Is the 690 SMC good on packed dirt roads??

[802KTM]

Hi All,

I am new to the forum, so if this has been discussed previously, feel free to point me in the right direction. No need to belabor a point.
With that said, I haven't actually purchased the 2007 690 SMC that I am interested in, because I wanted to be sure the bike is a good fit for what I'm looking for.
I live in rural Vermont where there are more dirt roads than paved ones. I really like the idea of a supermoto, but understand that they are intended more for street riding than dirt riding. Has anyone put more aggressive or even knobby tires on their 690 SMC?
I am a sportbike rider who is looking for a little more versatility in terms of the terrain my bike can handle. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Blake

[suzikawa]

The KTM 690 smc comes with 17 inch front and rear rim which is for a wide range of street tire selection. Very, very limited dirt tire selection for the 17 inch rear. Nonexistent dirt tire selection for 17 inch front.

You are looking at the wrong model for your needs and will regret getting the SMC.
You want the KTM 690 enduro which is street legal as well. Same bike but with it comes with a 21 inch front wheel and 18 inch diameter back wheel which will give a broad range of enduro/dirt tires to choose from. The front fork is also different to properly accomodate the 21 inch front wheel.

You can convert the enduro to SMC by buying the additional 17 inch wheels and an getting an oversize brake caliper extension arm (cheap). This is a popular do it all setup.

[Dmitry]

I'm new here as well, bought my 640 SuMo in '09 and clocked 5K miles on it in a year, so I have some experience with this. Mostly been on paved roads but have gone dirt riding as well and have to admit that on deep sand or loose gravel I don't feel confident. Packed dirt roads are another story

Last summer I did PDR (trail consisting of packed dirt roads in VT) with bunch of guys on KLR's, a KLX and DR, I was the only one on 17's and running Avon Distanzia front and rear. Loaded with all my camping gear (pic below) I had no problems running away form the pack right up until I overcooked the corner and highsided. My fault, was being stupid... Still I would not want any other bike when we do it again next year!

[802KTM]

Thanks guys, both of those posts were very helpful. I still haven't decided if I can part with my Duc yet...but this snowy weather is really getting me in the mood to ride!

[Dmitry]

Don't part with Duc, you need both!

I bought a cheap 8 year old 640 so I can have more than one bike, split the miles between them and I have appropriate wheels for the kind of riding I will be doing, instead of blowing the wad on one new machine that will get all the miles and depreciate quickly.

Duc (I assume Ducati, not the Duke) cost a fortune to maintain but is a pleasure to ride, so this is a win-win, you can get a nice LC4 for the price of 6K service on Desmoquattro (ask me how I know) Once you've done enough miles on KTM to skip one service on the Duc, the KTM is free, at least that's how I would explain it to my wife.

Blake, where abouts in VT are you?

[802KTM]

Dmitry,

Honestly, I would like to have both bikes! But, who wouldn't?! Yes, I have a 2007 Ducati Sport Classic Biposto (picture attached). As you mentioned, the maintenance for the Duc is very pricey, so I thought about getting something that is a bit less expensive to keep on the road. I'm not in the place to own two bikes unfortunately.
I live in Southern Vermont, near Brattleboro. Even though I don't ride on the dirt roads with my beloved Duc, I do love to tear through the awesome, paved, twisties around here! Once the snow melts, I'll be out all the time...so let me know if you ever want a free tour guide!

Best,
Blake

[bajadog]

I had these stock on my 640e when it came from the dealer.

They were great on fire and graded roads.

Rear
http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pr...&sizeAttr=7079

Used the IRC trials tires never these, but they look aggressive enough.

Front
http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pr...dFamilyId=1335

[225]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[OrangeSM]

I love my 690SM on hard packed dirt roads. Mud or wet grass is not going to happen. Also deep dry gravel is sketchy on the front. But I ride 75% pavement and 25% off. I love my bike. I have considered a 19 in front if it will fit.