KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5 vs. Euro 5+ – what are the differences?

Nadja Friedrich Sep 18, 2026

KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5 and Euro 5+ compared

With the KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5+ starting from the 2026 model year, KTM has overhauled the well-known LC4 single-cylinder engine more extensively than the "Euro 5+" designation might initially suggest. The displacement remains at 692.7 cc, but compared to the KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5 from 2021 to 2024, there are significant differences in the engine, electronics, performance, and exhaust strategy.

What exactly distinguishes the two generations? And what potential lies in the 690 SMC-R when the exhaust system, air filter, and engine management are tuned to work in harmony? We show you the most important differences.

Feature	KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5	KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5+
Model years	2021–2024	from 2026
Displacement	692.7 cc	692.7 cc
Engine	LC4 single-cylinder	overhauled LC4 single-cylinder
Stock power	approx. 74–75 hp	79 hp
Torque	approx. 73.5 Nm	approx. 73 Nm
Emissions standard	Euro 5	Euro 5+
Throttle system	Ride-by-Wire	Ride-by-Wire
Display	LCD cockpit	4.2" TFT display
Electronics	Cornering ABS, traction control, ride modes	further developed electronics with additional features
Crankcase / Oil system	previous LC4 generation	new crankcase, revised oil system

KTM specifies 79 hp and 73 Nm for the new 690 SMC-R from 2026. Despite the unchanged displacement, the LC4 for this generation has received a new crankcase, new clutch and alternator covers, and a revised oil supply.

More than just a new emissions standard

For the KTM 690 SMC-R, Euro 5+ means more than just adjusting emission levels. KTM has taken the opportunity to further develop the LC4. The basic concept remains, but the engine of the 690 SMC-R Euro 5+ differs from its Euro 5 predecessor in several areas.

The most important changes:

revised or new crankcase
new clutch and alternator covers
revised oil supply
adjusted engine management
Euro 5+ compliant exhaust strategy
higher peak power
new vehicle electronics
new TFT cockpit

KTM explicitly describes the 2026 generation as a further evolution of the LC4 and highlights the new crankcase and oil system as central changes, in addition to the higher power output.

79 hp from the factory – why doesn't the Euro 5+ feel significantly stronger everywhere?

Stock power increases from around 74–75 hp to 79 hp. Interestingly, the torque remains nominally at about the level of the Euro 5 generation, at approx. 73 Nm.

This means that a large part of the increased power is generated in the upper RPM range. Especially in the mid-range, which is crucial for a supermoto, significant potential remains untapped. This is precisely where our FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash comes in.

FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash for the KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5

For the KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5 from 2021 to 2024, we write the FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash individually for your motorcycle and the installed hardware. We optimize the relevant maps for injection, ignition, torque control, and throttle response.

Depending on the setup, we achieve around +5 to +8 hp and +10 to +12 Nm of torque on the Euro 5 SMC-R.

The change is noticeable not just on paper: the well-known torque dip at around 4,500 rpm can be significantly reduced or completely eliminated. At the same time, power delivery becomes smoother and throttle response more direct.

Available additional features

Depending on your desired configuration, the following are available:

FLAWLESS Power Mapswitch
FLAWLESS Gearswitch
optimized FLAWLESS Quickshifter GP
Linear Throttle
adjusted fan activation temperature
individually tuned engine braking
ride-mode dependent configurations
custom tuning for air filter and exhaust system

This allows the character of your 690 SMC-R to be tailored exactly to your intended use.

FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash for the KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5+

We have developed a dedicated FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash for the completely redesigned KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5+ from the 2026 model year. This generation in particular shows why peak power alone isn't everything.

The Euro 5+ reaches 79 hp from the factory – but there is considerable potential in the mid-range. With our tuning, depending on the hardware installed, we achieve around +2.5 to +3.5 hp in peak power and up to +20 to +23 Nm at approx. 4,500 rpm.

This shifts the character of the LC4 much more strongly than the pure peak power would suggest. Power delivery becomes significantly more robust when accelerating out of tight corners and in the transition from low to mid-range RPMs. For the Euro 5+ generation, we also configure the features individually and tune the flash to your specific equipment.

Why exhaust system, air filter, and software belong together

A modern engine functions as a complete system. If you only install a different exhaust system or a sport air filter, you change the airflow and backpressure – yet the stock tune is written for the stock hardware.

To ensure that power, torque, throttle response, and rideability work together optimally, the intake, exhaust system, and engine management should be tuned to one another. This is exactly why we capture the complete setup of your motorcycle for every FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash.

Sport air filters for the KTM 690 SMC-R

For the KTM 690 SMC-R, we offer both the MWR Sport Air Filter MC-050-10 and the compatible K&N Sport Air Filter KT-6908.

The MWR Sport Air Filter is particularly well-suited for performance-oriented setups with an opened intake path. If you want to keep the original airbox cover, choose the K&N Sport Air Filter.

Both versions are washable and reusable and are individually accounted for in our FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash. During tuning, we adjust the software to the actual air filter installed, as well as any other intake and exhaust modifications.

You can find more filters in our categories MWR Air Filters and K&N Air Filters.

