- Use revised engines from street naked versions
- Come with similar components
- Likely to be introduced in NZ and AUS by the end of 2025
KTM showcased the 390 SMC R and 125 SMC R a few months ago at the 2024 EICMA in Italy. Now, the Austrian brand has officially revealed full details of its newest supermotos- and they look interesting!
The 390 SMC R and 125 SMC R borrow engines from the 390 Duke and 125 Duke respectively. However, KTM has fiddled with the setup to suit the supermoto’s character. The unit now gets a new airbox that allows the engine to sit higher, providing more ground clearance and altering the riding posture too. Both motorcycles adorn the traditional SM attire, including minimal bodywork, single headlamp, high-set mudguard, and a flat seat with a nine-litre fuel tank.
KTM has added a new stainless steel exhaust that has saved 2kgs. It has also taken the two-piece steel trellis chassis and updated it with a new steering head angle, subframe mounts and triple clamps. The setup is paired with a bolt-on steel trellis subframe that supports the seat and diecast swingarm. The motorcycles also have a different footpeg location compared to the 390 Duke and 125 Duke for supermoto lean angles.
As for components, both KTM SMC R’s use 43mm WP Apex upside-down forks with 230mm of travel. However, only the 390 offers five-step adjustability for compression and rebound. And this can be done sans any tools. That said, both motorcycles come with preload adjustability for the rear monoshock, although the 390 SMC R is a level higher with 20 stages of rebound adjustable. The two ride on 17-inch wheels. While the KTM 390 SMC R uses spoke wheels wrapped in Michelin Power 6 tyres, the 125 gets cast alloys with MRF-branded rubber.
The feature list includes a dual-channel Bosch ABS with optional levels of intervention, full-LED lighting and a 4.2-inch TFT screen with bonded glass for reduced glare. The bigger 390 gets an optional quickshifter and two riding modes- Sport and Street.
Like the rest of KTM’s 125 and 390 range, the two SMC Rs will be produced in India by Bajaj Auto- the Austrian brand’s partner since 2007. And with the motorcycles expected to reach international markets by March 2025, we can expect them to arrive in New Zealand and Australia soon after.
