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2020 KTM 690 SMC R Overview
For 2020, KTM offers the 690 SMC R as a super motard motorcycle with 690 cc on tap. The 2020 KTM 690 SMC R is built around a Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve engine, a compression ratio of 12.7:1. Out on the road, the 690 SMC R delivers 72 hp of peak power and 73.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2020 690 SMC R tips the scales at 147 kg, carries a 13.5-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 890 mm and spans a 1470 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 63.5 kg lighter than the average super motard motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2020 KTM 690 SMC R spec sheet below.
2020 690 SMC R - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the 690 SMC R is 72 hp and 73.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: A 890 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
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Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.
Brake disc and pad wear
Single 320mm disc, Brembo 4 piston floating caliper up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by WP USD XPLOR 48 forks up front and WP shock absorber with Pro-Lever linkage at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Chain final drive on the 690 SMC R means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.
Frame & chassis check
The Chromium-molybdenum-steel trellis frame, powder coated chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
690 SMC R - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2020 KTM 690 SMC R should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept 690 SMC R settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a 690 SMC R's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Carburetor upkeep
A 690 SMC R that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.
2020 KTM 690 SMC R - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 KTM 690 SMC R have?
The 2020 KTM 690 SMC R uses a Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve engine with 690 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
How much does the 2020 KTM 690 SMC R weigh?
The 2020 KTM 690 SMC R weighs 147 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2020 KTM 690 SMC R make?
The 2020 KTM 690 SMC R produces 72 hp of power and 73.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2020 KTM 690 SMC R?
The 2020 KTM 690 SMC R has a 13.5-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 225-270 km between stops.
Is the 2020 KTM 690 SMC R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2020 KTM 690 SMC R has a seat height of 890 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2020 KTM 690 SMC R have?
The 2020 KTM 690 SMC R uses Single 320mm disc, Brembo 4 piston floating caliper at the front and Single 240 mm disc, Brembo single piston floating caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2020 KTM 690 SMC R use?
The 2020 KTM 690 SMC R runs 120/70 ZR 17 front and 160/60 ZR 17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2020 KTM 690 SMC R have?
The 2020 KTM 690 SMC R is fitted with a 6-Speed transmission.
KTM 690 SMC R Spec Evolution
The KTM 690 SMC R was produced across 4 model years (2019-2026). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2026 |
| Max Power |
72 hp / 54 kW @ |
72 hp / 54 kW @ |
73.7 hp / 55 kW |
79 hp / 58.1 kW |
| Seat Height |
890 mm / 35.0 in |
890 mm / 35.0 in |
892 mm / 35.1 in |
899 mm / 35.4 in |
| Fuel Capacity |
13.5 Litres / 3.5 US gal |
13.5 Litres / 3.5 US gal |
13.5 Litres / 3.5 US gal |
13.3 Litres / 3.5 US gal |
| Frame Type |
Chromium-molybdenum-steel trellis frame, powder coated |
Chromium-molybdenum-steel trellis frame, powder coated |
Chrome-moly tubular space frame, powder-coated |
Chrome-moly tubular space frame, powder-coated |
| Displacement |
690 cc / 42.1 cu in |
690 cc / 42.1 cu in |
692.7 cc / 42.2 cu in |
692.7 cc / 42.2 cu in |
| Wheelbase |
1470 mm / 57.8 in |
1470 mm / 57.8 in |
1470 mm / 57.8 in |
1476 mm / 58.1 in |
| Brakes - Front |
Single 320mm disc, Brembo 4 piston floating caliper |
Single 320mm disc, Brembo 4 piston floating caliper |
Single 320mm disc, Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper |
Single 300mm disc, Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper |
| Ground Clearance |
238 mm / 9.3 in |
238 mm / 9.3 in |
237 mm / 9.3 in |
237 mm / 9.3 in |
Key Specifications
Engine
Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve
Torque
73.5 Nm / 54 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Fuel Capacity
13.5 Litres / 3.5 US gal
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Full 2020 KTM 690 SMC R Specifications
Year
2020
Make Model
KTM 690 SMC R
Seat Height
890 mm / 35.0 in
Wheelbase
1470 mm / 57.8 in
Ground Clearance
238 mm / 9.3 in
Dry Weight
147 kg / 324 lbs
Fuel Capacity
13.5 Litres / 3.5 US gal
Displacement
690 cc / 42.1 cu in
Engine Detail
Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve
Bore x Stroke
105 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio
12.7:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Exhaust
Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer
Fuel Induction
Keihin EFI (throttle body 50 mm)
Ignition
Keihin EMS with RBW, double ignition
Lubrication System
Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
Lithium Ion 12V 8,6Ah
Clutch
PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Chain, X-Ring 5/8 " 1/4 in
Primary Drive
36:79
Transmission / Drive
6-Speed
Frame Type
Chromium-molybdenum-steel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - Front
WP USD XPLOR 48 forks
Suspension - Rear
WP shock absorber with Pro-Lever linkage
Handlebar
Aluminum, tapered, Ø 28 / 22 mm
Steering Head Angle
63.6°
Subframe
Self-supporting plastic tank
Trail
107.7 mm / 4.2 in
Wheel Travel - Front
215 mm / 8.4 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
240 mm / 9.4 in
Brakes - Front
Single 320mm disc, Brembo 4 piston floating caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single 240 mm disc, Brembo single piston floating caliper
ABS
Bosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering ABS and offroad mode, disengageable)
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear
160/60 ZR 17
Wheels - Front
Spoked wheels with aluminum tubeless rims 3.50 x 17″;
Wheels - Rear
Spoked wheels with aluminum tubeless rims 5.00 x 17″
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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