5 things I HATE about my 2021 KTM 690 SMC R

My top 5 things I hate about my 2021 KTM 690 SMC r. Who agrees with me guys and gals?

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[tristangjarrett]

Regarding the flashing ABS light, as you are in riding mode 2 (Supermoto mode), the ABS gets put into Supermoto mode too which allows the bike to slide a bit rather than full ABS and that’s why it flashes, its to warn you.. switch to mode 1 and it should be solid.

[glossblack]

Nice video. I got the 2021 690 Enduro R. I couldn’t be happier with it. Seat is average yes but much much better with a home made sheepskin cover. I can ride all day no issues. No issues with my quick shifter yet. Have only hit two false neutrals in first 5000 km road and dirt riding. Lights could be better yes but I rarely ride at night, too dangerous in Australia with animals jumping out in front of you. Dash is simple which Keeps weight down. All I want is speed and km. Gear indicator is nice addition this year. Don’t need fuel gauge. I get around 230 km before fuel light comes on then I have another 70 km to go. Range is around 300 km (on road). Less on dirt. Never noticed spots on swingarm? Try some WD40. ABS flashes to let you know it’s working. When ABS is switched off, the light comes on. So when ABS is on, they made the light flash every 10 sec to tell you it’s still working. A bit stupid I agree. I think that’s the safety guys going a bit OTT. Cover it with a bit of tape if it’s annoying. Looking forward to your next video, ie 5 things you like. Thanks

[joelouis-arena]

The swingarm is aluminium. Salt from the road makes it oxidize. So when driving during winter you need to wash it.

[jessej]

Get the Power Parts seat, it’s totally worth the money.
I had trouble with the quick shifter at first but, I realized I was the biggest problem. Now that I stopped shifting lazily and now that I have 4000+ miles on the bike, it’s very rarely a problem.

[Nate-wnef]

Got the 2019 one. I recommend to replace the exhaust muzzle, air intake filters and get the program from local KTM dealer and its even way more fun. And if you can afford get the spike tires with wheels. On stock the bike clearly doesnt get enough air.
Awesome bike

[skinnergarth]

I've recently got the 2021 690 enduro, also experience issues with the false neutral but only going from 5th to 6th. Happens with both normal gear changes and quick shifter changes. The technician at the 1000km service said I should bring it back to adjust the sensors.

[volodymyrshoniia]

Got a powerparts seat after a week, didn't want to pay extra $100 and wait 10 weeks or so for seat concepts since the feedback on those is mixed and they force you into one position from what the people say.

Mine gets false neutrals mostly when down shifting from 6th. Factory pro shift kit supposedly fixes it.

Ordered berotec cumpan for a tach, gear indicator, and oil temp since US dash doesn't have any of that. Supermofools have nice looking LED headlight options.

My swingarm also has some spots on it that look like rain drops, but they seem to wipe off with speed shine or some other products.

The reason why ABS flashes every 5 seconds or whatever is because of the off-road/supermoto abs dongle that disables the rear abs on mine, I think yours should just have it as a setting with your newer European dash, there's probably something about it in the manual.

[sirpression]

Those spots on the swing arm were most likely caused by a strong cleaning product that etched the aluminum. You can't blame that on the bike, that was most likely the dealer's fault or whoever you bought it from.

[billywilliams]

I think you have forgotten what a Supermoto is, or I should say was. It's supposed to be Hardcore no frills, don't buy a Supermoto if you want a Touring bike with a TFT Dashboard like a spaceship covered in LED lights and Tinsel, you remind me of Lamb Chops, always going on about TFT, LED and Cruise Control!!

[prezo]

Got the 21 model now👌 lm only 70kg the seat is fine, waaay softer than the old 09 model that thing was a brick. I like the small dash. The odd false neutral is still there... need to be positive with the left boot. Solid bike, no stirring dampner needed...landing high speed wheelies with zero head shake just happydayz!

[franktaylor]

Ive only had my 2021 for a couple of months.
Only a few rides due to weather and circumstances.
Mine came with all 3 seats. Stock, KTM upgrade and Seat Concepts so I don't have an opinion on the factory seats. Haven't tried it.
Mine also came completely kitted with all the Rottweiler hardware and full exhaust.
I came from the DRZ SM world so the dash is a huge upgrade from what I'm used to.
Im guess im too old school? A speedo and trip meter is really all that's needed.
I can hear the motor RPM, I can feel whitch gear I'm in. Just having yclock is convenient and I don't have to figure out how to reset the trip each fill up like the old DRZ.
As far as the headlight goes. Mine came with a LED unit and needs to be on highbeem to see anything in the dark. Good enough as far as I'm concerned. The DRZ wasn't any better.

I choose this bike because of it's power and brakes. There's no perfect bike. That's why I have several. Because each bike has it's shortcomings and strengths.
I choose this one because it will take my short highway ride better. It doesn't top out at 80mph like the old DRZ. The DRZ was signing pretty hard at 80-85. Id rather not run it that hard for very long.
I wanted more power and better handling, I certainly got it.
The comfort is down on the list a ways.
My quick shifter hasn't let me down yet. If it does. I can rev match on my own, that's what I'm used to anyway.

I guess I don't understand why so many complaints in so many videos about the bike not doing what it isn't supposed to do.
It's not meant to be a touring bike with all the high tech gadgets.
Maybe this bike or this style of riding isn't for everyone?

[gsxrcom]

Only problem I can’t stand about my 2019 is every single time I start the bike I have mess with that dang traction control button for 5 minutes to get the traction control to turn off. Hate riding the bike with traction control and my button wants to be pressed a certain way and held for a specific amount of time or it won’t turn off.

[miro_s]

You could actually read the manual: the abs light flashes to remind you that abs in the rear is off because you’re in map2

[rfk]

I would only add the ridiculously hot exhaust to the list. I am on 2021 701 Enduro and I do not want to change the pipe to stay with a homologated and quiet exhaust, but I hate how hot it gets :/

[MotoMadnessUK]

I have the same bike
Agree on the seat you get a sore arse quick.
I have the same issue with the swingarm too however I live near the sea and it has been out in the crap weather.
However I have never had any issues with false neutral or abs light flashing.

[mbingham]

You forgot to mention the dealers are shit and don't want to know you once you have parted with your cash, and you will need them for warranty work believe you me.

[YiiT]

Did you ever set up the suspension for your weight mate?. I've recently just got one and about similar dimensions as yourself 🤙🏻

[Ukmongoose]

I have seen folks using airhawk seats on earlier models. I have a 2014 smcr and the seat is fine for me.

[Luckysevin]

agree with this video, the price doesn't reflect the spec/kit you get. some of the items on the bike are dated, the dash the headlight no fuel or gear gauge - for the price tag these things all need looking at for the 2023 model

[TheSpragz]

My swing arm has done the same from the very first ride. It’s Salt reacting with the metal. My header also rusted on the first ride.