IS IT WORTH IT AFTER 1 YEAR? | KTM 690 SMC R

Well.. do I still love it after the 1st “year”?! I would say.. watch the damn video
Motorcycle
2021 KTM 690 SMC R
Bike Mods
- FMF 4.1 Slip-On Exhaust
- Custom Install - Check my channel for the full video!
- DynoJet Power Commander 5
- Custom Tune from Rottweiler Performance
- Rottweiler Performance Fuel Dongle
- Misc. bling bits
- eBay Seat Cover
- Plasti-dip wheels
- Tekmo Carbon Fiber swing arm guards
- Tekmo Carbon Fiber Skid Plate
Camera Gear
- Sony a7c
- Rode VideoMicro Mic
- Tamron 17-28 f/ 2.8
- Sigma 24-70 f/2.8
- GoPro HERO 8 MAX
- GoPro HERO 9
- GoPro Media Mod
- Hama Laptop Microphone

[@22smcrrider96]

Bro you are slacking on those miles lol. I bought my 2022 SMCR in February and got almost 10K on it! I literally took that thing everywhere this summer. My daughter and I put some serious miles on her! This thing is by far my most favorite bike I have ever owned! Now I am 40 years old but this thing makes me feel like I am 18 again. Wheelies for days and corners like a dream!! I don't see me ever getting rid of this bike! Smiles per $ is thru the roof!!

[@LifeWellRidden]

Hahah hell yeah! That’s a ton of miles! My daughter isn’t old enough to ride with me yet and traveling for work every week really hinders my seat time.. I’m working on getting as many in as I can before the season is over!

[@22smcrrider96]

@@LifeWellRidden mine is perfect riding age for now. She just turned 13. So idk how much longer I got till spending time riding with dad isn't "cool" anymore. So I take advantage of it while I can

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@22smcrrider96 I can’t wait for that, mines 2 so I have quite some time to go.. but I hope it’s always cool! I have been thinking about a side car bike..

[@Snotroggel453]

I’m thinking to sell my z900 and get one of these supermoto’s. Has the ktm been reliable? I’ve heard some stories about these ktm’s and i don’t know if i want all those issues😅

[@nairolfnednilruz]

Well, I think it certainly is a real expert when it comes to tight twisties/mountain-roads.. SM‘s are unbeaten in this section I‘d say..

[@stanxx7693]

690 is just perfect bike, you can like ride it everyday and smile how fun you have everytime you put that gas little! Now waiting for summer to ride again, miss that bike

[@LifeWellRidden]

100% agreed!! I’m also waiting for summer.. soon we will be there!

[@craighoffman6876]

Husky 701 Enduro owner here. The bike is so much fun it is just stupid. It has the quickshifter, which works really well. Have not had any issues with false neutrals to date. I have done similar mods (exhaust, fueling, etc) which help the big thumper properly rip. It also has a Rottweiler fueling dongle and their mapped Power Commander on it, which took the engine to an even higher level in the part throttle zone. A lower temp 185F (80/85C) accessory KTM radiator fan thermo switch from AOMC was another helpful mod, as the OEM one waits until 215F to turn the fan on, that is too hot. The biggest problems I have are quick shifter makes 2nd to 3rd gear long wheelies stupid easy on the street, and it can suck me into going faster than I should in the dirt, as it calmly generates 70 plus MPH in no time. I live in an area (Colorado) that has lots of rural dirt roads and they are fun to strafe with the Enduro. It is also capable of actual trail riding. An amazing machine all the way around! The Enduro model is a niche bike, but the SMC is an even more niche bike, so it is definitely not for everyone, but the people who it is for enjoy the Hell of of it. Nice looking machine my brother.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Thank you fo rthe love and one heck of a good reply! I would love the enduro to try and rip some trail sbut you are in a great area (Colorado) for that kind of riding! Me.. not so much haha. I am interested in the this fan you say from AOMC? Easy to install? Pricy? Thank yoU!

[@fifthdimensionfooty9471]

Love the vibe and format keep it up dude.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Thank you!

[@michealmosley2459]

I have the 2020 husky 701. Bought it used. It is my 3rd sumo. Wow! I LOVE this bike. I use it for commuting and fun short day trips to the mountains in Arizona. The stock seat is not a touring saddle but not that bad either. It works great in traffic. We can lane filter legally here now. Makes the cagers jealous. 😂

[@LifeWellRidden]

It would be a blast out there to rip some real roads through the mountains! They are great bikes and at the end of the day, having one in the garage just puts a smile on my face haha

[@alex.crf450r]

this video is seriously good dude :)

[@LifeWellRidden]

Thanks man!

[@MrMotorMedia]

Keep up the great work!

