KTM Unveils The 690 SMC R At EICMA

The KTM SMC had a brief but furious appearance in the United States market but left all too soon, and was killed off in Europe in 2017. KTM-owned Husqvarna satisfied our supermoto needs with the 701 Supermoto, but we had started to believe that KTM itself had abandoned the market segment it helped to popularize. Luckily we were wrong. Say hello to the 2019 KTM 690 SMC R, and rejoice that it's destined for the US market.

A headlining change is the inclusion of the latest version of the LC4 liquid-cooled single motor. The engine is the same double-balancer 692cc liquid-cooled single found in the 701 Supermoto, and we bet output is identical as well at a claimed 75 hp and 53 pound-feet of torque. With the new motor, there’s also the inclusion of the up/down Quickshifter +, Sport and Street ride modes, cornering-sensitive motorcycle traction control (MTC), and cornering ABS with Supermoto mode.

The suspension, however, is all new and different. The 690 SMC R features the latest, fully adjustable WP Apex suspension. The fork has separate damping circuits, and we’re excited to see what changes and improvements have been made over the unit found on the 701 Supermoto.

The brakes are touted to be Brembo—as any supermoto from KTM would require. Combined with the cornering ABS and Supermoto mode, the 690 SMC R has the range to ride mild to wild.

Rounding out the changes are all-new looks to signify you’re on the latest orange shredding machine. Pricing and availability have not been announced, but KTM has firmly stamped out rumors it has forgotten its hooligan roots.