2025 KTM 390 SMC R

I suspect this will be a better supermoto than the 690, with its street focused duke 390 motor instead of the racy and peaky 690 single. Probably better gearing too.
 
Relax said:
Racy and peaky are the last words I'd use to describe the 690, at least from my test ride of a stock bike.
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If I recall it was originally a race engine, not a lot of grunt in the real world, opposite of what I would expect from a rowdy KTM single

People tell me with a flash and gearing change they become totally different though 🤷‍♂️
 
I test rode one at Peak with a lot of expectations. Was a let down - felt slow everywhere. Next day I was at Apex and so was KTM, so I test rode a Duke 890, and it was a night and day difference. I would definitely describe the 890 as a peaky motor by comparison.
 
Current generation stock 690 in mode 1 is sleepy, and that might be what you rode Relax. Mode 2 stock isn't that much better but its more responsive and lets you slide a little. With some tuning, the engine becomes an on-off switch in the best way, crank it from any throttle position and it responds fast. The euro 5/5+ tuning really kills the power band in the mid range which is probably where the comments come from. Either wring its neck, or change the fueling.

There's other reasons too. The suspension in stock settings is very soft so the squatting doesn't help the butt feel on acceleration. The TC also interferes no matter which mode you are in so you have to turn it off to let the engine do it's thing. The bike is so wheelie prone that the anti wheelie power cut happens with any slight provocation of the throttle that you never really feel the real power at the top unless you gradually make your way there (or let TC do it for you).

390 SMCR is the same weight as the 690 SMCR. The price tag is the real point of it. It's an updated DRZ released before the DR-Z4S with all the modern accoutrements. This isn't a purpose built machine either so don't start comparing it to a Husaberg or even KTM's own EXC lineup.

Aftermarket support for power is all pre-existing 390 stuff which is a good cheap starting point for supermoto platform. If anything, this is going to be a frontrunner when talking new from dealer, low cost, 'low' maintenance supermoto on the market. Only problem will be convincing people that supermoto is fun again (its not much fun on Ontario roads and highways).
 
Aens said:
390 SMCR is the same weight as the 690 SMCR. The price tag is the real point of it.
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Yep.

Friend was waiting for the new 390 Adventure, but after the specs came out, it was quickly ruled out of contention because of the pork.

Same weight as the 690, but down significantly on power leading to a p1ss poor power-to-weight ratio.

The 390's superpower is budget.
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