[@LifeWellRidden]

Thank you!

[@johnDukemaster]

Trying/testing a 690 and you'll buy one! I did that with my -17 Duke 690. Done 37000km in 18 months. And it's pure fun! Funtastic! And fookin' fast!

[@LifeWellRidden]

That’s a heck of a lot of miles! Needless to say you have had the seat time!! Awesome to hear!

[@C.A.MARSUPIAL]

My Duke 390 is so much fun. KTM are so light and manoeuvrable and because they are so light , 152 kg dry mine reminds me of a motor cross bike for the road. I'd love the 690 for the power and ride but everytime I see that as you said it that plank of wood for a seat there is no way I could ever buy it. Hi from a KTM lover in Brisbane Australia. Really good video.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Hello! And you got one killer bike, honestly those would be so much fun to rip around and I know a few guys who go to the track and RIP.. knee down around a corner with the 1000cc's no problem just a little behind on the straights! The seat does suck but I wouldn't make it a deal breaker unless you spend over 2+ hours a day on the bike, then go for a Seat Concepts XL seat and you would be good!

[@C.A.MARSUPIAL]

@@LifeWellRidden thanks

[@TheManoy66]

Cool video brother! Subbed. 🔥

[@Lethalish23]

Great video, around 8k miles in total on the 690 platform here. After owning a svartpilen 701, riding my buddies 21 smcr and now owning a 2020 690 enduro r with a supermoto wheelset. I have to say the best 690 is the enduro with both wheelsets. The suspension is better all around in both trims. Seat Concepts comfort is a must imo. My pcv for the enduro was bad right out of the box... they sent me a new pc6 thankfully.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Thanks man! Holy shit you have some experience with this platform! That’s interesting to say the least, Enduro R with a sumo wheel.. never even thought of that but makes sense to get the best of both worlds.. which is something I wish I thought of before buying this bike! What is with Powercommanders.. mine failed at the beginning of the season too..

[@22smcrrider96]

Yes the seatconcepts comfort XL seat is an absolute must!!! It's probably the best upgrade I have done!

[@YoungBottleCap]

good thing about southern az is that we can still ride our bikes in the winter, but windchill is no joke

[@LifeWellRidden]

Ugh I want to live there that sounds so nice! When I lived in Nevada it was the absolute best time of year, not too hot and not too cold! Unless of course it was night in the desert then that was freezing!!

[@toyotrustPR]

Great video thanks. I am looking at the 2023 now.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Thank you! Aside from a few minor changes you’ll get the same bike and my opinion is it’s 100% worth it!

[@KristianKumpula]

It's a supermoto so you don't have to stop riding just because of winter. I do all year round riding with supermotos in Finland so it should be doable anywhere. It's just a matter of having the right kit and the right tyres.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Stronger man than I! I have pushed it pretty far this year, only issue is snow for me.. we usually get a good amount so that does not help. They also salt the roads but these are just excuses! I gotta man up and ride in the cold hahah

[@tccycling]

That bike looks like tons of fun

[@LifeWellRidden]

Oh it’s amazingly fun!! I would highly recommend!

[@nwmotog]

I'm really happy with mine after almost 6k miles. Even more so now that I'm basically full bolt on modded. My false neutrals are quite a bit better now with mods and tuning but they still happen at the most annoying times. Idk how they got it so wrong. There's a shift arm and spring upgrade that seems to be the cure for about 50% of the people who try it. Idk why it's so hit or miss though.

[@LifeWellRidden]

That’s my goal, get every bolt on mod I can for the darn thing.. it may take me another 2 years or so haha 🙃 I have read about that and seen mixed results, like you eluded too, some people had nothing change while some had 0 issues so it’s kind of a gamble. Hard to believe KTM just roasted the feature

[@emanuelemontani7161]

I recommend you to mount the shift pedal of the Ktm 450, it is a little bigger and allows you to do more strength when you put the gears

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@emanuelemontani7161 oh hell that’s a good idea! Never even thought of that!

[@emanuelemontani7161]

@@LifeWellRidden try it 👍👌

[@arneolen7880]

I have a 2021 model, I am a first owner of this bike and it has 3500km on the clock, though never had a false neutral so far. Am I special, or my bike is? Or is it that I know how to shift with quickshifter (due to my previous bikes with a lot worse quickshifter) without getting a false neutral? It's really basics to slightly lower gas before quickshifting and all will be fine.. BTW i am not working for KTM xD...

[@TimeFX]

Small tip for the false neutrals: replace the stock locking spring of the gear "star" with a strengthened one, this will ensure that the bike stays in gear better, i have the same problem with my 690 that's why i changed it

[@LifeWellRidden]

Oh heck yeah! Thanks for the tip! Where did you get the spring??

[@TimeFX]

Somehow it won’t show the other comments i sent, simxnmoto would be my ig, then i can send you everything

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@TimeFX weird! I don’t have an Instagram but I should have my email in the bio but we can figure it out!

[@TimeFX]

@@LifeWellRidden i wrote u an email yesterday, did you recieve it? my mail program is glitching around a bit, so i can never be sure if the mail went out

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@TimeFX I appreciate it! I haven’t seen anything yet..

[@BlueRageXX]

Get an Air hawk for the seat ,remove the air bladder and put some plank foam in it so you can still get feedback from the bike .

[@cay378]

Been looking at the 690/701 for years since grew up racing dirt and nothing has felt like home quite like a dirt setup. Been binging videos to please me brain and randomly called a couple local dealers today to be told one had its only allocation sold and the other locally had only one allocation for a 23’, so i of course did the bad but also good impulsive decision and put a deposit on it, you got yourself a sub and an avid watcher while i wait for mine!

[@LifeWellRidden]

That sounds like the same damn story I had when deciding on the 690, I am much more comfortable in the dirt than street and you will find this thing is an awesome mix between! But hell yeah congrats on the 23’!! I heard there may be some changes on them so I am excited to see what’s going to happen! You won’t be disappointed!

[@liam-lh2nm]

@@LifeWellRidden i was going to buy one on my restricted license before I bought my mt07. Now ive got 8months for full license to wait. mt07 feels far from what I expected it to be and keep seeing 690/701s i really regret my decision i grew up on dirt bikes and super sports but planning to buy supermoto to save for few years to get aprilia rsv4. Have a feeling ill be keeping the supermoto still😂😅

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@liam-lh2nm The MT07 is still a great bike, I have ridden the FZ09 and MT07 and I see what you mean, it is still a great bike tho! A Supermoto is hands down my favorite style, reminds me of all my dirt bikes that I used to own and quite frankly I am most comfortable on them! You will love a sumo when you get one

[@liam-lh2nm]

@@LifeWellRidden the mt07 i wheelie all the time and ride it like i stole it when its safe to do so but the front wheel feels disconnected from the bars. Like riding on ice if im pushing the bike hard i am thinking to myself “am i gonna make it”. If i rode the bike for wheelies and to work and long distance its the perfect bike but for aggressive riding on stock michelin pilot 5 tyres and wash out suspension i have had enough of it 😂

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@liam-lh2nm hahah hooligan daily but not a track warrior, I remember it feeling pretty vague but I guess Yamaha was going for the price point and figured if you really wanted to track, they buy new suspension, breaks, etc..

[@omarkgad]

4:20 where you live definitely a liter bike will be much convenient, nothing wrong with the 690 but it excels in other areas

[@LifeWellRidden]

I started to get that feeling hahaha but it’s still an awesome bike and I do love ripping around on it!

[@simon3150]

My Husqvarna 701 works fine after 4000 km on it.. I'll use the quickshifter up to 5th gear and switch from 5th to 6th by using the clutch... No annoying neutral failures anymore... It happens mostly from 5th to 6th... Your brake fluid lit seems to leak a bit.. Had the same issue on mine and replaced the gasket on warranty.

[@LifeWellRidden]

I must need to get more miles on the bike! Haha hoping that it will solve some of the issue but I just need to shift with a heavier foot 🤣 Yeah I was wondering if I needed to do that.. thanks for the tip!!

[@NetMillionaire]

Great video! Im buying one! where you buy those mirrors? and what other mods you done? Thx! Keep up the great work!

[@LifeWellRidden]

Thank you! I have a whole bunchof videos on the channel with this info and one for the mirrors even, you can find that here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/npibpqearNCCoZY

[@codforlife]

Thanks for honest review. No one else mentions gear box. I had 2017 Duke 690 and the gear box was terrible.

[@LifeWellRidden]

I try to be as honest as possible.. it’s a great bike none the less and happy with my decision! The gearbox seems sketchy like I have been under the impression I’m too much of a bitch to shift it correctly but then there are times when I KNOW I shifted hard but it still misses.. it could be me or the phantom gears in the trans haha

[@codforlife]

@@LifeWellRidden nah man i had exactly the same feeling on my duke 690! Really disappointing for a modern bike. I bought a "factory pro shift kit" but never installed it, maybe worth checking out.

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@codforlife I’ll have to take a look!! Thank you!

