KTM 690 SMC R 2026 — Specifications

You hear that screech just behind? It’s the tire lamenting on the tarmac and demanding more. Even if you need a certain level of skill to make the comma scream on the asphalt, the 690 SMC-R can already deliver a significant dose of sensations for both novices and experienced riders. As if that weren't enough, it manages to sharpen itself even further for 2026.

The supermotard is the engine closest to the ideal for having fun in 10 meters, attempting all sorts of pranks, and flirting with mischief constantly. Or becoming formidably efficient in tight ambushes. As soon as it turns or in a mountain pass, the machine is unbeatable. KTM knows this domain very well, maintaining the presence of such a toy in its range. Toy, yes; because in terms of versatility, it's limited.

It had teeth full of gnashing in the mono; here are a few more to scuff the roads. Without changing displacement, the engine allows itself to pass Euro5+ while gaining power. And not a scrap of horsepower, just to pretend. No, a full 5 horsepower. It's impressive to see an engine with this architecture output 79 horsepower – almost a competition engine, which will not fail to tear dry pieces of pleasure from you with every lunge.

KTM also modernizes it by improving the crankcases, oil feed, and a large number of parts (half the components of the engine would have been revised) to boost its performance. Even more surprisingly, maintenance intervals are increased, with an oil change every 15,000 kilometers and valve clearance adjustment after 30,000.

Around it, the steel tubular trellis frame appears identical but gains rigidity, in order to better feel its behavior. The suspensions, as always easily adjustable, do not change technically but are recalibrated for both more comfort and performance. Status quo also for the brakes, with a Brembo 4-piston M4.32 caliper on a 320 mm disc to stop this machine weighing only 153.5 kg dry. That's 4 more than the previous model, but the Italian caliper will make short work of it. The 240 mm rear disc will find coexistence with the throttle to participate in slides and cross-entry maneuvers.

The 690 SMC-R already featured two Riding Modes Street and Sport, an angle-sensitive ABS and deactivatable at the rear, a quickshifter, and traction control. On the new version, the quickshifter is no longer standard. KTM plays mean but tries to make up for it by allowing the rider to take more control... as an option. This is where the additional Track Mode is located, allowing you to enjoy Launch Control, engine slip regulation, and a 5-level anti-wheelie. A Sport ABS is also an option, for reduced intervention at the rear.

The all-new dashboard is standard. Mattighofen installs a small 4.2-inch color TFT screen, long in length. It primarily displays speed and gear but hides its game. Go a little further and you can enjoy call management, music, and turn-by-turn navigation. The SMC-R also gains LED lighting and a USB port.

Will it still be high to get on? No, a little more. Its height now culminates at 899 mm. Yes, the WP Apex 48 mm fork has gained almost 1 cm of travel. A supermotard is as high as an enduro and needs ground clearance.

The 690 SMC-R feared very few in its domain. What could have pushed it to react and gain more growl? A certain Ducati 698 Hypermotard arrived in 2024, with a significant engine, formidable efficiency, more sophisticated electronics, and a similar price tag. The Austrian manufacturer has just reacted, so expect some serious sliding.

M.B. - Manufacturer photos