TYPICAL “R”
In addition to the other, completely re-invented single-cylinder models of the 2008 model year, KTM has refined the 690 SM according to its brand philosophy “Ready to Race” as well and is now introducing the 690 SM R. Matching the technical competence of the modern 690, the new 690 SM R places even greater emphasis on its sporty genes. So the high performance and extraordinarily compact single-cylinder engine sits in an eye-catching, orange-lacquered tubular space frame, which was chosen by the technicians for its ideal rigidity, flexibility and weight characteristics. All the
KTM “R Models”, including the 690 SM R, feature an athletically aristocratic appearance, with black lacquered plastic parts and light alloy wheels. Deluxe features – such as the intricate, radially-mounted Brembo four-piston calipers with four single linings, adjustable suspension elements, the radial hand brake cylinder and super-sporty Dunlop tyres – emphasize the high KTM standards and make the 690 SM R a full-fledged sport motorcycle.
PERFECT IN EVERY SITUATION
With a ready-to-ride weight of a mere 153 kg and an output of 63 HP (46 kW), this striking single is one of the fastest bikes of its kind.
Thanks to the balanced interaction of all its components and the sportily comfortable position of the seat, the new “R” is ideally suited for riding in the city as well as on every kind of highway and byway. Even on the race track, the 690 SM R cuts a fine figure as a “Superbike scourge”.

CHASSIS
FRAME
A super-stable tubular space frame construction of premium chrome molybdenum guarantees optimum torsional rigidity at even the highest speeds at a minimal weight. The engine functions as a load-bearing element. The subframe is made of high-strength aluminium profiles.

FORKS
Specially optimised for Supermoto, the 48-mm upside-down forks from WP with a central wheel axle clamp and a suspension travel of 210 mm can be perfectly attuned to the track and riding style by means of adjustable compression and rebound damping. The extra-large tube dimensions guarantee the highest stability. The fork guards widen toward the top to also function as splash guards.

SHOCK ABSORBER
In combination with the PRO-LEVER linkage system, a specially developed WP shock with an additional compensation tank and a suspension travel of 210 mm ensures an ideal compromise between sporty toughness and comfort and ensures perfect contact with the road in every situation. This high-quality shock has adjustable compression as well as rebound damping.

SWINGARM
KTM is breaking new ground and is the first motorcycle manufacturer to develop a one-piece aluminium die-cast swingarm. The laterally open swingarm facilitates weight reduction and additional ribbing provides optimum rigidity and unsurpassed rear wheel tracking. The linkage of the shock is achieved using a new, progressively functioning PRO-LEVER linkage system.

BRAKESHigh speeds call for extremely high-performance brakes. And Brembo is the first choice. So the front wheel is braked by the four linings of the solid radial brake caliper biting into a 320-mm floating disc. This superior system is activated by a radial brake master cylinder. At the rear, a trusty single-piston caliper does its thing on a 240-mm brake disc.

WHEELS
Extra-sticky Sportmax GPR  -10 sport tyres from Dunlop are fitted to extra-lightweight, black lacquered, light alloy wheels from Brembo.

EXHAUST SYSTEM
An amply dimensioned exhaust manifold forks beneath the engine into the two stainless steel silencers. The sport-derived exhaust system layout, with its comparatively long manifolds and silencers, makes a substantial contribution to the superb performance of this single-cylinder. But lots of power also means lots of noise emissions. One regulated catalytic converter per silencer guarantees the effortless compliance with the applicable EURO III pollutant emissions limits.

FUEL TANK
The light, 14-litre fuel tank of high-strength polyamide provides sporty ergonomics and is equipped with an integrated fuel pump and a reserve sensor.

COCKPIT
First developed for the 690 SM, this bike features a very light multifunctional instrument with an analogue tacho, digital speedometer and useful additional functions such as an exterior thermometer to keep the rider fully informed.

HANDLEBARS
Tapered handlebars of high-strength aluminium offer sporty ergonomics and the greatest stability at the lowest possible weight.

HEADLAMP
The large headlamp with a plastic panel is integrated into the front fender/mask unit in the most aerodynamic way possible. A small wind spoiler reduces the force of the wind on the rider.

REAR FENDER A voluminous airbox sits inside the sturdy aluminium subframe, ensuring maximum performance with the least possible intake noise. An easily accessible seat lock makes it easy to reach the air filter, storage compartment and fuses. The latest LED technology is incorporated into the taillight.

WEIGHT
The use of high-quality components, intelligent, lightweight construction and precise analyses not only made it possible to reduce the engine weight to an outstanding 38 kg, but compacted the total weight of the bike down to the extremely low, “Ready to Race” weight of 153 kg.

ENGINE

The single-cylinder LC4 engine with 654 cc exemplifies the concentrated know-how that has been amassed by KTM’s R&D department over the last 20 years. The result: an extremely compact and weight-optimised drivetrain at the highest technological level, featuring unsurpassed performance, the best elasticity and smoothness, plus exceptional durability with minimal maintenance.

CYLINDER HEAD
Driven by a short timing chain, a camshaft rotates in the OHC cylinder head that operates the four valves by means of two rocker arms. The angled division of the cylinder head cover makes adjusting the valves quick and easy.

CLUTCH
The newest generation of the APTC anti-hopping clutch makes handling the titanic torque child’s play. This design increases the pressure on the clutch linings under load, whereby the clutch springs were given a considerably softer design, thus reducing the leverage of the hydraulic clutch operation by about 1/3, compared to conventional solutions.

ENGINE MANAGEMENT
The new LC4 engine generation is the first KTM single-cylinder to use an electronic fuel injection system. In addition to a 46-mm throttle body with an injection valve, the system features an automatic cold start, idle speed control device and altitude compensation.
Moreover, in collaboration with Keihin, KTM’s engineers have successfully put to use a particularly innovative technology known as EPT (Electronic Power Throttle). This extremely intelligent engine management system controls a throttle valve mechanism, which – unlike a throttle valve that is opened mechanically (with a control cable) – diminishes the valve opening by means of a stepper motor. The result is a broad and very linear power band, i.e. a very spontaneous and very powerful, but in no way aggressive engine characteristic.

LAMBDA SENSORA lambda sensor in the exhaust manifold analyses the composition of the exhaust fumes for the electronic control unit (ECU) and thereby, in conjunction with the two catalytic converters, makes it possible to reduce emissions below the EURO III level.

TRANSMISSION
The six-gear transmission offers a sporty gradation of the individual gears for high spurt reserves and guarantees quick and precise gear shifting with a minimum of effort.

BALANCER SHAFT
A central balancer shaft reduces the level of engine vibrations to a minimum, thereby eliminating a typical disadvantage of large-volume, single-cylinder engines without sacrificing their distinctive
LC4 characteristics.

OIL-CIRCULATION SYSTEM
A positive displacement pump dependably supplies all the crucial points with oil, while a suction pump draws excess oil out of the crankcase and sends it back to the transmission.

Photo: R. Schedl