[@rev-sz8235]

i have almost 30k km on my 2019, the false neutrals happen but if you use more force putting on gear and taking out, it will be more fine, when i first got it it was hell with the neutral + having boots make it even harder but once u get how much you have to "push" there will be no problem, it still happen sometime but more rarely. apart from the gear shifting i think its a fantastic bike, i live on the montains and i only have twisty roads up here and its only fun after fun. Even tho i have the 45cv version, you still can keep up or even staying infront of a lot of bigger bikes

[@LifeWellRidden]

Holy smokes thats a lot of miles! BUt I have found the harder you shift the better.. But your lucky with the mountain roads! That must be so much fun!

[@rev-sz8235]

@@LifeWellRidden Yeah, i buy it like 1 year a go and i did almost 28k km in less then a year xD, i have to do like 5 min of "boring roads" and then im on the middle of montains hahahah, btw yeah with that bike u can do many km without problems, i just did 2500km on august on about 4 days across italy from left to right and back and didn't have problems, thath bike in my opinion is insane ahhahaha, w8 next year to buy the new one

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@rev-sz8235 haha that is the most amazing thing I have heard that must be so much fun! If I had more fun roads I definitely would have more miles!

[@Alex-vq8tp]

my quick shifter is fine. i hit false N between 1st to 2nd and sometimes to 3rd

[@Ktmsmcr690r]

Stunning bike man ! Me to did the 6000 km this month. Enjoy the bike with every ride 😎

[@LifeWellRidden]

Thanks man! Every time my leg goes over it’s a blast! Have fun on yours as well!

[@jeremydahm2124]

Damn dude. I've got over 4k and 4 track days in less than 6 months and I have another bike! Quit that job and ride! Epic bike. I haven't done this much street riding in years. My 2022 has zero transmission issues. I love this bike.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Hot damn that’s a lot! But all smiles I bet! Combine my work that is travel based, a 2 year old and a wife who works on the weekends, I get about 3 hours per week to ride 🙃 so I take any and every opportunity! Thanks man it’s come together quite nicely for sure and surprised and the transmission, I either hear “no issues” or “it sucks” haha

[@jeremydahm2124]

@@LifeWellRidden I think maybe they addressed the issues without making a thing about it. How bout those pretty red Gas Gas SMs!

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@jeremydahm2124 oh those are sweet! Love the wheels and we’ll it’s basically the same bike but not the biggest fan of the headlight..

[@jeremydahm2124]

@@LifeWellRidden yeah, that headlight is from the eighties ha ha ....May do the Rottweiler kit light this winter. Definitely doing the airbox and power commander.

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@jeremydahm2124 haha it’s out there for sure, I guess it will have to grow on me! But I heard the air intake is a must.. like it makes such a difference, I guess I’ll have to get one next!

[@plasticbmw]

Definitely buying one of these...just gota find the right one....I want a 2020+ enduro R ....you think bar risers are necessary being 6'2 tall?

[@LifeWellRidden]

I don't think they would unless you will be standing and riding a lot. When I stand and ride I sort of hunch but then again I Don't stand much on the street..

[@DersNoNem]

The only advantage for the fuel cap at the back, you can strap a tank bag in the front. But only small bag since it will hit your legs haha

[@LifeWellRidden]

I have been looking into a camping trip and how to carry stuff and its getting hard to figure it out.. I dont want to put the racks on the bike so I'm sorrt of stuck..

[@DersNoNem]

@@LifeWellRidden I guess you have to trade in for Duke or Enduro to have bag strapped at the back. Or buy another if you want.

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@DersNoNem 🤣 I guess so! I think I would just put a bag there and then move it when filling.. which would be a pain but it’s not like I do it all the time, 2 times a year is enough for me haha

[@mrcscoma]

Nice ..but at the end of the day it seems like an adios (obviously not comfort as a street bike but it can keep up with them. Love my 2017)

[@LifeWellRidden]

It’s definite a fun bike that I’ll keep for a long time and is perfect for me right now but would almost rather do the 2 specific instead of 1 Swiss Army knife

[@PixogenPixels]

Btw if you adjust the angle of the shifter you wont get those much anymore. I dropped mine a few notches cause I don't always have on big boots and its fine now.

[@LifeWellRidden]

I will have to give that a try! I already adjsut it up a click for track days but will have to move it around more on the street, thank you!

[@davidjordan5539]

I’ve got a 2022 690 that i tricked out and I love it. Going to do track days on it this summer, been riding 50 years had a 450 KTM Iam now 65 and am so stoked lol

[@LifeWellRidden]

Oh heck yeah you will love it!! They are a great mix between street and traditional sumo setup!

