc engine. The electronics only twitch a bit at start-up and require the manual choke even when it is warm. Strange, but if you get used to it, you can handle it. Especially since the Italian immediately beguiles the senses with an ingeniously rich sound from the two silencers. Bassy, ​​sonorous and never too loud, the successful soundscape contributes immensely to the feel-good atmosphere on the SWM SM 650 R. The fact that the 600 series with 53 hp actually plays a league lower and rattles even more strongly than the Austrians at higher speeds is hardly noticeable on the country road. Well controllable, the single pushes, hangs cleanly on the gas, wants to be switched through quickly thanks to its short gear ratio and, like the chassis, impresses with its unexcited neutrality. You can live with that. Actually very good. Especially since the clutch (without anti-hopping function) and transmission – apart from the too short shift lever – slip smoothly.

KTM 690 SMC R suitable for racing + approved

To classify the Yamaha propellant, you first need to take a look at the performance diagram. The longest-stroke single in the test field just dozed off the crowd at up to 5000 rpm. Point. Nevertheless, the ohc unit does not stage the cheeky appearance. The centrifugal masses in the engine and the rolls of fat on the chassis make the XT propellant act restrained, and ultimately call for each of the 51 horses measured. The Yamaha XT 660 X purrs just as inconspicuously after the trio as it did on the pass. She struggles with the somewhat stuck gears, a clutches that feel doughy and the sound of badly stuffed up. This may be enough for a moderate excursion, but in the long run it is even less tiring thanks to the superior running smoothness and moderate vibrations. The XT drive does not deliver the emotional kick expected from a supermoto bike.

But it is precisely the civilized character of the Yamaha that ultimately documents the enormous spread in the tiny supermoto segment. While the sensible Yamaha XT 660 X and the polished KTM 690 SMC R, which is even fully approved for racing, mark the outer lines, the two newcomers sort themselves in between. In the end, the modifications to the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto hardly have any impact, but cost a few dots due to the additional pounds, the somewhat stiff clutch and, above all, the not-so-precise front end. The SWM SM 650 R takes a completely different approach. On the one hand, the Italian’s ultimately aged concept must be clearly distanced from the management duo, on the other hand, it shines with its uncomplicated character including a supermoto feeling and – against the background of the dumping price – with a high quality Processing ( stainless steel exhaust system, cleanly welded frame tubes, carefully laid electrics, grease nipples on the deflection lever)

The racer duo comes towards us on the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto and the KTM 690 SMC R. Adrien points in the direction of Col de l’Espigoulier. Gas, drift, wheel again? Alright.

Data and measured values

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Better to see on the test bench than to feel it on the road: the pressure of the Yamaha single. Up to 5000 rpm, your stew is superior to that of the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto and KTM 690 SMC R, and that of the SWM anyway.

Three worlds collide: The duo of KTM 690 SMC R and Husqvarna 701 Supermoto are clearly defined by top performance. Generating 71 hp from a single, 690 cm³ pot, and at that with reasonable running culture, is not easy. KTM engineers have been using the electronic engine control (ride-by-wire) for this since the 2014 model year. This performance in the singles category is only topped by the recently introduced 75 hp propellant of the KTM 690 Duke. The other end of the flagpole is marked by the SWM SM 650 R. However, the Italian model compensates for the inferior performance over large parts of the speed range with a successful smoothness. The pressure of the Yamaha single cylinder is only revealed on the dynamometer. Up to 5000 rpm, the XT stew is even superior to the Husky / KTM pair.

Technical data Husqvarna 701 Supermoto

Technical data KTM 690 SMC R

Technical data SWM SM 650 R

Technical data Yamaha XT 660 X

MOTORCYCLE test result

31 Pictures

Pictures: Husqvarna 701 Supermoto, KTM 690 SMC R, SWM SM 650 R and Yamaha XT 660 X in the test

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KTM 690 SMC R.

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In the Supermoto comparison test, the KTM 690 SMC R took first place.

The top dog has roared. In the absence of competition, it has so far been easy for the KTM 690 SMC R to defend its small territory. With full performance and the successful suspension set-up, it now also fends off the new intruders Husqvarna 701 Supermoto and SWM SM 650 R..

Husqvarna 701 Supermoto

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The Husqvarna 701 Supermoto came in second in the Supermoto comparison test.

No question about it, thanks to the almost identical technology to the KTM 690 SMC R, the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto catapults itself way forward right away. Nevertheless: It is surprising that hardly any of the modifications specific to the Husky are superior to the qualities of the basic model.

Yamaha XT 660 X

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Third place went to the Yamaha XT 660 X.

Soft suspension, tame engine – the Yamaha XT 660 X has little to do with sportiness. This concept can even be fun in everyday life. However, the XT, which has been almost unchanged since 2004, is out of place on the race track or at the tightened Eckenwetz.

SWM SM 650 R

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4th place goes to the SWM SM 650 R..

With a sophisticated motor, slim ergonomics and nimble handling, the SWM SM 650 R meets the Supermoto concept with pinpoint accuracy. The Italian may not be suitable for the race track, but it is definitely suitable for the home track. And that for little money.

