KTM’s Wild Supermoto Is Now Bigger And Meaner

What happens if you combine an adventure bike's wide handlebars, long-travel suspension and roomy riding posture with the control and handling of a sporty naked? Enter the KTM 890 SMT: a bike developed to address that exact void, by focusing on the hooligan mannerisms of what makes a supermoto such a thrilling proposition.

The 890 SMT gets the KTM 450 Rally-inspired design like we’ve seen on KTM’s adventure lineup. But it rolls on 17-inch wheels at both ends, instead of a 19- or 21-inch front. The result though, is a muscular yet lean look and not a Johnny Bravo-like look. And the icing on the cake are the grippy Michelin PowerGP tyres, meaning there’s going to be a lot of sliding, wheelies and crazy burnouts. 

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The 889cc parallel-twin mill with 106PS and 100Nm on tap is the same as the mad 890 Duke, meaning it really will be a struggle to keep the front wheel down. But then, why would you want to keep it down? Full adjustability for the 43mm Apex fork means the wheelies’ landings can further be customised. What happens when things go awry? You come to halt with the two 320mm discs at the front and a 260mm one at the rear. 

Upping the fun quotient is the endless customisation: three ride modes (Street, Sport, and Rain), Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), Cornering ABS and even six levels of reach adjustability for the handlebar (a 30-mm range!). The optional Track ride mode and bi-directional Quickshifter+ and this bike will keep up with your supersport friends on a race track, while the optional heated grips and cruise control means this beast can munch miles as well. 

The 890 SMT, like many KTM bikes, is a departure from the usual run-of-the-mill bikes. It’s that friend who is always up for some stupid fun, but as they say, friends don’t let you do stupid things….alone. The 890 SMT promises to plaster a big idiotic grin across your face each time you get off it.