2020 KTM 690 SMCR Impressions (Is It Worth It?)

[@bluedog2367]

It’s making me so happy watching your subscriber base grow so quickly. We’re here for you Spite. Your content is informative and entertaining. Keep it up mate!

[@GGLiEx]

2 pieces of advice for EVERY 690 OWNER: -change oil every 3000miles at last. As the low piston height and Rich standard map on these dilutes the oil and from 2% fuel content on the oil won't warrant lubrication. -use Motul 15w60 300V off-road oil which contains additives that counteract this oil dilution dilution and the higher viscosity insures enough viscosity in the timing chain tensioner and the "oil bearing"(Gleitlager in German)and thus proper function. Voilà you "unreliable KTM" now is reliable Hope this helps Greeting from Luxembourg

[@eddiebones20]

Thank you

[@alesbastl7716]

Hi, that is an interesting statement as KTMs and all bikes for that matter are running super lean these days to meet emissions and fuel consumption requirements. My mate bought 690 Enduro R 2020 and the engine ran hot in not so extreme conditions. Purchase of a fuelling module to make it run richer helped to keep the engine colder. I cannot agree more in the Motul oil. Excellent choice, 300V is the best oil on the market👌🏻

[@ridenm7748]

I'd argue the oil changes need to be more frequent than that. The 500s take 1.5l and this takes 1.7l. 1000-1500 miles to be on the safe side.

[@GGLiEx]

@@ridenm7748 I recommended this in the context of american laid back riding. I ride mine HARD twisty roads only. (Europe Luxembourg) mine gest an oil change every 2500-3000km (2000miles) so yes you are spot on

[@Sinister_fartbox]

Nahh

[@spitescorner]

See I didn't died! It's the comeback of the century, and the best is yet to come. Stay tuned!

[@MuscleBandit]

When is the next SMC R video pls Spite???

[@hoodiepapa7344]

Lol last video!!

[@ECHO102495]

Please do another smcr video spite!

[@brammeram1289]

You didn't mention SMF (supermofools). A group of really funny supermoto guys from Holland. They've build the sickest KTM 690 smcr

[@Dan.S.39]

Yeah its not that known but in Germany its a legend....

[@0690supermoto]

I love the way you explained the pros and especially the cons of this bike.

[@victorvaughn2121]

i had the same problem with my clutch. At my SMCR the dealer has changed the complete lever. Now there is no problem anymore. Greetz from Germany. Nice bike!

[@edman79]

Watching all your old videos again to support you broski

[@loopertrooper6671]

I’ve owned two sumo’s; DRZ400 and 701SM. I have to say that sumo is by far the most fun I’ve ever had on two wheels. Unfortunately, I’m getting old (51) and getting on a motorcycle with a 37 inch seat height when you have a 30 inch inseam is not easy. So, I sold my 701SM and bought an 890 Duke R, which is great fun but not nearly as versatile as my 701. With a sumo, you can do track days AND hit dirt roads or light single track, not doing that with the Duke. The only thing I couldn’t really do on the sumo was long stints of highway riding. A sumo is no touring bike. But you can’t beat a sumo for urban or back road exploring.

[@fickungshut3068]

great vid. congrats on the bike. it has its issues but it really is an awesome bike. honestly, there is a fair amount of information on the forums, not so much youtube. at least in regards to the common issues. not all being smc issues but lc4 issues. ie slave cylinder going, false neutrals, stalling, throttle, countershaft seal leak. i’ve experienced all but the slave cylinder going but i was proactive and upgraded it at first oil change. i never really had an issue with the throttle even though it just seemed like on or off, i knew it could be smoother. the bike does run on the hot side but you can swap out the fan switch. performance wise without having to go the pc5 route. drop a tooth in the front. exhaust. dna filter. boosterplug. cyclops makes a good led replacement for the headlight bulb. as well as multifunction turn signals. motominded makes a nice headlight replacement. gotta clean up that rear end! i think a lot of people forget that there is a white led in between the brake lights that doesn’t come lit from the factory.