[@henkdevries6380]

I have a 2022 KTM 690 SCM-R (EU), my quick shifter almost never false neutrals, i do all my shifting from 2 up, up and down via the quickshifter. Also the fuel gage i thought it would be anoying, but i just reset my 'trip' when i fuel up and refill at 200km. and if 200km is a full tank its a easy geuss how full the tank is. Ofcourse i would prefer a normal dash like any other bike, its still super basic.. atleast the 2022 model has a gear indicator.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Lucky with the quick shifter! I use it 2 up and run into the false neutrals a little too often for comfort! That’s a great way of doing it, I usually keep a 5 gallon full in the garage and refill that way before a long ride but have had the light come on then go off haha Say wha?! The 22 has a gear indicator?! Damn I purchased too early 🤣

[@22smcrrider96]

@@LifeWellRidden nah don't worry you didn't miss anything on the 22 model bro. The U.S. models don't have the gear indicator or tachometer. Only EU models got that. I have the 2022 and it's identical to yours

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@22smcrrider96 Europe gets everything cooler than we do.. like all I would want in life is a EU 690 and a brand new BMW M3 Competition Estate.. I would be set!

[@adventureswithkatem]

excelent video! I have over 2300 miles on my 21 690. I agree with you on the transmission...but I noticed that if you use it any time less than wide open throtal it will miss shift.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Thank you! Not bad on the miles! Any things you have found besides the transmission in that time? I have noticed that too.. so I’m basically wrist cocked anytime I use it which makes sense but wish I could be like 3/4 throttle and still use it when weaving or in tight situations

[@adventureswithkatem]

@@LifeWellRidden other than the engine sounds like a can of marbles,no problems...I was told by a Ktm mechanic that the quick shifter is not be be used to down shift...as cool as it is to do. And from second gear on. And that the engine consumes oil. Ktm is aware or this. It's just the nature of big single cylinder singles.

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@adventureswithkatem hahah “a can of marbles” 🤣 seriously it does tho.. I always think somethings wrong but it’s just the way it seems to be.. and I have noticed the oil, gotta live with it I guess!

[@22smcrrider96]

@@LifeWellRidden oh yea I forgot to mention this part in my comment!! It ABSOLUTELY sounds like a bag of trash just rattling around! I actually had a guy at gas station once ask me if I would start it so he could hear it. So I do and he says ok good at least now I know that my 690 duke isn't about to explode. Lol. He said his duke has the same rattle

[@22smcrrider96]

@@adventureswithkatem wait a KTM mechanic said not to use the quickshifter to downshift!? That is exactly what it is supposed to do. Even the manual says it and it's a big selling point on there sites about it?

[@kaizoku6502]

This is my dream bike..wish i have it someday..as always money the problem😅

[@LifeWellRidden]

You’ll get there one day!! Keep busting ass and you’ll have one in no time. They are poster worthy haha

[@LammensB]

I feel sorry for you, having no twistie roads nearby!

[@LifeWellRidden]

It’s quite the disappointment haha 😢 I really need to get somewhere with some!

[@fpvhit]

Ater 2 years i'm thinking in change my 701 for a 450 Exc-f Supermoto - just to try another bike with less weight, but I still haven't fully decided, I have invested a lot of money and love in my husky XD

[@LifeWellRidden]

Haha! I have had that same thought.. dopwn to a 450 then buy a bigger street bike?? Hard to say or come to a conclusion with everything that is invested haha

[@drpork1360]

The false neutral is a skill issue. Out of all the companies, KTM is just a little bit different in shifting. My 500 does the same thing sometimes but that's because I didn't hit the shifter good enouh.

[@LifeWellRidden]

A skill that I am still lacking in hahah 🙃 but getting better! I’ve found to not shift like a b*tch.. and that solves it

[@RajFallen]

I’m about to buy a 2018 690 this weekend. You live by me, I know all those roads; wanna cruise? Haha

[@LifeWellRidden]

Oh nice!! And heck yeah! My email is in the about section so feel free to hit me up there and good luck on purchase!

[@MM-ig1iv]

I like sound of it.. and the power it has but not a fan of them seats! like the beta.

[@LifeWellRidden]

I’m with ya! They are 2x4’s for sure!

[@Parakitedude]

Have had 3 Husqvarna 701 and my fix for comfortable runs are….buy a original comfort seat!!!! Best bike ever!

[@LifeWellRidden]

That's on the list!!

[@ninjainyaear5945]

Hey I’m a new subscriber, I just wanted to ask if this bike capable of touring. CycleCruzza mentioned that you could go cross country with it.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Thanks for subscribing! I think it’s possible, with the right luggage setup you would have everything you need, there is already a USB port by the headlight to charge your phone. It could get a little uncomfortable, the seat is a stiff so I would get a new one and with no wind screen and upright position, you are fighting a lot at highway speeds. That being said I would definitely do it but change a few things before, I mean any bike could, just comes down to what YOU would change to make it comfortable for you

[@ninjainyaear5945]

@@LifeWellRidden awesome! I appreciate you responding bredren and lacing me with information. I peeped quite a few people said the seat can be uncomfortable, so knowing that it can be replaced with a more comfortable seat is warming. (on top of the shield). Your channel is dope homie. Please keep dropping this quality content. I plugged some of my friends to your channel. Really wholesome and down to earth vibes.

