KTM knows a thing or two about getting big power out of a single cylinder motor. As well as dominating the motocross and enduro scene, the last 11 straight Dakar Rallies have been won by KTM using a thumper engine. And it doesn't stop there. Away from the mud, KTM took the inaugural Moto3 championship last year (giving Honda a bloody nose in the process) and its LC4 motor is currently the most powerful single cylinder engine on the market, making an impressive 69hp and 52lb ft. That's not a bad track record by anyone's standards. For 2014 KTM have expanded the use of their LC4 and now alongside the 690 Duke, riders have the option of the SMC R supermoto as well as the Enduro R.
Front wheel back on the ground time for corners...
Although the SMC R and Enduro R essentially share the same chassis and engine, they have a few modifications to allow them to thrive in their specific world. The supermoto comes with chunky inverted WP forks, a radial Brembo brake caliper and 17-inch spoke wheels while the Enduro R has longer travel suspension and off-road odd-sized wheels. Interestingly, however, both bikes debut ABS for the first time. Yep, even hardcore off-road purists KTM have relented and fitted ABS to an enduro bike. Although possibly even stranger is the fact it is fitted to a supermoto, aren't these bike all about lunacy and stunt riding?
Well yes, which is why as well as the ability to turn the ABS off completely, KTM sell a dongle (basically an electrical plug in) for both the SMC R and Enduro R that gives you access to a 'sporting' mode. Although the front wheel still has ABS activated, the rear doesn't, meaning that if you are a supermoto legend you can still back it in and off-road riders can skid the rear. I'm neither an off-road hero or supermoto legend, so I was simply happy that you could now pull stoppies without the ABS stopping the fun...
690cc thumper is a real powerhouse
A sensible (ish) supermoto
Where traditional supermotos are simply too impractical for everyday life, the SMC R manages to capture the lunacy you expect in such a bike, but then adds a chunk of unexpected practicality. Despite kicking out a fruity 66hp (airbox and exhaust modifications mean it is less powerful than the Duke) the KTM has 6,000-mile service intervals, delivers claimed fuel economy figures of over 60mpg and comes with ride-by-wire, varying fuel modes and ABS.
But don't get the impression that this is a muted supermoto along the lines of the Yamaha XT660X or hideous Honda FMX650, this is still a KTM R model and will happily wheelie off the throttle in second gear, stops with ferocity, loves being thrown around tight and twisty corners and is an absolute hoot to ride. But, crucially, when you are feeling a little sensible, the SMC's seat is fairly well padded, the vibrations non-intrusive and unlike so many supermotos, at motorway speeds the SMC R's front end isn't shaking its head like a dog with a new toy. In fact, the SMC R will happily sit at 70mph all day long.
Agile, fun and pretty handy around town too
Supermotos are the kind of bikes that riders either love or hate and generally are reserved as second bikes or weekend toys. However the SMC R is far more than this because it would make a great bike for carving through congested streets as well as being a proper hooligan. The LC4 engine is both reliable and fun while the SMC R's chassis is agile and the build quality and specification absolutely top notch. Which is the problem.
The SMC R costs an eye-watering £7,899, making it a very expensive purchase. Although it is certainly more practical, as well as considerably more fun and better specified, than rival supermotos, that's still a pretty bitter pill to swallow. If I could afford one I'd love to have an SMC R in the garage for city hops and weekend hooliganism, but at that price this bike is aimed at serious enthusiasts only.
Knobblies on the Enduro version look ace
When it comes to off-roaders, it's fair to say KTM have something of a strong footing. But what you may not realise is that the 690 engine is also pretty familiar with the rough stuff. The LC4 engine was first used in the 2005 Dakar bike before being evolved to power the firm's range of single cylinder road bikes, so despite being a road engine, its roots can be found firmly in the dirt.
The Enduro R is one of KTM's most popular models and in countries such as South Africa or Spain, where there are lots of dirt trails, it is a strong seller. However for 2014 KTM have given it a slightly new focus, mainly to please the European market.
Naturally, with such a strong off-road heritage, it would be completely against KTM's principles to soften the Enduro R too much and in the right hands it is still very competent when the going gets tough, however they have relented slightly. As well as ABS and the LC4 motor, KTM have added more road-biased Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara tyres to the Enduro R for 2014 in an effort to make it appeal to those not just wanting a pure off-roader (the old model used to be fairly terrifying on the road on its off-road tyres).
ABS even for off-roaders; can be disabled
Personally I think this is a great move as it opens the doors to riders who want a rugged commuter that can be taken out on weekends and enjoyed on the trails. The LC4 engine is frugal, reliable and with its low down grunt, perfect for either on or off-road use. The seat height of 910mm is a bit of an issue if you aren't that tall, but weighing just 143kg dry, I found the KTM pretty manageable despite being an off-road novice. The single cylinder motor is a relaxed off-road engine with loads of low down grunt to dig you out of the mud while ABS added peace of mind to a nervous off-roader like myself.
Like the SMC R, the Enduro R's £7,699 price tag is a bit of an obstacle, however for me the Enduro R does a bit more than the supermoto to justify this expense. This is a bike that you can genuinely load up and take around the world. It's not a pretend globe buster like some other machines, this is the real deal that is as happy up to its axles in thick mud as it is plodding along a dusty dirt track. As a second bike, which like the SMC R the Enduro R will ultimately end up being, I can see riders getting more use out of the off-roader than the supermoto. It may not ever find its way into darkest Africa, but I am certain that 99 per cent of the Enduro Rs sold will end up on the UK's green lanes, which is not something you can say about most other adventure bikes.
2014 KTM 690 SMC R & ENDURO R
Engine: 690cc SOHC single cylinder, 4v
Power (hp): 66@7,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 50@6,000rpm
Top speed: 115mph (est)
Weight: 144kg (wet)
MPG: 60mpg (est)
Price: SMC R £7,899, Enduro R £7,699