[@NotAMotoVlog]

Sad to see ya leave YammieNoob. But if you're still making videos I'm happy. Subbed and excited to see your future content. Been thinking of a sumo myself, maybe in the future

[@CallUrDrop]

Just got this bike 2 weeks ago after starting on my 250 rally a year ago. I absolutely love this bike. Already need to do the first oil change. I hope you do end up doing a series on this bike. Probably build along with you. Haven't seen another one or sumo for that matter out in the wild yet. Not sure why. If guys only knew lol.

[@porterdallenbach1639]

The old KTM 690 enduro had a sweet analog digital dash. You should check it out!

[@leviasher1869]

Glad to see you do a bit of your own bike. Ive wanted to know a bit about it

[@williamcb78]

I’ve been so waiting for this review !! 🙏 cheers Spite !

[@ewganhoff]

Adding comment to add comment. Love you, bro!

[@22smcrrider96]

Anyone that's on the fence about this bike just do it. It will b the best decision u make.. I was really debating the 690 or should I go cheaper and get a DRZ. I bought the 2022 690SMC R and before I was home from the dealership I knew I made the right decision!! But you DEFINITELY need to update that hideous stock exhaust. I bought a leo vince can the day after I bought the bike. I think it had 150 miles on it when I changed it out. Looks awesome and sounds amazing

[@ironken1796]

I added a slip-on Wings and a Dani Performance Lambda Modulator to enrichen it a bit in closed loop. It still keeps the O² sensor functioning unlike the O² sensor delete. I replaced the clutch slave with an Oberon. KTM recently recalled the slave. If you replaced it on your own, KTM will reimburse you. I just got my check for reimbursement today.

[@mayladogg86]

I’m glad I’m not the only one to forget to turn the blinker off lol. Good review, I love my 690. Well, 732 with the factory big bore kit 🤙

[@thomasconley6178]

What bore kit are you running any links please

[@caffeineman72]

Just going to watch, like, and cooment on all your videos - hope you're feeling appreciated.

[@alvaromurillo9576]

Hi cool vid and nice to see your channel. You guys gave me confidence buying my Vitpilen 701 and 5months later I enjoy and love the thing more and more. An important experience that I found with this motor is: It does not like to have burn or old oil inside. For some reason my dealer did oil chance and used Bellray 15/50 and was no bueno!. “KTM” says you can do oil changes every 5K km, however with that shitty bellray oil sounds like engine will brake and could do just 3500km and it was nasty dark. So I use Motorex 10/50 now and is doing great. Seems a silly observation but, I ride daily and notice any new vibrations and sounds and good oil in this engine can do wonders. Hope this info help your confidence if consider getting a bike with this engine. This thing have torque for days and fun for years! Saludos desde Costa Rica 🇨🇷

[@Stevel_]

Great vid My two cents on the channel: shorter videos are better. 8-12 minutes max, with plenty of 4-6 minute videos. People like short and digestible, a quick watch before bed, etc. Keep up the good worth you'll be at 100k before years end Spite!!

[@ECHO102495]

You have to do more videos on this bike!!! This is my dream bike and I’ll be able to afford it next season. Please my sweet papa spite? I know supermoto is the way, and the light.

[@raysesma6944]

Got the same bike. I had the same issue with my clutch slave cylinder. I switched it out to a rekluse one.... Way better!!!! Best bike I've ever owned. I will never part with it. Love the windy trails

[@st5pr0]

jeeez i wish fall looked like that in my country.... my bike is already getting ready for winter sleep in my living room in the apartment on a 5th floor :)

[@freethinkingamerican80]

I bought my 2018 1290 Super Adventure S at TJs lol, sadly I moved and am now in AZ and my bike is in Idaho. Hopefully I'll get it back this year. Would love to get this bike in the future.

[@guillermoyelamo5816]

Papa Yam told me to sub to your channel, so I did... all the support for you guys, you make really good moto content, and home brewed from the great state of Texas which makes it even better! looking forward to see more SuMo content here. Cheers from HTX!

[@KristianKumpula]

I'm about to get one of those as a daily all year round commuter to replace my slow husqy and I live in Finland, so the heat it generates might even be a bit of a bonus for me sometimes. I guess enough people complained about the dash because the newer model I'm getting comes with a tacometer and gear indicator.

