Been looking at the KTM SMC-R 690

[L3nny]

Have you thought about the mt 03? Not exactly a sm but similar, cheap and reliable

It's not just the cheap and reliable I'm after. It's the whole SM experience. Thumping single, narrow, tall and light weight that won't take loads of damage from a low speed drop.

Anyone had experience with the Yamaha XT660X?

[Red Herring]

Originally Posted by kaivalagi

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.

I suspect that's because you're riding it like you would the 990. The 990 is not a Supermoto, it may be styled on one, it may have SM in it's name, but I'd like to see you get it sideways on some slippery stuff......

[kaivalagi]

I'd need to learn the sideways stuff on a smaller bike first I think but it is the same underneath the fairing as the SMR with the same suspension and geometry etc and this is a bike I've seen people do the sideways stuff on...if I had the skills it could do what you'd expect from an SM on it I think...or do you just think it's too big a bike to be classed an SM? Same goes for ducati hypermotards?

If you want cheap and reliable you need to cross the KTM off the list, my 690 SMC was incredibly reliable but not cheap at all. They are a single cylinder engine with 2 oil filters and 2 gauze filters the 690 SMC (the proper one, not the twin pipe duke thing) are a 70bhp single so you need to look after the engine very well.

They are rapid tho and would knock any other single cylinder SM into the dust. You could always go and buy a Husquavarna as they are simply KTM's with blue plastics and slightly cheaper to buy because you dont have the premium added by Orange paint

As stupid as it may sound. I've always wanted an SM but have never really properly looked into what's available. What 600cc+ SMs should I go look for and which ones to avoid?

I love my ZX9 but it's way to much power for just the road.

Ktm 690 smc, husqvarna smr 630 - both are interesting but require maintaining.

Any jap bike - no soul, no design, a bit tedious but you could ride it, never service it and never clean it and it would always work.

[kaivalagi]

If you only want a single then the above bikes are about it over 600cc, I think CCM do something too but it's possibly a little dull when compared to the KTM? Don't know though as I've never tried one...rthe lighter 450cc singles have some get up and go but are hour based servicing orientated so I don;t entertain them....if you're up for more maintenance then you could look at those too.

I reckon if you've never ridden one then blag a demo ride on a 690 SMR and see if that sort of thing is definately for you...you might as well jump on a 990 SM if they have one available there too

After having a little look around the XT660 looks like it could do the job. Will have to try and find one I test ride now.