KTM 690 Duke 2018 vs. KTM 690 SMC R 2019

KTM 690 Duke 2018

KTM 690 SMC R 2019
Overview - KTM 690 Duke 2018 vs KTM 690 SMC R 2019
The KTM 690 Duke 2018 and the KTM 690 SMC R 2019 are both powerful motorcycles with a single-cylinder engine and a displacement of 690cc. They are designed for different purposes, with the Duke being a naked bike and the SMC R being a supermoto.
In terms of engine power, the Duke 2018 has 73 horsepower, while the SMC R 2019 has 75 horsepower. Both bikes have liquid cooling and a torque of 70 Nm for the Duke and 73.5 Nm for the SMC R. They both have a single cylinder and are known for their smooth running.
The suspension on both bikes is similar, with an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The suspension travel is higher on the SMC R, with 215mm at the front and 240mm at the rear, compared to 135mm on both ends for the Duke. The brand of the suspension is WP for both models.

KTM 690 Duke 2018
In terms of chassis, both bikes have a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. The braking system is also similar, with a front diameter of 320mm for the Duke and 300mm for the SMC R. Both bikes have four-piston radial Brembo brakes at the front.
The Duke 2018 has advanced rider assistance systems such as ride by wire, while the SMC R 2019 has additional features like ABS, riding modes, and ride by wire. This makes the SMC R more advanced in terms of electronics.
In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have the same front and rear tire width and diameter. The wheelbase is slightly longer on the SMC R, with 1470mm compared to 1466mm on the Duke. The seat height is higher on the SMC R at 890mm, compared to 835mm on the Duke. The fuel tank capacity is also slightly smaller on the SMC R at 13.5 liters, compared to 14 liters on the Duke.

KTM 690 SMC R 2019
In terms of strengths, the Duke 2018 is known for its powerful engine, making it suitable for everyday use. It also has many technical aids and is maneuverable. The SMC R 2019, on the other hand, is known for its powerful single-cylinder engine and playful handling, making it a pure fun machine. It also has a high-quality electronics package and features like a quickshifter as standard. It is also considered a real statement at bikertreffen.
In terms of weaknesses, some people may not consider the Duke 2018 a "real" single-cylinder Duke. The SMC R 2019, on the other hand, is only conditionally suitable for long-distance travel and has a very spartanic speedometer unit.
Overall, both the KTM 690 Duke 2018 and the KTM 690 SMC R 2019 are powerful motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Duke is more suitable for everyday use, while the SMC R is a more playful and fun machine.
Technical Specifications KTM 690 Duke 2018 compared to KTM 690 SMC R 2019
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
KTM 690 Duke 2018

Considering where the KTM Duke family once started, the 690 Duke is an incredible step forward. The engine is extremely refined and at the same time husky for a street-legal single-cylinder. Despite all the technology on board, it is still a very light motorbike and can almost be called a toy (in a good sense). Only its seating position divides opinions, because with the Duke 4 in 2012, the former supermotos became an almost tame naked bike with a front-wheel-oriented seating position. The advantage: everyday life and long tours should not be a problem on the current Duke.
KTM 690 SMC R 2019

If you want to experience unfiltered supermoto joy on the road, the KTM 690 SMC R is the only choice. The LC4 has been greatly cultivated in the meantime, but still brings the virtues you expect from a single-cylinder. Various riding aids can also be activated on choice, but these are not a must! Thanks to its low weight, it can also be thrown through the bends like a bicycle and - if you can - playfully carried to the rear wheel. The only thing that KTM could perhaps do with a makeover is the displays, because they quickly give the impression that we are still in the 90s. However, real supermoto fans will certainly not tear their hair out over this.
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 690 Duke vs KTM 690 SMC R
There are a few key differences between a KTM 690 Duke 2018 and a KTM 690 SMC R 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 690 SMC R 2019 is about 24% higher. A KTM 690 Duke 2018 experiences a loss of 330 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 170 GBP for a KTM 690 SMC R 2019. Compared to KTM 690 SMC R 2019 there are more KTM 690 Duke 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 14 compared to 11. It takes less time to sell a KTM 690 SMC R with 80 days compared to 82 days for the KTM 690 Duke. Since model year 2008 1000PS.de editors have written 29 reviews for the KTM 690 Duke and 14 reviews for the KTM 690 SMC R since model year 2012. The first review for the KTM 690 Duke was published on 28/09/2007 and now has more than 14,800 views. This compares to more than 27,500 views for the first review on KTM 690 SMC R published on 27/03/2015.