Hi all, Random one and looking for some advice/input. Given our shocking UK weather over the coming months was thinking of getting something else to use over the cold / wet days to come! I’ve always had a bit of a thing for KTM Supermotos and was looking at the 690 SMC-R as a potential (used, not new). Anyone ridden or got one? Have any views on if would be a good fun bike for some winter fun? Any other suggestions for a decent bike for the occasional blast (mainly b roads potentially some green laning) over the winter whilst not using the 1299? Thanks all and no bad ideas! Let me know!
I bought a 2010 RT with 59,000 miles on the clock this time last year. It’s worth maybe £3-4K easy to wash has great weather protection and heated everything. I’ve essentially already put my Multistrada in to winter storage.
Suzuki DRZ 400 E if you want Green Lane riding, SM version if you want tarmac. Or buy a set of SM wheels for the E and have the choice. The E is the better version slightly more power and better suspension. Son has a DRZ Eand it's a nice b road blaster and I have a gasgas700 which is also fun. Depends on you budget. A 450 makes for a better SM than does a 690/701/700 as they're lighter. Husqvarna made a 510 SMR in the early 2000 which can be bought for sensible money.
They’re great bikes I bought that new in 2020 it’s got 15000 miles on it and never missed a beat. Valves always in spec so far, I’ve an 1199 also and the 701 is way more fun
More or less everything you can do to it. Powercommander 5 with custom tune was the best money spent on it. It really sorted out the low down fuelling, loads of carbon, custom graphics
I've got a 2007 690 SM, and its both horrendous and hilarious. Once you get over the teeth rattling single at standstill ( and wonderfully comic mirrors) its an absolute blast. Ive done 250 miles in a single day, and could barely stand afterwards, but for 60 mile blasts its amazing fun, and even better on a track. I cant say what its like in the winter however as ive always had track tyres on mine so never ventured out in the wet, but it is one ofvthe most fun bikes Ive ever had. I have a BMW K1300r for winter, utterly stable in the wet ajd dry, heated grips ABS traction control etc. Ive bought several " disposable " winter hacks in tye past and never used them as I always prefer the safety of all the things the BMW has.
‘Horrendous and hilarious’ made me smile. Good news is that I’m not planning on doing any serious distance on it. Just want to get out for a blast a couple of times a week and put a smile on my face. Based on what people are saying, it will do that! Thanks for the reply!
Thanks! Was thinking of something a bit newer (I should have said). They do look good though. There is only one available on AutoTrader, 1998 model, 25k miles up for £2500. Look to be pretty hard to find as you suggest. Only one on eBay also. Do you have one?