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@ninjainyaear5945 I would go with the seat concepts XL seat, a lot of people have talked about it in the comments and how comfortable it is! I appreciate it man! Thank you for the love and support, I’m working hard through the winter to keep some content alive but it’s hard when the bikes winterized.. 😢 but there are some big plans for next year which includes a camping road trip so I’ll have a video answering some of your questions haha

[@theguitarhero898]

When you say you didn’t want to pay for any of the expensive street bikes, what do you mean by that? Which bikes, exactly?

[@LifeWellRidden]

I didn't want to get into the 1000cc range or especially the Ducati Hypermotard with an out the door close to $19k near me.. A little insane but when I look back, the mods I've put on and contionue to put on.. this bike is the same price hahaha

[@mikebell4396]

Would love your input on a 625, I’m stuck between the two

[@LifeWellRidden]

Gunna put a disclaimer on this haha I’ve never ridden a 625 or had any mechanical experience with one BUT I would assume it would be lighter just because of the lack of technology, fuel injection, smaller tank, etc.. That being said I’m sure it would feel almost as quick as a 690, and with carbs it would be good for snappy performance and easy maintenance BUT would limit on longer rides, elevation changes, etc.. When it comes to the age, I have owned many KTM’s from that era and built 2 dual sports (450 EXC and 450 MXC from that style/generation and they were great bikes!! I would also assume since it’s the older LC4 that you would have more vibration than the new one with all its balancing wizardry haha A big question is what would you use it for? Just the around town hooligan stuff? Or more off/on road distance adventure? If I was debating, I would probably buy a smaller, light 450/500 than a bigger 625. It would be more fun, easier to work on and I know there’s parts out there but there’s a BILLION for those motors/bikes. Not sure on the 625 (since I’ve never seen one in person) If cash is tight, it would be a really fun bike but the modern 690 has too many good usable features to pass up!

[@strmopizdin]

How tall are you? Can you flatfoot the bike when you're sitting on it? Thx!

[@LifeWellRidden]

I’m 6’1 and not comfortably, I typically lean at stop lights haha

[@ChaseItOut_D]

Question… is that ALSO you riding the bike in the back🤔

[@LifeWellRidden]

🤣🤣 haha inception is real!! I wish I was that good..

[@ronburg6914]

my friend just bout a 2023 and said he runs thru the gears with the quick shifter

[@juicy9592]

Yeah that one doesnt have these issues anymore

[@lov3977]

I have a 2014 690, no ABS, no traction control, no anti-wheelie, no quickshifter, ZERO false neutrals and a much better dash. It's just a better/more raw machine if you can find a low mileage bike. All the thrill joys with no tech killjoys.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Now that’s the way they should have kept it.. I get the rider aids help new riders but for us who want to eliminate all technical interference it sucks!

[@BlueRageXX]

Where'd you get those mirrors for the hand guards?

[@LifeWellRidden]

They are Zeta Barkbusters in orange, you can find them on Amazon - Zeta PRO Armor Hand Guard Orange... www.amazon.com/dp/B012UMIB3S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Then the guards have integrated turn signals that you have to wire into the factory turn signals - Zeta XC Flasher BLACK Hand... www.amazon.com/dp/B001LV0NKE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share And you MUST get the “U” bar mount brackets or they will not work - www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/zeta-u-clamp-handguard-handlebar-clamp-kit?gclid=CjwKCAjwl6OiBhA2EiwAuUwWZVZxmiifuvFZSkXtle2Ic4eQ3BKYJub8Blh5X3oVg8FYCnSzT_T9MxoC2i4QAvD_BwE And FINALLY you have the mirrors, which are crap but look cool, you basically take the same bolt for the hand guards and slap them on with a nut to hold - PowerMadd 34289 Star Series /... www.amazon.com/dp/B00E62MUYM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share You would not be able to run these on the factory guards unless you drilled some holes, at least from what I remember.. but it’s a whole kit!

[@premium1188]

should i get this or the ktm 450? it will be a pretty much daily driver and i was wondering what i should get. i’m also looking for a decent customizable option but something with good power. ik its a lot but if anyone can help i appreciate it 😅

[@Richard-qr9zf]

For daily riding def the 690 dont forget the 450 is a Racing enduro waaay more maintinance

[@LifeWellRidden]

Id have to agree with Richard, the 690 would be a great daily option where the 450 could be the fun weekend bike. You have a ton of options for the 690 as well and you can stretch the bigger motor longer than a smaller 450!

