Been looking at the KTM SMC-R 690
 

I've always wanted to get a supermoto and I think I may just do that this year.

Has anyone had any experience with any KTM supermoto or have any other options I can look at?

Re: Been looking at the KTM SMC-R 690
 

Test rode a 950 SM a couple of years ago

http://forums.sv650.org/showpost.php...6&postcount=34

Re: Been looking at the KTM SMC-R 690
 

Think I'll have to test ride one and see what I think. I don't really do long distance and only ever use the bike for quick rides no more than 100 - 150 miles.

Thanks

Re: Been looking at the KTM SMC-R 690
 

They are brilliant fun if your idea of a ride is a hoon around local lanes, especially with mates on similar bikes (and even more so in the winter when it's all a bit slippery). The 690 is a very capable machine but even it can't live for long in company once speeds go into three figures, and you probably wouldn't want to go touring on one either...... Maintenance isn't quite the issue it used to be with the older 625/640/660 models, however they still need looking after properly.

Put it this way, I've had a Honda XR650 for over ten years and done just about anything you care to mention with it. In the same time period my mate has been through four separate KTMs........ and he's now got a Suzuki!

Re: Been looking at the KTM SMC-R 690
 

How did he go through 4 KTMs?

I'm not bothered about top speed. I'd rather enjoy myself doing legal speeds around country lanes and the longest ride I've ever done has been about 150 miles.

It isn't just KTMs that I'm looking at. I'm basically looking for a supermoto that hasn't cost me so much to nuy that I'd be worried about dropping it. I want something that you can truly enjoy yourself on without needing to worry about the damage you could do from dropping it.

Re: Been looking at the KTM SMC-R 690
 

Well it sounds like a Supermoto is just up your street then. In fairness to my mate he did do a fair few miles on them but around the 10k mark they just seemed to become unreliable on him to he'd chop it in for the latest model. There was nothing really wrong with the LC4 engine, as I recall most of the issues were electrical. The 690 was a new engine all together and it's easily their best....
For a road Supermoto you do really want the bigger engine ones. My son has a DRZ400sm that's good fun, but when you ride it back to back with my XR it's just another ball game. I'd avoid converted competition bikes and stick with something built for road use, I know someone on here had quite a lot of experience with the Rotax CCM ones and can probably advise you on them.

Re: Been looking at the KTM SMC-R 690
 

I'll keep looking. Still early days but I definitely want to get a supermoto as my next bike and hopefully I'll enjoy it as much as I did my 125.

The main problem I'm having now is actually finding one relatively local. There just doesn't seem to be many being sold at the moment.

Re: Been looking at the KTM SMC-R 690
 

I have an 990 SM-T and it's a great bike, the suspension and brakes are ace and it's very confidence inspiring once you get used to it.

I've had a 690 duke loaned twice now when my bike was in for a service and I didn't get on with the motor to be honest, I am not sure what all the fuss about the thing is....the bigger twin is great though.

Re: Been looking at the KTM SMC-R 690
 

I like the look of the 990 but I'm really after something in the 600 range that is just a big single.

Re: Been looking at the KTM SMC-R 690
 

I'd get a test ride on a 690 first then just to make sure you'll be happy with the characteristics, majorly different to a equally sized twin...definitely not my cup of tea anyway