You know that moment when your favorite band swaps singers, and the fanbase loses its collective mind wondering if the magic’s gone? Think Journey when Arnel Pineda took over (for the record, I actually like him quite a bit, and not just because he’s a fellow Filipino). Well, that’s kinda what’s going on with KTM right now.
Only, instead of power ballads and rock anthems, we’re talking about an Austrian motorcycle brand drenched in orange paint. And instead of a new frontman, the reins are now firmly in the hands of Bajaj Auto. They didn’t just buy a ticket to the show, they dropped around 800 million euros (about $880 million) to keep KTM from going bankrupt, turning a long-standing partnership into full-on majority ownership.
So the question is, are the new 2026 KTM 690 Enduro R and 690 SMC R just KTM acting like nothing’s wrong? Or is this the start of a genuine comeback, where the band hits the stage and nails every note? I’ve owned three KTMs so far, and they’ve all left their mark—sharp-handling, character-packed bikes with punchy engines at their core.
Of course, headlining the 690 series is none other than the tried and true LC4, albeit tweaked and refined to meet Euro5+ emission standards. That engine has been the heartbeat of KTM’s middleweight lineup for years, and seeing it return in these updated 690s feels like a sign the soul is still intact.
Both bikes get the Euro 5+ LC4 single with a redesigned crankcase, clutch, stator cover, and oil system for better reliability and performance. There’s a crisp 4.2-inch TFT dash, improved switchgear, USB-C charging, and an LED headlight that KTM says actually works. Cornering ABS and cornering MTC come standard, while the Enduro R adds Dynamic Slip Adjust in Rally mode for on-the-fly traction tweaks. The SMC R keeps it street-focused with customizable ride and ABS modes that let you set it up for urban commutes or track-day antics. KTMConnect smartphone integration is in there too, because even purists have iPhones.
Chassis-wise, KTM kept the steel trellis frame that’s been the LC4 platform’s defining feature for more than a decade. Based on my experience, that chassis is stiff enough to carve corners, while being forgiving enough to live with daily. It’s more than likely that that hasn’t changed. The Enduro R gets fully adjustable WP XPLOR suspension with long travel for trail punishment, while the SMC R rolls on WP APEX kit tuned for surgical precision on pavement. Both setups have been praised for soaking up bumps without feeling vague, and both are easily adjustable to suit your riding style.
On a personal note, these bikes feel much more than just another product launch. They’re a litmus test for KTM under Bajaj’s watch. Ownership changes can strip a brand of its edge, sanding off the character in favor of safe, corporate-friendly appeal. But so far, these 690s don’t feel neutered (at least on paper). They look and feel like the real KTM before the whole insolvency drama; the wild child that’s always been about building bikes that make you grin inside your helmet.
That said, in the US, the 690s have always been a niche thrill. You know, a little too raw for the average rider, but perfect for those who get it. And that’s the big question: does Bajaj want to keep building for the diehards, or will they smooth things out in the name of volume? I want to believe we’re looking at a rebirth, not a nostalgic act.
Gallery: 2026 KTM 690 Enduro R & SMC R
Right now, all we can say for certain is that the new 690 Enduro R and SMC R are here, they’re loaded with upgrades, and they still sound like the band we fell in love with. Whether this is the start of a killer new setlist or just a bland digital remaster, well, we’ll probably find out soon enough.
Source: KTM