[@MikesBikes66H]

My da has a 690 duke and he loves it, very similar bike. The KTM 690 LC4 is god tier

[@justinlyons5159]

I was like... Hold up I know that voice... Didn't know you had your own channel

[@samjohnsonwatson5736]

YOUR KILLING ME WITH NOT TURNING OFF YOUR TURN SIGNALS!!!

[@spitescorner]

I have improved slightly over two years. Now I only leave them on half the time.

[@GabenHood]

YOU only use the clutch when coming to a stoplight. Sumo riders will feather it at friction point during extreme rear brake sliding.

[@BeatByATaLi]

I was actually looking at one of these for my first bike and get an A2 limiter on it. But It would break my heart to learn wholies and yeet energy stunt stuff on a bike as nice as this. That's why the next best thing is the yamaha xt660x here in the Netherlands. Great starter sumo and it's a good place to start before going to something like the 890, Or my absolute favorite, The 701

[@ijrahat100]

Really great review love from Bangladesh

[@xedniw23]

Spite, Your slave cyl likely has a small tear, if it fully fails id suggest upgrading to an Oberon slave cylinder. cheers

[@jessej313]

Yep, buy the Oberon unit ASAP or you will get stranded. Absolutely love my ‘19!

[@Ricqu]

Have you changed the exhaust and flashed the ecu / gotten a power commander on it? You can get that 74hp from the rear wheel then. That +70hp manufacturer spec is engine power, not whp. I think it makes like 59-60hp rwhp stock, us models make a little less because of the emission restrictive parts.

[@calebtando460]

Yeah...my slave cylinder failed 7 miles after I left the dealer parking lot, blead it on the side of the freeway, limped it home, blead it again, worked great for 2 days then left me stranded in the middle of nowhere lol. Ended up buying a Rekluse slave cylinder, have not had a issue since.

[@spitescorner]

Same thing happened to me when mine finally failed.

[@markpelzer725]

Soft pull and crazy feel for hydro

[@ridenm7748]

I have regretted selling my DRZ400SM for a while. Might need a Sumo to go with my DR650. what are the RPMS going 80 on the highway?

[@299Roman]

Love the bike man,really needs and exhaust though,I'm planning to get one it's my dream bike

[@rossi9209]

If u ll change The exhaust u also need to get rid of The stock air filtre and get a kit for 200$ to run more smooth and in normal parameters.

[@mattfarrar8566]

Spite, can you guys do a comparison between the Ktm and the Svartpilen?

[@rgjr2376]

This

[@spitescorner]

Not a direct comparison, but I can tell you the Svart rides a lot differently than the SMCR. It's a lot more normal, despite it's goofy looks. Same sort of power delivery though since they're both singles.

[@allanespiritu3]

More content on the SMC R! Not enough on KZbin, especially in English lol

[@tavionwilson2350]

Haha crazy i live in austin and plan on getting one to ride too work (TESLA GIGAFACTORY)…haha so im glad im watching you review because we live in the same place

[@atheistmetal1]

atleast you chose a rad bike. probably my favorite bike. i only own a drz 400 sm

[@atheistmetal1]

are you gonna ride and review the same bikes over and over like yammie? (ie DR-Z, Hyabusa, scrambler desert sled.

[@liamscott456]

When is the follow up video?

[@zackeryglynn1766]

From Madison Wi just got a 690 SMCR you should post more bud

[@CodyMcDonald89]

Is it worth the money? I have a Harley for long trips. But considering a 690 2021 model got approved today but not sure this or a sport bike like a 1000sx Kawasaki

[@AverageCarGuy]

I have the same clutch issue. How did you resolve it?

[@Jedz123]

Sick little bike man! I would love to rip that thing up in the mountains of my backyard...

[@malsadventuresoz]

Nice review. I pretty much agree with everything you said. The biggest issue I've had with my 690 Enduro R is false neutrals. BTW, I'm pretty sure you don't have corner ABS with the dongle plugged in. I was going to make a switch for mine and disconnect it when just cruising around. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.

[@spitescorner]

The false neutrals aren't too bad in my case. I think I've had like 3 in 1500 or so miles

[@MrBazzzar]

SMCR and Enduro dongles are different. SMCR keeps cornering ABS on front wheel no matter what, when enduro turning ABS completely off for off-road.

