KTM 690 SMC-R [2012-2013] Review: The Ultimate Supermoto Contender

Introduction

The KTM 690 SMC-R isn’t just a motorcycle – it’s a declaration of war against compromise. Built during 2012-2013, this Austrian supermoto remains a benchmark for riders who demand raw power, featherweight agility, and track-ready performance in a street-legal package. With its 690cc LC4 single-cylinder engine and a dry weight of just 139 kg (306 lbs), the SMC-R straddles the line between hooliganism and precision engineering. After spending time with this machine, it’s clear why it’s still revered as one of the most visceral single-cylinder motorcycles ever made.

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Engine Performance: The Thumper That Redefined Expectations

At the heart of the 690 SMC-R lies the 690cc LC4 engine – a liquid-cooled, four-stroke single that churns out 67 HP (49 kW) at 7,500 RPM and 68 Nm (50 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000 RPM. These numbers might seem modest compared to modern inline-four sportbikes, but the delivery is anything but ordinary.

• Power Delivery: The engine’s character is immediate and unapologetic. From idle, the throttle response is crisp thanks to the Keihin electronic fuel injection (EFI), eliminating the hesitation often found in carbureted singles. The midrange punch between 4,000-6,000 RPM is where the SMC-R truly shines, catapulting the bike forward with a surge that’s more akin to a big-bore dirt bike than a street machine.
• Vibration Management: Despite being a thumper, KTM’s balancer shaft works overtime to keep vibrations in check. At highway speeds (100-120 km/h or 62-75 mph), the engine settles into a smooth rhythm, though you’ll still feel a primal buzz through the handlebars – a reminder of the beast beneath you.
• Anti-Hopping Clutch: The hydraulically operated APTC clutch is a game-changer for aggressive downshifts. It prevents rear-wheel lockup during hard braking, making it easier to scrub speed before corner entry.

Key Takeaway: This isn’t an engine designed for relaxed commuting. It’s a riotous powerplant that rewards aggressive riding, especially when exploiting the short gearing (16/42 sprockets) for wheelie-prone acceleration.

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Handling: A Dance Partner for the Daring

Supermotos live and die by their agility, and the 690 SMC-R is a masterclass in flickable dynamics.

• Chassis & Suspension: The chromium-molybdenum trellis frame and WP suspension setup (48mm USD forks + Pro-Lever rear shock) provide 250 mm (9.8 inches) of travel at both ends. While this might suggest a plush ride, the tuning leans toward track stiffness. Over broken pavement, the SMC-R communicates every crack, but carve into a corner, and the feedback is telepathic. The 27° rake angle and 1480 mm (58.2-inch) wheelbase strike a perfect balance between quick steering and stability.
• Braking Performance: The Brembo four-piston caliper biting on a 320mm front rotor delivers stoppies on demand. Initial bite is fierce, requiring a delicate touch in wet conditions, but the setup inspires confidence when pushing hard.
• Tires & Wheels: The tubeless Continental SportAttack SM tires (120/70-ZR17 front, 160/60-ZR17 rear) offer tenacious grip on asphalt. The wire-spoked wheels (a KTM innovation for tubeless compatibility) add durability for urban pothole assaults.

On-Road Behavior: At 890 mm (35 inches), the seat height is intimidating for shorter riders, but once moving, the SMC-R shrinks beneath you. Flicking it through traffic or tightening switchbacks feels effortless, though the ultra-responsive steering demands focus at high speeds.

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Design & Ergonomics: Function Over Frills

KTM’s “Ready to Race” ethos is evident in the SMC-R’s minimalist design:

• Bodywork: The polymer tail tank and aluminum subframe keep weight centralized. The angular headlight shroud and orange frame accents scream KTM DNA, while the 2012-2013 updates introduced a sleeker spoiler line for reduced drag.
• Rider Triangle: The upright riding position (28mm tapered handlebar) prioritizes control over comfort. The seat, though slightly improved from earlier models, remains firm – expect numbness on rides longer than 90 minutes.
• Fuel Capacity: The 12-liter (3.1-gallon) tank limits range to ~150 km (93 miles) when ridden hard, emphasizing the bike’s purpose as a short-burst thrill machine.

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Competition: How the SMC-R Stacks Up

The 690 SMC-R faced stiff competition in the supermoto segment. Here’s how it compares:

1. Husqvarna 701 Supermoto (2014+)
2. Shares the same LC4 engine but with a milder tune (65 HP).
3. Softer suspension and a plusher seat make it better for daily use.

4. Verdict: The 701 is more versatile, but the SMC-R feels rawer and more track-focused.

5. Aprilia SXV 5.5 (2006-2010)

6. The Italian V-twin produces 70 HP but weighs 20 kg (44 lbs) more.
7. High-maintenance engine requires frequent rebuilds.

8. Verdict: The Aprilia wins in character, but the KTM is far more reliable.

9. Ducati Hypermotard 796 (2007-2013)

10. L-twin engine offers smoother power delivery but less low-end torque.
11. Heavier at 181 kg (399 lbs) dry.
12. Verdict: The Ducati excels as a streetfighter; the KTM dominates in agility.

Competitive Edge: The SMC-R’s combination of lightweight construction, robust LC4 reliability, and track-ready components makes it the top choice for riders prioritizing performance over practicality.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Ownership of the 690 SMC-R requires diligence, but MOTOPARTS.store has you covered:

1. Oil Changes
2. Use 1.7L of SAE 10W-60 fully synthetic oil (or 10W-50 as an alternative).

3. Replace every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) due to the single-cylinder’s high stress.

4. Valve Adjustments

5. Check valve clearances every 10,000 km (6,200 miles):
   • Intake/Exhaust: 0.07-0.13 mm (0.0027-0.0051 inches) when cold.

6. Consider upgrading to titanium valves for extended service intervals.

7. Chain & Sprockets

8. The 5/8 x 1/4" X-Ring chain requires regular lubrication.

9. Swap the stock 16/42 sprockets for a 15/45 setup for quicker acceleration.

10. Brake Fluid

11. Flush with DOT 5.1 fluid annually to maintain the Brembo system’s bite.

12. Tire Pressure

13. Front: 2.0 bar (29 psi) / Rear: 2.2 bar (32 psi) for aggressive riding.

14. Cooling System

15. The 1.2L liquid cooling system benefits from a coolant upgrade for track days.

Pro Tip: Invest in a piggyback ECU tuner to optimize the EFI mapping for aftermarket exhausts or air filters.

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Final Verdict

The KTM 690 SMC-R isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s a motorcycle that demands skill, rewards aggression, and punishes complacency. From its razor-sharp handling to the explosive LC4 engine, every component serves a singular purpose: delivering unadulterated riding joy. While newer models have since emerged, the 2012-2013 iteration remains a pinnacle of supermoto design – a machine that turns grocery runs into impromptu track days and city streets into your personal playground.

Whether you’re chasing knee-down apexes or upgrading your SMC-R with performance parts, MOTOPARTS.store offers the expertise and components to keep your KTM at its peak. From Brembo brake pads to WP suspension kits, we’ve got your back – because this Austrian icon deserves nothing less.

Ride hard. Stay loose. Keep the rubber side down.

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Specifications sheet

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