KTM announces a street-legal supermoto model for street-strafing fun. The 2021 KTM 690 SMC R will be hitting the showroom floors in December with an MSRP of US$ 11,999. Let’s get sideways with the Fast Facts.
The 2021 KTM 690 SMC R uses the latest
version of the familiar LC4 motor. The big short-stroke SOHC motor does not
lack for power, and it has civilizing features such as dual balancer shafts,
dual ignition, and ride-by-wire technology.
A nice suite of electronics allows the
rider to tailor the ride to the situation. There are two riding modes—Sport and
Street. Street mode is for more casual riding, while Sport allows you to get
your supermoto mojo working. In the Sport mode, you can let the rear wheel slip
and the front wheel lift. The cornering-aware ABS can be defeated if you get
the optional Supermoto ABS dongle.
The six-speed gearbox gets some welcome
assistance. The hydraulically actuated clutch has a slipper function, and an
up/down clutchless quickshifter is standard. The 17-inch wheels are de rigueur
for supermoto action. Bridgestone Battleax Hypersport S21 tires are shod to the
wire-spoked wheels. WP Apex suspension gets the nod on the 2021 KTM 690 SMC R.
While not the Pro versions, these are high-quality units. A 320mm front disc
grasped by a radial-mounted Brembo calipers does the majority of deceleration
duties. If you have the skills, stoppies are on the menu. The 3.6-gallon
polymer fuel tank doubles as a rear subframe.
Not exactly for beginners, the 2021 KTM
690 SMC R has an approachable 35-inch seat height. It will seem short to dirt
bike riders, and tall for those coming from street bikes.