MOTORCYCLE scoring

31 Pictures

Pictures: Husqvarna 701 Supermoto, KTM 690 SMC R, SWM SM 650 R and Yamaha XT 660 X in the test

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engine

Maximum
score
Husqvarna
701 supermoto
KTM
690 SMC R
SWM
SM 650 R
Yamaha
XT 660 X
Draft 40 21st 21st 17th 15th
acceleration 40 16 16 12th 10
Top speed 30th 9 9 7th 5
Engine characteristics 30th 18th 18th 14th 14th
Responsiveness 20th 13 13 11 14th
Load change 20th 13 13 13 14th
Smoothness 20th 7th 7th 7th 10
coupling 10 8th 9 7th 6th
circuit 20th 12th 12th 11 10
Gear ratio 10 8th 8th 9 8th
Start 10 9 9 7th 9
total 250 134 135 115 115

With a performance advantage of almost 20 hp and corresponding performance, the KTM 690 SMC R and Husqvarna 701 Supermoto secure their leadership role. With smooth running and good responsiveness, the Yamaha XT 660 X sets completely different accents. The SWM SM 650 R translates briefly into practice-oriented terms. However, even when it is warm, the manual choke must be pulled to start immediately.

Winner engine: KTM 690 SMC R

landing gear

Maximum
score
Husqvarna
701 supermoto
KTM
690 SMC R
SWM
SM 650 R
Yamaha
XT 660 X
Handiness 40 33 34 35 29
Stability in turns 40 27 27 26th 24
Steering behavior 40 26th 27 26th 23
feedback 10 6th 6th 6th 5
Inclined position 20th 20th 20th 20th 15th
Straight-line stability 20th 12th 12th 12th 11
Suspension tuning in front 20th 13 13 12th 11
Chassis set-up at the rear 20th 13 13 13 12th
Adjustment options undercarriage 10 5 5 4th 1
Suspension comfort 10 4th 4th 4th 6th
Driving behavior with a passenger 20th 9 9 9 12th
total
250
168
170
167
149

Nimble handling, neutral steering behavior and homogeneous suspension tuning – with these strengths the SWM SM 650 R stands up to the duo of the KTM 690 SMC R and Husqvarna 701 Supermoto. Only the fork, which is noticeably appealing, costs you a little sympathy. Although the suspension comfort of the Yamaha XT 660 X is pleasing, the suspension, damping and steering behavior are too diffuse for Supermoto demands.

Chassis winner: KTM 690 SMC R

everyday life

Maximum
score
Husqvarna
701 supermoto
KTM
690 SMC R
SWM
SM 650 R
Yamaha
XT 660 X
Ergonomics driver 40 20th 20th 19th 23
Ergonomics pillion 20th 6th 6th 7th 10
Windbreak 20th 0 0 0 0
view 20th 9 10 10 13
light 20th 12th 12th 10 12th
Furnishing 30th 6th 11 7th 8th
Handling / maintenance 30th 21st 20th 19th 18th
Luggage storage 10 0 0 1 1
Payload 10 6th 6th 4th 6th
Tidy 30th 17th 16 15th 20th
processing 20th 14th 14th 11 12th
total
250 111 115 103 123

A well-padded bench for driver and passenger, practical rear-view mirrors and a large tank bring the Yamaha XT 660 X victory. With no gear indicator, non-selectable driving mode, moderate light and reduced range, the SWM SM 650 R loses points in details. Details (adjustable handlebar position, wider rear-view mirror, rev counter) also separate the KTM 690 SMC R from the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto.

Winner everyday life: Yamaha XT 660 X

security

Maximum
score
Husqvarna
701 supermoto
KTM
690 SMC R
SWM
SM 650 R
Yamaha
XT 660 X
Braking effect 40 28 28 25th 23
Brake metering 30th 20th 20th 18th 16
Braking with a passenger / fading 20th 9 9 9 9
Righting moment when braking 10 7th 7th 8th 6th
ABS function 20th 12th 12th 0 0
Handlebar slapping 20th 14th 14th 18th 17th
Ground clearance 10 10 10 10 8th
total
150
100
100
88
79

Without ABS, the SWM SM 650 R and the Yamaha XT 660 X have no chance here. Especially since the ABS-equipped brake systems of the KTM 690 SMC R and Husqvarna 701 Supermoto operate at a racing level. Small consolation: Handlebar slapping is not an issue for XT and SWM.

Winner safety: KTM 690 SMC R and Husqvarna 701 Supermoto

costs

Maximum
score
Husqvarna
701 supermoto
KTM
690 SMC R
SWM
SM 650 R
Yamaha
XT 660 X
guarantee 30th 17th 17th 15th 15th
Consumption (country road) 30th 22nd 23 23 22nd
Inspection costs 20th 14th 14th 5 16
Maintenance costs 20th 16 16 17th 16
total
100
69
70
60
69

The lowest consumption brings the KTM 690 SMC R victory. 5000 inspection intervals cost the SWM SM 650 R many meters.

Winner cost: KTM 690 SMC R

Overall rating

Maximum
score
Husqvarna
701 supermoto
KTM
690 SMC R
SWM
SM 650 R
Yamaha
XT 660 X
Overall rating 1000 582 590 533 535
placement   2. 1. 4th. 3.
Price-performance note Top grade 1.0 2.4 2.2 2.4 2.6

Price-performance winner: KTM 690 SMC R

Good money for a good bike: quality can also pay off.

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