KTM 690 SMC R

[Biker 1]

I had a quick look at the 2021 version. Electronics are upgraded, colour scheme is different, front brake is revised. Price of 2020 version is a least £1,500 less. I am very temped - perhaps one of the membership here has experience & can comment?

[airsafari87]

Can't help you with the model year differences, but Lamb Chop Rides on YouTube has a series going at the minute where he is upgrading his 690 SMC R.

Might be worth checking out??

[V8RX7]

I've had a few 690's essentially the engine upgrade in 2016 was worthwhile other than that they are all much the same IMO

Arguably the 701 is the better bike (but I hate white)

[pmr01]

they were doing a £1500 discount late 2020 - which is maybe where you are seeing the difference - and i bought one. well worth it in my opinion but i like supermotos / big singles. Great fun and if you have multiple bikes, you will find that you pick the ktm before the others a LOT.well, i do.

unusual thing for a single is that they have quite a healthy top end 'power band'. i had trouble getting a 2020 bike with the offer in Scotland so you may find that there will none left at the £8200-ish that they were doing them for.

[jason61c]

get a 701.

[Bartebde]

I had a 18/19 701 and loved it.

The electric add ons to the 2020/21 package don’t really appeal to me, as it was a pretty decent package.

Save some money and get the older model (so you can do an exhaust, air box, remap)

[Ho Lee Kau]

all I can say is, these things sell so well in Switzerland, I mean second hand at high prices!

[carinaman]

I think Lamb Chop Rides say they hold their value well too.

[NNK]

Rottweiler Performance in California, I can't recommend their parts enough.
My 17 690 was transformed with their induction kit, Tecmo pipe and pre loaded PC5.
They even do a bag that fits where old airbox was

[Biker 1]

£1500 saving caught my attention! However, the 2021 model appears to include a rev counter & gear indicator. Colours look nicer also. Looks like a worthwhile saving for last year's model, but I'm in a dilemma as I can only afford one bike.... I've had a 2012 Duke 690 & also a 2015 Enduro R, so I'm assuming the 2020 SMC R is the newer engine with 74bhp & higher revs(???)
I love the idea of the SMC R, but not sure if it's worth it if around half my riding is fast A roads. Practicality is not a priority though.

[V8RX7]

I suppose it's a personal thing but I found my 2016 690 Duke was perfect on twisty roads and ok on A roads to get there, but it wasn't much fun on longer trips / faster roads.

So if they made up 50% of my journeys I wouldn't consider one and would probably buy a Street Triple