KTM 690 SMC comments and links please

Migs · 01-17-2013, 05:30 AM

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 · 01-17-2013, 11:33 AM

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 · 01-17-2013, 11:42 AM

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 · 01-17-2013, 12:03 PM

Quote:

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 · 01-17-2013, 12:09 PM

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

IndyChizzle · 01-17-2013, 01:13 PM

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 · 01-17-2013, 01:20 PM

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.

Navin · 01-17-2013, 01:50 PM

Special oil!

IndyChizzle · 01-17-2013, 02:37 PM

Quote:

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.

IndyChizzle · 01-17-2013, 02:38 PM

Quote:

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....

Navin · 01-17-2013, 02:40 PM

wsmc831 · 01-17-2013, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navin

Special oil!

I've seen oil analysis of the motorex, and have researched why ktm says to buy it. It goes into both mine, while the other bikes get generic mobile one.

Not sure what's funny about that....

Navin · 01-17-2013, 05:01 PM

My KTMs used to have a Shell sticker on the case cover. Anything will work of the correct moto wet clutch type. A 690 or 505 will live as long and healthy with Rotella or any other brand.

wsmc831 · 01-17-2013, 05:04 PM

Well, like I said, I've done a fair bit of research, and there are some differences in the 690 lc4 motor vs a 505, and it has nothing to do with the clutch.

Navin · 01-17-2013, 05:05 PM

No, but both share a wet clutch, ,,nevermind. Factor in special oil to the purchase price.

01-17-2013, 05:30 AM	#1
Migs ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2010 Location: La Paz, Bolivia Oddometer: 165	KTM 690 SMC comments and links please 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 __________________ "I consider myself a road man for the lords of karma"~Hunter S Thompson "He who is not afraid will always be safe." -Lao Tzu "Do not be bothered by anything."-S. Suzuki

01-17-2013, 11:33 AM	#2
wsmc831 Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Los Gatos Mountains Oddometer: 216	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. __________________ 97 TL1000S 2010 690 EnduroR 2013 500 Exc 20+ years, 100k+ miles, 15 state's, 5 Countries, 3 years on asphault looking for the checkered flag, 7 dirt trying to stay on my minute.

01-17-2013, 11:42 AM	#3
Migs ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2010 Location: La Paz, Bolivia Oddometer: 165	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 __________________ "I consider myself a road man for the lords of karma"~Hunter S Thompson "He who is not afraid will always be safe." -Lao Tzu "Do not be bothered by anything."-S. Suzuki

01-17-2013, 01:13 PM	#6
IndyChizzle Spending more on gas Joined: Aug 2010 Location: Indianapolis, IN Oddometer: 252	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. __________________ 2007 Honda 919 (Perfectly Farkled for Now), 2008 Triumph Speed Triple (SOLD), 2008 KTM 690 SMC (SOLD), 2006 BMW F650GS Dakar (SOLD) Register to be an organ donor at www.DonateLife.net . It only takes about 3 minutes! Don't know how to post photos on AdvRider? Here's how you do it!

01-17-2013, 01:20 PM	#7
Albie Kool Aid poisoner Joined: Mar 2004 Location: NWA Oddometer: 5,061	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. __________________ Good. Bad. I'm the guy with the gun. Guess what doofus, nobody reads your lame blog.

01-17-2013, 12:09 PM	#5
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Garage Oddometer: 4,418	http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=823066

01-17-2013, 01:50 PM	#8
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Garage Oddometer: 4,418	Special oil!

01-17-2013, 02:40 PM	#11
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Garage Oddometer: 4,418

01-17-2013, 05:01 PM	#13
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Garage Oddometer: 4,418	My KTMs used to have a Shell sticker on the case cover. Anything will work of the correct moto wet clutch type. A 690 or 505 will live as long and healthy with Rotella or any other brand.

01-17-2013, 05:04 PM	#14
wsmc831 Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Los Gatos Mountains Oddometer: 216	Well, like I said, I've done a fair bit of research, and there are some differences in the 690 lc4 motor vs a 505, and it has nothing to do with the clutch. __________________ 97 TL1000S 2010 690 EnduroR 2013 500 Exc 20+ years, 100k+ miles, 15 state's, 5 Countries, 3 years on asphault looking for the checkered flag, 7 dirt trying to stay on my minute.

01-17-2013, 05:05 PM	#15
Navin Unwounding Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Garage Oddometer: 4,418	No, but both share a wet clutch, ,,nevermind. Factor in special oil to the purchase price.

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