2008/2010 KTM 690 SMC
The KTM 690 SMC Series
Want something that will rip your arms off, cruise at 75 mph on the freeway, pop wheelies whenever and still do decent on gas while being relatively reliable with your Supermoto gang? Snag one of these!
Finished 2008 KTM 690 SMC Project
The SMC Life
I've owned two 690s. The first one was a neglected bike out in the nearby mountains that I acquired to fix up during the winter time for experimenting with. I strictly purchased it to fix and resale for another project that I acquired. After selling it, I realized I really wanted another down the road. After a couple years, I began searching for a new supermoto, and the 2010 model came up; where a new project concept began...
These are models before the newest ‘19 Duke Conversions which are more reliable!
Finished 2010 KTM 690 SMC Project
690 Supermoto?! Why choose these?
This is one of the most controversial 'supermoto' bikes on the market. Husqvarna picked up the KTM 690 model and further enhanced the model to be more user friendly and smoother, but really? Why have a smooth ride when you can have a "in-your-face" motard? "Well", you'll say, "the weight is against the supermoto class". "What's up with the gas tank subframe?" "The electrics are a joke". "KTM? More like Katoom!" "That orange life, it's too much on the wallet!"
Ride one, you'll love it
2008 KTM 690 SMC Project #1 Modifications:
This poor KTM was neglected in the mountains here in North California, but I saw potential. Picked this gem up and sank a fair amount of coin into her and she turned out great!
-Wings Exhaust
-Crispy Designs Graphics
-R&G Axle Sliders
-Trail Jammer Engine Cases
-KTM Powerparts Hand Guards
-CG Blindspot Mirrors
-Wings Exhaust Carbon Fiber Header Shields
-Rally Raid Sprocket Cover
-Motohose Exhaust Slider
-Seat Concepts Seat
-CJ Designworks Gas Cap
-Flatlands Skidplate
-Rally Raid Lower / Upper Frame Bolts
2010 KTM 690 SMC Project #2:
I actually bought this KTM on a hunch and decided that I wanted an intense and crazy Supermoto project. I originally was looking at 525 exc bikes, but came across a screaming deal on another 690, and it was a 2010; the last year they were imported into the United States. I knew the seller, and decided to skip the 525 maintenance world and jump into a 690 again, since I knew a great deal about them from the first 690 project. Immediately upon purchase, I replaced all the oddball ends that KTM designed on this bike and started the research for the next ideas..
After watching a few videos of European Supermoto Riders; they changed their bikes from the traditional KTM orange to Green, Yellow and Blue, and I wanted to be a part of that after purchasing my second 690. Being quite envious of the 2012+ KTM 690 SMCs that are in other countries, I decided to follow suit, and rip off every silver object I could, and got these powder coated to match the image in my head for this project. I have purchased tons of aftermarket parts and upgrades for this bike, to truly enhance the performance and improve the reliability of it. Click below for the list of parts!
Moonie Review:
Reliability: 3/5
An "in-your-face" European big-bore single that demands respect—and a proactive wrench in the garage. While it’s far more highway-capable and durable than high-maintenance 450/525 race bikes, these early LC4 engines and chassis setups come with known factory quirks that you must address if you want a reliable daily hooligan machine.
The Engine: The 654cc LC4 single is a monster. Mechanical longevity is solid if you stay on top of 3,000-mile oil changes and valve checks, but early rocker arms and cam chain tensioners need close attention.
Electrical System & ECU: Early EFI gremlins and delicate wiring harnesses are part of the tax. Keeping a healthy battery and cleaning ground points is mandatory to avoid random stalls or EFI codes.
Fuel Tank / Subframe: The structural plastic rear gas tank doubles as the subframe. The factory upper and lower tank mounting bolts are notoriously weak and prone to snapping—upgrading to heavy-duty Rally Raid tank bolts is a non-negotiable mod.
Fun Factor: 5/5
Absolute 10/10 arm-ripping hooliganism. The 690 SMC is the definition of a heavy-weight "street-legal missile" supermoto.
Torque Monster: Power delivery is raw and violent compared to smoother Japanese 250s. A quick flick of the wrist in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gear lofts the front wheel on command.
Highway Legs: Unlike traditional 250/450 supermotos that scream at 60 mph, the 690 effortlessly cruises at 75+ mph on the freeway without feeling like it’s going to explode.
Cornering & Brakes: WP suspension and a massive front Brembo setup mean you can brake impossibly late, throw the bike into corners, and power out with pure grin-inducing torque.
Part Support: 3.5/5
Being a cult-classic KTM supermoto (with 2010 being the last year imported to the US for that generation), aftermarket support is top-tier, but OEM parts come with the classic "Ready to Race" price tag.
Specialty Aftermarket: Brands like Rally Raid, Wings, CJ Designworks, Trail Jammer, and Seat Concepts offer incredible upgrades designed specifically to fix the factory flaws.
OEM Availability: Wear items are easy to source, but hard-to-find factory plastics or KTM-specific parts can get expensive fast.
Home Maintenance: 3/5
Working on a 690 SMC is rewarding, but it’s definitely more involved than a simple Japanese dual-sport.
Oil Changes: The LC4 uses a dual oil filter and dual screen setup that requires a specific bleeding procedure to prevent air locks in the system.
Diagnostic & Tuning: Adjusting fueling or clearing codes requires getting familiar with TuneECU software and custom cable maps.
Upgrades Required: Once you replace all the factory weak links (tank bolts, gas cap, exhaust, skid plate), regular garage wrenching becomes much easier.
Adaptability: 4/5
It’s a controversial supermoto because of its weight compared to 250s, but that extra mass is exactly what makes it so versatile.
Urban Hooligan / Street: Unmatched performance for street riding, parking lot shenanigans, and canyon carving.
Freeway & Commuting: Handles highway speeds with ease, making multi-county supermoto group rides a breeze.
Off-Road / Trail: Heavier than a dedicated 450 dirt bike, but slap on skid plates and handguards, and it will tractor through fire roads and light dual-sport trails without hesitation.
Buy Again?
100% Yes—if you know what you’re getting into. Having owned two of these (a rescued 2008 mountain project and a fully custom 2010 build), the 690 SMC holds a special place in my garage history. It’s not a bike for lazy riders who neglect maintenance, but once you sort out the factory flaws, nothing else delivers this level of raw, street-legal supermoto performance. I might get a third just because… Those GasGas/Husqvarna colours look quite appealing for a change of the orange…
Eye Candy Competition:
Aprilia SXV 450 / 550
Ducati Hypermotard 939 / 950
Husqvarna 701 Supermoto / GasGas SM 700
KTM 690 SMC R (2012+ / 2019+)
KTM 990 Supermoto R (SMR)
Suzuki DR-Z400SM