KTM 690 SMC 100% fun on and off the streets

The fuel-injected 654cc motor is beloved for showing incredible numbers on the dyno (63 horsepower) and for the fact that it only weighs 305.4 lbs. Stop reading the numbers over and over again and try to imagine how this thing will perform on tight roads because street legality was a must while developing it. Not only it will leave behind all the supersports (only on the twisties) like most of these thumpers do, but you’ll be finishing your coffee before they even get to the point you’ve planned to meet.

The frame was designed with mass centralization and implicit handling in mind while the suspensions and brakes are all fancy performance units so, all around, the bike is ideal both for the track and the streets.

One of the most aggressive styled KTM motorcycle destined to hit the roads, the 690 SMC has its own very good idea on how street super motards should look. Massive and yet refined! Every single exterior piece blends perfectly in with another, creating this way a compact looking motorcycle. But things would have been much simpler for designers if they wouldn’t have chosen to go for sharp edges all around this thumper, including the seat. Have you ever seen a top notch manufacturer to do any concessions? I haven’t and for KTM, the SMC is a good “go for it” example.

Colors combination is Black and Orange, just like on most KTM found in the lineup today.

No matter the category, manufacturers try to obtain the ideal power to weight ratio which most of the time reflects on the sales numbers. And, despite the price, this is exactly what sells the 2009 KTM 690 SMC. Featuring an extremely powerful KTM LC4 engine which proved successful not only in this case (690 Duke, 690 SMR, and 690 Enduro are three other models equipped with this engine), being light and looking damn good, the 690 SMC is one of the most tempting Supermotos out there.


 Price

Dealers in the United States sold the 2008 model year for an MSRP of 8800 EURO which seems a little pricey and it’s expected to go even higher for the 2009 model year. Although KTM hasn’t yet announced the new starting price, this bike is never going to be a beginner’s first choice, as only experienced riders dare to pay the buck. A newbie would definitely consider going for the similar priced 600cc Japanese supersport bikes for obvious reasons, but every bike comes with its benefits and disadvantages, leaving the KTM feeling fun and a bit expensive.

Engine type

 Single cylinder, 4-stroke

Displacement 654 cc

Bore x stroke 102 / 80 mm (4.02 / 3.15")

Performance (homologated) 46.3 kW / 7500 rpm

Max. torque 64 Nm / 6000 rpm

Compression ratio 11.8:1

Starter/Battery E-Starter / 12 V 8.6 Ah

Transmission 6 gears, dog clutch engagement

Fuel Mixture Generation Keihin EMS with EPT (Electr. Power Throttle)

Control 4 V / OHC with roller rocker levers

Lubrication Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps

Engine lubrication Motorex, fully synthetic, SAE 10W-60

Primary drive 36:79

Final drive 16:42

Cooling Liquid cooled

Clutch APTC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated

Ignition Keihin EMS

Chassis

Frame Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, powder coated

Subframe Self-supporting plastics tank

Handlebar Aluminium, Ø 28 / 22 mm (1.10 / 0.87"), tapered

Front suspension WP USD Ø 48 mm (1.89")

Rear suspension WP mono shock with Pro Lever Linkage

Suspension travel front/rear 275 / 265 mm (10.83 / 10.43")

Front brake Brembo four piston, radially bolted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm (12.6")

Rear brake Brembo single piston, floating caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm (9.45")

Rims, front/rear Spoked wheels with aluminium rims 3,5 x 17"; 5 x 17"

Tires, front/rear 120/70 ZR 17; 160/60 ZR 17

Chain X-ring chain 5/8 x 1/4"

Main silencer Stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter

Steering head angle 63°

Trail 112 mm (4.41")

Wheel base 1480 ± 15 mm (58.27 ± 0.59")

Ground clearance (unloaded) 290 mm (11.42")

Seat height 900 mm (35.43")

Tank capacity approx. 12 liters (3.17 gal) / 2.5 Litre Reserve (0.66 gal)

Weight (no fuel) approx. 139.5 kg (305.4 lbs)