[@tomfoolery9799]

As far as the false neutrals. You need to index your shifts firmer. That's it. No tennis shoes!. Work boots at a minimum. For safety. Tennis shoes fly off your feet in a crash. No ankle support as well. Be proactive and safe out there.

[@LifeWellRidden]

I need to get the heavy foot working hahah

[@tomfoolery9799]

@LifeWellRidden awesome bike. I've had 3 of these LC4 motor/transmission in a husky sumo. Ktm sumo and now a gasgas sm700 Sumo. This has always been an issue for some riders. But just up shift firmer and you won't have this problem again. I hope your wearing some type of boot.work boot ,whatever. Tennis shoes won't work well on firm up shifts. Not to mention,in an accident, those tennis shoes fly off. Keep up the good content.

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@tomfoolery9799 It's been a dream so far and would buy another LC4 platform any day! I think that is my issue too.. tennis shoes.. I started wearing boots as I use the quickshifter more.. but thank you for the support!

[@allenpesak6456]

False neutral is mostly caused by the rider, not the bike. Basically, you didn't apply enough pressure. I hear people all the time saying the Trans is shit when in reality it's your fault not the bike.

[@LifeWellRidden]

I agree! A lead foot helps!

[@Jan.690_]

The older smcr are better 12-16 ist the best. I hava a 2014 an she is perfect 🥰

[@LifeWellRidden]

Those are awesome! I was looking at a used one with only like 600 miles on it but figured I’d give the new one a shot haha

[@Jan.690_]

@@LifeWellRidden Yes, I just love my older smcr, it also has the beautiful speedometer and the hotter sound 🤤😍

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@Jan.690_ I would kill for one of those they look so badass to me, over the digital thumbnail we get on the new ones!

[@juicy9592]

Ill take the sxv 550 aprillia and deal with the hassle. Cheaper and superawesome bike. I really like the 690 do or the 701 s

[@LifeWellRidden]

I have been looking for one of those.. I hear parts are IMPOSSIBLE to find tho

[@Mcfc2Rich]

I wanna get an SMC so i can jump it. In 🇬🇧 they have speedbumps everywhere to slow you down....KTM? Nah mate 🦘💨

[@LifeWellRidden]

It's so much fun to catch a little air haha they are pretty heavy compared to a regular dirt bike but you wont notice a difference!

[@omarkgad]

2:50 Yes, false neutral is always there on the 690’s, for some reason KTM can’t handle it

[@LifeWellRidden]

A few people sent me some new springs to try and I may have to give those a shot..

[@gamerfrck3626]

What are the mirrors you are running?

[@LifeWellRidden]

They are attached to the bark busters from Zeta so they won’t work with factory but they are here! - PowerMadd 34289 Star Series/Trail Star Handguard Mirror Kit, Black, Medium a.co/d/1ukluPJ

[@joeydionisio2184]

bro what side mirror are those?

[@LifeWellRidden]

They are ones off of Amazon, linked below, but you’ll need some hand guards with them! I have a full Zeta setup! - a.co/d/f8BkztF

[@benmccawley8883]

What mirrors do you have?

[@LifeWellRidden]

I have a whole video for you! -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/npibpqearNCCoZY

[@Brokebrad]

You said granite. It's granted. Wha...what are you some sort of rock person?

[@LifeWellRidden]

Hahahaha YESSS!

[@FLAWLESSBUBBA]

Where can i get those mirrors????? lol i need them

[@LifeWellRidden]

They are on Amazon! A link is below but I also got the Zeta bark busters and guards so they won’t work on the factory setup, you’ll need a bar to attach it too, I have a short in my channel going through it! PowerMadd 34289 Star Series /... www.amazon.com/dp/B00E62MUYM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@Szlejer]

I have a 2021 with a lot more miles on the clock than yours and with little to zero false neutrals. Learn to cycle the shift lever fully up and down - no kicking, flicking or pussyfooting. Up and down to a full stop.

[@LifeWellRidden]

I’ll have to give it a shot! I know sometimes I’m pretty weak with it but need to get better!

[@tifosistaymad583]

13k can’t get you a nice street bike?

[@LifeWellRidden]

I definitely think it could.. I mean the Aprilia Tuono 660 is only $10kish new off the lot and that think is badass..

[@SgtVegas]

Which decor is this? Where can I buy it?

[@LifeWellRidden]

I got mine from MotoProWorks and adjusted the sand color to a white and added a few smaller touches. They have soo many different styles available you’ll find one that you like! Their website is here - www.motoproworks.com

[@SgtVegas]

@@LifeWellRidden thank you very much.

