First thing appealed me about KTM 690 is its super Engine. At the heart of the KTM 690 SMC R is its impressive 692 cc single-cylinder engine. With 75 hp at 7500 rpm and a torque of 73.5 Nm at 5600 rpm, this engine is a real powerhouse for a single. The high compression ratio of 12.7:1 ensures explosive power delivery.
The engine surprises with its excellent responsiveness and linear power delivery. Unlike some other single-cylinder engines, you can drive in first gear without any problems or accelerate from low revs in second and third gear. The torque builds up linearly, without stuttering or jerking – an impressive performance for a single-cylinder engine.
Chassis: Lots of suspension travel, lots of movement
The chassis of the 690 SMC R is designed for maximum agility and control. At the front there is a 48mm WP USD fork with an impressive 215mm travel, at the rear a WP monoshock with 240mm travel. This generous suspension travel is typical for a supermoto and ensures extreme maneuverability and absorption capacity.
For an experienced road rider, the amount of movement in the chassis can be unsettling at first. It takes a while to get used to the lively characteristics, but over time you learn to appreciate and use this agility. The ability to change lines quickly and playfully is one of the great strengths of this bike.
The steep steering head angle of 63 degrees and the relatively short caster of 107mm underline the radical character of this machine. It can be thrown into corners with minimal effort and allows lightning-fast changes of direction.
Braking: Deceleration at its finest
The braking system of the 690 SMC R is a real highlight. At the front there is a 320mm disc with a Brembo four-piston radial caliper, at the rear there is a 240mm disc with a single-piston floating caliper. This combination not only delivers enormous braking power, but also excellent controllability.
The ABS works unobtrusively in the background and can also be deactivated for advanced drivers. The stability when braking hard, even with a slight lean angle, is impressive and gives a lot of confidence.
Ergonomics: High, light and agile
The seating position of the 690 SMC R is typical supermoto: high, upright and with wide handlebars. The seat height of 890mm is a challenge for smaller riders, but offers excellent overview and control. The low dry weight of just 147 kg in combination with the wide handlebars makes the bike incredibly agile and maneuverable.
These ergonomics allow the rider to move around a lot on the motorcycle and ride actively. You can literally push the bike into the corners and constantly adjust your position – perfect for the aggressive supermoto riding style.
Tires: Grip without end
The Continental ContiAttack SM2 tires that were fitted deserve special praise. These special supermoto tires offer extreme grip, even with a short warm-up time. They allow you to ride at enormous lean angles and put a lot of pressure on the front wheel – perfect for the aggressive riding style that this bike enables and encourages.
The KTM 690 SMC R is like an untamed wild horse – it challenges the rider but rewards him with incredible driving pleasure. It combines extreme handling with surprising accessibility and creates an impressive balance between racetrack performance and everyday suitability.
The 690 SMC R is the perfect companion for riders seeking maximum riding pleasure and ready to embrace the radical nature of a supermoto. It is faster and more accessible than its extreme looks suggest, while offering a level of agility that is unrivalled.
In a direct comparison on the lap time table, it is noticeable that the comparable Gas Gas Supermoto was a little faster. There are two reasons for this. On the one hand, it was a little cooler two years ago. The demanding supermotos really pushed me to the limit. In the saddle of the Gas Gas, I had to struggle a little less with the heat. But there were also differences in the handling. The Gas Gas was more stable at the entrance to corners. The KTM felt more nervous. With the Gas Gas, we managed to get the chassis set up very well very quickly, but that didn’t work with the KTM. It remained nervous! But the motorcycle still managed a great lap time overall, of course. Also thanks to the brilliant tire. The Conti SM2 tire harmonized wonderfully with the machine and offered grip at a racing level.
Technical data KTM 690 SMC R 2024
| engine and drive | |
|---|---|
| number of cylinders | 1 |
| timing | 4-stroke |
| valves per cylinder | 4 |
| valve control | rocker arm, OHC |
| cooling | fluid |
| lubrication | pressure circulation |
| displacement | 692 cc |
| drilling | 105 mm |
| Hub | 80 mm |
| Performance | 75 hp |
| rpm at power | 7500 rpm |
| torque | 73.5 Nm |
| rpm at torque | 5600 rpm |
| compression | 12.7 |
| mixture preparation | injection |
| throttle valve diameter | 50 mm |
| starter | electric |
| coupling | antihopping |
| drive | Chain |
| transmission | gearshift |
| number of gears | 6 |
| chassis | |
| Frame | chromium-molybdenum |
| frame construction | lattice tube |
| steering head angle | 63 degrees |
| caster | 107 mm |
| front suspension | |
| suspension | Upside-Down telescopic fork |
| brand | WP |
| diameter | 48 mm |
| suspension travel | 215 mm |
| rear suspension | |
| suspension | two-sided swing arm |
| shock absorber | monoshock |
| Recording | redirection |
| brand | WP |
| suspension travel | 240 mm |
| front brakes | |
| design | single pane |
| diameter | 320 mm |
| Pistons | four-piston |
| technology | radial |
| brand | Brembo |
| rear brakes | |
| design | disc |
| diameter | 240 mm |
| Pistons | single-piston |
| Recording | floating saddle |
| brand | Brembo |
| driver assistance systems | |
| assistance systems | ABS, driving modes, ride by wire |
| data and dimensions | |
| front tire width | 120 mm |
| front tire height | 70% |
| front tire diameter | 17 inches |
| rear tire width | 160 mm |
| rear tire height | 60% |
| rear tire diameter | 17 inches |
| wheelbase | 1470 mm |
| Seat height of | 890 mm |
| dry weight (with ABS) | 147 kg |
| tank capacity | 13.5 l |
| driving license classes | A |
| reach | 329 km |
| CO² emissions combined | 96 g/km |
| combined fuel consumption | 4.1 l/100km |
| idling noise | 90 dB |
Conclusion: KTM 690 SMC R 2024
A large, powerful single-cylinder, a stable chassis, a vehicle weight of just over 160 kg and modern electronics for support – the key data alone suggests a lot of driving fun. In 2024, the SMC-R may be a bit dusty in some respects and is no longer considered the undisputed queen of street-legal supermotos, but it can still offer a lot of supermoto fun and performance.
