2026 KTM 690 SMC R Specs & Review

The 2026 KTM 690 SMC R is a road-legal supermoto built for riders who crave precision handling, punchy single-cylinder performance, and minimalist thrills. It’s a focused machine that shines in the city, on twisty backroads, and anywhere agility and feedback matter. If you’re cross-shopping lightweight performance bikes, the 2026 KTM 690 SMC R specs set a high bar for single-cylinder fun.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled
• Displacement: 692.7 cm³
• Power: 79 PS (≈77.9 hp)
• Torque: 73 Nm (≈53.9 lb-ft)
• Weight (fully fueled): 162 kg (≈357.1 lb)
• Seat height: 899 mm (≈35.4 in)

Engine & Performance

The heart of the 690 SMC R is its 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with Keihin EMS, ride-by-wire (RBW), and twin ignition. With 692.7 cm³, it delivers a robust 73 Nm (≈53.9 lb-ft) of torque and 79 PS (≈77.9 hp), giving you the immediate, linear shove that supermoto riders love. In traffic, that torque makes short work of gaps and merges, while the crisp RBW response lets you meter power cleanly at low rpm.

On country lanes, the single’s character is engaging—throttle input translates directly to pace, and the broad torque plateau encourages short-shifting and flow. A 6-speed transmission and a PASC slipper clutch (hydraulically operated) support smooth downshifts into tighter corners and reduce rear-wheel hop when you’re braking hard into apexes. The 520 X-Ring chain keeps driveline lash tidy, and cooling is handled by a liquid-cooled system designed to keep temperatures in check during spirited urban stints.

Electronics assist without diluting the experience: Cornering ABS (including Supermoto ABS) and MTC complement the engine’s punch, while Street and Sport ride modes—and an optional Track mode—tailor response for varying conditions and rider preference.

Handling, Comfort & KTM 690 SMC R Seat Height

The chassis is built around a Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame with a self-supporting plastic tank subframe. Suspension is serious for the segment: WP APEX 48 up front with 224 mm of travel, and a WP APEX rear shock with Pro-Lever linkage offering 240 mm. This long-travel setup soaks up rough city streets and gives you the compliance to attack bumpy backroads with confidence.

Geometry numbers underline its supermoto intent: a 63.6° steering head angle, 110 mm of trail, and a wheelbase of 1476 ± 15 mm. Combined with 17-inch wheels (3.5 x 17 front, 5 x 17 rear), the bike feels eager to tip in and change direction. Ground clearance is a healthy 237 mm (≈9.3 in), so curb strikes and aggressive cornering aren’t a worry.

The KTM 690 SMC R seat height is 899 mm (≈35.4 in). Taller riders will appreciate the spacious stance and leverage over the front, while shorter riders should sit on one before buying—this is a tall, purpose-built machine. The KTM 690 SMC R weight comes in at 162 kg (≈357.1 lb) fully fueled, which helps low-speed balance once you’re rolling. For standstill maneuvers, the narrow waist and slim build make it easier to get a foot down than the number might suggest.

Equipment & Features

• Brakes: Brembo M 4.32 Monoblock front caliper with a 300 mm (≈11.8 in) disc; rear disc is 240 mm (≈9.4 in). Cornering ABS and Supermoto ABS support hard braking and controlled slides.
• Suspension: WP APEX 48 fork; WP APEX rear shock with Pro-Lever linkage.
• Electronics & rider aids: MTC; Street & Sport ride modes; optional Track mode.
• Display & connectivity: 4.2" TFT with KTMconnect, USB port, and TBT+ navigation (app).
• Frame & wheels: Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame; 17-inch wheels (3.5 x 17 front, 5 x 17 rear).
• Other details: Keihin EMS with RBW and twin ignition; PASC slipper clutch; 520 X-Ring chain; tank capacity 13.3 l (≈3.5 US gal); CO2 emissions 96 g/km.

If you’re price shopping, Base MSRP (US) is $13,399 (plus $750 freight). In Germany, it’s €12,499 (incl. VAT; plus €495 delivery), and in Italy, €12,980 (incl. 22% VAT; registration/road costs extra).

Who Is the 2026 KTM 690 SMC R For?

Experienced riders who want a light, responsive supermoto for urban carving and backroad sprints will feel right at home. The long-travel suspension and supportive electronics make it a potent canyon tool and a grin machine in the city.

Beginners may find the tall 899 mm seat and immediate throttle response a bit demanding, though the rider aids help. For commuting, the upright stance and torque-rich engine make everyday rides easy, while the 13.3 l tank supports reasonable range between stops. Weekend warriors looking for a pure, single-cylinder thrill will appreciate how focused the package is.

Torquepedia Verdict

As a focused supermoto, this bike nails the brief. The 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine hits hard with 79 PS and 73 Nm, and the WP APEX suspension plus Brembo braking give you serious control. The electronics suite—Cornering ABS with Supermoto ABS, MTC, multiple ride modes—adds safety and adjustability without muting the raw engagement.

Weaknesses? The tall KTM 690 SMC R seat height won’t suit everyone, and some riders might wish for a lower stance. But if you’re chasing agility, feel, and a singular riding experience, the 2026 KTM 690 SMC R review reads like a love letter to supermoto purists. In its class, it’s a top-tier pick for riders who value responsiveness over all-out touring comfort.

FAQ

• Is the 2026 KTM 690 SMC R good for beginners?

  • It can be managed thanks to Cornering ABS, MTC, and ride modes, but the tall 899 mm seat and strong single-cylinder response may challenge newer riders.

• What is the seat height of the 2026 KTM 690 SMC R?

  • 899 mm (≈35.4 in).

• How heavy is the 2026 KTM 690 SMC R?

  • Weight fully fueled is 162 kg (≈357.1 lb); weight without fuel is 153.5 kg (≈338.9 lb).

• How much power does it make?

  • 79 PS (≈77.9 hp) and 73 Nm (≈53.9 lb-ft) of torque.

• What electronics and features does it have?

  • Cornering ABS including Supermoto ABS, MTC, Street & Sport ride modes (optional Track), a 4.2" TFT with KTMconnect and USB port, and WP APEX suspension front and rear.