KTM 690SM

[Stoney]

I've got a test ride books on one of these and the 950SM. Its for my wife really, so we're trying them side by side. She's looking at trading the 12GS in for one. In my mind the 950 is a better option as it should be able to handle longer rides better.

By all accounts the 690 is a lot smoother, thanks to a balancer shaft, than the outgoing 640, which in my opinion would shake your filings out ofter a few miles.

Any comments on the praticalities of thr 950 and 690 much appreciated before we go and test them.

My fear is that we'll be sold on them both on the fun factor and regret the decision come November when its wet and cold and we're fed up of rubbish after market luggage for weekend jaunts.

 

[Captain Pugwash]

I've ridden both,the 950 SM for many miles.

The 690SM rattles like buggery and sounds like a bag of spanners.

It goes very well,but it's not my cup of tea.


The 950 SM is gorgeous,especially as the carbed fuelling is so sweet.

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

Go for the 950!

The 950 is the one if you want to do miles!! I love mine ,it makes me smile every time I ride it.you can ride it like a loon or go to work (like a loon) do a bit of a long ride even tour at a pinch ,oh yeah and the odd track day. It can be difficult to start from cold on occasions .Its a very Roomy bike and fits all shapes and sizes.great for wheelies /stunts if you want.it is Beautifully made and Handling is sublime,and loads of easy adjustable suspension,leave it on sport mode .I have 3 bikes and the one I wou ld never sell is the 950SM

 

[Stoney]

Well tried both today. Neither were a GS replacement - well as far the wife was concerned anyway - and I have to say I have to agree for the same reasons.

690SM. The missus hated it. Weord really as she loved the 640. After about 5 miles she kicked me off the 950 and we swapped over.

Initally I hated it too, but we had atest-ride booked so I percervered. it took a while but after blasting back home on my favourite twisteies faster than I ever have done before I thought it was loads of fun.

Its much smoother than the 640 but still unmistakably a big single and vibes still abound but on a much more acceptable level. It feels jerky at low speeds as the throttle is very snatchy at low-revs and the brakes are so powerful. On the move it really brings out the worst in me, as with all singles you have to really wind-it on and then the thing really shifts. Grip and cornering are totally confidence inspiring, the thing just leans and leans which means you can carry so much speed through the corners, sit the thing up and head for the next one, lean it over and hammer around. The brakes are awesome although the back brake is a bit full-on, maybe just seems that way as the rear brake on the GS is so pants.

It'd make a great second/third bike for quick blasts, but the rock-hard seat and wind blast over 60/70mph would make it a pain in the neck even for a decent half-day ride.

Loads of fun, I have one if I had £6k knocking about for a third bike - which I don't

Oh - it sounds rubbish, its needs the full Akro system on there - another £1k maybe?

950SM. This was much more like it! Loads of good smooth power on tap, I imagine it could wheelie for fun in every gear, and despite its extra weight and bulk (it feels almost as heavy as GS - which is about right considering its 8kg lighter) it handled nearly as well as the 690. Much comfier than the 690 and I guess it's be up to longer rides, maybe with a better saddle and a screen, but as stock it seemed that its place ina garage is as a second/third bike and not an everyday bike. I'd hate to sit on motorway at 80 for more than 10 minutes on it.

Overall, much, much better than the 690, but not as much fun on real twistes. Still not as accomplished as the GS but a lot more involving....maybe a little too involving for my missus as her only bike, so she's sticking with the GS for now.

Both great fun bikes that would make fantastic fun/alternative bikes. If I was after such a bike I think I'd go for the 690, but that might just be because I spent more time on it than the 950.

 

[bakerlonglegs]

Nice write up & pics
However, did seem odd to compare the SM spec bikes with a GS Would have thought the adv versions of either bike would have made a better comparison, but if your t'other half is still happy with the GS then that's cool

 

[Stoney]

Nice write up & pics
However, did seem odd to compare the SM spec bikes with a GS Would have thought the adv versions of either bike would have made a better comparison, but if your t'other half is still happy with the GS then that's cool

The hope was for a lighter bike, that, is as comfy as a GS and can do everything the GS can - maybe forgoing the touring ability as we have a 3 and 1 year old.

Any more suggestions welcome.