[@HoryzonPlaysTM]

isn't supermoto combination of all three?

[@LifeWellRidden]

I would say so, it’s basically every time of bike crammed into one (in my opinion) which can be either good or bad haha

[@UnholyNun]

1800 miles? i put 5K on mine in the first year and im in indiana

[@LifeWellRidden]

I wish I had that much time man! That would be awesome! You must do a ton of riding, or I just never ride..

[@UnholyNun]

@@LifeWellRidden in really feel like i dont ride that much, i just sold mine though

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@UnholyNun oh man that sucks! What’s the plan for a new bike?

[@Ctaff63]

Be great on some proper roads

[@eRosasProduction]

No offense but I don’t think you put enough miles on it to answer that question just yet.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Yeah I definitely agree, I think I'm going to make another one after my 6k mile service

[@frallinger]

Shouldagotten a 701...😅

[@LifeWellRidden]

🤣🤣 or a GasGas 700

[@Garconis]

In case you want to see wheelies on a 2008 KTM 690 SMC (the original model year): kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHfdpqamoJ2IbLs

[@LifeWellRidden]

Oh hell yeah! This is a gem of goodie goodness!!

[@tubeyuber803]

If your seat was literally a 2x4 it would actually be a 2x4…..literally

[@LifeWellRidden]

Inception?

[@tubeyuber803]

@@LifeWellRidden just messin’ 😁👍👍

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@tubeyuber803 Hahha love it!! 🤣

[@22smcrrider96]

Wait what is this false neutrals you speak of?? Mine has never had that issue once!! Quickshifter is flawless. It's probably the best one on the market! Along with the awesome dash that is ages ahead of the newest tech out there. I bet other manufacturers dream of the day they can live up too this bikes dash and quickshifter!!! 🤥💩🤥💩🤥💩🤥💩🤥💩

[@LifeWellRidden]

🤣🤣🤣 hands down my favorite comment hahaha

[@adventureswithkatem]

If it's a European bike,they have more features on there dash. They have a gear indicator and a sort of tachometer

[@22smcrrider96]

@@adventureswithkatem yea mine is the US model. We don't get shit lol. They left us back 1989. No tach no gear indicator only a speedo that isn't even accurate. At least not on mine. Mine is way off! But hey at least I have a clock 🤦🏻🤦🏻

[@22smcrrider96]

@@LifeWellRidden haha. Thanks!

[@gbean]

@@22smcrrider96 you can adjust the speedo accuracy by entering front tire circumference in MM. I have my 701 Enduro on SM wheels, adjusted the tire size and the speedo is within 0.1 MPH of the GPS speed on my phone.

[@markevans1150]

The exc 500 uncorked hits similar horse power the apprilla twin supermoto hits over 70 horse power also what you have is a supermoto not a street bike hybrid it was built and designed as a supermoto just with higher tolerances for more millage between services but it is a supermoto

[@bertr286]

Apples and oranges. Engine with 6k mile oil change interval vs 100hours piston swap. Road engine vs semi compitetion engine

[@hagestad]

1:25 nah is just about the same as highly tuned 450

[@LifeWellRidden]

Ehh it would have to be a wayyy tuned 450 and even then it would struggle to get to the 690 power range, I tell ya what the new electric bikes like the Stark Varg at 80hp is just INSANE!

[@hagestad]

@@LifeWellRidden That's how actual rally 450 are tuned. But 690 does that more reliably and with sensible oil change intervals. Clutch slave cylinder issues and engine Rocker arm issues are something that every reviewer should mention so potential buyer knows whats up.

[@LifeWellRidden]

@@hagestad damn them things must be insane! Would love to ride one even tho I cant ride as good as those boys haha but they are major issues and I should probably get a wayyy more detailed review in 🧐

[@robbierolly453]

5hung is better more fun and faster

[@digger8180]

You kids and your "Hippity-Hop" music, "Get Down on It", and such you make me laugh! Ride it like you stole it I say .

[@falloutnerd216]

Hey if you got an Instagram share it Im in the chicago land area as well and i think we even got our bikes at the same dealer I picked up a 2022 smcr.

[@LifeWellRidden]

Hey! I probably won’t anytime soon but you can always reach out via email in my about section! I’d love to go for a ride sometime!

[@Impedancenetwork]

That's what you buy when youre broke. I buy a street bike to go fast, an adventure bike to far and hit a little dirt, then a completely offroad bike for nothing but single track trails.

[@kazadventures]

go play in traffic lil boy. only a real mature individual can enjoy any bike. pity you will never experience that joy and must scat on others 😅😂