KTM 690 SMC comments and links please

[Migs]

Friends:

Can anyone comment on the KTM 690 SMC bike as far as % on road / % offroad? (Assuming for offroad I change the tires to knobbies). I'm considering it as a substitute to my BMW F800GS which I find too heavy and intimidating. I mostly drive on highway, but there are a lot of dirt roads and such. How comfortable is it on long drives? 1000km+ What about mileage per tank?

Any links to reviews, videos etc. would also be appreciated.

Thanks amigos,

Migs

[wsmc831]

If you want knobbies, you'll want a 690 enduro, not smc.

All possible information on these are already here on a couple threads already.

[Migs]

Hi. The problem with suggesting an enduro bike is that I won't be able to drive it 1000km+ on a highway without considerable discomfort. Eduro bikes tend to have very hard suspensions and limited instrumentation and creature comforts (like the BMW F800GS)-Migs

[wsmc831]

Originally Posted by Migs

Hi. The problem with suggesting an enduro bike is that I won't be able to drive it 1000km+ on a highway without considerable discomfort. Eduro bikes tend to have very hard suspensions and limited instrumentation and creature comforts (like the BMW F800GS)-Migs

So why did you ask about the SMC? They're the same bike except for wheels, forks, rotors and a few other minor differences.

[Navin]

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=823066

[IndyChizzle]

You need to test ride one to see if it will fit the bill for you. I had an SMC and loved it, but could only stand it for about 90 minutes at a time due to the vibrations even with an aftermarket (SeatConcepts) seat. While I loved that bike for ripping around town, after a while I realized it just wasn't practical for me.

To me, a big single can be just a little too much of a good thing. While the power is great, the vibration at speed can really get old. Having ridden an F800GS for ~500 miles, I'd say it's a much more well-mannered bike, and a lot less of a "ripper". Just make sure the bike you pick suits the actual type of riding your going to do (not the Dakar rally, or some post-apocalypse dream) and you'll be fine.

Also, don't forget the special oil you need to buy when you're factoring in this purchase. I don't like having to buy my oil over the internet (no local KTM dealer), so I'd rather stay with a BMW, Triumph, Honda, etc.

[Albie]

Agreed, riding it is the only way to determine how you're gonna like it. Now me, I can throw down 300 - 400 mile days in the twisties easily on my 690 E with 17's wheels on it. Vibration doesn't bother me nearly as much as it does some folks. And WSMC is right, very little difference between the Enduro and the SMC.

As for riding the hiway, I don't. Hiways are for cars.

[IndyChizzle]

Originally Posted by Albie

Agreed, riding it is the only way to determine how you're gonna like it. Now me, I can throw down 300 - 400 mile days in the twisties easily on my 690 E with 17's wheels on it. Vibration doesn't bother me nearly as much as it does some folks. And WSMC is right, very little difference between the Enduro and the SMC.

As for riding the hiway, I don't. Hiways are for cars.

That's fair. Most of my miles are on paved roads going 45-80 mph. If I was cruising country / dirt roads at 50 mph, I would have found the bike more enjoyable.

[Albie]

Originally Posted by IndyChizzle

That's fair. Most of my miles are on paved roads going 45-80 mph. If I was cruising country / dirt roads at 50 mph, I would have found the bike more enjoyable.

Heh, in motard set up I rarely slow down to 80 except in the 35 MPH and slower curves.

[Migs]

I just thought that all the fuss about oil meant some special use for the oil. I'm quite sure any oil in the appropriate range works. Thanks for the clarification though. -Migs

[RoteEddie]

I don't see the problem with oil. 10W60 and 10000 km intervals on the 12'. Mine uses next to nothing,

[IndyChizzle]

Originally Posted by Albie

Heh, in motard set up I rarely slow down to 80 except in the 35 MPH and slower curves.

So you can handle the vibration? Maybe it's just how I'm built, but after 90 minutes, my wrists hurt, and my nether regions would get tingly (sleepy tingly, not the good kind). It reminded me of riding on a hard road bicycle seat. I tried the factory seat and the SeatConcepts conversion; neither were acceptable to me. I heard the gel seat was better, but have never tried it.

[RoteEddie]

The 2012 Owner's Manual states you can use either 10W/60 or 10W/50 JASO T903 MA oil. They recommend Motorex KTM Cross Power 4T and Power Synt 4T.So no requirement to stick to Motorex.

[Navin]

Special oil!

[IndyChizzle]

Originally Posted by Navin

Special oil!

I'm telling you, the first time you have to buy bright red 10w50 from the internet, it changes a man....