KTM 690 SMC R 2021 vs. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 2024

KTM 690 SMC R 2021

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 2024

Overview - KTM 690 SMC R 2021 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 2024

KTM 690 SMC R 2021

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 2024

Technical Specifications KTM 690 SMC R 2021 compared to Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 2024

KTM 690 SMC R 2021

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 2024

KTM 690 SMC R 2021

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 2024

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	105 mm	Bore	67 mm
Stroke	Stroke	80 mm	Stroke	45.1 mm
Engine power	Engine power	75 HP	Engine power	124 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	13,000 rpm
Torque	Torque	73.5 Nm	Torque	69 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	5,600 rpm	Rpm at Torque	10,800 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	12.7	Compression Ratio	12.9
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Throttle Bore	Throttle Bore	50 mm	Throttle Bore	38 mm
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Antihopping	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	1	Cylinders	4
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	Rocker arm, OHC	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	692.7 ccm	Displacement	636 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	48 mm	Diameter	41 mm
Travel	Travel	215 mm	Travel	120 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	240 mm	Travel	151 mm

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Chromium-molybdenum	Frame	Aluminium
Frame type	Frame type	Tubular	Frame type	Twin Tube, Perimeter, Extruded
Rake	Rake	63 degree	Rake	66.5 degree
Trail	Trail	107.7 mm	Trail	101 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	320 mm	Diameter	310 mm
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Technology	Technology	radial	Technology	radial

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	240 mm	Diameter	220 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Single piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Floating caliper	Shock mount	Floating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Quickshifter, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	160 mm	Rear tyre width	180 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	55 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,470 mm	Wheelbase	1,400 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	890 mm	Seat Height	830 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	17 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 690 SMC R 2021

A large, powerful single cylinder, a stable chassis, just over 160 kg of tractive weight and modern electronics for support - the key data alone suggests a lot of riding pleasure. In 2024, the SMC-R may be a little dusty in some respects and is no longer the undisputed queen of road-legal supermotos, but it can still offer a lot of supermoto fun and performance.

Powerful engine

Electronics can support safety or supermoto manoeuvres as required

Stable, fully adjustable suspension

Agile riding performance

Good ergonomics

Low fuel consumption

Great quickshifter

Old LC display and halogen headlights no longer up to date

Suspension could absorb small bumps more harmoniously

Brakes not overly sensitive

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 2024

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R impresses with a powerful 636 cubic centimetres engine and dynamic handling, making it a thoroughly potent and sportily tuned machine. The well-functioning quickshifter and clear display contribute to a positive riding experience. However, the aggressive riding position significantly compromises comfort and the lack of a modern ride-by-wire system prevents the use of a blipper - making the ZX-6R look outdated compared to competitor models. Overall, it is an excellent choice for riders with sporting ambitions, but offers room for improvement in terms of comfort and modern features.

Powerful 636cc engine with plenty of grunt and power

well-functioning quickshifter at high rpm

good handling and pleasant ride feel

clear and easy-to-read display

sporty suspension

reliable brakes

Missing Ride-by-Wire system - therefore no blipper

aggressive riding position with acute knee angle and handlebar ends turned inwards

lack of comfort for longer rides

somewhat spartan display compared to the competition

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 690 SMC R vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

Price KTM 690 SMC R

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices