KTM 690-powered Kramer HKR-EVO2 at Sonoma | First Look

Hopefully this little walkaround video gave you an idea of what to expect the next time you hear the words "Kramer" and "HKR." For full specs, photos, and story on riding the HKR at Sonoma Raceway, check out: www.motorcyclis...
Note: Pricing as quoted in the video has been updated for 2018, with the S model’s pricing next year set at $15,990 (the R will be $20,990). The 2018 bikes will be upgraded as well-a new swingarm for both, plus the R gets an option for carbon-fiber wheels, and a few other updates.
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If you've spent any time in a roadracing paddock you've seen some wacky motorcycles. From highly modified basement-built frankenbikes to metal-flake supersport machines, people's idea of what a racebike should look like varies a lot. And it's for exactly that reason that I was skeptical of this Krämer HKR-EVO2. What the hell is a Kramer? Where did it come from? Am I really going to sling myself around a racetrack on a bike I've never even seen?
To answer those questions in reverse order: yes, Germany, and it's not so much "what" as "who." Markus Kramer, together with two colleagues, created the HKR in 2009 based on their own desire to race and a shared belief that a unique, capable racebike was within their grasp. The target was European "supermono" competition, a series designed for single-cylinder bikes, many of which are custom. They started with a KTM 690 Duke powerplant mated to a custom frame. The bike they created was dubbed the EVO1, and after four years of development was superseded by the EVO2, essentially the bike I tested.
The Tech
The 2016 version that I raced uses the updated, 105mm-bore KTM 690 engine which has a little more potential than the mill used in older 690 models. A raft of KTM parts are used to fill in many of the gaps-a combination of RC8 fork and triple clamp holds a Super Duke front wheel and off-the-shelf KTM front-brake calipers. The shock is from an RC8 as well, though the spring-rate is different and the valving has been tweaked to suit the needs of the Kramer. A rear wheel and axle from a 690 Duke completes the basic rolling chassis.
A few familiar outside brands are used for the details. A Coso gauge, for example, shows RPM, speed, and (for some reason) the date. There’s a Translogic quickshifter to pop up through the 6-speed gearbox and an Akrapovic muffler keeps 690cc power pulses below ear-splitting levels. I know what you’re thinking and yes, there are a ton of custom parts, too. Rearsets, frame, subframe, bodywork, windshield, and swingarm are all among the parts made just for this bike.
Easily the slickest made-for-Kramer part is the fuel tank, which doubles as the rear subframe and the seat. It's rotomolded plastic spun to hold 3.2 gallons of high-test fuel, and bolts to the rear of the steel-tube main frame with four basic mounts. That leaves room for an airbox where the fuel tank would normally be, which feeds a 690 Duke engine that is surprisingly unmodified aside from the intake and ignition timing that's aggressive enough that the HKR requires high-octane race gas to avoid detonation. The swingarm is another Kramer part, and is mated to the shock in a way that offers two ride height settings and two linkage ratios-either a straight-rate travel of 100mm or a progressive-rate 120mm of travel.
The only other nuance to the Kramer is that there are two stages of HKR-EVO2: an S model and the up-spec R. The S uses a single 320mm front-brake rotor, cast wheels, and a simpler intake and engine tune that yields a claimed 75 horsepower. The R model comes equipped with dual 290mm rotors up front, forged wheels, and a more aggressive tune that squeezes 81 hp from the mill. You can also get custom-painted bodywork and frame with the R spec, instead of the standard white-gelcoat finish and green frame on the S.
I processed all of this info via a phone call to Kramer’s US headquarters in West Fargo, North Dakota while my good buddy Ari held the wheel of the van and drove us through the most barren section of Interstate 5, three racebikes (including the HKR) strapped in the back. It made me feel better about the bike, basically an unknown quantity other than being clearly radical, and about flying around Sonoma Raceway the next day. Turns out the bike Kramer USA had loaned us was somewhere between S and R, with the R-spec engine tune and dual front rotors but the S’s cast wheels and basic paint.
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[@rattletop]

Man I wish KTM made an RC690.

[@edwardo123]

rattletop i hope they do. The fact that they are now in motogp does give me some hope

[@joshshoot]

i own a rc390 and im dying for a rc690 as a follow up bike D:

[@fabianrudzewski9027]

Jos schoot uiterkamp hope your bike does better than mine. At the moment, mine is standing at the dealership and we debate about them taking it back. Had issues with the drive train for the third time. Last time it broke at 170kph on the autobahn, that was one to much. Will take a 690 Duke instead.

