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.