More air via the KTM PowerParts airbox cover

Additionally, the KTM Racing / PowerParts airbox cover can be installed – both on the Euro 5 models from 2021 to 2024 and on the Euro 5+ from the 2026 model year. The more open intake path provides the engine with extra air.

The combination of sport air filter, PowerParts cover, exhaust system, and FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash creates a perfectly harmonized total system.

Sport exhaust systems for the KTM 690 SMC-R

One of the most popular modifications for the 690 SMC-R is changing the rear silencer or the exhaust system. Beyond the significantly changed sound, a more free-flowing system, in conjunction with appropriate intake modifications, can unlock additional performance potential.

In our shop, you will find suitable systems from Akrapovic, LeoVince, and MIVV. The key remains the correct software tuning.

When ordering our FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash, we therefore take into account, among other things:

end silencer used
catalytic converter present or removed
DB-killer configuration
installed air filter
airbox cover or open intake path
other engine or intake modifications

This ensures that the final software is individually tailored to your KTM's actual setup.

The optimal performance setup for the KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5

For the 690 SMC-R 2021–2024 Euro 5, one of our typical performance setups looks like this:

FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash + MWR Sport Air Filter + KTM PowerParts airbox cover + matching sport exhaust system

With a properly configured setup, around +9 to +10 hp of peak power as well as significantly higher torque in the mid-range are possible.

The optimal performance setup for the KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5+

For the 690 SMC-R Euro 5+ from 2026, the starting point is different. KTM has already designed the engine to be more powerful from the factory. The greatest potential here lies less in extreme peak power gains and more in mid-range torque and rideability.

A sensible combination consists of:

FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash + Sport air filter + KTM PowerParts airbox cover + matching exhaust system

We adjust the software individually to the hardware actually installed.

Euro 5 or Euro 5+ – which KTM 690 SMC-R has more tuning potential?

Both generations offer interesting potential, albeit in different areas.

The Euro 5 SMC-R from 2021 to 2024 can be significantly improved over stock in both peak power and torque. The Euro 5+ SMC-R from 2026 already comes with 79 hp from the factory. Here, the mid-range is particularly interesting: depending on the setup, substantial torque gains are possible there with our FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash.

For us, the highest possible peak value is not the deciding factor. Much more important are smooth power delivery across the entire RPM band, direct throttle response, and a tune that matches the installed hardware exactly.

Individual tuning instead of standard mapping

Every KTM 690 SMC-R can be built differently. That is why we configure our FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash individually for your motorcycle.

When ordering, you provide us with your setup – especially the exhaust system, catalytic converter, air filter, and airbox cover. You then send us your removed ECU. We show you how to do this correctly in our guide How to send us your ECU correctly.

As a rule, we ship your ECU back within 24 hours of receipt. It does not need to be opened for this process.

Frequently asked questions about the KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5 and Euro 5+

How much power does the KTM 690 SMC-R Euro 5+ have from the factory?

KTM specifies 79 hp and approx. 73 Nm for the 690 SMC-R Euro 5+ from model year 2026. The Euro 5 generation from 2021 to 2024 is at about 74–75 hp and approx. 73.5 Nm.

What is the difference between Euro 5 and Euro 5+ for the 690 SMC-R?

Euro 5+ for the 690 SMC-R is more than just an adapted exhaust strategy. KTM has given the LC4 a new crankcase, new clutch and alternator covers, and a revised oil supply. In addition, there is higher peak power, new vehicle electronics, and a 4.2" TFT display. The displacement remains unchanged at 692.7 cc.

How much does the FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash gain for the Euro 5?

Depending on the hardware installed, around +5 to +8 hp and +10 to +12 Nm. At least as noticeable is that the torque dip at approx. 4,500 rpm is significantly reduced or eliminated entirely.

How much does the flash gain for the Euro 5+?

Around +2.5 to +3.5 hp in peak power and up to +20 to +23 Nm at approx. 4,500 rpm. Because KTM has already increased peak power from the factory, the gain here is primarily in the mid-range.

Do I need a sport exhaust system for the Performance Flash?

No. Software optimization also works with stock hardware. For maximum performance gains, however, we recommend an aftermarket rear silencer and a sport air filter – we then tune the mapping specifically to those.

Does the KTM PowerParts airbox cover also fit the Euro 5+?

Yes. The PowerParts cover fits both the Euro 5 models from 2021 to 2024 and the Euro 5+ from model year 2026 onwards. Simply state that you have installed it when ordering – we will then tune the flash for the more open intake path.

Which generation has more tuning potential?

Both, but in different areas. With the Euro 5, both peak power and torque can be significantly increased. With the Euro 5+, the greater potential lies in the mid-range and thus in rideability.

How long does the processing of my ECU take?

Usually, we process your ECU within 24 hours of receipt. For shipments from Switzerland, the processing time is typically 24 to 72 hours.

Suitable products for your KTM 690 SMC-R

Would you like to optimize your 690 SMC-R? We offer, among other things:

An overview of all optimizations for the 690 SMC-R can be found in our category KTM SMC-R.

This is how you assemble your software, intake, and exhaust system to match your motorcycle – and we then tailor the FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash precisely to that.

Are you unsure which combination fits your intended use? Contact us before ordering – we are happy to advise you. You can also find further answers in our frequently asked questions.

Sep 18, 2026