[@chrispewkreme]

All I want is a Yamaha WR-07. Basically a WR with a MT-07 engine stuffed inside. Is that too much to ask for?

[@bradysav3001]

But can u turbo it tho 🤔

[@Merc399]

dude spite! my drz was stolen bro im about to grab one of these when the insurance money comes in

[@JacksonOffroad25]

When ktm gives you one you should hook your boy up with that one lmao 😂 I want one of these so bad my crf250L just isn’t enough. Leaves a lot to be desired

[@panoskeits8365]

As an Euro rider, I hope i could get you to ride my Husaberg FS 650 E , so you can feel what a true supermoto is like. I think Usa got some as well, if can ride one do it. The 690 SMC R is gonna feel like a Honda afterwards.

[@MyChuck11]

please don't flatter yourself, thats great bike but not anymore or in this case less of a supermoto than the 690. If were really being purestst a true SuMo would be a 450 MX bike or even smaller. That unlocks some wild potential on this platform.

[@panoskeits8365]

@@MyChuck11 I don't flatter my self. But you should not claim that the 690smc with 160 kilos and 68 bhp and coffee shop geometry are anywhere near my bike . 450s are great for the track(revving the shit out of them) especially the current crop ,but for the road where you need torque the FS is still putting 1,5kg of more torque to the rear wheel compered to a 450. Stop popping up with questionable statements and also stop comparing apples to oranges. Gday sir

[@tellerx5487]

Is reliable this smc r i like a lot im in between this and tracer 900..

[@Schenevey2]

I love my 2008 690 Supermoto!

[@spud139]

I absolutely love my 2020 SMCR, I've owned most bikes in 27yrs of riding bikes, but the SMCR is the most fun and biggest grin factor of any bike I've owned. To put it in perspective, this is now my 3rd 690, I've had the R version and the old 2016 SMC. Every time I've sold the 690 and bought a different bike, I've regretted it. Only issue that every owner needs to address is the shite clutch slave cylinder....change it for the Oberon version or it will fail....guaranteed!! Otherwise the engines are bulletproof.

[@spitescorner]

What cylinder is that? I'm already experiencing some issues...

[@spud139]

@@spitescorner Its located next to the gear shifter. Basically they are prone to fail, resulting in you loosing your clutch. If you put into KZbin 690 or 701 Clutch slave cylinder, it will bring loads of them up. There's a guy on a brand new 701, I think in Italy, with only a few miles out on it and his fails. If you Google 'Oberon' clutch slave 690, there's loads. In UK they are about £100. It's a DIY fix, I've replaced them with my brother and it was really easy to do, about a 30min job.

[@ozzysgarage]

I am so wanting to pull the trigger on this so bad!!!

[@SlowishActual]

They gave you the quick-shifter probably because they knew the Magura was going to blow a diaphragm at some point... But damn it if I don't want one!

[@atheistmetal1]

best part: no talk of pubic hair challengs like yam

[@robertdorr6607]

Subscribed!

[@volodymyrshoniia2424]

Have you ridden 890 duke r yet? So curious how this compares to 890 duke R in terms of fun. I'm guessing it's more enjoyable around town and in tight twisty stuff and 890 is better for higher speed stuff. Update not update: got 690 smc r after trying 701 husky supermoto and 790 duke which was absolutely disgusting.

[@loopertrooper6671]

I sold my 701 and bought an 890 Duke R. Both are equally fun in their own way. The 701 was more nimble and great for the tight twisty stuff. Don’t get me wrong, the Duke handles very well but you can toss the 701 around and the 701 is very forgiving. Also, for urban riding, come up on some traffic on the freeway and it was nothing to go down an embankment, cross the median, hop some some curbs, hit a side walk for a short period and just go around or totally avoid traffic. Also on the 701 riding back roads , if I saw a dirt road, I went off exploring. Not doing any of that on the Duke. But track days on the Duke….

