KTM 690 SMC and Supermoto: Mapping for the Road? No, for the Track

Supermoto is the discipline where enduro bikes on road tyres meet tarmac and short off-road sections. Anyone who has slid a supermoto sideways into a corner understands the appeal. That is why many riders ask for a map for their SMC or SMR, often wanting more pull, pops & bangs and a banging limiter. Here we honestly assess what is technically possible, for which models, and why all of it belongs on the track and not on country roads.

The legal position first

Let us start with the uncomfortable part. Any change to the engine software voids the vehicle's type approval. The bike no longer matches its approved state, and using it on public roads is then no longer permitted. That applies to a power increase just as much as to sound functions.

Then there are the practical consequences. Insurance cover may be at risk, and at a roadside check a popping exhaust is noticed immediately. All functions we offer are intended exclusively for motorsport. You can find the exact wording in the motorsport notice. If you ride your supermoto on the road every day, leave the software as it is.

Where supermoto tuning belongs

There are plenty of places where a supermoto map makes sense: kart tracks with motorcycle practice days, supermoto circuits, race series and closed events. On short, twisty courses in particular, what counts is how directly the engine drives out of tight hairpins. That is exactly where a calibrated software shows its strengths.

The track has rules too. Many circuits have noise limits that are measured on practice days. Pops & bangs and a hard cut at the limiter are loud. Clarify with the organiser what is allowed, or put the sound functions on a map of their own with multi-map and switch them on only when needed.

Which supermoto can be configured online

The tune can be ordered online for motorcycles with the Keihin ECU 812.41.031. Among supermotos that is the:

Model	Years	Displacement	Stock (approx.)
KTM 450 SMR	2013–2014	449.3 cc	approx. 58 hp / approx. 48 Nm*

* Figures taken from the identical engine of the KTM 450 SX-F.

The 450 SMR is designed as a competition supermoto anyway, so it fits motorsport use well. Check the sticker on the ECU before ordering: the second line must show a number starting with 812.41.031.

And the KTM 690 SMC?

The 690 SMC is KTM's best-known road supermoto. However, it has a different control unit (76041031000) and is therefore not part of the online configuration. If you have a 690, you can send an inquiry via "My motorcycle is not listed" in the configurator. Then we clarify process, date and price. We do not make promises about what is possible on a control unit we have not had in front of us yet.

Regardless of the ECU, the 690 SMC is subject to the same as any road bike: a software change turns it into sports equipment for the track.

What the map changes on the 450 SMR

Three options are available for the 450 SMR:

• Power increase: revised ignition and fuel maps for more power and sharper response, tuned for Super 95 or Super Plus.
• Pops & bangs: crackling and popping on the overrun as long as the throttle is slightly open. When braking into a corner with the throttle closed, engine braking stays mostly calm.
• Party mode: hard cut at the limiter with ignition cut and retarded timing, sound set through the hysteresis from "brrrrr" to "boom boom". The stock cut-off stays above it as a safety net.

For supermoto, the behaviour of the pops & bangs is particularly interesting. Because they only occur with the throttle slightly open, they do not interfere with braking. In supermoto, where engine braking plays a big part in sliding the bike, that is an advantage.

Multi-map: one map for every situation

With multi-map you assign the four map banks freely. A supermoto example: map 1 stock for a wet track, map 2 power for a dry track, map 3 power with light pops & bangs, map 4 with party mode for the moment after practice. You switch with a map switch. KTM's stock switch (77239974200) reaches two maps; our Stealth and Clean switches reach all four. Both are still in development and can be pre-ordered.

Prices and process

• one option, always on: €150
• several options, always on: €200
• multi-map: €230, map switch Stealth +€40 or Clean +€80

You order in the motorcycle configurator. Programming is done on site in Stödtlen or after you send in the ECU, about 3–7 days by post. The model page of the KTM 450 SMR shows all data at a glance.

Stress

Supermoto means a lot of time at high revs and quick changes between full throttle and braking. Pops & bangs and party mode add unburnt fuel to the exhaust. That stresses exhaust valves, header and silencer. Check the silencer and its packing regularly and keep to the service intervals for oil and valve clearance.

Conclusion

Supermoto tuning is a track topic. Changing the software voids the type approval, and all functions are intended exclusively for motorsport. For the 2013 and 2014 KTM 450 SMR with Keihin 812.41.031, power, pops & bangs and party mode can be configured online, switchable via multi-map if you like. The 690 SMC has a different ECU and goes through an inquiry. Terms like multi-map are explained in the glossary.