KTM 625 SMC

Make Model	KTM 625 SMC
Year	2004
Engine	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity	625 cc / 38.1 cu in
Bore x Stroke	101 x 78 mm
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Induction	Keihin FCR MX-41
Ignition	Digital
Starting	Kick & electric
Max Power	41 kW / 55 hp @ 6000 rpm
Max Torque	51 Nm / 5.2 kgf-m / 38 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Tubular steel cradle
Front Suspension	48 mm WP upside-down fork
Front Wheel Travel	275 mm / 10.8 in
Rear Suspension	WP monoshock
Rear Wheel Travel	260 mm / 10.2 in
Front Brakes	Single 320 mm disc, 4 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single 220mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre	120/70 - 17
Rear Tyre	160/50 - 17
Dry Weight	146 kg / 322 lbs
Trail	63 mm / 2.5 in
Wheelbase	1510 mm / 59.4 in
Seat Height	910 mm / 35.8 in
Ground Clearance	290 mm / 11.4 in
Fuel Capacity	9.5 L / 2.5 US gal / 2.1 Imp gal
Consumption Average	5.7 L/100 km / 17.3 km/l / 41 US mpg / 49 Imp mpg
Standing ¹/₄ Mile	14.3 sec
Top Speed	180 km/h / 112 mph
Overview	1000ps.at

The KTM 625 SMC sits between the no-compromise 660 SMC and the heavier, more road-oriented LC4s in KTM’s supermoto line-up. But it’s not there to make up the numbers. It’s probably the pick of the bunch – combining the niceties of electric start with the harder race-spec SMC edge.

The KTM 625 SMC's four-piston Brembo brakes are superb, the fully-adjustable WP suspension way more than adequate and the simple chassis and wide bars conspire to murder every corner wide or acute. It’s not recommended for long journeys.

The KTM 625 SMC's SOHC, liquid-cooled single is broadly the same lump that powers the 640 LC4, only minus the latter’s balancer shaft and with a lighter flywheel and 41mm carb. This translates into a vibey, revvy, ride – and one that misses out on some of the LC4’s torque. It comes restricted to a pathetic 30bhp, but almost every bike will have had the full fat 50+bhp unleashed by a dealer prior to sale.

KTM have been providing excellent off-roaders for years now. And the Austrian giant enjoys a well-regarded reputation for build quality. Regular oil and filter changes are part and parcel of the SMC experience. Big single-cylinder power pulses knacker chains, so keep an eye on yours.

Extracts from: MCN