2026 KTM 690 SMC R First Look: 8 Fast Facts

August 28, 2025

The 2026 KTM 690 SMC R features significant updates to its motor, chassis, and electronics. It remains a motorcycle that is ready for both track and street duty, featuring 17-inch wheels at both ends and plenty of options for personalizing the experience. Let’s see what’s new on the big supermoto street bike.

Fifty percent of the engine’s parts are new this year. Among the new parts are the crankcase, along with the clutch and stator covers. Valve timing has been adjusted for increased low-rpm torque. The engine meets Euro 5+ standards, and produces more power with a more-efficient oiling system. Torque peaks at 54 lb-ft and 6750 rpm, with 78 horsepower delivered just 1250 rpm later.

Significant changes have been made around the engine. The airbox is new, featuring a simpler design that jettisons a complex emissions control mechanism. A new fuel pump enhances fuel atomization by delivering increased pressure to the injector. The exhaust is all-new, with the catalyzer moved upstream in the system. This allows access to a broader range of slip-on mufflers. Also, a new 65-degree turn throttle means access to power with less wrist twisting. Oil changes have been extended to 9320 miles, and you can go twice that before checking the valve clearance.

Ride models have been updated, and are now accessed via a new 4.2-inch TFT display. Street and Sport modes are standard, and can be customized by the rider. The 2026 KTM 690 SMC R has an optional Track mode that adds adjustable throttle response, launch control, five-level wheelie control, nine-level traction control, and engine braking control. If you want a quickshifter, it’s optional.

Cornering ABS and traction control are standard, and an upgrade path is available. If the standard Sport and Supermoto ABS modes are not adequate for your needs, you can get the optional Supermoto+ ABS mode. This adds the ability to decide how many degrees of slide you want during braking before the ABS system intervenes. If you don’t want ABS or traction control, you can turn them off, or run front-wheel only.

To complement the new power delivery, the frame and WP Apex suspension on the 2026 KTM 690 SMC R have been massaged. The frame is incrementally stiffer for increased feel, and the suspension settings are adjusted accordingly.

The LED headlight has a new design for an improved nighttime riding experience. Thanks to a new reflector, the beam is soft, so you don’t get a hard border between lit and dark after the sun goes down. The LED turn indicators are also new.

New tires are mounted on the tubeless wire-spoke wheels. The do-it-all high-performance Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S21 meats have been replaced by supermoto-focused Continental ContiAttack SM 2 rubber.

We don’t have a firm price on the 2026 KTM 690 SMC R. However, we can confirm that it will be available next month, in one colorway: orange and blue.

Check out our last test of the KTM 690 SMC R

2026 KTM 690 SMC R Specs

ENGINE

Type: Four-stroke single
Displacement: 693cc
Bore x stroke: 105 x 80mm
Maximum power: 78 horsepower at 8000 rpm
Maximum torque: 54 lb-ft at 6750 rpm
Valvetrain: SOHC; 4 valves
Fueling: Keihin EFI w/ 50mm throttle body
Ignition: Keihin EMS w/ ride-by-wire and dual spark plugs
Transmission: 6-speed w/ up/down quickshifter
Clutch: Hydraulically actuated w/ assist and slipper functions
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS

Frame: Chromoly steel trellis
Subframe: Self-supporting plastic fuel tank
Handlebar: Tapered aluminum
Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable WP Apex inverted 48mm fork; 8.8 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted, fully adjustable WP Apex shock; 9.4 inches
Wheels: Wire-spoked w/ aluminum rims
Front wheel: 17 x 3.50
Rear wheel: 17 x 5.00
Tires: Continental ContiAttack SM 2
Front tire: 120/70-17
Rear tire: 160/60-17
Front brake: 320mm disc w/ radially mounted Brembo 4-piston caliper
Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ Brembo single-piston caliper
ABS: Standard w/ Sport and optional Supermoto+ modes