The KTM 690 series (including the SMC-R) has become notorious for its propensity to slip into a false neutral when between 5th and 6th gears. The topic of riders discussing this quirk has been so heated that some call it a major flaw while others view it as a minor inconvenience. The problem appears to occur on a wide range of model years and sparks debate as to whether it's a feature of the transmission or the result of a design flaw. There’s been a range of experiences, from occasional annoyances to potentially dangerous situations on the road, shared by riders. Many have tried aftermarket fixes or modifications to fix the problem, and others have adjusted their riding style to reduce the problem. The false neutral issue has become such a hot topic that it’s often one of the first things people mention when talking about the KTM 690, influencing buyers and starting conversations about the bike as a whole.