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KTM has kept busy in 2025. It’s undeniable.
Following its near collapse and subsequent rescue by Indian OEM Bajaj, the Austrian brand returned to full production capacity late last month. Now, Team Orange is looking to the year ahead, announcing the heavily revised 2026 690 Enduro R and 690 SMC R.
Thump on
In 2024, Ducati’s new Hypermotard 698 Mono seized the throne as the most powerful single-cylinder production model. That title previously belonged to the LC4-powered 690 Enduro R and 690 SMC R. Recapturing that crown was high on KTM’s list, but it wasn’t the only objective. The updated engine also had to comply with the latest emissions regulations.
To achieve those conflicting goals, KTM replaced nearly 50% of the LC4’s components. From the new clutch/stator cover to the revised crankcase to the reworked oil system, each modification aimed to improve both efficiency and available power. Changes around the periphery were just as comprehensive.
A redesigned airbox cover and air boot simplifies the intake system, while a new fuel pump benefits the mill with more “precise injection timing.” Even the exhaust receives a repositioned catalyzer and two lambda sensors. According to the firm, those measures were all successful. At least that’s what the claimed performance data points to.
The latest-gen LC4 now produces 77.9 horsepower. That accounts for a 5% increase over the outgoing engine, but more importantly, it ekes out a 0.4-horsepower advantage over Ducati’s 698 Mono. (Can you say, “checkmate”?) At the same time, peak torque falls to 53.9 foot-pounds (0.4 foot-pounds less than its predecessor), even if new valve timing optimizes “torque delivery at lower rpms.”
KTM’s efforts aren’t restricted to the LC4 powerplant, though.
Tech'd up
Both the 690 Enduro R and SMC R receive the same 4.2-inch TFT dash found on their smaller counterparts, the 390 Enduro R and 390 SMC R. The unit still boasts KTMconnect smartphone pairing, which grants access to turn-by-turn navigation, call services, and music player from the user’s mobile device. Riders navigate the system through the same joystick-style switchgear that debuted on the small-capacity dual-sport and supermoto.
When it comes to rider aids, the Enduro and SMC share baseline features such as cornering ABS and lean-dependent traction control. However, both models offer different ride modes. They may come standard with Street mode, but the SMC includes Sport mode, while the Enduro R predictably opts for Offroad mode. Their optional ride modes are even more divergent.
The SMC’s add-on Track mode unlocks nine levels of slip adjust, five wheelie control settings, launch control, and KTM’s Motor Slip Regulation. The Enduro, on the other hand, champions an optional Rally mode. It not only includes Motor Slip Regulation and a Slip Adjuster, but also adds Dynamic Slip Adjust to the mix.
Both 690s receive a raft of upgrades, but KTM hasn’t quantified the changes with updated MSRPs. It did state that the 2026 690 Enduro R and 690 SMC R are due in dealerships by September. Hopefully, we’ll know more pricing information by that time.
| 2026 KTM 690 Enduro R | 2026 KTM 690 SMC R | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | TBA | TBA |
| Engine | 693 cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve, single | |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, chain | |
| Claimed horsepower | 77.9 | |
| Claimed torque | 53.9 foot-pounds | |
| Frame | Steel tubular | |
| Front suspension | WP XPLOR 48 mm fork, adjustable for compression and rebound damping; 10.4 inches of travel | WP APEX 48 mm fork, adjustable for compression and rebound damping; 8.8 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | WP XPLOR shock, adjustable for spring preload; 9.8 inches of travel | WP XPLOR shock, adjustable for spring preload; 9.4 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Single Brembo dual-piston caliper, 300 mm disc with ABS | Single Brembo four-piston caliper, 320 mm disc with ABS |
| Rear brake | Brembo single-piston caliper, 240 mm disc with ABS | Brembo single-piston caliper, 240 mm disc specify ABS |
| Rake | 27.7 degrees | 26.4 degrees |
| Wheelbase | 59.2 inches | 58.1 inches |
| Seat height | 36.8 inches | 35.3 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 gallons | |
| Tires | 90/90-21 front, 140/80-18 rear | 120/70ZR 17 front, 160/60ZR 17 rear |
| Claimed weight | 335 pounds | 338 pounds |
| Available | September 2025 | |
| Warranty | 24 months | |
| More info | ktm.com | ktm.com |
