If you're willing to buy new spend some time calling dealerships, specificly the big ones (Del Amo in socal usually has a glut of non-current bikes, Berts, Malcom Smith, etc).  Used ones are becoming much more difficult to find.  The new (euro only) 690 SMC is a legit 690, tubeless spoke rims. I have checked with a buddy at a KTM dealer and the SMC won't be a 2012 and likely not a 2013 for US.
That platform is amazing.  Big drawbacks are fuel tank and the butt wedge they call a seat, but thats easily fixed.  If you're not going off road consider a SM or a Duke, Duke's can be easier to find.
I would buy a 690 SMC in a minute.

Quote from: jimboecv on May 21, 2012, 06:42:56 AM
If you're willing to buy new spend some time calling dealerships, specificly the big ones (Del Amo in socal usually has a glut of non-current bikes, Berts, Malcom Smith, etc).  Used ones are becoming much more difficult to find.  The new (euro only) 690 SMC is a legit 690, tubeless spoke rims. I have checked with a buddy at a KTM dealer and the SMC won't be a 2012 and likely not a 2013 for US.
That platform is amazing.  Big drawbacks are fuel tank and the butt wedge they call a seat, but thats easily fixed.  If you're not going off road consider a SM or a Duke, Duke's can be easier to find.
I would buy a 690 SMC in a minute.

Thanks! I'm hot on the trail of a private party sale of one now...may drive to the desert this weekend to get it. If not, Del Amo may be a good lay: Scuderia actually suggested I get the MX version (for $10k) and spend another $2k converting it...

Love my Duke II (not exactly the same, but close enough)

Certain bikes I've owned have been far better in certain categories, but the Duke is the best all-around bike I've ever owned. 

Quote from: Drunken Monkey on May 21, 2012, 02:51:54 PM
Love my Duke II (not exactly the same, but close enough)

Certain bikes I've owned have been far better in certain categories, but the Duke is the best all-around bike I've ever owned. 

Thanks man. I hear the same thing about *any* KTM 690, but my heart is set on the SMC...I don't do things halfway I've got two possibles, and I'm ready to pull the trigger.

 
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