[@volodymyrshoniia2424]

@@loopertrooper6671 got me a tuono v4 for longer rides and higher speed stuff in addition to the 690, still kind of curious about 890 and 1290

[@slakk5093]

ive never owned a bike with a gear indicator, and the bike i own now i added one. But ive done 4000km on it and still havent programmed the gear indicator 😂 So it constantly tells me the wrong gear, so I ignore it now. Waste of money thinking i'd want it but I really dont need it, i always know what gear im in from the rpm and speed

[@Snotroggel453]

Is this lc4 reliable? Ive read so many times that this engine is pretty problematic. I dont want to believe it cuz i want this bike so much😭

[@NduroPhill]

You should look up Pirateracing111 on KZbin, hes German but there should be english subtitles. He is a very skilled mechanic and only does LC4 engines, he knows his stuff.

[@tommys3167]

Wonder if he ever did any upgrades ha

[@JacksonOffroad25]

Did it bother anyone else that he road around for a decent amount of time with his right blinker on lol 😂

[@jakecole3646]

Got a 690 for my first bike so far so good 👍

[@garetc7706]

I just want the off road version in a lower cc and that I could actually afford. That would be👌

[@spitescorner]

So you want a 350 EXCF?

[@garetc7706]

@@spitescorner if it had decent maintenance intervals and was smoother on the highway.

[@SteckerNico]

@@garetc7706 so you want a crf 250 l?

[@garetc7706]

@@SteckerNico The 250l doesn't have enough power for long highway rides.

[@eddiebones20]

I'd wait, there are probably smaller versions on the way.

[@g_j_b_o_o_g_e_r420blaze9]

Where do I find aftermarket parts

[@FRAYZEO8]

search for husqvarna 701 parts, same bike different fairings, seem to have better luck finding things that way

[@jeeper423]

got mine 3 weeks ago!!

[@LizardMane]

the 690 weighs 360 pounds!?

[@sivvinod3187]

Wait you're the cool guy from yammie noob

[@johnellis302]

Missing you

[@AdamMc.R1]

didnt know spite had his own channel

[@atheistmetal1]

hey Spite- you can do better in the post-production/editing room for this video.

[@naripanlilio5443]

Patreon, Spite? Please, we want in.

[@llllll7653]

Good luck

[@jeeper423]

watch them all

[@laysstandard]

i have a husky 701 enduro and my clutch slave failed at 430 miles. warranty covered it, but it would have sucked being stranded in the middle of nowhere with a bike i couldnt get running safely. i guess something with the seal for the piston that actuates the clutch fails, then your fluid leaks into the engine case and mixes with the oil. when my clutch completely failed like a lightswitch me and a buddy tried bleeding it for like 30-45 minutes and it did nothing to bring it back. we would get pressure built up so it felt good, but then a few minutes later it would all be gone. apparantly the huskies are really known for it, im not sure if the ktms use the same part or not. it is likely though. its been a known problem for a few years, youll find posts from 2017 about it

[@laysstandard]

@Pete Pester the dealership that did the warranty work said it was an updated part they replaced it with. Well see how that goes lol. I could have changed it myself, but since the bike is within the two year warranty I would rather they take care of it for me haha

[@laysstandard]

@Pete Pester thanks for letting me know. I'll have to keep this stuff in mind.

[@markpelzer725]

The ktm moto are famous for clutches

[@iRideA10Speed900]

It’s been 30 minutes since I typed anything…. Reset the timer

[@atheistmetal1]

not even 2k subscribers. i think spite abondandoned us.

[@fireballmom]

I'm team Spite. 🌷

[@mbingham10]

Surely that bike is wasted on those long straight wide roads

[@dongold1041]

Should know what gear your in without a indicator

[@twp3029]

Psh, shut up don.

[@Rostontn]

Comment for the algorithm

[@johnellis302]

Love

[@jasonoconnor9446]

Yep put a Remus can on mine straight away..much better,

[@thumpertorque_]

9:45

[@niklamrdaf8591]

lamr daf

[@caseyjones6316]

Lamr daf af

[@webley930]

LAMR DAF

[@Jeff_Green]

Lamr daf

[@Chris-yy7qc]

Guten Tag, lol :D

[@Mike-hk6rw]

Love this bike but shit the dash is crap

[@caseyjones6316]

That’s hawt