KTM just dropped the 2026 890 SMT for the European market, and while this isn’t a complete ground-up redesign, the Austrian manufacturer has given their supermoto-tourer some thoughtful updates that address what riders have been asking for. If you’ve been eyeing the SMT as your next do-it-all bike, these changes might just tip the scales.
The 890 SMT has always occupied an interesting niche—it’s not quite a full adventure bike, not quite a sport-tourer, and definitely not a pure supermoto. It’s this weird, wonderful in-between machine that appeals to riders who want a bike capable of weekend canyon carving, daily commuting, and the occasional gravel road without complaining. The 2026 model keeps that versatile character while getting some aesthetic and functional refinements.
What’s Actually New: The Styling Changes
Let’s talk about what you’ll notice first—the looks. KTM has reworked the bodywork with sharper lines and a more aggressive front end. The headlight assembly gets a redesign that looks meaner and more modern. It’s still LED, still bright as hell, but now it’s got more of that KTM family resemblance to their newer adventure bikes.
The fuel tank shrouds have been reshaped for better aerodynamics and a sleeker profile. KTM claims improved wind protection, which honestly was needed. The previous model left taller riders catching a fair bit of buffeting at highway speeds. The new windscreen is slightly taller and features an adjustable position—something riders have been requesting since the SMT launched.
The color schemes are fresh too. KTM is offering the 2026 SMT in their signature orange and black, obviously, but they’ve also introduced a new gray and orange combo that looks surprisingly good. There’s also a murdered-out black option for riders who don’t want to scream “look at me” quite as loudly as the traditional KTM orange does.
The graphics package is cleaner and more refined. KTM moved away from some of the busier graphics of previous years toward a more minimalist approach. It’s subjective, but I think it looks more premium and mature without losing the aggressive KTM character.
The Heart Remains: That Sweet 890 Parallel Twin
Here’s what hasn’t changed, and honestly, that’s a good thing—the engine. The 890 SMT still packs the LC8c parallel-twin that makes about 105 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque. This motor is an absolute gem.
What makes this engine special isn’t just the numbers—it’s how it delivers power. There’s a smoothness to the power delivery that makes it incredibly usable in real-world riding. Whether you’re crawling through city traffic, ripping up a mountain road, or cruising on the highway, this engine just works. It’s got enough grunt down low that you’re never hunting for gears, but it’ll pull cleanly to redline when you want to have fun.
KTM has slightly revised the ECU mapping for 2026, supposedly improving throttle response in the lower RPM range and smoothing out the transition between riding modes. I haven’t ridden it yet to confirm, but if they’ve made the already excellent throttle mapping even better, that’s a win.
The six-speed transmission carries over unchanged, which is fine because it was already well-spaced. First gear is tall enough that you’re not constantly shifting in parking lots, sixth gear is long enough for relaxed highway cruising, and the middle gears are perfectly placed for spirited riding.
Chassis and Suspension: Fine-Tuning the Formula
The chassis architecture remains fundamentally the same—a chromoly steel trellis frame that’s stiff where it needs to be and just compliant enough to handle rough pavement without beating you up. At 418 pounds wet, the SMT isn’t the lightest bike in its class, but it doesn’t feel heavy once you’re moving.
What’s new for 2026 is the suspension tuning. KTM has tweaked the WP Apex setup front and rear, supposedly improving comfort without sacrificing handling precision. The previous model could feel a bit harsh over sharp bumps, so if they’ve addressed that while keeping the excellent handling characteristics, riders will appreciate it.
The suspension remains fully adjustable—compression and rebound damping at both ends, plus spring preload. For taller or heavier riders, or those who regularly carry luggage, having that adjustability is crucial. You can dial in the suspension to match your weight, riding style, and load.
Ground clearance sits at 8.3 inches, which is generous for a bike with street-focused geometry. You’re not going to drag pegs unless you’re really pushing it in corners. The seat height is 32.5 inches, which might be tall for shorter riders but is perfect for the bike’s intended touring and adventure-lite capability.
Electronics Package: Modern But Not Overwhelming
The 2026 model keeps the comprehensive electronics suite that modern riders expect. You get multiple riding modes—Street, Sport, and Rain—that adjust throttle response, ABS intervention, and traction control levels. The system is Bosch-based (https://www.bosch-mobility.com), which means it’s proven and reliable.
Cornering ABS is standard, using a six-axis IMU to monitor lean angle and adjust braking force accordingly. This is genuinely useful tech, especially on a bike that encourages spirited riding on unfamiliar roads. The traction control is adjustable and can be switched off completely if you’re that kind of rider.
