All Trials – Blow the traffic jams! – Used KTM

Posted on by admin

Pop the corks !

All Trials - Blow the traffic jams! - Used KTM

Tired of traffic jams, fed up with inextricable traffic jams but allergic to scooters? In this gloomy season, Site has tried the little KTM champagne bubble for you: the 690 SM! Test.

In 2007, KTM upgraded its entire range of large road single-cylinder engines by upgrading its famous LC4 from 640 to 690 cc. But these values ​​are only trade names, since the new block actually only cube 653.7 cc compared to 625 for the old one..

On the other hand, the Austrian manufacturer was not satisfied with a simple reaming and revised its mono in depth, making it gain almost 9 horses and lose 7 kg. The same goes for the cycle part of this 690 SM, which is no longer that of a TT machine readjusted to the road but that of a supermotard designed for asphalt….

A look … all her own !

At first glance, the 690 SM is not really unanimous in its design. Too bad, because its proportions are harmonious and its lines cut with the billhook give off a rather aggressive impression. But two important details tarnish this general impression…

First, a frankly unsightly duckbill encompasses the front fender and headlight. It seems to have been added at the last moment and disfigures the bow of the motorcycle a bit. In addition, the mudguard fulfills its function very moderately, so that the headlight as the pilot can find themselves speckled with projections. !

Another unfortunate detail, the two exhaust mufflers raised in an exaggerated way and especially according to an axis which breaks the line of the machine. That said, they evoke the pots of the big racing monos entered by the Austrian firm on the Dakar..

Tried in this black dress, the 690 SM is also available in the famous KTM orange which suits it even better.

High fashion

But after the first visual shock and after a few days spent with the machine, the eye gets used to the sharp lines of the Katoche. And the 690 SM also imposes a lot thanks to its very high-end equipment: huge 48 mm White Power inverted fork, Brembo 320 mm front brake disc clamped by radial calipers, hydraulic clutch, braided hoses … KTM n did not skimp on its new mono range !

The finish is also exemplary and the pneumatic assembly promises sport with a Michelin Pilot Power at the front and a very tender Power Race in back.

Practical supermoto

And despite the very racing positioning as evidenced by the KTM slogan "Ready to race", the 690 SM makes great concessions to make the daily life of its pilot pleasant..

If you remove the tool kit – of remarkable quality – under the saddle, you can free up enough space to wind up a large diameter chain lock. Too bad there is no coded key immobilizer…

The mirrors do not vibrate and give a correct view of the rear. Handles and passenger footrests can also be used to secure a bag. The wide and well-designed saddle is firm but very comfortable … Surprising for this style of machine !

The tank is not ridiculous either with its 13.5 liters, well above the standards of the category. On the other hand, the gas cap is embarrassing during refueling because it is not mounted on a hinge..

welcome aboard !

As is often the case on supermotards, you immediately feel at home as soon as you lift your leg high to get on the 690 SM. The seat of the KTM rises to 875 mm: it is high, certainly, but not at all annoying for the pilots of more than 1.75 m.

The fairly flexible suspensions settle under the weight of the pilot, saving a few millimeters. Plus, the machine’s thin saddle and light weight – 152 kg dry – make it not intimidating at all! You are upright on the bike and your hands naturally rest on the fairly wide handlebars..

A monster of sweetness

Knowing its elders and taking into account its sporting orientation, one expects a certain harshness from the 690 SM … Well, none of that! With a light pressure on the electric starter, the engine snorts in a discreet sound and above all, without the slightest vibration !

And for good reason: the extensively revised engine is now equipped with a balance shaft which filters the piston strokes of the single cylinder very well, which is completely different from the 640 cc and previous versions which were almost knocking down fillings !

Electronic fuel injection, also new, perfectly manages idling, both cold and hot. Aside from its handle which is a little too short for gloved hands, the hydraulic clutch is very smooth, as is the gearbox..

Long live the strikes

On the handlebars of such a tool, we don’t in the least fear rushing into traffic jams in the Paris region. Because despite a fairly high center of gravity, handling is almost immediate.

The saddle and suspension comfort is very correct and the engine remains docile if you take care to keep it above 3000 rpm. Below, it will be happy to remind you of its single-cylinder status by knocking hard enough !

We do not find either the famous "kick in the ass" specific to old air-cooled monos: the mechanics of the KTM favor more power and extension than the big torque at the bottom. This is characterized by frank and virile but very linear acceleration, up to speeds that are unusual for this type of engine. It also distills very little engine brake.

The mono 690 is therefore piloted in the towers. Athletes will appreciate, while those nostalgic for the XT 500 and other Dominator may be disappointed…

Crime push

Unsurprisingly, the 690 SM is extremely efficient in town … Almost too much: it pushes even the most calm pilots to the worst eccentricities! Perched high on the saddle with the bust straight, you have a perfect view of the traffic, which allows you to easily anticipate the path by which you are going to sneak.

With the finesse of the machine and the handlebars that go over the mirrors of the cars, it is really rare to find yourself stopped! 210mm suspension travel and generous ground clearance (260mm) even allow you to get on and off curbs without any worries..

Braking is also very effective: it offers good bite and excellent feeling. Given the efficiency of the front elements, however, the rear tends to block very quickly … which can also be part of the game !

Moreover, if the pneumatic installation corresponds well to a sporting use, it is a little less convincing in town. This is especially the case with Michelin Power Race at the back, which really needs to be warm to hang. For leisure and all-weather use, we therefore prefer a less exclusive eraser.

Queen of virolos

If a supermotard can be jubilant in the city, it is appreciated above all on small winding roads. And in this exercise, it takes a little more experience to ride hard on the handlebars of the KTM.

The high center of gravity and the fairly soft suspensions require a little round of observation before you feel really comfortable. But the 690 SM has fun with all riding styles, whether swaying inside the bend or sticking out the leg supermotard..

The cycle part is hard to fault, even by increasing the pace! The APTC system (Adler Power Torque Clutch) watch the grain to prevent any dribbling of the rear wheel during heavy downshifts. The only downside to this idyllic picture, the smooth and fast gearbox lacks precision on the attack and gave us some very unpleasant false dead points..

By shortening her final transmission a bit and making her engine breathe a little better, which one feels a little choked, the Austrian can easily line up at the start of a road rally….

The versatile SM

Even if it is not its cup of tea, the 690 SM copes with good grace the short motorway connections. Its engine tows without weakening up to more than 190 meters but on the main axes, it is not with the KTM that we will lose our license as the driver is exposed. !

The impression of speed is also very distorted compared to a conventional machine. At 90 km / h on the handlebars of the KTM, we have the feeling of being at a good 130: very practical to keep your points !

Consumption was relatively reasonable for such a sporty machine, with an average of 5.4 l per 100 km. With a 13.5-liter tank, the KTM 690 SM therefore provides a range of nearly 200 km before reserve, which is extremely rare for a supermotard..

The duo is only to be considered in the event of an extreme emergency! The saddle is too short and the passenger handles are badly placed to withstand braking and acceleration.

A beautiful whim…

A real toy for big boys, the KTM 690 SM does not suffer from real faults and offers a versatility of use rarely seen on a supermoto. But she charges for her equipment, admittedly high-end, a bit expensive.

You will indeed have to pay 8,295 euros for this standard version and no less than 8,808 euros for the Prestige version, equipped with 4-pad calipers at the front, a radial-type brake master cylinder, rims fully adjustable sticks and suspensions.

Taking into account the inevitably more limited use than that of a medium-displacement roadster, the 690 SM remains quite expensive for a single-cylinder … But there remains this completely subjective data, the driving pleasure, which depends on each of us !

Related articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *