KTM 690 Enduro R and KTM 690 SMC R (2019) // Racing design, fun for outdoor enthusiasts too
In Slovakia, on a hill that stretches near half a million Bratislava, I had the opportunity to try out this year's newcomer to KTM. The twins are powered by a large single-cylinder engine, both R-marked, which always promises a lot or more on a KTM. At the same time, these are also motorcycles, which, as I can easily say, are the most niche of all production motorcycles. Otherwise, things were no different than a decade ago, when their predecessors received their last really extensive update. Except, of course, that supermoto motorcycles were more popular at the time and there were also larger single-cylinder engines on the market.
Look, if you don't know exactly what to do with this single-cylinder KTM, then it's probably not for you. The Enduro is a variant of the MX racing series and its name has been expanded, mainly to make it clear that it is also a road legal vehicle. So far so good, but with a listed price tag of around $750, this KTM is already moving into territory where bikes like the GS790, Africa Twin, KTM XNUMX and more reign supreme. However, the likelihood that someone will pave the way around the planet with this model certainly exists. But what about SMC then? As I said, we can give credit to KTM for keeping the supermoto alive, but what exactly to do with such a bike, only those who have ever competed or even have a go-kart track in their home know exactly what to do with it.
In less than ten years, many new
Now that KTM engineers have applied the experience of the past decade to these two single-cylinder engines, fingers crossed, they hope there will be many customers who want the extremes. If there is really enough demand, you are now reading a success story. Namely, the progress made by the single-cylinder Enduro and SMC is breathtaking.
The KTM 690 Enduro R and KTM 690 SMC R are the latest and, of course, the most technically advanced version of the old Austrian story of powerful single-cylinder motorcycles powered by the now legendary LC4 engine. At least to my knowledge, this is currently the largest and most powerful production single-cylinder engine, which of course remains the heart of both twins.
New technologies, new discoveries in the field of strength of materials and modern electronics have primarily ensured that the single-cylinder engine has gained seven "horsepower", 4 Nm of torque and at the same time rotates a thousand revolutions faster, which means more power. and torque in a wider rpm range. So if you thought the LC4s were out of breath here and there, this is no longer the case. With the replacement of the classic "zajlo" with "ridebywire", it is possible to choose between two driving programs. Why only two? Because that's enough, as the KTM slogan says. So whether it's a race or a race.
A single-cylinder engine with such a large piston will of course always run with a significant amount of “charge and pulsation”, but thanks to the additional balance shaft, dual ignition and the special shape of the combustion chamber, all together this is quite bearable. . For the first time ever, the LC4 also features an anti-skid clutch and a two-way quickshifter that does the job perfectly on both models.
In the KTM, 65 percent of all components are new compared to its predecessor, they said. Judging from my experience with the road and track, I would say that this is not all. In addition to the all-new look borrowed from the MX series models, they both got an even larger tank (13,5 liters), a new frame with increased steering angle, Brembo braking system, a new seat, new suspension and optimized gear ratios. ...
The differences that you will never miss looking at the twins are more than obvious. Of course, there are other wheels, a different brake disc and different seat upholstery (the SMC has a smoother finish). It's the same with the plastic, under which, despite the fact that the frame is narrower, there is room for some tools, the same applies to the stand, which offers the most basic information and lighting. The two also have a common cornering ABS, but have been taught different manners for each of them.
They bring skill and speed
We had to try exactly what all of the above brings to the go-kart racetrack (model SMC) and enduro on the paved and gravel tracks of the Slovak countryside, which in many ways resembles our native Prekmurje. Well, for photography purposes, we crossed a few more streams as part of an enduro ride and visited a private motocross track that even the most off-roading had no problems with. In some paved areas, the Enduro proved to be a controllable and stable motorcycle even at a speed of about 130 kilometers per hour (street program). If I sat a little less when braking, I would hide my hard enduro roots on the road, but it's impossible to get everything in this segment. The 'Offroad' program is also excellent, which disables ABS on the rear wheel and allows unlimited rear wheel rotation into neutral. On the rubble, Enduro, despite the fact that it did not have special tires, made it easy to control itself. It's also worth mentioning that on these engines, because of my standing height, I have to lean over the handlebars too much, and KTM obviously also meant those of us who outgrew the 180 cm line on the door. Frame.
The KTM 690 SMC R showed its attributes on the kart track, and none of us, although we basically had such an option, did not even think about driving on the road with it. The speed on the track was not high (up to 140 km / h), but nevertheless, after almost two hours of chase, the SMC R literally dispersed us. Even with the SMC, the engine basemap is called Street, at which point the ABS is in full standby and the front wheel remains safe on the ground. The Race program allows the rear wheel to glide, drift and roll, and the latter can be constant as you accelerate through every corner. It just depends on how much you know and how you decide.
Considering that the design is more than not very sporty and aimed at professionals who know how to get the most out of both machines, the Enduro R and SMC R, especially thanks to the engine upgrades, are soft enough to be a lot of fun. recreational users. Moreover, with the help of electronics, which I think is more than just for safety, to make it easier to find extreme performance limits, recreational racers on the track will be significantly faster and adventurers on the field much faster. more agile.
