Which is faster, the KTM 690 SMC R or the Suzuki DR-Z4SM?

The KTM 690 SMC R. It carries 0.48 hp per kilo (75 hp, 156 kg wet) against 0.25 hp per kilo for the Suzuki DR-Z4SM (38 hp, 154 kg).

Is the KTM 690 SMC R cheaper than the Suzuki DR-Z4SM?

The Suzuki DR-Z4SM is cheaper at €9,699 list, €2,750 less than the KTM 690 SMC R at €12,449.

Which is better for shorter riders?

Neither has an advantage on paper: both seats sit at 890 mm. Weight is the tiebreaker, and the Suzuki DR-Z4SM is lighter.

Which has better technology, the 690 SMC R or the DR-Z4SM?

The KTM 690 SMC R, which scores 6.3 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS and traction control. The Suzuki DR-Z4SM counters with 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 235 km for the Suzuki DR-Z4SM.

Which bike wins overall?

The KTM 690 SMC R, scoring 65.5 of 100 against 42.2 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

KTM 690 SMC R vs Suzuki DR-Z4SM

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

690 SMC R

65.5

/ 100

Winner

Suzuki

DR-Z4SM

42.2

/ 100

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0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

KTM 690 SMC R0 km/h

Full specification comparison: KTM 690 SMC R versus Suzuki DR-Z4SM
Spec	KTM690 SMC R	SuzukiDR-Z4SM
Engine
Engine	LC4 single cylinder, liquid cooled, SOHC	Single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement	692.7 cc	398 cc
Power	75 hp at 8,000 rpm	38 hp at 8,000 rpm
Torque	73.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm	37 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Power to weight	0.48 hp/kg	0.25 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight	156 kg	154 kg
Front suspension	WP APEX 48 mm split function, 215 mm	KYB 46 mm inverted, 250 mm
Front adjustability	Fully adjustable	Fully adjustable
Rear suspension	WP APEX monoshock, 240 mm	KYB monoshock, 250 mm
Rear adjustability	Fully adjustable	Fully adjustable
Front brake	320 mm, radial 4-piston	310 mm, axial 2-piston
ABS	Cornering ABS	Switchable ABS
Dimensions
Seat height	890 mm	890 mm
Wheelbase	1470 mm	1465 mm
Fuel capacity	13.5 L	8.7 L
Claimed consumption	4.1 L/100 km	3.7 L/100 km
Fuel range	329 km	235 km
Ownership
Price	€12,449	€9,699
Service interval	10,000 km	6,000 km
Valve check	20,000 km	24,000 km
Warranty	2 years	2 years
Equipment
Dash	LCD	LCD
Ride modes	Yes	Yes
Traction control	Yes	Yes
Quickshifter	Optional	Not available
Cruise control	Not available	Not available
Connectivity	No	No

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Verdict

The KTM 690 SMC R wins this comparison comfortably, 65.5 points to 42.2.

The gap of 23.3 points is built mostly in engine and performance, where the 690 SMC R takes 9.6 points out of the DR-Z4SM. 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 38 hp and 37 Nm moving 154 kg for the DR-Z4SM. That is 0.48 hp per kilo playing 0.25.

The DR-Z4SM costs €9,699, which leaves €2,750 in your pocket against the 690 SMC R at €12,449. Service intervals run 6,000 km on the DR-Z4SM and 10,000 km on the 690 SMC R.

Better for city and commuting

KTM 690 SMC R

A 890 mm seat, 329 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 690 SMC R

329 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 690 SMC R or the Suzuki DR-Z4SM?: The KTM 690 SMC R. It carries 0.48 hp per kilo (75 hp, 156 kg wet) against 0.25 hp per kilo for the Suzuki DR-Z4SM (38 hp, 154 kg).
Is the KTM 690 SMC R cheaper than the Suzuki DR-Z4SM?: The Suzuki DR-Z4SM is cheaper at €9,699 list, €2,750 less than the KTM 690 SMC R at €12,449.
Which is better for shorter riders?: Neither has an advantage on paper: both seats sit at 890 mm. Weight is the tiebreaker, and the Suzuki DR-Z4SM is lighter.
Which has better technology, the 690 SMC R or the DR-Z4SM?: The KTM 690 SMC R, which scores 6.3 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS and traction control. The Suzuki DR-Z4SM counters with 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 235 km for the Suzuki DR-Z4SM.
Which bike wins overall?: The KTM 690 SMC R, scoring 65.5 of 100 against 42.2 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

Dig into each bike

KTM 690 SMC R specs and score Suzuki DR-Z4SM specs and score 690 SMC R maintenance costs DR-Z4SM maintenance costs All supermoto bikes

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