[@Real_MisterSir]

Could be called the RC7 potentially? 7 also hintint at the near 700cc

[@sylves7739]

rc 790 plz.......

[@griffithd05]

"they use the Akrapovic because it's...quieter." O_o First time I've heard those words in that order before. :)

[@giff74]

I'm waiting on the road legal model.

[@DasPryo]

Not one to complain about the most informative, well written, entertaining, and all around best free motorcycle content on the tubes. But crap man. I want to see you thrash that hooker around the track!!!! MC commute in the future with that totally street legal track bike? Lol Great video as always. Keep up the wonderful work. Stay safe brother.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

A simple fire up with a few quick raps on the throttle would have been nice.

[@a.k.8529]

That 690 mill is all torque. It is a glorious thing to behold.

[@glenpiro313]

Zack! Great to see you here as well as in the mag! That Kramer looks pretty freakin awesome, definitely would be viscious at Loudon! Great vid man, hope you are well!

[@SMU_3L]

All that and not an exhaust clip?

[@matthewbirdsall9518]

Definitely want a heavy review of on track performance. Video a few laps with highlights. The bike on paper and review sounds epic.

[@Captndarty]

I’ve heard from several KTM dealers that KTM does not build crate engines. If Your motor pops you must rebuild the one you have. Wonder how they were able to procure these engines?

[@fabianrudzewski9027]

Captndarty That most certainly is wrong. I own an rc390 which doesn't like its gearbox. So after 2 dead ones I got a completely new engine from the 2017 model.

[@deepakvasudevan1]

Crate motors are totally different from buying an whole motor as a spare. Every company will have to provide a new motor if a customer blows the old one.

[@Tiqerboy]

Zack Courts. Like wow, I met him at the AMA Vintage Days of Mid Ohio, oh God, must be almost 10 years ago, back when AHRMA handled the vintage racing. Those were the days :-) I remember he was on a Ducati 350 or something. Just happened to remember the name so imagine my wow factor when I saw him appear in a random motorcycle video.

[@VeeFour]

that would be ideal for some of the smaller twistier UK tracks 👍

[@MrKldenton]

So who lowsided it on the day? A nice big grind on that exhaust.

[@bagofchicken]

LOL Dont forget the the chunk missing from the carbon swinger all ready.

[@dsl987]

Website says the swinger is all aluminum

[@tinymotogarage]

I wonder what series this could compete in? Lots of mid-size twin series but not sure about singles? Lovely track machine and yet, building a track bike can double the donor cost depending on your spec - so this could be a good option if that's your flavour.

[@hommebizzare]

What a great way to make the subframe. I wonder if it could be made strong enough to carry a passenger and luggage. If so, I imagine this would be a cheap way to mass produce bikes

[@RiderMark]

Checkout Frauenschuh tuning Austria. We own a 690smcr with 95hp and 95nm at the rear wheel. 790cc.

[@wuzihuzi]

I wanted to here that thing!

[@peterhird3542]

Hi Motorcyclist Magazine, Thanks for the great video👍. Love bikes, love your channel 📺. PS, how can I get my hands on any of your t-shirts? Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@nickcahill8156]

$14,000 for a full race spec bike??? looks like ill be spending a bit of money in a couple years

[@vivek1393]

I wish KTM made the new RC8 and perhaps an RC 690.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The big 690cc thumper single, or the CP2 689cc Yamaha twin......which would you rather, all things considered in a similar chassis?

[@DoRC]

Looks like that exhaust is setup hot foot style

[@dayswithkaran7426]

love ur all video....

[@kiefer136]

Is the price in USD?

[@jordonkramer456]

Kramer!

[@dizmoto7744]

No sound byte of the engine or exhaust?

[@nortondlcl]

Like to see that with 890 motor.

[@mostwanted192837465]

Put some of the engine sound on KZbin please!

[@blipco5]

The gas tank/sub frame unit is clever but I'm not sure I would want one. I'm thinking of cracks showing up in a few years and I don't mean the crack of my ass.

[@GETUPANDGO]

That thing means business

[@ikapny707]

U guys still in the bay area?

[@TS-gq3bu]

Where can I buy that shirt?

[@samadsripipit4107]

สวยมากคับ

[@Joric78]

I didn't think supermonos made it out of the 90s?

[@andrewmiddleton7107]

Brembo brakes.. Why not mention this?

