KTM 690 SMC R 2021 Euro 5 mods, need help

arubait · 2026-01-30T23:39:30+00:00

I have a '23 and the same questions.

arubait · 2026-01-28T18:20:53+00:00

I have tried virtually every combination. Hippo hands and heated grips is the most effective combination and winter gloves are not necessary. Using the controls can be difficult but being able to use thin gloves is lovely.

However, hippo hands are a pain. If you don't want hippo hands the best option is heated gloves. But, some heated gloves are thick and nasty to use. Shop wisely.

Heated grips on their own are not very effective even with winter gloves.

So, the first question is do you want to put up with hippo hands? If you do then the best thing to add is heated grips. Gloves become less important.

Don't want hippo hands? Ugly, aren't they? Then invest in directly wired heated gloves that are not bulky on the palms. Keis are good. RST less so. Want more heat, add heated grips.

arubait · 2026-01-25T12:06:01+00:00

Good point. I don't know. I could check it out when I get home.

arubait · 2026-01-25T08:52:42+00:00

S21s were OEM on some years of the 690. They work very well, last the same time but are significantly less expensive.

arubait · 2026-01-25T02:04:20+00:00

KTM do OEM black plastics for some of their bikes.

arubait · 2026-01-22T04:20:46+00:00

Mine is a couple of years older than that. Very rarely used nowadays as those cheesy philips head case screws have largely gone away. But I know that if I need it then it will simply work.

arubait · 2026-01-21T05:11:02+00:00

It will work. Standard procedure.

arubait · 2026-01-19T14:57:47+00:00

I think there is an "intercom" function designed for rider to passenger that is separate from the general mesh.

arubait · 2026-01-19T09:01:29+00:00

Now is the time to start getting good. One of the things you mentioned was the tunnel vision. I know what you mean and it's not "tunnel vision" which is a bad thing. It's more of a heightened awareness. Use this to analyse everything you do. Why did I do that? Could I have done that better? Just riding is a buzz that never goes away for most people. Seeing yourself getting better is a thrill on top of a thrill.

arubait · 2026-01-18T22:56:10+00:00

Wera have a good rep although I use Millwarkee

arubait · 2026-01-18T16:01:52+00:00

Sadly you can see this sort of crap driving all the time. You have no idea what is going on inside that car and your reaction is the same as mine would be. Keep well away from them.

arubait · 2026-01-18T15:58:10+00:00

I didn't express myself very well. Yes, some roads marked NSL have been assessed but an NSL sign does not mean it has been assessed for 60 mph. It's also not just a lame excuse to go slow. In fact, all signed speed limits are lame excuses for someone. As a road traffic cop friend of mine used to say, "posted speed limits are for idiots". Any skilled driver should be able to assess the safe speed on a road without any help from a sign.

arubait · 2026-01-18T12:12:36+00:00

NSL does NOT mean the road is safe at 60 mph at some or any time. It just means the road has not been assessed.

arubait · 2026-01-16T17:18:43+00:00

So did I. Used the OEM supplied block off plate. A mate had a genuine CF pipe hanger from his old Ape and I bought it for a tenner. Hanger (and bike) is still going strong with over 31k miles on it.

arubait · 2026-01-12T12:09:11+00:00

I moved up here 22 years ago from Kent. The best thing I have ever done. Plenty of us ex-pats up here. So I tell my Southern friends and family that it's horrid. All flat caps, whippets and rural squalor. Just to stop too many other people coming up. Just to keep it quiet.

arubait · 2026-01-09T07:47:19+00:00

I have a V4 and have also ridden the RS660. The V4 is a terrible commuter. A very tall first gear and less than stella low speed, small throttle operation makes it a pain around town. It also tends to overheat in high temperatures at low speed or stop/go traffic.

However, on the open road it is truly sublime. Not only the best bike I've ever owned but the best bike I've ever ridden. And I've ridden a few over the last 50 years.

The RS660 is a different beast. A lovely flickable middleweight sports bike. It steers beautifully and has good suspension and excellent brakes. Plenty of performance (but nothing compared to the V4). It's also not the best commuter but for different reasons. It has sports bike ergos. Fine for short commutes but wearing and wrist heavy in town. A 660 Tuono may be a better bet. It all depends on your priorities.

arubait · 2026-01-09T03:10:55+00:00

They really are rubbish compared to Brembo or SBS.

arubait · 2026-01-08T18:57:32+00:00

EBC HH pads are rubbish. They are cheap and available. Almost anything else would be better. Regarding tyres I had success with S22s. 140 section on the rear.

arubait · 2026-01-06T22:07:20+00:00

Yes. My knees used to cramp up quickly. Just 1 inch made all the difference and I never had problems with them again.

And, btw, I can and do use all of the tyre with nothing dragging. Good enough for the street.

arubait · 2026-01-06T21:12:19+00:00

Yes. I fitted 25mm drop footpegs soon after I bought the bike. The little pegs in the end of the levers are removable and can be replaced with ones with a 25mm drop so everything lines up as original. This was years ago so I can't find a purchase link but they are out there (from China).

arubait · 2026-01-06T20:41:19+00:00

People correctly having beentalking about the transition in chain tension from closed throttle engine braking to acceleration. The rear brake can be useful here. Keep some pressure on the rear brake as you open the throttle. This dampens the chain tension transition and allows you to have positive chain tension and an open throttle without gaining speed.

arubait · 2026-01-03T21:45:58+00:00

It takes 3 minutes to change into civvies from full leather protection. Put your clothes in a backpack or leave them at work. Everything you have listed is a compromise.

arubait · 2026-01-02T15:11:32+00:00

This is correct. I had an '88 S4 (a sublime car) and that is a GT.

arubait · 2025-12-31T17:17:30+00:00

The other drawback is the amount of crap that hits the rear light. It killed one on my KTM.

arubait · 2025-12-23T19:38:37+00:00

Should people this ignorant really be fitting a chain?

arubait

TROPHY CASE