The Moto Ref

KTM 390 SMC R vs KTM 690 SMC R

Two supermoto bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits. These two sit in different classes, so each score is computed within its own class.

KTM

390 SMC R

68.3

/ 100

Winner

vs

KTM

690 SMC R

65.5

/ 100

Advertisement320 x 100

0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

KTM 390 SMC R0 km/h
390 SMC R
KTM 690 SMC R0 km/h
690 SMC R

Points by category

Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated

Engine and performance

out of 25
390 SMC R
18.8
690 SMC R
15.9

Handling and chassis

out of 20
390 SMC R
10.3
690 SMC R
16.4

Value

out of 20
390 SMC R
15.0
690 SMC R
10.6

Practicality

out of 15
390 SMC R
9.8
690 SMC R
10.3

Technology

out of 10
390 SMC R
8.3
690 SMC R
6.3

Reliability and ownership

out of 10
390 SMC R
6.1
690 SMC R
6.0

Specs side by side

Full specification comparison: KTM 390 SMC R versus KTM 690 SMC R
SpecKTM390 SMC RKTM690 SMC R
Engine
EngineSingle cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHCLC4 single cylinder, liquid cooled, SOHC
Displacement398.7 cc692.7 cc
Power45 hp at 8,500 rpm75 hp at 8,000 rpm
Torque39 Nm at 7,000 rpm73.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Power to weight0.28 hp/kg0.48 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight161 kg156 kg
Front suspensionWP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 230 mmWP APEX 48 mm split function, 215 mm
Front adjustabilityCompression and reboundFully adjustable
Rear suspensionWP APEX monoshock, 230 mmWP APEX monoshock, 240 mm
Rear adjustabilityPreload and reboundFully adjustable
Front brake320 mm, radial 4-piston320 mm, radial 4-piston
ABSCornering ABSCornering ABS
Dimensions
Seat height860 mm890 mm
Wheelbase1453 mm1470 mm
Fuel capacity9 L13.5 L
Claimed consumption3.6 L/100 km4.1 L/100 km
Fuel range250 km329 km
Ownership
Price€6,999€12,449
Service interval10,000 km10,000 km
Valve check20,000 km20,000 km
Warranty2 years2 years
Equipment
DashTFTLCD
Ride modesYesYes
Traction controlYesYes
QuickshifterOptionalOptional
Cruise controlNot availableNot available
ConnectivityYesNo
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Verdict

The KTM 390 SMC R wins this comparison narrowly, 68.3 points to 65.5.

The gap of 2.8 points is built mostly in handling and chassis, where the 390 SMC R takes 6.1 points out of the 690 SMC R. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the 690 SMC R is the quicker machine: 75 hp and 73.5 Nm moving 156 kg, against 45 hp and 39 Nm moving 161 kg for the 390 SMC R. That is 0.48 hp per kilo playing 0.28.

The 390 SMC R costs €6,999, which leaves €5,450 in your pocket against the 690 SMC R at €12,449. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the 390 SMC R and 10,000 km on the 690 SMC R.

Better for city and commuting

KTM 390 SMC R

A 860 mm seat, 250 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.

Better for weekend twisties

KTM 690 SMC R

75 hp pushing 156 kg with WP APEX 48 mm split function up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

KTM 390 SMC R

250 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.

Frequently asked

Which is faster, the KTM 390 SMC R or the KTM 690 SMC R?
The KTM 690 SMC R. It carries 0.48 hp per kilo (75 hp, 156 kg wet) against 0.28 hp per kilo for the KTM 390 SMC R (45 hp, 161 kg).
Is the KTM 390 SMC R cheaper than the KTM 690 SMC R?
The KTM 390 SMC R is cheaper at €6,999 list, €5,450 less than the KTM 690 SMC R at €12,449.
Which is better for shorter riders?
The KTM 390 SMC R. Its 860 mm seat is 30 mm lower than the KTM 690 SMC R, and at 161 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the 390 SMC R or the 690 SMC R?
The KTM 390 SMC R, which scores 8.3 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The KTM 690 SMC R counters with cornering ABS and traction control.
Which goes further on a tank?
The KTM 690 SMC R: 329 km from its 13.5 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 250 km for the KTM 390 SMC R.
Which bike wins overall?
The KTM 390 SMC R, scoring 68.3 of 100 against 65.5 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

Dig into each bike

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