Introducing the KTM 690 SMC-R: Signs of life for a brand
KTM has barely recovered from the threat of bankruptcy. The new edition of the best-selling 690 must therefore be a success. Will the 690 make a comeback?
(Image: KTM)
- Ingo Gach
The new 690 SMC-R is not only a sign of life from KTM, but also an exclamation mark! The Austrian brand came very close to bankruptcy and was only able to resume production thanks to an 800 million euro cash injection from Indian motorcycle manufacturer Bajaj (which has also held a majority stake in KTM since then) after the production lines had been idle for months. One of its most important models is the Supermoto 690 SMC-R, which has long been by far the best-selling KTM in Germany. Last year, there was a record 2285 new registrations in this country. However, due to the insolvency and the upcoming Euro 5+ emissions standard, KTM dealers were forced to sell the excess capacity at knockdown prices in 2024. Even in 2025, there are still many KTMs with one-day registrations from the previous year at dealerships.
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Record for single cylinders
KTM will therefore have to step up its new developments considerably in order to encourage the actually saturated market to buy. They are now demonstrating this with their completely overhauled SMC-R 690, which immediately breaks a record: with 79 hp, it has the most powerful production single-cylinder of all time. This was important because Ducati's 77.5 hp Hypermotard 698 had overtaken the KTM last year, which had previously produced 75 hp. Now the 690 SMC-R takes back the crown.
Torque applied earlier
Although the displacement remains at 693 cm3, around half of all parts of the LC4 engine had to be adapted or replaced in order to achieve Euro 5+. The single with its bore/stroke ratio of 105 x 80 mm continues to deliver maximum power at 8000 rpm, but the maximum torque has dropped slightly from 74 to 73 Nm at 6750 rpm. On the other hand, the engine should build up torque earlier thanks to modified timing. The kerb weight of the new model increases only minimally by one kilogram to 162 with an unchanged tank capacity of 13.5 liters, so the brute propulsion of the Supermoto is unlikely to change.
KTM 690 SMC-R - 01 (5 Bilder)
KTM
)Longer service intervals
But the developers have revised a lot more: The oil circuit has been optimized and therefore the oil change intervals are only due every 15,000 km (previously every 10,000 km) and the valve clearance only needs to be adjusted every 30,000 km. A new fuel pump should have a simpler design and still deliver higher pressure. KTM is obviously trying to regain lost confidence in the durability of its vehicles.
Stiffer frame
The clutch and alternator covers have been redesigned, as has the crankcase. Not much has changed in terms of appearance; the radiator covers are more pointed towards the front and the LED headlamp and mask are new. The steel trellis frame has been retained, although KTM states that it is now somewhat stiffer in order to better absorb the forces in the longitudinal direction.
There was no reason to change the excellent, fully adjustable suspension elements from the in-house brand WP. They continue to work with 224 mm travel at the front and 240 mm at the rear. The bad news for many short riders: the seat height also remains at an extreme 90 cm. The outstanding Brembo M4.32 brake caliper with 300 mm brake disk continues to stop the KTM fiercely. As standard, the 690 SMC-R rolls on ContiAttack SM 2 tires developed for Supermoto requirements.
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More electronics
The development department has made significant improvements to the electronic assistance systems. Both the ABS and the slip control are lean angle-sensitive, adjustable in several stages, but can also be switched off – Supermoto professionals do not appreciate any interference with their riding sovereignty. In addition to the already familiar modes, the "Track" mode has now been added, which includes adjustable launch and wheelie controls.
Another new feature is "Dynamic Slip Adjust", which automatically adjusts the slip control. Finally, the 690 SMC-R has a modern TFT display. It measures 4.2 inches and bundles the most important information very compactly. The rider can also access their smartphone via Bluetooth and therefore music, incoming calls and turn-by-turn navigation. The menu is operated via buttons on the left end of the handlebars. There is also a USB charging socket in the cockpit.
The price remains
The price of 12,499 euros for the 690 SMC-R remains unchanged from last year's model. That's not really cheap, but in view of the dazzling sales figures in the past, it's probably not an obstacle for supermoto fans. Anyone who has ever ridden a 690 SMC-R knows what a radical sports machine it is. With even more power and electronics, nothing should stand in the way of its continued success.