Test Ride: KTM 690

[Bomble]

Don’t think I’ve ever read a review where someone didn’t really like the 690

[Potter]

I've heard people say it's like a Supermotard, I wonder how it compares to the actual SMR?

[weeksy]

I've heard people say it's like a Supermotard, I wonder how it compares to the actual SMR?

I can answer that easily, i've ridden both several times.

[Potter]

I've heard people say it's like a Supermotard, I wonder how it compares to the actual SMR?

I can answer that easily, i've ridden both several times.

Yeah I thought I remember you posting about it but I couldn't find it.

[weeksy]

I've heard people say it's like a Supermotard, I wonder how it compares to the actual SMR?

I can answer that easily, i've ridden both several times.

Yeah I thought I remember you posting about it but I couldn't find it.

Essentially speaking, the only similarity between the 2 is both having a 690 engine and both having orange bits. The 690 SMCR is a MX bike for the road, in it's whole feel, seating position, bars, clocks, even levers which are more MX than road. It carries it's weight quite high in it's feel with a long travel fork and shock setup. The latest version has every electical aid possible from Traction Control/ABS and even a quick shifter.
For me it lacks a little in practicality i guess and the high riding position took some getting used to. But there's no doubt it's a lovely thing.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... th+ktm+690

Several videos from 44 teeth if you need tipping over the edge...

[Supermofo]

690 Duke to me doesn't feel like a motard at all. It feels and rides like a road bike. There wasn't a massive difference between the old Duke II and the LC4/SMC's. But the Duke 4 feels like a dedicated road bike. It's upright and has wide high bars, but the seat and handling feel normal, plus the tank is where it should be rather than you sitting on it via the medium of a plank

[G.P]

Yeah, I thought it was a good road bike riding position, the bars are a little higher and wider, but really comfortable. Weeksy's has a small screen on it which was really effective.

[Supermofo]

Weeksy's has a small screen on it which was really effective.

Yes they look tiny, but they manage to deflect a fair amount. I can hold 80-85 easily enough with the screen.