[@bagofchicken]

If you watch any of these guys other bike reviews they don't have anything good to say about brembos. Or any current brake systems for that matter.

[@DearMajesty]

I like the FZ-07R far better

[@edwardo123]

MotoBoy i love the fz07r too but there is no mistaking it, this would be far more competitive. Stock 690's already beat fz07rs in my race org

[@DearMajesty]

Racing with Sasquatch #250 uh, no they dont. A stock 690 has trash suspension and doesn't pull anywhere near as hard as a fully prepped FZ-07R. They aren't anywhere near comparable. AP moto arts is making close to 95hp to the wheel on pump gas. And curb weight is said to be 330 pounds....

[@DearMajesty]

You've got to be hallucinating if you think the 690 can pull on the fz-07

[@philtripe]

does it still have the KYB pogostick forks?

[@DearMajesty]

FZ-07R's use R6 front ends (stock or with upgraded internals)

[@ubosh3901]

You changed the channel's name ? MC garage

[@duncandehulst2016]

Why is quieter better? XD jk, no hate pls xd

[@Quecksilberfrosch]

Looks like that bike was crashed already... the exhaust has some nasty scratches

[@PhantomRides]

If they could only sell the conversion kits for regular KTM's to be made into track machines

[@philip6027]

Phantom Rides I checked it. It seems like they don't do that, but I'm not a 100% sure. You should call them, if you really want to know that.

[@adamt7667]

Phantom Rides They'd be wasting a bike then. He says only the engine and wheels are off a KTM, and even then the front is off a super duke

[@michaelcharity6070]

There's some European company that does that. I forgot the name but if you look up KTM 690 Supermono you should find it. Plus they can be made Road Legal.

[@PhantomRides]

Michael thanks a lot.. And Adam yes am not talking about this exact bike but something that us enthusiasts can do with our existing KTM's. Also would make for a great project and not counting on how many people will be engaged in serious track days later.

[@adamt7667]

Phantom Rides It's a nice idea but any kit will not be cheaper than a one-off due to the small audience, and tooling costs involved in a professional kit, and if you're trying to make it into a track bike then you're better off simply buying one (or an old one to restore). I don't understand why you would chop up a phenomenal bike to create an inferior track bike?

[@alphamale7424]

This machine weighs less than most dudes old lady

[@Ronart1000]

KTM is Austrian

[@LouCFur90]

It's a German bike with an Austrian motor.

[@fengrr]

lol what about 390

[@motoktips3024]

Kramer is German, they used the Austrian KTM engine.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

"The KTM 390 Duke and KTM RC 390 are 373.2 cc (22.77 cu in) displacement single-cylinder engine motorcycles assembled by Bajaj Auto, for the Austrian manufacturer KTM." wikipedia

[@absolute___zero]

@@LouCFur90 It is a german bike, built in USA with motor designed by austrians and manufactured by indians.

[@FajrinAjiseno]

turn on subtitle, pretty cool and this a crappy bitch exhaust...

[@MakTheSank]

i;d love to know how much vibration you got in your butt and hands ! maybe its just me but i am sure as hell i aint talking a 18.000$ SINGLE for track days.

[@TheGoldenPig.]

Just don't crash it at any kind of high speed because that tank/seat is going to fuck your day up. fireball style.

[@DSJEYES]

It's not German

[@topgun8683]

You could buy a new litre bike for that kind of money and you can ride on the street and track , things that make you go hmm !

[@jorenvangoethem343]

Am i the only one Who thinks this is an ugly bike?

[@ScavengerSexy]

joren vangoethem youre not alone

[@Adi-xe4ut]

joren vangoethem yeah the custom body looks like made from chips material

[@LeoPuspito]

joren vangoethem yes that's ugly

[@mannyechaluce3814]

Definitely not, you are not the only superficial person in the planet, you are in good company, a lot of superficial turds exists world wide, you know people who does not subscribe to functionality but rather things has to be pretty like pink ponies and petonias....

[@maserukururu4837]

looks almost like a Ducati Panigale to me, so yes not really a beauty

[@PureSoundAddiction]

For the love of god, just don't lowside it or it'll light your fucking ass on fire.

[@philtripe]

im still stuck on the name...while not as bad as wang computers but still not cool in America thanks to Kramer from Seinfeld

[@stigsstupidcousin3102]

"pretty awesome looking" wtf is this guy blind??

[@tharalalnun4364]

worthless unless your floyd money Mayweather

[@DearMajesty]

Meh....KTM reliability sucks