By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supermoto
KTM 690 Supermoto (MY2007-R) vs 640 LC4 Supermoto (MY2005)
KTM 690 Supermoto vs 640 LC4 Supermoto: which one's easier to live with every day.
Deep into a long stint, the KTM 690 Supermoto's thin seat wears through first, and above highway pace there's nothing keeping the wind off your chest. Over those miles, the KTM 640 LC4 Supermoto's big single doesn't stop buzzing into your grips and pegs. Your fingertips are numb before it's over.
What makes each one tick
690 Supermoto
The 690 Supermoto's LC4 motor thumps out torque the moment the throttle cracks open, and the front wheel lifts whenever you're greedy with it. It brakes on radial Brembos at the lever and darts straight into the next tight bend. The rear tire hooks up hard.
640 LC4 Supermoto
The 640 LC4 Supermoto's motor hits with a hard thump through the gears, and there's nothing sterile about it. At corner entry, the chromoly trellis frame and WP fork tip the bike in without a wasted motion. There's dirt-bike agility in it. The front end's on the apex before you've looked.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 690 Supermoto has the lower seat: 34.4 in (875 mm) vs 35.8 in (910 mm).
- The 690 Supermoto makes more peak power: 63 hp (47 kW) vs 54 hp (40 kW).
- The 690 Supermoto makes more peak torque: 48 lb-ft (65 Nm) vs 41 lb-ft (55 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
On track days, commuting, twisty roads, running costs, and a first bike, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
690 Supermoto
What owners say
Strengths
- Bruising single-cylinder torque
Trade-offs
- Hard seat and minimal wind protection
- Jerky low-speed throttle
640 LC4 Supermoto
What owners say
Trade-offs
- High vibration levels
Known problems to check before you buy
690 Supermoto
- Rocker arm bearing failure The roller rocker arm bearings can disintegrate, leading to catastrophic top-end damage. Regular inspection and replacement every valve check (approx. 6,500 miles) is recommended. KTM partially acknowledged the issue for bikes with full dealer service history.
- Fuel pump / fuel filter clogging Debris in the fuel system can clog the filter, leading to fuel pump failure, hard starting, and stalling. Regular filter replacement and using clean fuel are essential.
- Electrical gremlins Intermittent starting issues and instrument cluster failures have been reported, often traced to corroded connectors or a failing voltage regulator.
640 LC4 Supermoto
- Potential water pump seal failure Some owners report coolant weeping from the water pump seal, which can lead to coolant loss if not addressed.
What they share
- Engine
- Single-cylinder
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 160/60-17
- Ground clearance
- 11.0 in (279 mm)
Where the spec sheets split
| 690 Supermoto | 640 LC4 Supermoto | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 34.4 in (875 mm) | 35.8 in (910 mm) |
| Dry weight | 335 lb (152 kg) | 362 lb (164 kg) |
| 690 Supermoto | 640 LC4 Supermoto | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 654 cc | 625 cc |
| Power | 63 hp (47 kW) | 54 hp (40 kW) |
| Peak power at | 7,500 rpm | 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 48 lb-ft (65 Nm) | 41 lb-ft (55 Nm) |
| Top speed | 115 mph (185 km/h) | 99 mph (160 km/h) |
| 690 Supermoto | 640 LC4 Supermoto | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 3.6 US gal (13.5 L) | 2.5 US gal (9.5 L) |
| 690 Supermoto | 640 LC4 Supermoto | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Front travel | 8.3 in (210 mm) | 10.8 in (275 mm) |
| Rear travel | 8.3 in (210 mm) | 11.8 in (300 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 690 Supermoto | 640 LC4 Supermoto | |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Adjustable | Standard | Not offered |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
