Commuter bikes are often pigeonholed as relatively uninteresting motorcycles. The reality of the matter is that there is a wide variety of motorcycles light and reliable enough to commute on, you don’t necessarily need a dedicated commuter bike. There will always be certain sacrifices you need to make, because at the end of the day, no motorcycle is perfect.
Out of all the different kinds of motorcycle at our disposal these days, supermotos are arguably the most fun. Often sacrificing some level of practicality in the name of performance, these are bikes that genuinely put fun first. While there are a handful of more practical Japanese bikes that are all far better commuters, there is a certain recently updated Austrian that has a serious wild side.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from KTM. Whereas, the opinions are our own.
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The KTM 690 SMC R Is A Daily Rider With A Serious Wild Side
MSRP: $13,399
Nobody is going to pretend that the 690 SMC R is a practical motorcycle. By no means. It is a fun bike that always wants to play. But it is also one of the most reliable motorcycles KTM produces and offers heaps of tech that can transform it into a relatively mild-mannered commuter during the week. We can scarcely think of a better way to get to work, but it is not the only option in the – admittedly – shrinking space.
Ducati recently launched the Hypermotard 698, and upon its launch, the famed Italian brand made a pretty big claim. A claim which was later independently verified, and that was that it was now the most powerful single. This claim clearly struck a nerve over at KTM, because this was a title pretty much owned by the LC4 engine up until then. The brand went to great lengths to make sure the updated LC4 engine was more powerful than the exotic Italian supermoto.
Along with the 690 SMC R, the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto has received the same update. It is no secret that it is pretty much the same bike with different, arguably more attractive plastics. If you are willing to let go of some (well, half) horsepower, the new Suzuki DR-Z4SM is a fantastic option. It has a host of modern tech and will most certainly be a better commuter. Much has been made of the pricing of the bike, but for the right buyer, the balance it offers between approachability and fun will be worth it.
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The 690 SMC R Has The Most Powerful Single-Cylinder Engine On The Market
Although this is an aging platform, the update it received this year is extensive. From the outside, you can see it has a different clutch and stator covers, but there are more changes on the inside. The 2026 model has a completely new crankcase as well as a revised oil delivery system. Not only do these changes help achieve Euro5+ emissions compliance, but they also help add four more horsepower to an engine, which we previously thought had reached its ceiling.
The LC4 Is A Reliable Performer
While you won’t necessarily feel the added power, it is enough to wrestle bragging rights back from Ducati. It remains to be seen if these changes helped smooth out the power delivery. Traditionally, the LC4 has always been a raw beast. Any big single will vibrate a fair bit, but the rawness we are talking about is more to do with how hard it hits. It is very much the special sauce that sets any bike with this engine apart from the crowd. On longer trips, it will wear a little thin, but it will also turn any commute into a pretty wild ride.
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The 690 SMC R Is Built For Weekend Fun
In a market that demands so much from motorcycles, it is pretty refreshing that we still have bikes like the 690 SMC R. Its only real purpose is to put a smile on your face whenever you ride it. While it certainly is not the most powerful bike around, its lightweight steel trellis chassis combines with the punchy nature of its single to deliver an incredible riding experience. It also has a fully adjustable WP suspension that will help you tailor it to your riding style.
A Host Of Modern Features Make It A Viable Commuter
The one thing that actually makes this a viable option as a commuter is its electronics suite. It has ride modes, cornering ABS, and lean-sensitive traction control. These features will help tame the beast during the week, and then once the weekend comes around, you can let it loose on a canyon road of your choosing. When it comes to supermotos, comfort is always a relative term. For riding around a city, canyon road, or track, its upright riding position is more or less ideal. Unfortunately, no motorcycle is perfect.
This is very much a bike built for short trips, and not weekend excursions. Its hard seat and a lack of wind protection will quickly take its toll on longer highway stints, but for some riders this is a price worth paying. Speaking of price, this is very expensive for what it is. For the most part, this is not the most versatile motorcycle, but it will certainly appeal to the right kind of rider. For somebody who primarily wants a fun bike for the weekend but can still handle the weekday commute, this is ideal.
Chassis, Suspension, And Weight Specifications
|
Chassis |
Steel trellis |
|
Front Suspension |
48mm USD WP Apex forks, fully adjustable (8.8-in travel) |
|
Rear Suspension |
WP Apex shock, preload adjustable (9.4-in travel) |
|
Weight |
357 lbs |