Ktm 690 SMCR vs Drz400 - My Honest Review

Product Reviewed

2021 KTM 690 Super Moto (SMCR)

Key Features Mentioned

• Single-cylinder engine
  • Not as smooth as bikes like the MT-09 (“buttery smooth” inline/smoother engines).
• Handling / cornering
  • Repeatedly described as the bike’s strongest point.
  • The rider says it handles better than their MT-09.
• Braking
  • Brembo front brakes praised for strong stopping power.
• Power & throttle feel
  • Smooth, progressive power delivery—the rider notes it doesn’t feel like you’re going as fast as you are.
  • Estimated top speed: ~120–130 mph (with context suggesting it “feels slower” near ~100 mph).
  • Short “play” throttle / very sensitive response:
    • If you’re not precise, roll-on inconsistency can lead to jerkier engine braking / torque response.
• Wheelies
  • Easy to bring up—“clutch up anywhere.”
  • A favorite capability.
• Shifter system
  • Quickshifter + auto-blip praised for downshifts.
  • Overall shifting has issues:
    • “False neutrals” are “super annoying.”
    • Shifting is described as not smooth.

Pros (As Stated)

• Excellent handling (best/strongest overall praise)
• Strong braking from Brembos
• Smooth power delivery (feels progressive/easy to use)
• Fun factor
  • Described as “wicked cool” and “honestly super fun,” especially in groups for keeping up
• Wheelie capability
• Quickshifter / autoblip makes downshifts enjoyable
• With proper mods/tuning, it can feel like a “completely different bike”

Cons / Complaints (As Stated)

• Overhyped
  • The rider believes online hype exceeds real-world experience.
• Not as smooth as some bikes
  • “Single-cylinder vibes” are explicitly called out.
• Transmission/clutch smoothness
  • Compared unfavorably to their DRZ 400
  • Says the KTM gearbox/clutch are less smooth
• False neutrals / shifting annoyance
  • Biggest day-to-day gripe
• May require mods to feel “solid”
  • Common “necessary mods” mentioned:
    • FI fuel dongle + tune
    • Exhaust
  • Rider estimate: ~$14k+ purchase price plus ~$1,500 in mods (varies by location)
• Loudness
  • Stock/current exhaust described as “too loud” (Arrows can mentioned)
• Reliability concerns implied
  • Rider notes forums suggest KTM/Husky 701 aren’t the most reliable (no specific failures cited)
• Tuning makes a big difference
  • Stock bike underwhelmed the rider compared to a friend’s tuned KTM 690 SM

Comparisons Made

KTM 690 SMCR vs DRZ 400 (Main Comparison)

• Goal
  • Rider bought the KTM hoping to get DRZ feel with more power.
• Result
  • Slightly underwhelmed by the KTM:
    • DRZ felt smoother (transmission/clutch)
    • KTM’s false neutrals bothered them
• Suspension feel
  • DRZ suspension “feels better” for street use (despite the KTM’s handling praise).
• “More fun” claim
  • Rider says they have way more fun on the DRZ.
• Recommendation split
  • If choosing between the two for versatility / all-around solo riding: rider leans DRZ.
  • If choosing for city-focused speed, “reckless style,” or keeping up in groups: rider would pick the KTM.

KTM 690 SMCR vs MT-09

• MT-09 described as buttery smooth
• KTM described as less smooth
• KTM handling reportedly better than MT-09
• Throttle sensitivity described as somewhat similar to MT-09

KTM 690 SMCR vs Husky 701

• Rider groups it with KTM
• Both suggested to have reliability reputation issues (forum-based)

Tuned KTM Example (Buddy’s Bike)

• Friend’s bike: tune + full exhaust + fuel dongle
• Rider says it felt like a completely different bike
• They believe they would like their own KTM more with similar tuning

User Experience / Ownership Notes

• Mileage at time of review: ~150 miles max
• Initial expectations were “high”
  • Rider felt the KTM didn’t meet them fully until/if tuned
• Rider sees the “best setup” as having multiple bikes:
  • KTM: all-around street / group-ride option
  • DRZ: off-road / more fun option they prefer day-to-day

Unique Points Mentioned (Deduplicated)

1. KTM hype is overdone vs real experience.
2. Single-cylinder = not smooth.
3. Handling is excellent (even better than MT-09 per rider).
4. Brembo braking is strong.
5. Rear brake behavior: rear is light, so it skids more than stops (expected for supermoto).
6. Power delivery feels smooth, not like you’re going as fast as you are.
7. Estimated top speed ~120–130 mph.
8. Rider experienced speed wobble at some point.
9. Bought mainly for DRZ-like fun with more power; felt slightly underwhelmed.
10. False neutrals are major frustration; shifting not great.
11. Quickshifter + auto-blip: “game changer” for downshifts.
12. Transmission/clutch less smooth than DRZ.
13. Suspension feel: DRZ feels better for street use (rider also notes seats feel nicer on DRZ).
14. Rider has more fun on DRZ.
15. KTM used for keeping up in a group ride.
16. Different bikes for different purposes; ideal is two-bike combo (DRZ + KTM).
17. Wheelies are a highlight; easy to bring up (“clutch up anywhere”).
18. Throttle sensitivity/short play can cause jerkier torque/engine braking if not precise.
19. Stock bike felt worse than a friend’s tuned KTM 690.
20. Rider recommends: fuel dongle + tune + exhaust to make it “good to go.”
21. Cost burden: ~$14k+ plus ~$1,500 mods.
22. Reliability concern: KTM/Husky 701 not known for reliability (forum-based).
23. Rider wishes Yamaha made a 700 Super Moto.
24. Rider considers themselves older / less reckless now, which affects what they’d choose.
25. Stock exhaust too loud; mentions Arrows can.

Verdict / Recommendation (Concise)

• Best for: riders who prioritize supermoto cornering, braking, wheelie fun, and keeping up in groups, and who are willing to tune/mod the bike for best results.
• Not ideal for: riders who want a smooth, trouble-free transmission feel out of the box, or who dislike the KTM’s false-neutral/rough shifting behavior and mod dependency.
• Overall: despite great handling and enjoyable power, the reviewer would still lean toward the DRZ for their own fun—making the KTM a better second bike / group-ride option rather than a direct replacement.

Speakers / Perspectives

• Single primary speaker: the reviewer.
• No separate speakers with conflicting viewpoints.
• Comparisons include the reviewer’s past bikes (MT-09, DRZ) and a buddy’s tuned KTM example.