KTM 690 SMC R ABS (2014 - present) review

As refined as ever and now with the added safety of ABS
The SMC R will genuinely do it all, even highway travel. But when you do find the kind of road it was designed for, nothing will beat it for pure enjoyment
Stonking engine, massive amounts of fun, ABS
Lack of wind protection, tall seat

KTM’S 690 SMC R has been given a host of upgrades for 2014 and you’ll be pleased to know it’s not just a new lick of paint or limited edition decals.

The single-cylinder LC4 engine has been revised and now features twin-spark ignition, with different mappings for each plug. At 67hp, peak power remains the same but KTM claim this makes the SMC R 8-10% more efficient than the old model. According to them it will achieve up to 80mpg and rarely drop below 35mpg, even on track. Assuming it averages 60mpg, that gives you a theoretical range of 160 miles from its 12L tank before you’re pushing it along the hard shoulder.

Read more: http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-first-rides/first-ride-2014-ktm-690-smc-r-review/24749.html#ixzz2xocPjvzO

KTM’S 690 SMC R has been given a host of upgrades for 2014 and you’ll be pleased to know it’s not just a new lick of paint or limited edition decals.

The single-cylinder LC4 engine has been revised and now features twin-spark ignition, with different mappings for each plug. At 67hp, peak power remains the same but KTM claim this makes the SMC R 8-10% more efficient than the old model. According to them it will achieve up to 80mpg and rarely drop below 35mpg, even on track. Assuming it averages 60mpg, that gives you a theoretical range of 160 miles from its 12L tank before you’re pushing it along the hard shoulder.

Read more: http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-first-rides/first-ride-2014-ktm-690-smc-r-review/24749.html#ixzz2xocPjvzO