KTM has unveiled the 2026 690 SMC R, and it’s every bit the hooligan machine we know — only sharper, smarter, and nastier. The Austrian supermoto icon gets a round of upgrades to its engine, chassis, and tech, making it even more addictive for riders who live for the slide.
Power still comes from the brawny 690cc LC4 single, belting out 78 bhp and 73 Nm, but KTM has worked its magic under the skin. Revised crankcase, clutch and stator covers, a new oil delivery system, simplified intake and exhaust, and tweaked valve timing bring cleaner emissions and crisper response. A new 65-degree throttle grip makes it even snappier, while rubber engine mounts tame the big single’s vibrations.
The steel trellis frame remains, but now with added stiffness for razor-sharp handling. Suspension has been retuned for a sweeter balance between track aggression and street comfort. KTM also steps up the tech game with a Bluetooth-ready 4.2-inch TFT dash, offering music, calls, and turn-by-turn navigation.
And because no KTM supermoto is complete without mischief, the 2026 SMC R adds Track mode with launch control, five-stage wheelie control, bike-specific ABS settings, and even a one-touch ABS-off button. Backlit switchgear and a USB-C port round off the updates.
The result? A bike that’s still unapologetically wild, but now smarter and more refined — the perfect weapon for riders who think every corner is a playground.
Along with the 2026 690 SMC R, KTM has also revealed the 2026 690 Enduro R, which is an even more intoxicating weapon for riders who think tarmac is optional.