The TFT display gets a minor update for 2026—same 5-inch screen size, but with improved visibility in direct sunlight and a slightly redesigned menu structure that’s supposed to be more intuitive. The display is smartphone-compatible via KTM’s My Ride system, letting you handle calls, music, and navigation without taking your hands off the bars.
Cruise control is standard, which might seem like a minor thing but becomes incredibly valuable on long highway slogs. Quickshifter is also standard—both up and down—and it works smoothly in Street and Sport modes. KTM has refined the quickshifter calibration for 2026, supposedly making shifts even smoother.
Practicality Improvements: The Little Things
KTM made some practical upgrades that touring riders will appreciate. The fuel tank capacity remains 15.3 liters (about 4 gallons), which gives you a realistic 200-mile range between fill-ups. Not class-leading, but adequate for the bike’s mission.
The luggage mounting points have been reinforced, and KTM now offers an updated range of official luggage options that integrate better with the new bodywork. Side cases, top case, and tank bag options are all available from KTM’s PowerParts catalog (https://www.ktm.com/en-us/parts-and-accessories.html).
The passenger accommodations are slightly improved for 2026. The pillion seat is minimally more padded—still not plush, but better than before—and the grab handles are redesigned to be more comfortable for passengers to hold onto during spirited riding.
One small but appreciated detail: the side stand now has a larger footprint, making it more stable on soft surfaces like gravel or asphalt that’s gotten soft in the sun. Simple stuff, but it matters when you’re actually touring.
Braking: Stopping Power That Matches the Go
The braking setup carries over from 2025—twin 320mm discs up front with radial-mount Brembo calipers, and a single 260mm disc at the rear. This is plenty of stopping power for a bike of this weight and performance level.
Brake feel is excellent, with good lever feedback and progressive power delivery. You can brake hard without feeling like the front end is going to tuck, which inspires confidence when you’re pushing through unfamiliar corners. The cornering ABS integrates seamlessly—you barely notice it working unless you’re really testing its limits.
Who’s This Bike Actually For?
The 890 SMT occupies a unique position in KTM’s lineup and in the market generally. It’s not trying to be the best at any one thing—it’s trying to be really good at everything.
This is the bike for riders who want one machine that handles the daily commute, weekend sport riding, occasional two-up touring, and light adventure duties without needing to compromise too much in any area. You’re not getting a dedicated supermoto’s hooligan factor, not getting a full adventure bike’s off-road capability, and not getting a sport-tourer’s luxury and weather protection. But you’re getting 80% of each in one package.
It’s perfect for European riders dealing with tight city streets, twisty mountain roads, and variable road surfaces. The compact dimensions (compared to big adventure bikes) make it manageable in urban environments, while the suspension travel and capability handle less-than-perfect roads without drama.
The 2026 updates suggest KTM is listening to feedback and refining the formula rather than chasing trends or adding unnecessary complexity. Sometimes that’s exactly what a good bike needs.
Pricing and Availability
KTM hasn’t released official pricing for all European markets yet, but early indications suggest the 2026 SMT will slot in around €12,500-€13,000 depending on the country and local taxes. That’s a modest increase over the 2025 model, which seems reasonable given the updates.
The bike should start hitting European dealerships in spring 2026, with initial deliveries beginning in March or April. Order books are likely opening soon, and given the SMT’s popularity in Europe, early orders might be smart if you want specific color options.
As for North America—and this is the frustrating part for riders on this side of the Atlantic—there’s no official word on US availability. KTM has been inconsistent about bringing certain models to the American market, and the SMT hasn’t been confirmed for US dealerships yet. If you’re in the States and want one, you might be waiting a while or looking at importing options.
The Verdict: Evolution, Not Revolution
The 2026 KTM 890 SMT isn’t going to blow anyone’s mind with radical innovation, and that’s perfectly fine. KTM took a bike that was already good at its intended purpose and made it incrementally better through thoughtful refinements.
The styling updates modernize the look without losing the SMT’s distinctive character. The suspension tuning improvements should address one of the few complaints about the previous model. The electronics refinements add polish to an already comprehensive package. And the practical upgrades show that KTM understands who’s actually buying and riding this bike.
For European riders looking for a versatile, capable, fun motorcycle that doesn’t force compromises, the 2026 890 SMT deserves serious consideration. It’s not the cheapest option in this nebulous category, but KTM’s build quality, dealer network, and parts availability justify the premium.
Sometimes the best updates are the ones that refine what already works rather than reinventing everything for the sake of change. The 2026 SMT gets that balance right.