Images of Pedro Acosta sliding, cutting, and wheelying the GasGas SM 700 are aspirational to riders of any level. The control, composure, and explosiveness to slide into a corner, turn the bike, and wheelie out in a fluid motion is a dance few riders can do. So when I was informed my next assignment is the GasGas SM 700 (the red equivalent to a KTM 690 SMC R), I thought, “Here’s my chance!” Not to compete with Pedro’s ridiculous talent, but to feel a similar sensation—the kind only a supermoto can deliver.

GasGas was acquired by KTM and is positioned as Pierer Mobility’s most accessible brand. Red bikes are manufactured from the same bones as KTM and Husqvarna but with lower-quality parts, such as cast triple clamps, Braktec brakes, and no map switch. The 2023 GasGas SM 700 is different; it shares nearly every part with the KTM 690 SMC R (other than wheels and plastics) so the choice is one of color and brand identity.

The 692.7cc LC4 single-cylinder engine has been a staple across the Austrian maker’s middleweight platform. Introduced in the KTM 690 Enduro R, the big thumper has benefited from years of development in the Enduro R, 690 SMC R, Husqvarna 701 Enduro, and 701 Supermoto. We have ridden this engine and platform before, but never in this new flavor, red.

The BikePowering this spicy devil is the aforementioned 692.7cc liquid-cooled SOHC single-cylinder engine. A 50mm throttle body feeds a whopping 105mm x 50mm bore and stroke and dual spark plugs ensure consistent power delivery, according to GasGas. Dual counterbalance shafts and a rubber-mounted bar clamp minimize vibrations. Its six-speed transmission is complemented by a bidirectional quickshifter with an auto-blip function and an Adler power assist/slipper clutch.

Supporting the engine is a beautiful, cherry red chromoly steel trellis frame. A self-supporting polyamide subframe holds the 3.6-gallon fuel tank. Suspension action is controlled by a separate function 48mm WP Apex fork with compression and rebound adjustment providing 8.5 inches of travel. Out back a WP Apex shock with high- and low-speed compression, rebound, and preload adjustment offers 9.4 inches of travel. Where the rubber meets the road is a pair of 17-inch aluminum wheels with Continental ContiAttack SM EVO tires. Stopping power is provided by a four-piston CNC-machined Brembo caliper with a single 320mm rotor up front. A single-piston Brembo caliper with a 240mm disc handles the rear.

Electronic aids include a map switch offering two ride modes (Mode 1: Street, Mode 2: Supermoto), switchable traction control, and switchable ABS. Mode 1 provides a crisp throttle response with cornering-sensitive traction control. Mode 2 offers a smoother throttle response with Supermoto traction control, allowing wheelies and drifts. A TC button on the map switch can deactivate traction control in either mode. An illuminated button near the information display disables ABS on both wheels. An optional dongle is available for purchase enabling rear wheel ABS to be deactivated while maintaining ABS at the front wheel.

Riding ImpressionsOn the Cycle World dyno, the GasGas SM 700 produced 66.4 hp at 7,570 rpm and 48.9 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,590 rpm. Peak power and torque are high in the rev range, but once revs hit the midrange, the engine roars to life. Explosive power rips at the rear wheel and throws your weight back. Grippy Continental ContiAttack tires generate so much drive that warp speed seems like a real thing.

A quick glance at the GasGas SM 700′s dyno chart proves the engine does its best work after 5,000 rpm. The combination of a relatively unresponsive bottom-end and a short rev range of 9,000 rpm reduces engine flexibility. During spirited riding on twisty backroads, riders only have a 4,000 rpm window to work with. Pulling hard off an apex, the engine roars through the midrange and into the top-end but quickly hits the rev limiter. Getting the most out of the 700 requires running into the limiter before grabbing the next shift. The LC4 is an exhilarating engine, but if peak power was shifted closer to the midrange, riders would have an easier time connecting corners.

On surface streets, the GasGas SM 700 can behave like a tame dual sport. Adjusting the rider aids and short-shifting will keep the supermoto well mannered. If you can resist the temptation of being an absolute hooligan, the 2023 GasGas SM 700 is a decent in-town commuter—long haul, not so much. Vibrations are noticeable through the footpegs and handlebar, wind protection is absent, and the suspension and chassis are stiff and sporty rather than soft and comfortable. But when it’s time to pop a wheelie, slide a corner, or do a stoppie, all that other stuff is quickly forgotten.

Fully adjustable WP Apex suspension provides plenty of holdup during spirited riding. Clicker adjustments are easily noticeable. Initially softening the front end to increase comfort during commuting miles causes excessive fork dive under hard braking and quick transitions through corners. Finding a fork setting that performed well during spirited riding was easy and toolless thanks to the clicker dials. Adjusting the shock requires tools to do so. Once finding a comfortable shock setting, I left the rear alone. But no matter how much fiddling was done with the fork, the SM was still missing a little confidence and comfort. Road imperfections and rider inputs continued to upset the chassis and make the bike feel twitchy.

Handling is extremely light, agile, and direct on the GasGas SM 700. Its wide moto handlebar provides plenty of leverage to muscle the bike from one side of the tire to the other. But at times, the light steering makes the GasGas nervous. The extremely direct throttle response is hard to modulate midcorner and unsettles the bike. The GasGas SM 700 tends to stand up when applying throttle midcorner. Between the stiff chassis, light handling, and aggressive throttle response, the 2023 GasGas SM 700 feels very reactive to rider inputs. Riding smoothly can elevate some of these sensations, but during spirited riding it just feels like the bike is on edge. Also, the seat is slippery which causes the rider’s contact patch to slide backward when exiting a corner on the gas.

Shedding speed is light work for the GasGas SM 700′s brake system. The large 320mm disc, Brembo caliper, and master cylinder provide strong and progressive stopping power. A sharper initial bite would be nice, but once the rider progresses into the lever stroke the bike stops quickly. The rear brake system is plenty strong. Cutting skids is easily achievable. And for those who like to back it in, the slipper/assist clutch helps find the balance between a full lockup and a peeling hack.

Everything seems to be easier on a supermoto, right? Bigger wheelies, larger lean angles, and longer slides. It is really a big dirt bike with 17s and street tires, we should be able to muscle it into position. Well, that’s not exactly the case. Except for Pedro Acosta.

The GasGas supermoto is sharp, raw, and focused. It’s easy to ride moderately, but its wicked power (for a single), razor-sharp handling, and extreme responsiveness requires a lot of skill to control at the limit. If you are anything like me and expect to swing a leg over the GasGas SM 700 and instantly create an highlight reel, think again.

For many, the 2023 GasGas SM 700 is a beautiful big-bore supermoto with hooligan spirit. Very few riders can squeeze all the juice out of a bike like this. Riders looking for a sexy supermoto with big power and legs to run, the GasGas SM 700 is your bike. But for those who want a supermoto to take to a cart track or practice skills in a parking lot, something like a Kawasaki KLX300SM or Suzuki DR-Z400SM will offer less bark and no bite. If you were learning to ride a dirt bike, would you start on a GasGas MC 450F or a Kawasaki KLX230R? The same applies here. The 2023 GasGas SM 700 is focused and serious, you need to be too.

2023 GasGas SM 700 Specs