Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026 vs. KTM 690 SMC R 2026

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026

KTM 690 SMC R 2026

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026 compared to KTM 690 SMC R 2026

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026

KTM 690 SMC R 2026

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026

KTM 690 SMC R 2026

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	83 mm	Bore	105 mm
Stroke	Stroke	60 mm	Stroke	80 mm
Engine power	Engine power	68.2 HP	Engine power	79 HP
Torque	Torque	65.7 Nm	Torque	73 Nm
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Antihopping
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	1
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	Rocker arm, OHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	649 ccm	Displacement	692.7 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	41 mm	Diameter	48 mm
Travel	Travel	125 mm	Travel	215 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Shock mount	Shock mount	Deflection	Shock mount	Deflection
Travel	Travel	130 mm	Travel	240 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Chromium-molybdenum
Frame type	Frame type	Tubular	Frame type	Tubular
Rake	Rake	65.5 degree	Rake	63 degree
Trail	Trail	100 mm	Trail	107 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Single disk
Diameter	Diameter	300 mm	Diameter	320 mm
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Four pistons
Technology	Technology	Petal	Technology	radial

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	220 mm	Diameter	240 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Single piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Floating caliper	Shock mount	Floating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Traction control	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control, Cornering traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	160 mm	Rear tyre width	160 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,410 mm	Wheelbase	1,476 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	790 mm	Seat Height	899 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	193 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	162 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	15 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	13.3 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display	Equipment	Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT display, USB-C socket, Modern electronics, Charging & power, Lighting

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2026

Judging the Kawasaki Ninja 650 purely on paper does not do justice to its potential. The engine is clearly not an engine bursting with power for the race track, but an agile but well-behaved journeyman. The sports tourer with supersport looks does exactly what it is supposed to do and presents itself as a real alternative in its class with its appropriate electronics package including traction control. Hobby racers should be warned, however, that the Ninja in the name still fuels a certain sporty expectation that a Ninja 650 cannot fully fulfil.

Fully suitable for touring

pleasantly comfortable

good safety package

very accessible

ergonomically versatile

typical Ninja look

Suspension and brakes only average

adjusting the rear suspension is a hassle

KTM 690 SMC R 2026

The KTM 690 SMC R 2026 impressively demonstrates how an already powerful single-cylinder can be further improved. It offers more power, a significantly upgraded electronics package, less maintenance and at the same time remains true to its character. Despite a slight increase in weight, it is more agile than ever and impresses in both sporty and everyday use. For NoPain, one thing is certain: the SuMo crown belongs back in Mattighofen in 2025.

Powerful, revised LC4 engine

Longer maintenance intervals

Improved electronics

More robust anti-hopping clutch

Two standard and configurable riding modes

Optional Tech Pack with quickshifter & track functions

Agile handling

Fully adjustable suspension

High-quality Brembo brakes

Good ergonomics and riding position

LED-Headlights with powerful illumination

Powerful single-cylinder sound

High seat height (899 Millimeter)

Additional costs for Quickshifter & Track Pack

Slightly increased weight (162 kg)

Price Comparison Average Market Price Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs KTM 690 SMC R

Price Kawasaki Ninja 650

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices

Price KTM 690 SMC R

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices