2026 KTM 690 Enduro R & 690 SMC R
KTM has rolled out a major round of 2026 updates for its 690 platform, with both the 690 Enduro R and 690 SMC R getting significant upgrades. The changes include engine, electronics, chassis, and bodywork revisions aimed at boosting performance, reliability, and flexibility.
Engine & Performance
The LC4 single-cylinder receives a new stator, clutch cover, and crankcase, alongside Euro 5+ compliance and a welcome power boost to take on Ducati’s new single, with the claimed horsepower increasing from 74 to 79. KTM says around 50 per cent of the engine’s components have been updated or replaced.
Revised valve timing is claimed to deliver more substantial low-rpm torque, and service intervals have been extended to 15,000 km (up from 10,000 km), with valve clearance checks now performed every 60,000 km (up from every 30,000 km).
A redesigned airbox eliminates the SLS (Secondary Air System) components, while a higher-pressure fuel pump with improved timing and atomisation is claimed to sharpen throttle response.
The exhaust system is all-new, featuring a more compact muffler that results from relocating the catalytic converter. This allows slip-on mufflers to be fitted without removing the cat, and dual lambda sensors help with emissions control.
Electronics & Rider Aids
A new 4.2-inch TFT display follows a slim, dirt-bike-inspired design for maximum visibility with minimal dash footprint. Paired with the KTM Connect app, it supports music, calls, turn-by-turn navigation, and device charging via USB-C.
Updated, ergonomically improved, and illuminated switchgear makes operation easier, with the Enduro R gaining a dedicated ABS-off button that switches ABS off at both ends.
Each bike gets two ride modes: Street plus either Sport (SMC R) or Offroad (Enduro R), with the system remembering your last setting. Cornering ABS and MTC are standard and switchable, while the SMC R also features a SuperMoto ABS mode for rear-wheel slides.
Optional upgrades enhance the electronics: Rally Mode for the Enduro R includes Dynamic Slip Adjust, Motor Slip Regulation, and a Slip Adjuster; Track Mode for the SMC R features Launch Control, five-level Anti-Wheelie, Motor Slip Regulation, and a Slip Adjuster.
Lighting & Safety
A new LED headlight with a redesigned reflector mimics the gradual light spread of a halogen while delivering LED brightness.
Chassis & Bodywork
Frame stiffness is improved without affecting lateral load stiffness, enhancing rider feedback. Suspension tweaks focus on both comfort and performance. The Enduro R also gets a relocated centre stand mount and a new bash plate.
The all-new bodywork and touchpoints are designed for versatility.
Availability
Production is already underway in Austria, with deliveries to Australia expected in the final quarter of 2025. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.
Head to the KTM Motorcycles Australia website for more info.
2026 KTM 690 Enduro R & 690 SMC R Images
Images by Dobler. T/Fotografie Mitterbauer
2026 KTM 690 Enduro R & 690 SMC R Specifications
| 2026 KTM 690 Enduro R [SMC R] Specifications | |
| ENGINE | Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 4 stroke (EURO5+) |
| DISPLACEMENT | 692.7 cc |
| BORE/STROKE | 105 / 80 mm |
| POWER | 58.1 kW (79 PS) @ 8,000 rpm |
| TORQUE | 73 Nm @ 6,750 rpm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO | 12.7:1 |
| TRANSMISSION | Six-gear |
| FUEL SYSTEM | Keihin EFI (Throttle body 50mm) |
| CONTROL | 4 V / OHC |
| PRIMARY DRIVE | 36:79 |
| FINAL DRIVE | 15:46 |
| CLUTCH | PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated |
| ENGINE MANAGEMENT | Keihin EMS with RBW, double ignition |
| FUEL CONSUMPTION | 4.3 [4.1]L / 100km |
| CO2 EMISSIONS | 99 [96] g / km |
| FRAME | Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated |
| SUBFRAME | Self-supporting plastic tank |
| HANDLEBAR | Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28 / 22 mm |
| FRONT SUSPENSION | WP XPLOR 48 |
| REAR SUSPENSION | WP XPLOR with Pro-Lever linkage |
| SUSPENSION TRAVEL | FRONT/REAR: 265/250 [224/240] mm |
| FRONT BRAKE | Brembo 2 piston floating caliper, brake disc Ø 300 mm [Brembo four piston, radially mounted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm] |
| REAR BRAKE | Brembo single piston floating caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm |
| FRONT / REAR RIMS | Spoked wheels with aluminium rims, 1.85 x 21”; 2.50 x 18” [ Spoked wheels with aluminium tubeless rims, 3.50 x 17”; 5.00 x 17” ] |
| FRONT / REAR TIRES | 90/90 R21, 140/80 R18 [120/70 R17, 160/60 R17] |
| WHEELBASE | 1506 [1476] mm ± 15 mm |
| GROUND CLEARANCE | 265 [237] mm |
| SEAT HEIGHT | 935 [899] mm |
| TANK CAPACITY | Approx. 13.3 litres / 3 l reserve |
| WEIGHT (READY TO RACE) | 152 [154] kg |
