Let rip on KTM SMC R 690 — you’re guaranteed to have a blast with this bike
While most supermotos are great fun on twisty back roads or pulling stunts in car parks, but not so hot on the open road, the new offering from KTM is a whole different beast
SUPERMOTOS are made for blasting down twisty back roads, fizzing round a kart track or pulling in stunts in car parks.
But get one out on a fast A-road and the competition-derived single-cylinder engine quickly becomes a vibrating, struggling mess.
Over the years, all the major bike firms had a go at creating useful road-going supermoto bikes, but none could match the balance of performance and practicality as KTM did with the original SMC R 690 in 2013.
And while everyone else has stepped away from single-cylinder supermoto-style bikes, KTM has stuck with the concept and refined it further for 2019.
The new engine is smoother and makes 7bhp more than its predecessor, taking peak power up to an impressive 74bhp.
Taming that power is a sophisticated electronics package, with top-spec traction control and ABS systems, coupled to high-end WP suspension and Brembo brakes.
The pre-set riding modes let you dial in as much or as little electronic assistance as you want. Gear changing is taken care of with a quick shifter system.
And there’s even a USB charging socket so you can keep your phone topped up while you upload your latest stunt videos. Out on the road, the new SMC R is an absolute blast – launching out of corners, front wheel rarely on the ground.
The rougher and tighter the road, the more fun the 690 becomes, laughing at bumps and potholes as you dart from apex to footpeg-scraping apex.
Every speedhump becomes a jump, every patch of gravel another opportunity to try out the traction control.
This terrain is tailor-made for this bike, but what about when you hit the open road?
Well, the 690 continues to shine. It willingly revs out along the straights, with plenty of power in reserve for passing lines of cars to get you a clear run at the next set of bends.
The SMC R is never going to be a comfortable touring bike – it’s tall, excitable and has very little in the way of wind protection.
But the smoother engine, larger fuel tank and electronics package make this the most practical, accessible single-cylinder supermoto yet.
MOST READ IN MOTORS
It turns every single ride into a joyride, leaving you giggling at its insatiable thirst for mischief.
The 2019 KTM SMC R 690 is available from £9,599.
- For more bikes find Bike World on YouTube and Amazon Prime.
- GOT a story? RING 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]