2019 KTM 690 SMC R

WP APEX suspension
74hp LC4 single – PASC slipper clutch

Arriving in Australia March 2019

The KTM 690 SMC R returns in 2019 and promises to bring the KTM Ready to Race approach to the street. A lightweight, agile, punchy single-cylinder, with premium chassis components, backed up by new performance-enhancing electronics and a lot more grunt that is now delivered via a much smoother power delivery. That’s what KTM are claiming their 690 SMC R will bring to the table when it lands in Australian showrooms from March.

• Dynamic LC4 single-cylinder 4-stroke engine
• 690cc displacement
• 55 kW (74 hp) @ 8000rpm
• 73.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm
• Electronic fuel injection, ride by wire, two balancer shafts
• PASC slipper clutch
• Fuel capacity approx – 13.5 litres
• Dry weight approx – 146 kg
• Six-speed transmission with Quickshifter+ for clutchless up and downshifts
• Ultra lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel frame
• Sharper, slimmer bodywork in the latest KISKA design
• Two ride modes
• Cornering ABS with advanced Supermoto ABS mode
• Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC)
• Die cast aluminum swingarm and linkage type rear suspension
• Fully adjustable WP APEX shock absorber
• Fully adjustable WP APEX 48 upside-down fork with separate damping circuits
• Optional low chassis kit for 40mm lower seat height
• Brembo brake system

Street Weapon

Powering the KTM 690 SMC R is a new generation LC4 engine, with the single-cylinder engine now dishing up 74 hp and 73.5 Nm of torque – and KTM boasting a smoother and more sophisticated power delivery than ever.

Along with improved power, torque and consumption from the updated engine, the fun now goes further with the new KTM 690 SMC R thanks to a fuel tank capacity increased by 1.5 litres to 13.5L total. The completely redesigned fuel tank also acts as a load bearing part of the chassis; stiffer in construction to help provide optimal feel and handling.

Fresh bodywork is sharper and slimmer than the previous model, developed alongside the latest generation of KTM offroad motorcycles to aid with easier handling. Adjustable levers feature on the rubber-mounted, lightweight tapered handlebars that can be placed in four different positions.

The new ergonomics continue with an improved seat that KTM claim increases comfort while aiding control and grip in extreme riding situations. To make the Supermoto more accessible than ever, a 40 mm seat height reduction is also possible via the official KTM PowerParts low chassis kit (standard seat height 890 mm). All this has been done while maintaining extreme lean levels with handlebar-scraping cornering ability, if the rider is up to the challenge!

The suspension was specially developed by WP and KTM for the 690 SMC R. Up front are fully adjustable WP APEX 48 USD forks, sprung in both legs but with separated damping in each tube; rebound handled on the right and compression on the left, with 30 clicks of adjustment available for each. The forks are mounted in forged triple clamps with an offset of 35 mm, adjustable to 33 mm.

Helping to put the torque on the tarmac is a fully adjustable WP APEX shock absorber connected to the single-piece cast swingarm via a linkage.

On the braking side of the equation a high quality Brembo four-piston radial caliper bites a 320 mm disc up front and helping to push the Bridgestone S21 rear tyre into opposite-lock corner entries is a Brembo two-piston caliper working hard on a 240 mm rear disc.

Getting the most from the KTM 690 SMC R’s performance in all situations is assisted by a suite of rider assistance systems. Two ride modes – Street and Sport – are joined by cornering ABS, lean angle-sensitive motorcycle traction control, motor slip regulation (MSR) and Quickshifter+ (up & down), with the familiar Supermoto ABS mode aiding rear slides backed up by front-end confidence.